Psalms 105:28 – “He sent darkness and made the land dark— for had they not rebelled against his words?”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Psalm 105:28 refers to one of the ten plagues that God sent upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery. This verse highlights the plague of darkness, where God covered the land of Egypt in a thick, overwhelming darkness for three days (Exodus 10:21-23). The verse implies that this act of darkness was a direct response to the Egyptians’ rebellion against God’s command to let His people go.
The darkness was not merely an absence of light but a supernatural act that symbolized God’s judgment. By sending this plague, God demonstrated His power over creation and showed that He was not to be ignored. The Egyptians’ defiance and refusal to listen to God’s message through Moses led to severe consequences, including this frightening darkness that covered their land.
Historical Context
The historical background of this verse is rooted in the story of the ten plagues in the book of Exodus. The Israelites had been enslaved in Egypt for centuries, and God sent Moses and Aaron to demand their release. However, Pharaoh stubbornly refused, even after multiple warnings and miraculous signs. As a result, God sent a series of plagues to demonstrate His power and to show Pharaoh that He alone was sovereign over all the earth.
The ninth plague was a thick darkness that could be felt. For three days, the Egyptians were unable to see anything or move about, while the Israelites in the region of Goshen had light (Exodus 10:22-23). This plague was particularly significant because the Egyptians worshipped the sun god Ra. By plunging Egypt into darkness, God was directly challenging their false gods and showing that He alone had control over light and darkness.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Psalm 105:28 demonstrates God’s authority over creation. The darkness He sent was a clear message that He had the power to disrupt the natural order to fulfill His purposes. It also underscores the idea that God’s patience has limits; when people continually rebel against Him, He will eventually act in judgment.
This verse serves as a reminder that God’s words are not to be taken lightly. The Egyptians had multiple opportunities to heed God’s warnings, but their persistent rebellion led to increasingly severe consequences. It shows that while God is merciful and patient, there comes a point where He will bring judgment on those who oppose Him.
Literary Analysis
Psalm 105:28 uses vivid imagery to describe the plague of darkness. The phrase “He sent darkness” suggests that the darkness was not a natural occurrence but a deliberate act of God. The repetition of the word “dark” emphasizes the severity of the plague, highlighting how completely it affected the land of Egypt.
The verse’s language also implies a cause-and-effect relationship: the darkness came because the Egyptians had rebelled against God’s words. This literary structure serves to remind the readers of the connection between disobedience and divine judgment.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 10:21-23: The original account of the plague of darkness where “total darkness covered all Egypt for three days.”
- Isaiah 45:7: “I form the light and create darkness; I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things.”
- John 1:5: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
- Revelation 16:10-11: A future plague of darkness is prophesied as a judgment upon those who refuse to repent.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Psalm 105:28 serves as a sobering reminder of God’s power and the seriousness of rebelling against His word. It encourages believers to heed God’s commands and not harden their hearts as Pharaoh did. The darkness that covered Egypt was both a physical and spiritual symbol of what happens when people reject God’s truth.
This verse also reassures us that God sees the injustice done to His people. Just as He intervened to deliver the Israelites from oppression, He is still active in the world today, working to bring justice and freedom to those who trust in Him.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
At first glance, a verse about darkness and judgment may not seem to reflect God’s love. However, God’s actions in Egypt were motivated by His desire to free His people from slavery and to reveal His power. The plagues were not just acts of punishment but were also intended to show both the Egyptians and the Israelites that God was the true and living God.
God’s love is also evident in the fact that He gave Pharaoh many chances to repent before sending the plagues. God does not delight in bringing judgment but is willing to take drastic measures to turn people’s hearts back to Him and protect His own.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The plague of darkness can be seen as a foreshadowing of the darkness that fell when Jesus was crucified. In Matthew 27:45, it says, “From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land.” This darkness symbolized the judgment that Jesus took upon Himself for the sins of the world.
Jesus, who is described as the Light of the World (John 8:12), endured darkness on our behalf so that we could be brought into the light. Just as God sent darkness to judge Egypt, Jesus took on the darkness of sin and death to bring us into His marvelous light.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the story of the plague of darkness challenge your understanding of God’s power and authority?
- Are there areas in your life where you may be resisting God’s word? How can you turn back to Him?
- How can we trust God to bring light into the dark areas of our lives, just as He did for the Israelites?
- What can we learn from the Egyptians’ refusal to listen to God’s warnings, and how can that apply to our own lives?
- How does the darkness during Jesus’ crucifixion connect with the darkness God sent in Egypt?
- How can you encourage someone who feels like they are walking through a season of darkness to trust in God’s light?
Psalm 105:28 is a powerful reminder of God’s authority and the seriousness of rejecting His word. Yet, it also points to the hope we have in Jesus, who endured the darkness on our behalf so that we could live in His light. Let’s choose to trust in God’s words and live in the light He provides, knowing that His plans are always for our ultimate good.