Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  4000 Creation  »  4800 Natural and supernatural phenomena  »  4809 darkness  »  4812 darkness, and God's judgment

Darkness is used figuratively of God's present and final judgment upon individuals, unfaithful Israel and the heathen nations.

Darkness as a symbol of judgment upon ungodly individuals

Matthew 25:30 See also 1 Samuel 2:9-10; Job 5:13-14; Job 12:25; Job 15:22-23,30; Job 18:5-6,18; Job 20:24-26; Job 22:10-11 Eliphaz reasons on the assumption that Job's suffering proves his wickedness; Psalm 35:5-6; Isaiah 8:22; Jeremiah 23:11-12; Matthew 22:13; 2 Peter 2:17; Jude 13; Revelation 16:10-11

Darkness as a symbol of judgment upon unfaithful Israel

Deuteronomy 28:28-29; Isaiah 5:29-30 This will be fulfilled at the time of Israel's captivity. See also Isaiah 59:9-10; Romans 11:10; Jeremiah 4:27-28; Jeremiah 13:16; Lamentations 3:2,6; Matthew 8:12

Darkness as a symbol of judgment upon heathen nations

Isaiah 47:5-7; Ezekiel 30:18; Ezekiel 32:7-8; Nahum 1:8

Darkness as a symbol of judgment at the day of the Lord

Joel 2:31 See also Isaiah 13:9-10; Isaiah 34:4; Joel 2:1-2,10; Joel 3:14-15; Amos 5:18-20; Amos 8:9; Zephaniah 1:14-15; Zechariah 14:6; Matthew 24:29; Acts 2:19-20; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3; Revelation 6:12-17

See also

1310  God as judge
9210  judgment, God's
9220  day of the LORD
9240  last judgment