Scripture Text
Exodus 10:21-29 -- "Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, darkness which may even be felt.” So Moses stretched out his hand toward heaven, and there was thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days. They did not see one another; nor did anyone rise from his place for three days. But all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings. Then Pharaoh called to Moses and said, “Go, serve the Lord; only let your flocks and your herds be kept back. Let your little ones also go with you.” But Moses said, “You must also give us sacrifices and burnt offerings, that we may sacrifice to the Lord our God. Our livestock also shall go with us; not a hoof shall be left behind. For we must take some of them to serve the Lord our God, and even we do not know with what we must serve the Lord until we arrive there.” But the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not let them go. Then Pharaoh said to him, “Get away from me! Take heed to yourself and see my face no more! For in the day you see my face you shall die!” So Moses said, “You have spoken well. I will never see your face again.”"
The Text (Exodus 10:21-29)
God brings darkness so thick it can be felt—yet Israel has light in their dwellings. Pharaoh still refuses to release Israel.
Three Key Observations
- Darkness that can be felt – Physical and tangible, likely a supernatural intensification of a khamsin wind
- Three days – A complete judgment cycle; the darkness is not permanent
- Israel had light – The same plague has opposite meanings based on one’s relationship to God
The Hardening Question
- Pharaoh hardens his own heart (initial resistance to truth)
- God hardens Pharaoh’s heart (intensified judgment in response)
- Both are true: Pharaoh has genuine freedom but is ultimately responsible; God’s purposes cannot be thwarted
The Darkness/Light Trajectory in Scripture
| Stage | Meaning | Key Text |
|---|---|---|
| Creation | Light = Order; Darkness = Chaos | Genesis 1:2-5 |
| Judgment | Darkness = Punishment; Light = Protection | Exodus 10:23; Proverbs 4:18-19 |
| Salvation | Darkness = Sin’s dominion; Light = Redemption | Ephesians 5:8-14 |
| Incarnation | Jesus Christ is the Light of the World | John 1:1-5; John 8:12 |
| Eschatology | Eternal Light for believers; Eternal Darkness for unbelievers | Revelation 21:23-25 |
Christ as the Fulfillment
- John 1:1-5 connects Jesus to creation’s light
- John 8:12 is Christ’s claim: “I am the light of the world”
- Colossians 1:12-13 echoes the Exodus pattern: rescued from darkness, brought into light
- The Church’s role: bear witness to Christ’s light (Matthew 5:14-16)
Three Reflection Questions
- Are you living in light or darkness?
- If you’ve been rescued into light, are you living like it?
- Who around you is living in spiritual darkness and needs to see Christ’s light through you?
Key Verses to Remember
- “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5)
- “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness.” (John 8:12)
- “He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son.” (Colossians 1:13)
For Further Study
- Read Exodus 10:1-20 for the full plague series context
- Compare Genesis 1:1-5 (creation light) with Exodus 10:21-29 (judgment darkness)
- Study how John 1:1-5 connects Jesus to both creation and redemption
- Reflect on how you’re bearing witness to Christ’s light in your sphere