Old Testament
Exodus 10:21
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Then the LORD said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand toward heaven so that darkness will spread over the land of Egypt — a darkness so thick it can be felt."
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And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt.
What Exodus 10:21 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, God instructs Moses to raise his hand toward the sky, signaling a profound darkness that will envelop Egypt. This darkness is not just a lack of light; it is so dense that it can be physically felt. Imagine a night so deep that it overwhelms your senses, leaving you disoriented and fearful. This event is part of a series of plagues meant to challenge Pharaoh's stubbornness and demonstrate God's power. The darkness symbolizes not only physical absence of light but also spiritual blindness and despair. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. The Egyptians, who worshipped various gods, are confronted with the reality of the one true God, who has authority over all creation. This darkness is a powerful metaphor for the struggles we face when we ignore the light of truth in our lives. It invites us to reflect on our own choices and the darkness we may allow to linger within us, urging us to seek the light instead. It’s a call to recognize and embrace the light of hope and guidance.
How to apply Exodus 10:21 to your life
When faced with overwhelming challenges, remember that darkness can be a sign of deeper issues. Reflect on areas in your life where you may feel lost or disconnected. Seek out the light through positive actions, relationships, and faith. Embrace the hope that comes from recognizing and addressing these struggles. You are not alone in this journey toward clarity and understanding.
Curated for this public verse page. Exodus Summary
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Three Days of Darkness (Exodus 10:21–29)
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Moses
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
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Keep studying Exodus 10:21
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At a Glance — the Book of Exodus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Exodus 10:21 mean?
Exodus 10:21 describes God instructing Moses to raise his hand toward heaven, causing a deep darkness to cover Egypt. This darkness symbolizes both a physical absence of light and a spiritual blindness, highlighting the consequences of rejecting God's authority.
What is the significance of the darkness in Exodus 10:21?
The darkness in Exodus 10:21 serves as a powerful metaphor for despair and spiritual blindness. It illustrates the severity of the plagues as a challenge to Pharaoh's stubbornness and emphasizes God's control over creation.
How does Exodus 10:21 relate to the theme of hope?
Exodus 10:21, while depicting darkness, also invites reflection on the importance of seeking light and hope in our lives. It encourages individuals to confront their struggles and seek guidance, emphasizing that even in darkness, there is a path to clarity.
What lessons can we learn from Exodus 10:21?
From Exodus 10:21, we learn about the importance of recognizing the darkness in our lives and the need to seek the light. It teaches that ignoring spiritual truths can lead to despair, and that embracing hope and positive actions can lead to clarity and understanding.
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