Exodus 10:21

KJV

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness [which] may be felt.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto Moses {H4872}, Stretch out {H5186} thine hand {H3027} toward heaven {H8064}, that there may be darkness {H2822} over the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}, even darkness {H2822} which may be felt {H4959}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI said to Moshe, "Reach out your hand toward the sky, and there will be darkness over the land of Egypt, darkness so thick it can be felt!"

Berean Standard Bible

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward heaven, so that darkness may spread over the land of Egypt—a palpable darkness.”

American Standard Version

And Jehovah said unto Moses, Stretch out thy hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 10:21 vividly portrays the ninth plague upon Egypt, a divinely orchestrated, palpable darkness that enveloped the land. This extraordinary judgment, initiated by God's command to Moses, served as a direct and devastating blow to Egypt's sun deities, unequivocally demonstrating the Lord's absolute sovereignty over creation and His unwavering commitment to liberate Israel from Pharaoh's oppressive tyranny.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed as the penultimate judgment in the escalating series of plagues, immediately following the devastating [plague of locusts](/exodus/10-1-20 "The plague of locusts in Exodus 10"). Despite the overwhelming evidence of God's power and the severe economic and social disruption caused by the preceding eight plagues, Pharaoh's heart remained stubbornly hardened, preventing the release of the Israelites. The plague of darkness, therefore, intensifies the pressure on Pharaoh, serving as a profound psychological and theological assault before the final, most catastrophic plague described in [Exodus 11](/exodus/11 "God's warning of the final plague"). The narrative immediately following [Exodus 10:21](/exodus/10-21 "The plague of darkness") emphasizes a crucial distinction: while Egypt was plunged into impenetrable gloom, the Israelites in Goshen experienced light in their dwellings, highlighting God's protective and discerning hand over His covenant people ([Exodus 10:23](/exodus/10-23 "The distinction between Egyptians and Israelites during the darkness")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was a deeply polytheistic society, with a vast pantheon of gods intimately connected to natural phenomena. Foremost among these was Ra (or Re), the sun god, who was revered as the supreme deity, the creator god, and the source of all light, life, and prosperity. Pharaoh himself was often considered the son or embodiment of Ra, serving as a divine intermediary between the gods and humanity. By plunging Egypt into a "darkness which may be felt," the Lord directly attacked the very foundation of Egyptian cosmology and religious belief. This plague was not merely a physical inconvenience; it was a profound theological statement, demonstrating the utter impotence of Ra and all other Egyptian deities in the face of the one true God, [Yᵉhôvâh](/exodus/3-14 "The divine name YHWH revealed"). It stripped Pharaoh of his perceived divine authority, plunged his kingdom into a state of chaos and terror, and unequivocally declared the supremacy of Israel's God over all false gods.
* **Key Themes:** The plague of darkness contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Exodus. Firstly, it powerfully underscores God's **absolute sovereignty over creation**, demonstrating His ability to command and manipulate fundamental elements like light and darkness at will, a power that echoes [God's original act of creation](/genesis/1 "The Genesis Creation Account"). Secondly, it serves as a decisive **judgment on idolatry**, specifically targeting the core of Egyptian religion by humiliating Ra, the supreme sun god. This theme of God's triumph over false gods is central to the entire plague narrative, culminating in the declaration that He will execute judgments against all the gods of Egypt ([Exodus 12:12](/exodus/12-12 "Judgment against the gods of Egypt")). Thirdly, the distinct experience of light for the Israelites in Goshen highlights God's **covenantal faithfulness and distinction** of His people, a recurring motif throughout the plagues that emphasizes His protective hand over His chosen ones ([Exodus 8:22-23](/exodus/8-22-23 "Distinction between Egyptians and Israelites")). Finally, Pharaoh's continued hardening of heart, even in the face of such terrifying judgment, illustrates the theme of **spiritual blindness** that results from persistent rebellion against divine authority, a theological truth that resonates throughout biblical history.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Darkness (Hebrew, _chôshek'_):** This word (H2822) denotes the absence of light, but in biblical contexts, it often carries deeper connotations of chaos, judgment, misery, destruction, or spiritual ignorance. Here, it is not merely a lack of illumination but an active, oppressive force, signifying God's judgment and the disruption of the natural order, directly challenging the life-giving light associated with Egyptian deities.
* **Hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** The word (H3027) for "hand" is a primitive term with a vast semantic range, often signifying power, means, direction, or agency. When Moses is commanded to "stretch out thine hand," it emphasizes his role as God's appointed agent, through whom divine power is channeled and manifested. It is a visible, symbolic act that initiates the supernatural event, underscoring that the plague is not a natural occurrence but a direct act of God's sovereign power.
* **Felt (Hebrew, _mâshash'_):** This crucial verb (H4959), meaning "to feel of" or "to grope," transforms the darkness from a mere visual phenomenon into a tangible, oppressive presence. It suggests a darkness so dense, thick, and suffocating that it could be perceived physically, making movement impossible and inducing profound disorientation and terror. This "palpable" quality underscores the supernatural intensity and the inescapable nature of God's judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And the LORD said unto Moses":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the divine initiative and authority behind the plague. It is God (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068), the self-existent and eternal One, who commands, not Moses acting on his own accord. This underscores God's sovereign control over all creation and His direct involvement in the unfolding events.
* **"Stretch out thine hand toward heaven":** Moses's action is a symbolic gesture of obedience, a physical act that channels and unleashes God's power. By stretching his hand "toward heaven" (shâmayim, H8064), it signifies that the source of this extraordinary plague is not earthly or natural, but heavenly and supernatural, directly from the Lord Himself.
* **"that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt":** This clause describes the immediate and universal effect of Moses's action. The darkness (chôshek, H2822) covers the entire "land" (ʼerets, H776) of "Egypt" (Mitsrayim, H4714), impacting every Egyptian and everything within their domain. This widespread coverage contrasts sharply with the light experienced by the Israelites, highlighting God's ability to distinguish between His people and His enemies.
* **"even darkness [which] may be felt":** This is the defining and terrifying characteristic of the ninth plague. It was not merely the absence of light, but an oppressive, almost physical presence (mâshash, H4959). This suggests a supernatural gloom so dense and thick that it disoriented, paralyzed, and terrified the Egyptians, rendering them immobile and helpless for three days. It implies a physical, suffocating pall that made daily life impossible and amplified the psychological terror.

#### Literary Devices
The phrase "darkness [which] may be felt" employs powerful **sensory imagery** and a form of **synesthesia**, where a visual phenomenon (darkness) is described in terms of touch (felt). This vivid description elevates the darkness beyond a mere absence of light, transforming it into a tangible, oppressive, and terrifying presence. This technique serves as a profound **hyperbole**, emphasizing the extreme and supernatural nature of the plague and its overwhelming psychological impact on the Egyptians. Furthermore, the narrative employs **contrast** by implicitly juxtaposing the impenetrable darkness over Egypt with the light experienced by the Israelites in Goshen ([Exodus 10:23](/exodus/10-23 "The distinction between Egyptians and Israelites during the darkness")), thereby highlighting God's power to distinguish between His people and His adversaries, and His protective care for His chosen ones.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 10:21 profoundly illustrates several foundational theological truths. Firstly, it showcases God's absolute **sovereignty and power over creation**, demonstrating His ability to manipulate the fundamental elements of light and darkness at will, echoing the divine command that brought light into existence at creation ([Genesis 1:3](/genesis/1-3 "God's creation of light")). Secondly, the plague serves as a decisive **judgment on idolatry**, specifically targeting Ra, the supreme sun god of Egypt. By extinguishing the sun, God unequivocally declared His supremacy over all false deities, revealing their impotence and exposing the futility of worshipping created things rather than the Creator. Thirdly, this plague highlights God's **covenantal faithfulness and distinction** of His people. While Egypt was plunged into oppressive gloom, the Israelites in Goshen enjoyed light, a consistent pattern throughout the plagues that underscored God's protective hand over His chosen ones ([Exodus 10:23](/exodus/10-23 "The distinction between Egyptians and Israelites during the darkness")). Finally, the continued hardening of Pharaoh's heart, even in the face of such terrifying judgment, illustrates the spiritual blindness that results from persistent rebellion against God's authority, a theme echoed in the New Testament concerning those who prefer darkness over light.

* [Genesis 1:3](/genesis/1-3 "God creates light")
* [Psalm 105:28](/psalm/105-28 "God sent darkness and they rebelled not")
* [John 3:19](/john/3-19 "People preferring darkness to light")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The palpable darkness of Exodus 10:21 serves as a powerful reminder that God is sovereign over all circumstances, even those that seem overwhelming, oppressive, or beyond human control. For us today, it challenges us to critically examine where we place our trust and security. Do we rely on the "light" of human wisdom, material prosperity, societal approval, or cultural norms, or do we acknowledge God as the ultimate source of all light, truth, and life? This passage encourages us to trust implicitly in God's protective presence, knowing that even when the world around us seems to be in "darkness"—whether personal trials, societal turmoil, or global crises—He can and will provide light, guidance, and distinction for His people. It also serves as a sober warning against the spiritual hardening of our own hearts, urging us to remain pliable and responsive to God's voice and truth, lest we become spiritually blind to His reality, His judgments, and His redemptive purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "lights" or sources of security in my life might I be elevating above God, similar to how the Egyptians relied on Ra?**
* **In what current "darkness" (personal, societal, or global) do I need to trust God's ability to provide light, clarity, and distinction for His people?**
* **How can I actively cultivate a heart that remains soft and responsive to God's truth, thereby avoiding the spiritual blindness that plagued Pharaoh?**

### FAQ
**Was this darkness a natural phenomenon, like an eclipse or a sandstorm?**

Answer: While ancient Egypt did experience natural phenomena such as solar eclipses or severe sandstorms (known as *khamsin*) that could create a thick, dark atmosphere, the biblical text clearly describes this darkness as distinctly supernatural. It was explicitly commanded by God through Moses, it lasted for an unprecedented three days (far longer than typical sandstorms or eclipses), and it uniquely affected only the Egyptians, while the Israelites in Goshen miraculously had light in their dwellings ([Exodus 10:23](/exodus/10-23 "The distinction between Egyptians and Israelites during the darkness")). This intentional, localized, prolonged, and discriminatory nature points unequivocally to a divine miracle, not a mere natural event.

**Why is it important that the darkness "may be felt"?**

Answer: The phrase "darkness which may be felt" (Hebrew: *choshek aphelah yamesh*) is crucial because it emphasizes the extraordinary, oppressive, and terrifying nature of this plague. It wasn't merely the absence of light, but a thick, tangible gloom that disoriented, paralyzed, and psychologically terrorized the Egyptians. This physical sensation intensified the judgment, making it inescapable and profoundly impactful. It demonstrated God's absolute control over every aspect of their existence, including their senses and mobility. Furthermore, it directly challenged the Egyptian concept of light (personified by Ra) as the source of life, order, and prosperity, showing that their supreme deity was utterly powerless against the God of Israel.

**Does this plague imply God is a God of darkness?**

Answer: No, quite the opposite. This plague powerfully demonstrates God's absolute power *over* darkness. Throughout the biblical narrative, God is consistently associated with light, truth, righteousness, and life, while darkness often symbolizes chaos, judgment, sin, and spiritual ignorance. By bringing this oppressive darkness upon Egypt, God was demonstrating His sovereign power to judge those who rebel against Him and to expose the utter impotence of false gods (like Ra, the sun god). He is the one who *commands* both light and darkness, who brings light out of darkness, and who ultimately dispels all spiritual darkness, rather than being a God *of* darkness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The plague of darkness in [Exodus 10:21](/exodus/10-21 "The plague of darkness"), while a historical judgment against Egypt, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. Jesus Christ is repeatedly proclaimed as "the Light of the World" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "Jesus declares Himself the Light of the World")), who came to dispel the ultimate spiritual darkness of sin, ignorance, and death that afflicts all humanity. Just as the physical darkness in Egypt exposed the impotence of false gods and plunged a rebellious nation into chaos, Jesus's coming exposes the futility of relying on anything other than Him for salvation and true life. His life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection overcome the deepest darkness of the grave and offer spiritual light, truth, and eternal life to all who believe. Those who reject Christ, like Pharaoh, choose to remain in spiritual darkness, facing ultimate judgment ([John 3:19](/john/3-19 "People preferring darkness to light")). Conversely, those who follow Jesus are called out of spiritual darkness into His marvelous light ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "Called out of darkness into light")), experiencing the ultimate distinction, protection, and provision that God offers His people, a reality far surpassing the physical light in Goshen. Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of God's power to separate His people from the world's darkness and lead them into His glorious presence ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Delivered from the domain of darkness")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Peter 2:17

These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.

2 Peter 2:4

For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast [them] down to hell, and delivered [them] into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;

Jude 1:6

And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.

Revelation 16:10

And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain,

Revelation 16:11

And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.

Luke 23:44

¶ And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.

Psalms 105:28

He sent darkness, and made it dark; and they rebelled not against his word.