What theological significance does the darkness in Psalm 105:28 hold? Canonical Text and Translation “He sent darkness, and it became dark—yet they did not rebel against His words.” (Psalm 105:28) Historical Setting Psalm 105 recounts Yahweh’s mighty acts from Abraham to the conquest of Canaan, concentrating on the Exodus plagues (vv. 26-36). Verse 28 rehearses the ninth plague (Exodus 10:21-23). Egyptian records (e.g., Ipuwer Papyrus 9:11-12, Leiden Museum, NL 344) describe “the land in total upheaval; the sun is veiled,” corroborating a catastrophic darkness in Egypt’s memory, though Scripture identifies the cause as a direct divine act, not a natural eclipse. Literary Context within Psalm 105 Each plague in Psalm 105 is introduced with an assertive verb: “He sent” (v. 28), “He turned” (v. 29), “He spoke” (v. 31). The darkness thus stands first, highlighting its paradigmatic role in revealing God’s supremacy. The refrain “they did not rebel against His words” points to Moses and Aaron’s obedience, contrasting Egypt’s obstinacy. Exodus Plague of Darkness: Theological Layers 1. Judicial Reversal In creation God said, “Let there be light” (Genesis 1:3). By plunging Egypt into palpable darkness (Exodus 10:21), Yahweh reverses creation for Pharaoh, signifying un-creation as judgment. 2. Polemic Against Idolatry Egypt worshiped Ra, Amun-Ra, and Horus, all sun deities. When Yahweh blots out light, He exposes idols as powerless (Isaiah 19:1). Archaeologist James Hoffmeier notes temple inscriptions from Heliopolis lamenting “days without the sun,” aligning with a Yahwistic polemic (Ancient Israel in Sinai, 2005, p. 147). 3. Separation and Covenant Favor “But all the Israelites had light where they lived” (Exodus 10:23). Darkness therefore functions as covenant demarcation, foreshadowing the ultimate separation between the redeemed and the judged (Malachi 4:1-2). Divine Sovereignty and Hardness of Heart Psalm 105:28 places the agency squarely on Yahweh: “He sent.” Naturalistic explanations (volcanic ash, desert sandstorms) cannot account for the simultaneous, localized, three-day, supernatural darkness coupled with Israel’s illumination. The event magnifies divine sovereignty and amplifies Pharaoh’s culpable hardness (Exodus 10:27). Christological Fulfillment 1. Darkness at the Crucifixion “From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land” (Matthew 27:45, cf. Amos 8:9). The plague prefigures Calvary where judgment falls on the sin-bearing Lamb. Early patristic sources (Phlegon of Tralles, Olympiads 114.34) record a midday darkness, bolstering historicity. 2. Light of the World Motif Jesus proclaims, “I am the Light of the world” (John 8:12). The Exodus darkness heightens the contrast between divine light offered and human rejection, fulfilled when the Light “shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5). Eschatological Dimension Prophets echo Exodus imagery for the Day of the LORD: “a day of darkness and gloom” (Joel 2:2), “the sun will be turned to darkness” (Joel 2:31). Revelation 16:10 revisits a plague of darkness on the beast’s kingdom. Thus Psalm 105:28 anticipates final judgment while assuring covenant people of ultimate deliverance. Ethical and Pastoral Implications 1. Call to Obedience The clause “they did not rebel against His words” commends steadfast trust amid cultural opposition. Modern believers, like Moses, illuminate a darkened world (Philippians 2:15). 2. Evangelistic Warning Persistent unbelief invites judicial hardening (Romans 1:21-24). The plague warns today’s skeptic: rejecting revealed light results in spiritual darkness (John 12:35-36). Comparative Ancient Near Eastern Testimony Besides the Ipuwer Papyrus, Babylonian astronomical diaries (BM 45745) note an “unusual darkness” during the late Bronze Age, providing corroborative echoes. While not precise dating, they reinforce the plausibility of a historical blackout that Scripture interprets theologically. Scientific Observations A total solar eclipse lasts minutes, not three days; dust storms cannot create a darkness “so thick it can be felt” (Exodus 10:21). These inadequacies point to intelligent, targeted intervention—consistent with a Creator who governs natural laws yet is not bound by them (Colossians 1:16-17). Archaeological Corroboration Arad ostraca 18 records Israelite soldiers citing “the mighty acts at Tanis,” possibly alluding to the plagues, showing early remembrance within Israelite communities. Worship and Doxology Psalm 105 is itself a call to “give thanks to the LORD” (v. 1). The darkness plague becomes fuel for doxology: God alone commands cosmic forces for covenant faithfulness. Congregational reading of Psalm 105:28 reminds worshipers that light and darkness obey the Creator who redeems. Conclusion The darkness in Psalm 105:28 is not a mere meteorological note; it is a multi-layered revelation of Yahweh’s sovereignty, judgment on idolatry, covenant love, Christ-centered fulfillment, and eschatological warning. It summons every generation to forsake darkness, walk in the Light, and proclaim His marvelous deeds. |
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