January 04, 2007

Breadcrumb: Afraid of the dark?

As the ten plagues progress, they get increasingly severe. The initial plagues (blood and frogs) are nuisances, but not outright threats. However, the later plagues, such as those of cattle, locusts, and the slaying of the firstborn, are particularly severe. Why, then, is the ninth plague, the second-to-last and thus second-most severe, three days of darkness? (Ex. 10:21-27)

I say this: imagine trying to do any of your normal tasks in complete darkness, without even starlight or candlelight to guide you. Imagine trying to work the field with sharp objects, slaughter animals, or even care for children. It's theoretically possible, but the darkness must have been so intense that many Egyptians probably never moved from their homes for the full three days. The effects of such paralysis must have been truly severe.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Hello Julie

To the Egyptians the sun and moon were gods. The moon at this time was approaching the full moon. The Egyptians already figured out that Pharaoh was no god and now they see that the God of Israel controls the sun and moon by causing this thick darkness over the Land for three days.

This is the last warning before the ultimatum: Ex.4 [22] And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel is my son, even my firstborn:
[23] And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, even thy firstborn.

Eze.18 [21] But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.
[22] All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live.
[23] Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?

Pharaoh has now had nine warning but in his perverseness, refuse to yield, the Egyptian people suffer.

Enjoy

Jim