Exodus 10:22

KJV

And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days:

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} stretched forth {H5186} his hand {H3027} toward heaven {H8064}; and there was a thick {H653} darkness {H2822} in all the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714} three {H7969} days {H3117}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe reached out his hand toward the sky, and there was a thick darkness in the entire land of Egypt for three days.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 10:22 describes the ninth plague inflicted upon Egypt, a profound and oppressive darkness that enveloped the entire land for three days. This supernatural event, initiated by Moses stretching his hand towards heaven at God's command, served as a powerful demonstration of Yahweh's absolute sovereignty over creation, a direct judgment against Pharaoh's unyielding defiance and the impotent deities of Egypt, and a stark illustration of God's miraculous distinction between His covenant people, Israel, and their oppressors.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the escalating drama of the ten plagues detailed in [Exodus 7-12](/exodus/7 "The Plagues of Egypt"). It immediately follows the devastating plague of locusts ([Exodus 10:1-20](/exodus/10-1 "The Plague of Locusts")), which consumed every green thing left after the hail, leaving Egypt utterly desolate. The plague of darkness serves as the penultimate judgment, intensifying the pressure on Pharaoh before the climactic tenth plague, the death of the firstborn ([Exodus 11-12](/exodus/11 "The Tenth Plague Announced")). Crucially, the narrative immediately highlights God's protective distinction in the following verse, [Exodus 10:23](/exodus/10-23 "Light in Goshen"), explicitly stating that the Israelites in Goshen experienced light, underscoring the targeted nature of God's judgment and His faithfulness to His people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egyptian civilization was profoundly shaped by its reverence for the sun, personified primarily by the god Ra (or Re), often considered the supreme deity and creator. Other significant solar deities included Aten and Amun-Ra. The sun was not merely a source of light and life but the very symbol of the pharaoh's divine authority and the foundational principle of Egyptian cosmology. A "thick darkness" for three days was therefore not merely an inconvenience but a direct, humiliating assault on the core of Egyptian religious belief and daily existence. This was no natural eclipse, which is brief and predictable, but a sustained, supernatural gloom that paralyzed the nation, demonstrating Yahweh's absolute supremacy over Ra and all other Egyptian gods. The "three days" also carried symbolic weight in ancient Near Eastern thought, often signifying a complete, definitive, or divinely ordained period, emphasizing the totality and supernatural origin of this judgment.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 10:22 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus. Foremost among these is **God's absolute sovereignty and power** over creation and all earthly rulers, directly challenging Pharaoh's presumed divine authority. It powerfully illustrates **God's judgment against idolatry**, specifically targeting the most revered Egyptian deities and exposing their impotence before Yahweh. The distinction between the darkness in Egypt and the light in Goshen ([Exodus 10:23](/exodus/10-23 "Light in Goshen")) highlights the theme of **God's faithful distinction and protection of His covenant people**, even amidst widespread judgment. Furthermore, this plague underscores the **consequences of hardened rebellion**, as Pharaoh's persistent refusal to "let my people go" ([Exodus 8:1](/exodus/8-1 "Let My People Go")) leads to increasingly severe and debilitating divine interventions.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **darkness (Hebrew, _chôshek'_):** From H2822, this word refers to the absence of light, but in this context, it carries a broader semantic range, encompassing misery, destruction, and sorrow. When combined with "thick" (H653, _ʼăphêlâh'_), it describes a darkness so profound and oppressive that it was palpable, not merely the absence of light but an active, suffocating gloom. This supernatural quality is emphasized by [Exodus 10:23](/exodus/10-23 "Inability to move in darkness"), which states that "they saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days," indicating a complete cessation of normal activity due to the intensity of the gloom.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** From H3027, this primitive word for "hand" is used in a vast array of applications, both literal and figurative. In the context of Moses "stretching forth his hand," it signifies not merely a physical action but an act of divine power and authority channeled through God's appointed agent. Moses's hand serves as the instrument, but the power originates solely from Yahweh, demonstrating His dominion and control over the elements. This gesture is consistently used throughout the plague narratives as the signal for God's direct and immediate intervention.
* **days (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** From H3117, this term primarily means "a day" (as the warm hours or from sunset to sunset). However, it can also refer to a "space of time defined by an associated term." The "three days" here is crucial, indicating a sustained, prolonged period rather than a momentary event. This duration amplifies the terror and psychological impact of the plague, demonstrating God's absolute control over time and natural phenomena, and highlighting the impotence of Egypt's sun gods to restore light.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven;"**: This clause establishes the divine orchestration of the plague. Moses acts as God's obedient intermediary, his gesture "toward heaven" signifying that the command and the power originate from the celestial realm, from God Himself. This action is a direct fulfillment of God's instruction, demonstrating Moses's role as the divinely appointed agent.
* **"and there was a thick darkness"**: This is the immediate and overwhelming consequence of Moses's action. The description "thick darkness" (Hebrew: _choshek aphelah_) conveys a profound, palpable gloom that was more than just an absence of light. It implies an oppressive, suffocating obscurity that could be "felt," indicating its supernatural origin and terrifying intensity.
* **"in all the land of Egypt"**: This specifies the comprehensive scope of the judgment, affecting the entire nation of Egypt. This widespread impact underscores the severity of God's wrath and His complete dominion over the land, contrasting sharply with the miraculous exception for the Israelites in Goshen, as highlighted in the subsequent verse.
* **"three days:"**: The specified duration of the plague is highly significant. It was not a fleeting event but a prolonged period of sustained, oppressive darkness. This amplified the psychological and practical terror for the Egyptians, halting all normal life and reinforcing the utter impotence of their sun gods and Pharaoh's inability to alleviate the suffering. It signifies a complete and definitive judgment.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Direct Causality** is evident in the immediate cause-and-effect relationship: Moses's outstretched hand directly and instantly results in the "thick darkness," highlighting God's instantaneous and undeniable power. While not explicit in this verse alone, the plague inherently utilizes **Contrast**, setting the oppressive darkness against the fundamental concept of light, which is vital for life and central to Egyptian worship. This contrast is then made explicit in [Exodus 10:23](/exodus/10-23 "Distinction in darkness"), which describes the light in Goshen. Furthermore, the description of "thick darkness" and its "three days" duration serves as **Hyperbole** or **Emphasis**, underscoring the extraordinary, supernatural, and terrifying nature of this divine judgment, making it clear this was no ordinary natural phenomenon but a direct act of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The plague of darkness in Exodus 10:22 profoundly illustrates several foundational theological truths. Firstly, it unequivocally declares **God's absolute sovereignty over all creation**, including the most fundamental elements of light and darkness. He is not merely a tribal deity but the Lord of the cosmos, capable of altering the very fabric of existence at His command. Secondly, this plague serves as a devastating **judgment against idolatry**, directly challenging and humiliating the most revered Egyptian deities, particularly Ra, the sun god, who was central to their cosmology and the pharaoh's authority. By extinguishing the sun's light, God demonstrated His unrivaled power and the utter impotence of Egypt's gods. Thirdly, the miraculous distinction between the darkness in Egypt and the light in Goshen ([Exodus 10:23](/exodus/10-23 "Light in Goshen")) highlights **God's faithful protection and covenant distinction of His people**. Even in the midst of severe judgment, God provides for and preserves His own. Finally, this plague reveals the severe **consequences of hardened rebellion**; Pharaoh's persistent refusal to obey God's command led to increasingly severe and debilitating judgments, culminating in this terrifying, paralyzing darkness.

* [Psalm 105:28](/psalms/105-28 "God sent darkness and they did not rebel"): This psalm, recounting the Exodus events, specifically mentions this plague: "He sent darkness, and made it dark; and they rebelled not against his word."
* [John 1:5](/john/1-5 "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it"): This New Testament verse beautifully encapsulates the theological truth that God, as the ultimate source of light, overcomes all forms of darkness, whether physical, spiritual, or moral.
* [Isaiah 60:2](/isaiah/60-2 "Darkness covers the earth, but the Lord rises upon you"): This prophetic passage speaks of a future time when "darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you," echoing the divine distinction seen in the plague of darkness and pointing to God's ultimate triumph.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of the plague of darkness in Exodus 10:22 holds profound and enduring relevance for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that God remains utterly sovereign over every aspect of our world, even when circumstances appear chaotic, overwhelming, or devoid of hope. Just as God brought a literal, palpable darkness to Egypt, spiritual darkness can envelop individuals, communities, and societies that resist His truth and authority. This spiritual darkness can manifest as moral confusion, ethical decay, a pervasive sense of despair, or a profound lack of spiritual discernment. However, the miraculous contrast with Goshen offers immense hope and comfort: even when the world around us is plunged into literal or spiritual gloom, God promises to be our unfailing light and guide. He offers clarity, truth, and protective provision to those who faithfully follow Him. We are called, therefore, to live as "children of light" ([Ephesians 5:8](/ephesians/5-8 "Live as children of light")) in a world that often walks in profound darkness, trusting implicitly in God's unwavering provision and divine guidance. Our lives, illuminated by His truth, should stand in stark contrast to the surrounding spiritual gloom, drawing others to the source of all light.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the account of God's absolute power over light and darkness in Exodus 10:22-23 encourage your faith in His sovereignty over the challenging, dark, or uncertain circumstances in your own life?**
* **In what specific ways might spiritual "darkness" manifest in our lives, our churches, or society today, and how can we actively seek God's light and truth to overcome it and be agents of His light?**
* **Considering God's miraculous distinction between Israel and Egypt during this plague, how does this passage affirm God's faithful care, protection, and provision for His people, and what personal assurance does that bring to you as a believer?**

### FAQ
**Why did the darkness last three days?**

Answer: The duration of three days was crucial for emphasizing the supernatural and oppressive nature of the plague. It was not a brief, natural phenomenon like an eclipse, but a sustained, terrifying judgment that completely paralyzed the nation and demonstrated God's absolute control over time and the elements. This prolonged period allowed for maximum psychological impact, highlighting the utter impotence of Egypt's sun gods and Pharaoh's inability to alleviate the suffering or restore normalcy. It underscored the totality and divine origin of the judgment.

**Was this darkness literal or symbolic?**

Answer: The biblical text describes the darkness as a literal, physical phenomenon ("thick darkness," "they saw not one another, neither rose any from his place" in [Exodus 10:23](/exodus/10-23 "Inability to move in darkness")). However, like all biblical events, it also carried profound symbolic meaning. It symbolized God's judgment and wrath, the spiritual blindness and moral decay of Pharaoh and Egypt, the triumph of Yahweh over the sun god Ra, and the impending spiritual and physical liberation of Israel from the darkness of slavery and oppression. It was a literal event with deep symbolic resonance.

**How could the Israelites have light if the whole land was dark?**

Answer: [Exodus 10:23](/exodus/10-23 "Light in Goshen") explicitly states, "but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings." This was a miraculous, supernatural act of God, demonstrating His unique power to distinguish between His people and the Egyptians. It was a clear and undeniable sign of His covenant faithfulness and protective care, providing comfort, safety, and a stark contrast to the judgment experienced by their oppressors. This distinction served to both affirm His people and further condemn Pharaoh's hardened heart.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The plague of darkness, while a profound act of judgment against Egypt, powerfully foreshadows the spiritual darkness of sin that engulfs humanity and the ultimate, redemptive light found exclusively in Jesus Christ. Just as Egypt was plunged into a physical darkness so dense it could be felt, humanity without Christ dwells in a profound spiritual darkness, unable to see God's truth, understand His ways, or move towards Him ([John 3:19](/john/3-19 "Men loved darkness instead of light")). Jesus declares Himself to be "the light of the world" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "Jesus is the light of the world")), coming into a world shrouded in spiritual gloom to dispel the darkness of sin, ignorance, and death. His earthly ministry brought the illuminating truth of God's kingdom to those "living in darkness and in the shadow of death" ([Matthew 4:16](/matthew/4-16 "The people living in darkness have seen a great light")). Furthermore, the three days of darkness in Egypt resonate with the three days Jesus spent in the tomb, a period of profound darkness that was ultimately conquered by His glorious resurrection, bringing the light of eternal life and salvation to all who believe. Through Christ, God's people are no longer left to grope in spiritual darkness but are called "out of darkness into his wonderful light" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "Called out of darkness into wonderful light")), becoming children of light who reflect His glory to a world still in need of His illuminating presence.

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

Psalms 105:28

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

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,

Exodus 20:21

And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God [was].

Amos 4:13

For, lo, he that formeth the mountains, and createth the wind, and declareth unto man what [is] his thought, that maketh the morning darkness, and treadeth upon the high places of the earth, The LORD, The God of hosts, [is] his name.

Deuteronomy 4:11

And ye came near and stood under the mountain; and the mountain burned with fire unto the midst of heaven, with darkness, clouds, and thick darkness.

Joel 2:31

The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come.

Deuteronomy 5:22

These words the LORD spake unto all your assembly in the mount out of the midst of the fire, of the cloud, and of the thick darkness, with a great voice: and he added no more. And he wrote them in two tables of stone, and delivered them unto me.