Topical Bible: Intercession: Answered for the plague of darkness

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The concept of intercession in the Bible often involves a mediator pleading on behalf of others before God. One of the most notable instances of intercession is found in the narrative of the plagues of Egypt, particularly the plague of darkness, as recorded in the Book of Exodus.

Biblical Context

The plague of darkness is the ninth of the ten plagues that God inflicted upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from bondage. This event is detailed in Exodus 10:21-29. The Lord instructed Moses to stretch out his hand toward heaven, resulting in a palpable darkness covering the land of Egypt for three days. This darkness was so intense that the Egyptians could not see one another or leave their places.

Intercession by Moses

Moses, as the leader and prophet of the Israelites, served as an intercessor between God and Pharaoh. Throughout the plagues, Moses repeatedly approached Pharaoh, delivering God's commands and warnings. After the plague of darkness, Pharaoh summoned Moses and attempted to negotiate the release of the Israelites, allowing them to go and worship the Lord but insisting that their livestock remain behind.

Moses, steadfast in his role as intercessor, refused to compromise on God's command. He insisted that not a hoof would be left behind, as the Israelites needed their livestock for sacrifices to the Lord. This unwavering stance highlights the role of an intercessor as one who faithfully represents God's will, even in the face of opposition.

Divine Response

The plague of darkness, like the other plagues, was a direct response to Pharaoh's hardened heart and refusal to heed God's command. It demonstrated God's power over creation and His ability to bring judgment upon those who oppose His will. The darkness served as a sign of God's displeasure and a call to repentance.

While the text does not explicitly state that Moses interceded for the removal of the darkness, his role as an intercessor is evident throughout the narrative. Each plague concluded with Moses' interaction with Pharaoh, often resulting in a temporary relief from the affliction. In this case, the darkness lifted after three days, underscoring the pattern of divine intervention following Moses' engagement with Pharaoh.

Theological Implications

The plague of darkness and the subsequent lifting of it upon Moses' interaction with Pharaoh illustrate the power and necessity of intercession. It underscores the belief that God listens to and acts upon the pleas of His chosen representatives. Moses' role as an intercessor foreshadows the ultimate intercession of Christ, who mediates between God and humanity.

In the broader biblical narrative, intercession is a vital aspect of the relationship between God and His people. It reflects the mercy and justice of God, who is willing to relent from judgment when His people turn to Him in repentance and faith. The account of the plague of darkness serves as a reminder of the importance of faithful intercession and the power of God to bring about His purposes through His chosen servants.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 10:21-23
And the LORD said to Moses, Stretch out your hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Intercession Every Christian's Duty
... the story informs us, how remarkably his prayer as answered. ... God sent amongst them,
at the intercession of Abraham ... up and prayed," how soon did the plague cease ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/intercession every christians duty.htm

The Purification of Mary
... fruits signified graces obtained through the intercession of St. ... this time of the
year, she answered:] I always ... He taught about the Egyptian plague of darkness ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xvi the purification of mary.htm

Moses the Type of Christ.
... to accept the exchange, but He answered, "Whosover hath ... and pure that Saviour must
be whose intercession is meritorious ... it is provoking God "to plague us with ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon ix moses the type.htm

The Life, as Amplified by Mediaeval Biographers.
... Maddened by this plague, the horses flung their ... they thy sons?" "They are," she answered,
"and we ... hasten back and obtain her Archbishop's farther intercession. ...
/.../hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/iii the life as amplified by.htm

The Best of All, God is with Us
... me for the full price: that the plague may be ... and called upon the LORD, and he answered
him from ... See what was done by David's intercession and sacrifice; and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/the best of all god.htm

"The Time of Trouble. "
... fail because their prayers are not immediately answered. ... When Christ ceases His
intercession in the sanctuary ... befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /39 the time of trouble.htm

The Time of Trouble
... fail because their prayers are not immediately answered. ... When Christ ceases His
intercession in the sanctuary ... befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 39 the time of.htm

Ripe for Gathering
... which had been averted by the Prophet's intercession; but the ... picture of the
dead-cart in the plague of London. ... a land of bondage, the cry will be answered. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/ripe for gathering.htm

John 0. 297222222 "To Whom?"
... Then Simon Peter answered Him, Lord ... loins like a man, and do what he can to stay
the plague. ... grasp of the benefits of His blood and intercession, a Christianity ...
/.../chapter xi john 0 297222222 to.htm

Law and Grace
... melted down; and after like a plague-house, the ... Christian, What means this?' The
Interpreter answered, This parlour ... of God who also maketh intercession for us. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/law and grace.htm