The Feeling of Darkness

Exodus 10:21-29

Today we talk about the 9th plague.

This is in my opinion, the most unique plague.

It also shows an amazing amount of control by God that we will talk about in a bit.

Let’s just get started with verse 21

The New International Version Chapter 10

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward the sky so that darkness spreads over Egypt—darkness that can be felt.” 22 So Moses stretched out his hand toward the sky, and total darkness covered all Egypt for three days. 23 No one could see anyone else or move about for three days. Yet all the Israelites had light in the places where they lived.

First off, we see like the 6th and 3rd plagues, this one comes without warning.

I want to talk about this darkness.

At first glance, this seems like a mild plague

When I fist heard of this as a kid, it didn’t mean much to me, except I was afraid of the dark, so it seemed terrible in that way.

Then when I became an adult, It was hard for me to comprehend how this would be that bad

I thought maybe this should have been a warm-up plague.

However, light and darkness are funny things.

Total darkness can do many things to you over time.

It can mess with your sleep cycle

which can lead to fatigue and depression

It takes away stimuli, as you are unable to really do anything

this can lead to hallucinations

many who have experienced this have done so by the third day

then there is also the crippling fear.

Though you may not be afraid of the dark, spend enough time in complete darkness and your mind will start to think many possibilities of what is out there.

what is being heard

what you don’t know because you can’t see.

There is so much discussion about what is meant when God says “darkness that can be felt.”

many try to reason what it could mean, but I take a simpler approach.

In the dark, it is colder

in the dark, there is often eerie feelings

and in the darkness there are the things i had just talked about

these are all things you can feel.

I want to point out something else unique about this light

look at this map (Jeremy, you can show this on full screen so they can see for a minute)

Look how close Goshen is to Egypt

If they were able to get out side, they would see that there is light in that direction.

They would know that is where the Israelites lived

this would only make things harder.

Now let’s talk about the control of God

light reflects and spreads in darkness

a single candle in the right place can light a room enough for you to maneuver around it.

There was light in Goshen, but the light did not provide any light shining over to Egypt for the Egyptians to see.

Stay looking at the map

if it were a total eclipse for Egypt and not Goshen, that would make sense if Egypt was smaller.

It worked the opposite of an eclipse

All of Egypt was dark

Which means, all of the green and only the purple or pink area had light

That can only be down by the power of God.

vs. 24

The New International Version Chapter 10

Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and said, “Go, worship the LORD. Even your women and children may go with you; only leave your flocks and herds behind.”

It is amazing to see this man continue to push his own authority and his own agenda

unfortunately, this is happening at many churches

The same pastor that said moses was a god has recently stated that he, himself is a god.

So many are pushing the agenda that works for them.

They will give in ever so slightly to God on the surface

Then try to make everyone follow with blindly

This king is the same

He has been built up as the highest in the land and the most important his entire life

now in adversity, he will not relent

vs. 25

The New International Version Chapter 10

But Moses said, “You must allow us to have sacrifices and burnt offerings to present to the LORD our God. 26 Our livestock too must go with us; not a hoof is to be left behind. We have to use some of them in worshiping the LORD our God, and until we get there we will not know what we are to use to worship the LORD.”

This shows me how Moses was a more patient man than I am

I believe at this point I would just say NO

You’re not in charge and you can’t bargain with God

But no, Moses patiently explains why that will now work and what must happen

vs. 27

The New International Version Chapter 10

But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he was not willing to let them go. 28 Pharaoh said to Moses, “Get out of my sight! Make sure you do not appear before me again! The day you see my face you will die.”

29 “Just as you say,” Moses replied. “I will never appear before you again.”

Here is the key

We know this is not the end and I believe Moses thought here that he may not come back to Pharaoh, Why, because despite what some may say, he was not a god and did not know all.

What Moses did know is that this king was constantly looking for partial obedience in order to get what he wanted.

Moses knew that partial obedience to God is disobedience.

Are you obedient?

Are you fully obedient today?

Pray