Exodus 10:22

So Moses stretched out his hand toward heaven, and total darkness covered all the land of Egypt for three days.

Study Bible

So Moses stretched out his hand toward the sky
In this phrase, we see Moses acting in obedience to God's command. The act of stretching out his hand is symbolic of invoking divine power. The Hebrew word for "stretched out" is "natah," which often implies an extension of authority or influence. This gesture signifies Moses' role as God's chosen instrument to execute His will. Historically, this act of stretching out one's hand was a common gesture in ancient Near Eastern cultures to signify the calling upon a higher power or deity.

and total darkness covered all the land of Egypt for three days
The phrase "total darkness" is translated from the Hebrew "choshekh," which denotes a profound, tangible darkness. This was not merely the absence of light but a supernatural darkness that could be felt, emphasizing the severity of God's judgment. The "land of Egypt" here refers to the entire nation, highlighting the widespread impact of this plague. The "three days" duration is significant in biblical numerology, often symbolizing completeness or divine intervention. This darkness was a direct affront to the Egyptian sun god, Ra, demonstrating Yahweh's supremacy over all Egyptian deities.

Three days
The repetition of "three days" underscores the completeness and divine orchestration of this event. In biblical terms, the number three often signifies completeness or perfection, as seen in the resurrection of Christ on the third day. This period of darkness served as a complete disruption of daily life in Egypt, forcing the Egyptians to recognize the power of the God of Israel.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The prophet and leader chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. He acts as God's representative in performing the miracles and plagues.

2. Egypt
The land where the Israelites were enslaved. It is the setting for the plagues that God sends to persuade Pharaoh to release the Israelites.

3. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt who refuses to let the Israelites go, despite the plagues that God sends as a demonstration of His power.

4. The Plague of Darkness
The ninth plague sent by God upon Egypt, characterized by a profound darkness that lasted for three days, symbolizing judgment and the power of God over creation.

5. The Israelites
God's chosen people, who were living in Egypt at the time and were spared from the effects of the plague.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty
The plague of darkness demonstrates God's control over creation. Just as He commanded light in Genesis, He can command darkness, showing His ultimate authority.

Judgment and Mercy
While the darkness was a form of judgment on Egypt, the Israelites were spared, illustrating God's mercy towards His people.

Spiritual Darkness
The physical darkness in Egypt can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual darkness. Believers are called to be the light in a dark world, reflecting Christ's light.

Obedience and Faith
Moses' obedience in stretching out his hand as God commanded is a model of faith and trust in God's instructions, even when the outcome is beyond human understanding.

Preparation for Deliverance
The plagues, including the darkness, were part of God's plan to prepare the Israelites for deliverance, reminding believers that God often uses trials to prepare us for His purposes.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the plague of darkness in Egypt reflect God's power and authority over creation?

2. In what ways can the darkness in Egypt be seen as a metaphor for spiritual darkness in today's world?

3. How does the sparing of the Israelites from the plague of darkness demonstrate God's mercy and faithfulness?

4. What can we learn from Moses' obedience in this passage about trusting and following God's commands in our own lives?

5. How can we, as believers, be a light in the darkness, reflecting the light of Christ in our communities and daily interactions?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 1:2-3
The creation account where God commands light to exist, contrasting the darkness in Egypt, highlighting God's sovereignty over light and darkness.

John 1:5
The light of Christ shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it, symbolizing spiritual illumination and victory over sin.

Psalm 105:28
A recounting of the plagues, including the darkness, as a testament to God's mighty works and faithfulness to His people.

Revelation 16:10
The fifth bowl of judgment, where darkness falls upon the kingdom of the beast, drawing a parallel to the plagues of Egypt as a sign of divine judgment.