Exodus 10:21

Exodus 10:21 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward heaven, so that darkness may spread over the land of Egypt—a palpable darkness.”

King James Version KJV

¶ 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.

American Standard Version ASV

And Jehovah said unto Moses, Stretch out thy hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And the Lord said to Moses, Let your hand be stretched out to heaven, and all the land of Egypt will be dark, so that men will be feeling their way about in the dark.

Free Bible Version FBV

The Lord told Moses, “Lift your hand toward the sky so that darkness will fall over Egypt, darkness so thick that it can be felt.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Againe ye Lord said vnto Moses, Stretch out thine hand toward heauen, that there may be vpon the lande of Egypt darkenesse, euen darkenesse that may be felt.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Jehovah saith unto Moses, 'Stretch out thy hand towards the heavens, and there is darkness over the land of Egypt, and the darkness is felt.'

World English Bible WEB

The LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward the sky, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And the LORD said to Moses, Stretch out thy hand towards heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And the Lord said to Moses: Stretch out they hand towards heaven: and may there be darkness upon the land of Egypt, so thick that it may be felt.

Translation for Translators T4T

Yahweh said to Moses/me, “Reach your hand up toward the sky, in order that there will be darkness over all the land of Egypt, a darkness so complete that people will have to grope around to know where to walk.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 10:21

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Exodus 10:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוָ֜ה אֶל מֹשֶׁ֗ה נְטֵ֤ה יָֽדְ/ךָ֙ עַל הַ/שָּׁמַ֔יִם וִ֥/יהִי חֹ֖שֶׁךְ עַל אֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרָ֑יִם וְ/יָמֵ֖שׁ חֹֽשֶׁךְ

וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

יְהוָ֜ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

מֹשֶׁ֗ה Môsheh H4872 Moses N-proper

נְטֵ֤ה nâṭâh H5186 to stretch V-Qal-Impv-2ms

יָֽדְ/ךָ֙ yâd H3027 hand N-cs | Suff

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

הַ/שָּׁמַ֔יִם shâmayim H8064 heaven Art | N-mp

וִ֥/יהִי hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-Juss-3ms

חֹ֖שֶׁךְ chôshek H2822 darkness N-ms

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

אֶ֣רֶץ ʼerets H776 land N-cs

מִצְרָ֑יִם Mitsrayim H4714 Egypt N-proper

וְ/יָמֵ֖שׁ mâshash H4959 to feel Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms

חֹֽשֶׁךְ chôshek H2822 darkness N-ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 10:21

וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

יְהוָ֜ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

מֹשֶׁ֗ה Môsheh H4872 "Moses" N-proper

Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus

Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.

נְטֵ֤ה nâṭâh H5186 "to stretch" V-Qal-Impv-2ms

To stretch or spread out, often used to describe physical movement, but also moral deflection, as seen in the story of Israel's decline in the book of Judges.

Definition: 1) to stretch out, extend, spread out, pitch, turn, pervert, incline, bend, bow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stretch out, extend, stretch, offer 1a2) to spread out, pitch (tent) 1a3) to bend, turn, incline 1a3a) to turn aside, incline, decline, bend down 1a3b) to bend, bow 1a3c) to hold out, extend (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) to be stretched out 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stretch out 1c2) to spread out 1c3) to turn, incline, influence, bend down, hold out, extend, thrust aside, thrust away

Usage: Occurs in 207 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afternoon, apply, bow (down, -ing), carry aside, decline, deliver, extend, go down, be gone, incline, intend, lay, let down, offer, outstretched, overthrown, pervert, pitch, prolong, put away, shew, spread (out), stretch (forth, out), take (aside), turn (aside, away), wrest, cause to yield. See also: Genesis 12:8; Psalms 31:3; Psalms 17:6.

יָֽדְ/ךָ֙ yâd H3027 "hand" N-cs | Suff

In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.

Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists

Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

הַ/שָּׁמַ֔יִם shâmayim H8064 "heaven" Art | N-mp

The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.

Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)

Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.

וִ֥/יהִי hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-Juss-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

חֹ֖שֶׁךְ chôshek H2822 "darkness" N-ms

This word refers to darkness, both physical and spiritual. It can also mean misery, destruction, or wickedness. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a state of being without light or hope.

Definition: 1) darkness, obscurity 1a) darkness 1b) secret place

Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: dark(-ness), night, obscurity. See also: Genesis 1:2; Psalms 35:6; Psalms 18:12.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

אֶ֣רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" N-cs

The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.

Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan

Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

מִצְרָ֑יִם Mitsrayim H4714 "Egypt" N-proper

This word means Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa, and is used in the Bible to describe the land and its people. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often referring to the Nile River and the Egyptians. Egypt is an important setting for many biblical events.

Definition: § Egypt = "land of the Copts" a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows Egyptians = "double straits" adj 2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt

Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.

וְ/יָמֵ֖שׁ mâshash H4959 "to feel" Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms

To mashash means to feel or grope, often used to describe searching for something in the dark or unfamiliar surroundings.

Definition: 1) to feel, grope 1a) (Qal) to feel, grope 1b) (Piel) to feel over or through, grope 1b1) to feel through 1b2) to grope 1c)(Hiphil) to feel

Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: feel, grope, search. See also: Genesis 27:12; Exodus 10:21; Job 12:25.

חֹֽשֶׁךְ chôshek H2822 "darkness" N-ms

This word refers to darkness, both physical and spiritual. It can also mean misery, destruction, or wickedness. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a state of being without light or hope.

Definition: 1) darkness, obscurity 1a) darkness 1b) secret place

Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: dark(-ness), night, obscurity. See also: Genesis 1:2; Psalms 35:6; Psalms 18:12.

Study Notes — Exodus 10:21

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Exodus 10:21 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 10:21
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 10:21
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 10:21
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 10:21
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 10:21
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 10:21
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 10:21
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 10:21
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 10:21
Sermons on Exodus 10:21

Context — The Ninth Plague: Darkness

19And the LORD changed the wind to a very strong west wind that carried off the locusts and blew them into the Red Sea. Not a single locust remained anywhere in Egypt. 20But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not let the Israelites go.

21Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward heaven, so that darkness may spread over the land of Egypt—a palpable darkness.”

22So Moses stretched out his hand toward heaven, and total darkness covered all the land of Egypt for three days. 23No one could see anyone else, and for three days no one left his place. Yet all the Israelites had light in their dwellings.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Revelation 16:10–11	And the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness, and men began to gnaw their tongues in anguish and curse the God of heaven for their pains and sores; yet they did not repent of their deeds.
2	Jude 1:6	And the angels who did not stay within their own domain but abandoned their proper dwelling—these He has kept in eternal chains under darkness, bound for judgment on that great day.
3	Luke 23:44	It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over all the land until the ninth hour.
4	2 Peter 2:4	For if God did not spare the angels when they sinned, but cast them deep into hell, placing them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment;
5	2 Peter 2:17	These men are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them.
6	Psalms 105:28	He sent darkness, and it became dark— yet they defied His words.
7	Matthew 27:45	From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land.
8	Isaiah 8:21–22	They will roam the land, dejected and hungry. When they are famished, they will become enraged; and looking upward, they will curse their king and their God. Then they will look to the earth and see only distress and darkness and the gloom of anguish. And they will be driven into utter darkness.
9	Deuteronomy 28:29	and at noon you will grope about like a blind man in the darkness. You will not prosper in your ways. Day after day you will be oppressed and plundered, with no one to save you.
10	Exodus 9:22	Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward heaven, so that hail may fall on all the land of Egypt—on man and beast and every plant of the field throughout the land of Egypt.”

Exodus 10:21 Summary

In Exodus 10:21, God instructs Moses to stretch out his hand toward heaven to bring darkness over Egypt, demonstrating His power and authority over Pharaoh and the Egyptians. This darkness was a physical manifestation of the spiritual darkness that had already consumed the hearts of the Egyptian people (Romans 1:21). Just as God brought light to the Israelites in the midst of darkness (Exodus 10:23), He can bring light and guidance into our lives when we are facing challenges or uncertainties (Psalm 119:105). By trusting in God's sovereignty and power, we can seek His presence and guidance in times of darkness, just as Moses did when he stretched out his hand toward heaven.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did God instruct Moses to stretch out his hand toward heaven to bring darkness over Egypt?

God instructed Moses to do this as a demonstration of His power and authority over Pharaoh and the Egyptians, who had refused to let the Israelites go, as seen in Exodus 10:20, where it is written that the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart.

What is meant by 'a palpable darkness' in Exodus 10:21?

The term 'palpable darkness' refers to a darkness that is so thick and heavy that it can be felt, much like a physical presence, as described in Exodus 10:22, where it is written that total darkness covered all the land of Egypt for three days.

How does this darkness relate to the spiritual darkness of the Egyptian people?

The physical darkness that God brought upon Egypt can be seen as a symbol of the spiritual darkness that had already consumed the hearts of the Egyptian people, as seen in Romans 1:21, where it is written that people who reject God become futile in their thinking and their foolish hearts become darkened.

What can we learn from God's use of darkness as a judgment in Exodus 10:21?

We can learn that God is a God of both light and darkness, and that He uses both to accomplish His purposes, as seen in Isaiah 45:7, where it is written that God creates light and darkness, and in Psalm 139:12, where it is written that even the darkness is not dark to God.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that God has brought darkness or difficulty into my life, and how have I responded to it?
How can I trust in God's sovereignty and power when I am facing challenges or uncertainties, just as Moses trusted in God's instruction to stretch out his hand toward heaven?
What are some areas of my life where I may be experiencing spiritual darkness, and how can I seek God's light and guidance in those areas?
How can I use times of darkness or difficulty as opportunities to seek God's presence and guidance, just as the Israelites had light in their dwellings during the darkness that covered Egypt?

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 10:21

And the Lord said unto Moses,.... About the eleventh day of the month Abib: stretch out thine hand toward heaven; where the luminaries are, and from whence light comes: that there may be darkness

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 10:21

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. Stretch out thine hand ... darkness.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 10:21

It is an hyperbolical expression, such being very frequent both in Scripture and in all authors. For darkness being only a privation, cannot be properly felt, yet it might be felt in its cause, to wit, those thick and gross vapours which filled and infected the air. But the place may be rendered thus, that there may be darkness after that the darkness (i.e. the darkness of the night, or the common and daily darkness) is departed or removed, and the time of the day come; for so the root from whence this word may be derived signifies, . And to this purpose the words are rendered by the Chaldee and Syriac, and some others; and the sense is, that the darkness may continue in the day-time as well as in the night.

Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 10:21

Exodus 10:21 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.Ver. 21. Stretch out thine hand.] Here was no warning. See Exodus 8:16. As good, the more unexpected, is the more welcome; so evil, the more sudden, the more terrible.

Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 10:21

THE NINTH PLAGUE.(21-23) The ninth plague, like the third and sixth, was sent without any previous warning. It consisted in a “thick darkness,” which may have been brought about by means of the Khamsin, or “Wind of the Desert,” which frequently blows about the time of the vernal equinox, and brings with it such clouds of a fine impalpable sand that the light of the sun is obscured, and an effect produced which some travellers have compared to “the most gloomy night.” Or it may have been a shutting out of the sun’s rays by dense fog and cloud of a more ordinary character; though in that case there must have been something in the visitation very much exceeding any known instance of such darkness. “They saw not one another,” we are told, “for three days” (Exodus 10:23). The darkness was one which “might be felt” (Exodus 10:21). Such a preternatural continuance of absolutely impenetrable “blackness of darkness” would cause to any man a feeling of intense alarm and horror. To the Egyptians it would be peculiarly painful and terrible. Ra, the sun-god, was among the principal objects of their worship, especially in the Delta, where Heliopolis and Pithoni were cities dedicated to him. Darkness was a creation of Set—the Evil Principle, the destroyer of Osiris—and of Apophis, the Great Serpent, the impeder of souls in the lower world. It would have seemed to the Egyptians that Ra was dead, that Set had triumphed over his brother, that Apophis had encircled the world with his dark folds, and plunged it in eternal night. Hence Pharaoh’s early call for Moses, and permission that the people should depart, with their families (Exodus 10:24): a concession which, however, was marred by the proviso, “Only let your flocks and herds be stayed.”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 10:21

The NINTH plague - THICK DARKNESS Verse 21. Darkness which may be felt.] Probably this was occasioned by a superabundance of aqueous vapours floating in the atmosphere, which were so thick as to prevent the rays of the sun from penetrating through them; an extraordinarily thick mist supernaturally, i.e., miraculously, brought on. An awful emblem of the darkened state of the Egyptians and their king.

Cambridge Bible on Exodus 10:21

21–27. The ninth plague. The darkness. From E and J.

Barnes' Notes on Exodus 10:21

Darkness - This infliction was specially calculated to affect the spirits of the Egyptians, whose chief object of worship was the Sun-god; and its suddenness and severity in connection with the act

Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 10:21

FIFTH PLAGUE — , Exodus 10:21-29. 21. Stretch out thine hand toward heaven… darkness which may be felt — Literally, and one shall feel darkness; a fearfully-expressive figure.

Sermons on Exodus 10:21

	Sermon	Description
	(Exodus) Exodus 10:1-7 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher discusses how God hardened Pharaoh's heart in order to reveal his true nature as a godless man. The preacher explains that God could have immediately t
	What a Believing Man Can Do. by Horatius Bonar	Horatius Bonar emphasizes the extraordinary miracle of Joshua commanding the sun to stand still, illustrating the immense power of faith and the willingness of God to respond to th
	Epistle 227 by George Fox	George Fox encourages believers to rejoice and sing, emphasizing that despite the darkness surrounding them, the Lord is actively working and truth is flourishing. He reminds them
	Will the Church Go Through the Tribulation by Paris Reidhead	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the idea that as a person goes through life and achieves certain milestones, they become increasingly ready to go home. These milestones inclu
	The Armageddon Count Down by J.C. Hibbard	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the signs and events that Jesus foretold would happen before the coming of the kingdom of God. These signs include perplexities of nations, wa
	The Doctrine of Repentance by Thomas Watson	Thomas Watson preaches on the Doctrine of Repentance, emphasizing the essential nature of repentance as a grace of God's Spirit that humbles and reforms sinners. He highlights the
	They Repented Not by Harry Ironside	Harry Ironside emphasizes that while God's creation and goodness should lead humanity to repentance, many remain unresponsive, drifting further into sin despite experiencing His bl