Exodus 10:22

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

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}:

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

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

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

Commentary

Context

Exodus 10:22 describes the ninth of the ten plagues brought upon ancient Egypt by God through Moses, as Pharaoh stubbornly refused to release the Israelite people from bondage. This plague followed devastating infestations of frogs, lice, flies, diseased livestock, boils, hail, and locusts. Each plague was a direct challenge to the various gods of Egypt, demonstrating the supremacy of the God of Israel.

Key Themes

  • Divine Power and Judgment: This verse powerfully illustrates God's absolute control over creation. Moses simply stretches out his hand, and a profound, palpable darkness envelops the land, showcasing God's immediate and overwhelming power to execute divine judgment.
  • Pharaoh's Stubbornness: The escalating severity of the plagues, culminating in this unnerving darkness, highlights Pharaoh's persistent refusal to obey God's command. His hardened heart led to increasingly severe consequences for his people and his nation.
  • Distinction Between Israel and Egypt: A crucial aspect of this plague, emphasized in the very next verse (Exodus 10:23), is that while Egypt was plunged into an impenetrable gloom, the Israelites in the land of Goshen had light in their dwellings. This miraculous distinction underscores God's protection and distinction between His people and the world.
  • Attack on Egyptian Deities: The plague of darkness was a direct affront to Ra, the chief Egyptian sun god, and other solar deities. By extinguishing the very source of light for three days, God demonstrated His superiority over all the gods of Egypt.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "thick darkness" translates the Hebrew 'choshek aphelah' (ื—ึนืฉึถืืšึฐ ืึฒืคึตืœึธื”), which signifies a darkness that is not merely an absence of light, but one that is dense, palpable, and oppressive. It was so profound that "they saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days" (Exodus 10:23). This was not a natural phenomenon like an eclipse, but a supernatural intervention that brought stillness and terror.

Practical Application

The plague of darkness serves as a powerful reminder of several timeless truths:

  • God's Sovereignty: God is sovereign over all creation, including the elements and even light itself. Nothing is beyond His control.
  • Consequence of Resistance: Persistent rebellion against God's will leads to spiritual and practical darkness. Just as Pharaoh experienced literal darkness, those who reject God's truth can experience spiritual blindness and confusion.
  • God as Light: In contrast to the darkness, God is the source of all light, both physical and spiritual. He offers illumination and guidance to those who follow Him, even when the world around them is in despair (John 1:5).
  • God Protects His Own: Even in the midst of divine judgment, God provides safety and light for His faithful. This provides comfort and assurance for believers today.
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Cross-References

  • Psalms 105:28 (6 votes)

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

  • Revelation 16:10 (5 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Amos 4:13 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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.