What is the meaning of Exodus 10:21?

Then the LORD said to Moses

• The initiative is God’s; He directs every detail of the plagues (Exodus 7:5; 9:14).

• By addressing Moses, the Lord reaffirms the covenant relationship first announced at the burning bush (Exodus 3:6-10) and continually displayed through each sign.

• God’s personal involvement shows His supremacy over Pharaoh, who claimed to be divine but now must watch another god—Israel’s God—command His servant with perfect authority (Psalm 115:3).

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Stretch out your hand toward heaven

• Moses’ uplifted hand, holding the staff (Exodus 9:22), is a visible reminder that true power descends from heaven, not from earthly thrones.

• Obedience precedes the miracle; Moses’ simple act unleashes a plague Pharaoh cannot counter (Exodus 8:17-19).

• The gesture confronts Egypt’s sun-worship directly—Yahweh, not Ra, governs the sky (Numbers 33:4; Isaiah 45:7).

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so that darkness may spread over the land of Egypt

• This is not an eclipse or sandstorm; it is a God-sent, nation-wide blackout lasting three full days (Exodus 10:22-23), underscoring a literal, historical event.

• Darkness is a recognized symbol of judgment (Isaiah 13:9-10; Joel 2:1-2), yet Israel remains in light (Exodus 10:23), highlighting divine protection and separation (Colossians 1:13).

• Every Egyptian god associated with light or life is exposed as powerless; even Pharaoh cannot rise from his throne (Psalm 105:28).

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—a palpable darkness

• “Palpable” points to a thickness that can be felt—an oppressive, even terrifying presence (Job 5:14; Revelation 16:10-11).

• The plague foreshadows the outer darkness reserved for final judgment (Matthew 8:12) and calls sinners to repentance while time remains (John 8:12).

• For Israel, it previews the Passover night soon to come, when only those under God’s covering will be spared (Exodus 12:12-13).

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summary

Exodus 10:21 reveals the Lord’s sovereign word, Moses’ obedient action, a literal blanket of judgment that exposes Egypt’s false gods, and a darkness so tangible it can be felt. God separates His people from His wrath, demonstrates absolute authority over creation, and offers a stark warning: those who reject His light are left in total, terrifying darkness.