Exodus 10:23 - Printer Friendly

ESV: They did not see one another, nor did anyone rise from his place for three days, but all the people of Israel had light where they lived.

NIV: No one could see anyone else or move about for three days. Yet all the Israelites had light in the places where they lived.

NASB: They did not see one another, nor did anyone rise from his place for three days, but all the sons of Israel had light in their dwellings.

CSB: One person could not see another, and for three days they did not move from where they were. Yet all the Israelites had light where they lived.

NLT: During all that time the people could not see each other, and no one moved. But there was light as usual where the people of Israel lived.

KJV: They saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days: but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.

NKJV: They did not see one another; nor did anyone rise from his place for three days. But all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.

God has brought intense disasters on the nation of Egypt (Exodus 7:21; 8:6, 17, 24; 9:6, 10, 24; 10:14). Each has come because Egypt's king, the pharaoh, has refused commands to release the Hebrew slaves (Exodus 5:1; 7:16; 8:1, 21; 9:1, 13; 10:3). Instead, he has been stubborn and prideful (Exodus 5:2; 7:13–14, 22; 8:15, 19, 32; 9:7, 35; 10:20). Each plague also suggested that the Egyptian idols thought to control certain aspects of nature were helpless against the God of the Israelites. This ninth event is an overt challenge to one of Egypt's most important deities: the sun god, Ra.

The prior verse used two separate words to amplify the darkness which came over Egypt. Here, it is said that the people stayed in their homes for three days and "did not see one another." A common interpretation is that this darkness is a supernatural blinding, preventing even the use of artificial lights. But this uses a word that can also be translated as "behold," "regard," or even "appear." Many commentators note that sandstorms can almost completely block out sunlight. An earlier plague involved lethal hail and lightning (Exodus 9:24–25). So, it's possible the people of Egypt huddled in their homes, too afraid to come out. These constant disasters are not only ruining Egyptian life, but they are also eroding trust in their Pharoah (Exodus 11:3)

More important is the meaning of the plague of darkness. The Lord adds even greater emphasis to His attack on Egyptian idols by keeping it from affecting His people in Goshen (Genesis 47:27; Exodus 8:22; 9:26). Scripture does not record any appeal from Pharaoh or prayers by Moses, so this plague may have come and gone without the two men speaking to each other.

Exodus 10:21–29 explains the ninth plague. A supernatural darkness falls on Egypt. It seems that no light source could penetrate this darkness; the Egyptian people are forced to shelter in place for three days. Yet again, this trouble does not affect the Israelite slaves who live in Goshen. Pharaoh once again tries to negotiate, this time offering to let the people leave if they leave their livestock. Moses refuses, saying they must take everything. The Egyptian king dismisses Moses with a threat to kill him if they ever meet in person again. Moses seems to accept this without concern.

Moses warns Pharaoh that an eighth plague will come if the Hebrew slaves are not set free. This will be the worst locust invasion the nation will ever see. Pharaoh's advisors beg him to negotiate. He offers to release only Israelite men, which Moses rejects. The locust plague eradicates everything that survived the earlier hailstorm. Pharaoh pleads for relief, only to break his promise once again when the danger has passed. Next come three days of intense darkness. Pharaoh once again tries to arrange a partial release. When Moses refuses, Pharaoh threatens to kill him if he ever comes back.

Seven times, God has sent supernatural judgment against the nation of Egypt (Exodus 7—9). Each time, Pharaoh has refused to obey God's command to release the Israelite slaves. As a result, God will no longer give Pharaoh the ability to repent (Proverbs 29:1). Despite an epic, devastating locust invasion and three days of darkness, Pharaoh still refuses to submit. Rather, he threatens Moses with death. This will lead Moses to predict the last and worst of the ten plagues (Exodus 11). The tragic death of Egypt's firstborn during the Passover (Exodus 12) will finally lead to Israelite freedom.

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.