This verse from Exodus 10:21 describes the ninth plague that Yahweh (God) brought upon Egypt, the plague of darkness. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"Yahweh said to Moses...": This establishes the divine origin of the command. Moses is acting as God's messenger and representative.
"...Stretch out your hand toward the sky...": This is a symbolic action of obedience and a demonstration of God's power through Moses. By stretching out his hand, Moses is invoking God's intervention.
"...that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt...": This states the immediate effect of the action: a thick darkness will engulf the entire land of Egypt.
"...even darkness which may be felt.": This is the most striking part of the verse. It emphasizes the extraordinary and oppressive nature of the darkness. It wasn't just a lack of light; it was a palpable, physical darkness, so intense that it could be felt. Some interpretations suggest it was a thick, heavy, almost tangible darkness.
In essence, this verse means:
God, through Moses, is commanding a supernatural darkness to fall upon Egypt as a punishment for Pharaoh's refusal to release the Israelites from slavery. The darkness is not merely the absence of light, but a dense, suffocating, and almost physical phenomenon, highlighting the overwhelming power of God.
Significance and Interpretation:
Judgment: The plague of darkness was a direct judgment on the Egyptian sun god, Ra. By plunging the land into darkness, Yahweh was demonstrating his power over the very source of light and life that the Egyptians worshipped.
Power of God: This plague showcases God's ability to manipulate the natural order.
Desperation: The intensity of the darkness underscores Pharaoh's stubbornness and the escalating severity of the plagues.
Differentiation: The Israelites were spared from the darkness. Exodus 10:23 states, "All the Israelites had light in the places where they lived." This highlights the distinction between God's chosen people and those who opposed his will.
The verse conveys the profound power of God, the judgment on Egypt's false gods, and the growing desperation of the situation that will ultimately lead to the Exodus.
This verse from Exodus 10:21 describes the ninth plague that Yahweh (God) brought upon Egypt, the plague of darkness. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"Yahweh said to Moses...": This establishes the divine origin of the command. Moses is acting as God's messenger and representative.
"...Stretch out your hand toward the sky...": This is a symbolic action of obedience and a demonstration of God's power through Moses. By stretching out his hand, Moses is invoking God's intervention.
"...that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt...": This states the immediate effect of the action: a thick darkness will engulf the entire land of Egypt.
"...even darkness which may be felt.": This is the most striking part of the verse. It emphasizes the extraordinary and oppressive nature of the darkness. It wasn't just a lack of light; it was a palpable, physical darkness, so intense that it could be felt. Some interpretations suggest it was a thick, heavy, almost tangible darkness.
In essence, this verse means:
God, through Moses, is commanding a supernatural darkness to fall upon Egypt as a punishment for Pharaoh's refusal to release the Israelites from slavery. The darkness is not merely the absence of light, but a dense, suffocating, and almost physical phenomenon, highlighting the overwhelming power of God.
Significance and Interpretation:
Judgment: The plague of darkness was a direct judgment on the Egyptian sun god, Ra. By plunging the land into darkness, Yahweh was demonstrating his power over the very source of light and life that the Egyptians worshipped.
Power of God: This plague showcases God's ability to manipulate the natural order.
Desperation: The intensity of the darkness underscores Pharaoh's stubbornness and the escalating severity of the plagues.
Differentiation: The Israelites were spared from the darkness. Exodus 10:23 states, "All the Israelites had light in the places where they lived." This highlights the distinction between God's chosen people and those who opposed his will.
The verse conveys the profound power of God, the judgment on Egypt's false gods, and the growing desperation of the situation that will ultimately lead to the Exodus.