The miracle of darkness brought upon the land of Egypt is one of the ten plagues that God executed through His servants Moses and Aaron. This particular miracle is recorded in the book of Exodus and serves as a powerful demonstration of God's sovereignty and authority over creation, as well as His ability to execute judgment upon those who oppose His will.

Biblical Account

The event of darkness is described in Exodus 10:21-23. The LORD instructed Moses to stretch out his hand toward the sky so that darkness would spread over Egypt—a darkness that could be felt. Moses obeyed, and a thick darkness enveloped the land for three days. The Berean Standard Bible recounts this event as follows:

"Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Stretch out your hand toward the sky so that darkness spreads over the land of Egypt—a darkness that can be felt.' So Moses stretched out his hand toward the sky, and total darkness covered all the land of Egypt for three days. No one could see anyone else or leave his place for three days. Yet all the Israelites had light in their dwellings." (Exodus 10:21-23)

Theological Significance

The plague of darkness was the ninth of the ten plagues and served as a direct challenge to the Egyptian pantheon, particularly Ra, the sun god, who was one of the most revered deities in Egypt. By plunging the land into a palpable darkness, God demonstrated His supremacy over the Egyptian gods and the natural order they claimed to control.

This miracle also symbolized the spiritual darkness that enveloped Egypt due to their idolatry and rejection of the true God. The darkness was so intense that it could be felt, emphasizing the severity of God's judgment. Yet, in the midst of this profound darkness, the Israelites had light in their dwellings, highlighting the distinction God made between His people and the Egyptians.

Role of Moses and Aaron

Moses and Aaron acted as God's chosen instruments to bring about this miracle. Their obedience to God's command was crucial in executing His will. Moses, as the leader and prophet, and Aaron, as his spokesperson, worked in tandem to confront Pharaoh and deliver God's message. Their actions were not of their own power but were a testament to their faithfulness and God's mighty hand working through them.

Impact on Pharaoh and Egypt

Despite the overwhelming nature of the darkness, Pharaoh's heart remained hardened. The plague of darkness, like the others, was intended to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from bondage. However, Pharaoh's persistent refusal set the stage for the final and most devastating plague—the death of the firstborn.

The darkness served as a precursor to the ultimate deliverance of the Israelites, showcasing God's power to both judge and save. It was a clear indication that the God of Israel was not to be trifled with and that His purposes would ultimately prevail.

Conclusion

The miracle of darkness brought through Moses and Aaron is a profound example of God's ability to control the elements and execute judgment. It underscores the theme of divine sovereignty and the distinction between those who belong to God and those who oppose Him. Through this miracle, God demonstrated His power, challenged the false gods of Egypt, and prepared the way for the liberation of His people.Exodus 10:22
And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Unclean Spirits.
... And with the miracles to be wrought, the frog ... There shall not be found among you
any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the unclean spirits.htm

City of God
... Chapter 12.--Of the Miracles Wrought by the True God ... are to Be Believed About the
Miracles Whereby the ... from the Animals Which Were Preserved, Through the Deluge ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xxii. 2, Etc. , About the ...
... among the Israelites, Moses only and Aaron wrought them; the ... I am nothing." See,
these are the miracles of men ... these things may be done even through the love ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xl on the words.htm

Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals.
... Miracles wrought on memorable occasions, were constituted signs or ... sign of a great
deliverance wrought for them ... shall be preserved,""smite through the loins ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter xi covenanting enforced by.htm

Psalm LXXVII.
... on bodies, let us see those wrought on the ... arrows have gone through." What is, "have
gone through"? ... commandments they have thundered, with miracles they have ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxvii.htm

What Messiah did the Jews Expect?
... it is explained, that all the miracles and deliverances ... that He, Who taught and wrought
as none ... that point reached, the mind, looking back through the teaching ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter v what messiah did.htm

Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
... of a bride; such weariness and faintness through their malignant ... that the prophets
or great men of old had wrought. ... of Egypt had imitated the miracles of Moses ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix xii the baptism of.htm

On the Article, and in one Holy Ghost, the Comforter, which Spake ...
... Spirit; and to another workings of miracles; and to ... The Father through the Son, with
the Holy Ghost ... he did righteously, and grieved Him not, wrought deeds above ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xvi on the article.htm

Book I.
... reward would not be due to me, but to Him who wrought in me ... are all workers of miracles? ...
for lacking that which he has not; but he is justified through what he ...
//christianbookshelf.org/jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book i.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... he putteth no trust in his servants, and chargeth ... the centurion was found worthy
through alms-giving ... who, while he was fasting, had wrought miracles, no sooner ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

What does it mean that God is a God of miracles? | GotQuestions.org

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