Connecting Scriptures: Matthew 27:45, Mark 15:33, Luke 23:44-45, Matthew 5:14-16, 1 Peter 2:9, John 1:5 

This chapter begins with God giving Moses (and us) a fuller picture as to the “why” of all these plagues.  Why Pharaoh is so “flip-floppy” with all his actions.  It was all so that Israel would know.  So that they would be a united people of God who had a story and a heritage of faith to pass down to their children.  

These two plagues sees a back and forth bargaining with God by Pharaoh.  He is also showing that his loss of perceived control is unraveling his emotions.  He admits he is a sinner (again) against God and against Moses.  He pleads for forgiveness.  He pleads to avoid the death that the plagues, up till now, have all but devastated the entire land of Egypt.  Notice he doesn’t ask for God to remove death from Egypt, just from himself.  He is semi-humbled, but still just as hard of heart.  After the plague of darkness, which was only experienced by Egypt and was a darkness that was felt, we see Pharaoh lash out.  Not humility here, just rage.  After his offer of conditional release for the people, Moses insists that all the people and livestock must go.  Moses leaves Pharaohs presence under treat, one which he is happy to avoid and a man he is satisfied to never see again.  How exhausting this must have been for Moses.  Knowing that God had hardened his heart and these relenting, and then doubling downs by Pharaoh, had a purpose.  God was calling him to see it through.  

I am drawn to focus on that ninth plague—darkness.  For three days the Egyptians had no source of light.  This was beyond a solar or lunar eclipse.  This cannot be explained by natural seasons or moon orbits.  This was God, turning off the light for them.  Darkness was a symbol of God’s judgment then and here we see it as a distinction between Egypt and God’s people.  God’s people  have access to light.  They are keepers of the light in the New Testament, as we are today.  The bride of Christ brightly shining, lifting up Christ and the Truth.  Taking that light like a torch everywhere we are called.  So that others may be called out of darkness into that same marvelous light.  This darkness would proceed a deeper felt darkness in chapters 11-12.  But, we will see a broader and more beautiful “way of light” given to Israel in those chapters.  I am compelled to remember that the darkest nights are required to see the brightest stars.  With those who have eyes to see, Jesus is near in those inky, hollow places.  He is calling us into the light of belief, just as He would to a people ready for freedom and who were about to be pushed out of Egypt.  

Questions for Reflection:

1.  What can be learned from Pharaohs cycle of repentance and backing out of his promises?  What is the evidence of a genuine apology and what can we glean from this false repentance?

2.  How can the locust and the darkness, in plagues eight and nine, shed light on the destructive nature of sin and its consequences?

3.  How is God calling you to be a light in your home, work place, and community?  How are you answering this call, or, what is holding you back from shining brightly?