Why did God choose darkness as a sign in Psalm 105:28? Canonical Text and Immediate Context “‘He sent darkness, and it became dark—yet they defied His words.’ ” (Psalm 105:28). Psalm 105 is a historical psalm that rehearses Yahweh’s mighty acts for Israel. Verse 28 compresses Exodus 10:21-23—the ninth plague—into a single line, drawing attention to the sign’s purpose rather than its physical description. The psalmist notes Israel’s preservation, Egypt’s rebellion, and God’s sovereign initiative. Historical Setting: The Ninth Plague Exodus 10:21-23 records a palpable, three-day darkness that “could be felt.” Egyptians were immobilized; Israelites “had light in the places where they lived.” Ancient Egyptian texts such as the Ipuwer Papyrus (column 9) lament, “The land is without light,” offering an extra-biblical echo of a catastrophic darkness during the collapse of Egypt’s Middle Kingdom, consistent with a plain-sense biblical chronology near the time of the Exodus. Divine Polemic Against Egypt’s Deities Darkness directly challenged Egypt’s chief god, Ra, the sun deity. By extinguishing daylight, Yahweh demonstrated supremacy over the Egyptian pantheon. Contemporary Egyptologists confirm solar worship’s centrality (cf. Wilkinson, The Complete Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt, p. 199). The plague was a theological courtroom scene: Yahweh alone controls cosmic light (Genesis 1:3; Psalm 74:16). Symbolism of Darkness Throughout Scripture 1. Judgement: Isaiah 60:2; Joel 2:2; Amos 5:18. 2. Separation: Genesis 1:4—light divided from darkness. 3. Ignorance/Unbelief: John 3:19—“people loved darkness rather than light…” 4. Eschatology: Revelation 16:10—darkness on the beast’s kingdom. Psalm 105:28 places Egypt under judicial darkness, previewing eschatological plagues against future rebels. Psychological and Behavioral Impact Immobilizing blackness produces acute dread, heightens perception of guilt, and dismantles daily rhythms. Behavioral science confirms that sensory deprivation fosters anxiety and surrender. By halting Egyptian activity, God created a collective pause for reflection and potential repentance—a grace repeatedly rejected (“yet they defied His words”). Covenant Mercy: Light for Goshen Divine judgement and mercy operate concurrently. In Goshen, Israel enjoyed light (Exodus 10:23), underscoring the covenantal distinction (Exodus 8:22). Darkness served as a pedagogical contrast: those under Yahweh’s covenant walk in light (Psalm 27:1). Foreshadowing the Passion At noon on the day of crucifixion “darkness came over all the land until the ninth hour” (Matthew 27:45). The Exodus plague anticipates this salvific darkness wherein Christ bore sin’s penalty. Luke 22:53 echoes the motif: “this is your hour—when darkness reigns.” Theological Takeaways 1. God’s Sovereignty: Darkness illustrates unchallengeable authority over creation. 2. Revelation and Response: Miracles demand obedience; Egypt’s refusal heightens culpability. 3. Christocentric Lens: All redemptive history, including plague narratives, points to Jesus (Luke 24:27). 4. Eschatological Warning: Future judgement will likewise separate light from darkness (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6). Practical Application for Today Believers are “children of light” (Ephesians 5:8). The Exodus darkness calls individuals to flee spiritual night by trusting the risen Christ (John 8:12). Evangelistically, one may ask, “If God could turn off the sun for a nation, can He not illuminate your heart?” Personal testimony, modern medically attested healings, and the historical resurrection collectively invite a reasoned faith-commitment. Conclusion God chose darkness in Psalm 105:28 as a multilayered sign: a judicial act against idolatry, a merciful distinction for His people, a humiliation of false deities, a psychological catalyst, a typological shadow of Calvary, and a foretaste of final judgement. The event, textually sound, archaeologically echoed, and theologically profound, magnifies the Creator’s glory and summons every soul to the saving light of Jesus Christ. |
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