What is the meaning of Exodus 10:23?

No one could see anyone else

• The plague brought a literal, supernatural darkness so dense that sight itself was crippled (Exodus 10:21–22; Psalm 105:28).

• Darkness in Scripture often pictures judgment and separation from God’s presence (Revelation 16:10; 2 Thessalonians 1:9), and here it publicly exposes Egypt’s spiritual blindness (Isaiah 60:2).

• God confronts Egypt’s sun-worship—He alone controls light (Genesis 1:3), silencing every Egyptian deity and proving that “the gods of Egypt” are powerless (Exodus 12:12).

• The inability to see one another highlights isolation; sin severs fellowship both with God and neighbor (1 John 1:6).

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for three days no one left his place

• A full seventy-two hours of immobility paralyzed commerce, government, and daily life, underscoring the totality of God’s judgment (Exodus 10:22).

• “Three days” anticipates other pivotal three-day events—Jonah in the fish (Jonah 1:17) and Christ in the tomb (Matthew 12:40)—where darkness yields to deliverance.

• Egypt’s proud ruler is rendered helpless; he who kept Israel from worshiping now finds his own people trapped (Proverbs 21:30).

• The escalation from nuisance plagues to life-halting judgments shows God’s patience giving way to decisive action (Romans 2:4–5).

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Yet all the Israelites had light in their dwellings

• In Goshen, God literally flips the switch—His covenant people enjoy uninterrupted light (Exodus 9:26).

• This contrast fulfills His promise to “make a distinction” between His people and Egypt (Exodus 8:22; 9:4).

• Light signifies God’s favor and salvation: “The LORD is my light” (Psalm 27:1); Jesus declares, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12).

• Israel’s lit homes prefigure believers called “out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9; Colossians 1:13).

• The scene encourages trust: even while judgment falls around them, God’s people can rest in His protective presence (Psalm 91:1).

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summary

Exodus 10:23 reveals a literal plague that plunged Egypt into absolute darkness while simultaneously illuminating Israel’s homes. God showcases His unmatched sovereignty, judges idolatry, and draws a bright line between those under judgment and those under covenant grace. In every age, He remains the Light whose presence scatters darkness and secures His people.