At the beginning of the plagues, the Egyptians probably jeered and tormented their Israelite neighbours. "Those stupid slaves. Why do you they have to practice their stupid magic on us? Blood and frogs. Ugh." But by Plague #9, their "magic" was stupid no more. They probably quaked in fear any time an Israelite footstep fell nearby. Yes, God's purpose in these plagues was being fulfilled as each blow to the Egyptians landed. The name of the LORD was being proclaimed in Egypt and His power was being shown. So by now, the Egyptians were probably wondering what plague would strike Egypt next. Well, they wouldn't have to wait long ...
"Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, a darkness to be felt.” So Moses stretched out his hand toward heaven, and there was pitch darkness in all the land of Egypt three days." (Exodus 10:21-23)
I find that phrase in Exodus 10:21 interesting. This wasn't just darkness like darkness at night, when the moon still shines or when you can at least still see. No, this was "a darkness to be felt."
But why darkness? The HCSB Study Bible sheds some light on this: "Darkness seems appropriate as an attack on the Egyptian king, since Pharaoh was believed to be the son of Egypt's chief god, the sun-god Re. ... Pharaoh had refused to allow a three-day journey for the Israelites, and now, ironically, Pharaoh's people were surrounded by darkness and unable to go anywhere for three days, while the Lord's people had light for their activities." That's kind of interesting, isn't it? Darkness was not randomly picked; there's irony at play here.
"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." (Exodus 10:23 - emphasis mine) Yep, Egypt was black with their sin and idolatry, but Goshen remained light with the name of the LORD being proclaimed through the brightly-lit streets. "For the Lord hears the needy and does not despise his own people who are prisoners." (Psalm 69:33)
"Then Pharaoh called Moses and said, “Go, serve the LORD; your little ones also may go with you; only let your flocks and your herds remain behind.”" (Exodus 10:24) Here we find Pharaoh trying to make yet another compromise with Moses. "Okay. Just the men was a no-no. How about I let you take the men and your little ones? How about that? No animals, but I think that's a pretty good deal."
"Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, a darkness to be felt.” So Moses stretched out his hand toward heaven, and there was pitch darkness in all the land of Egypt three days." (Exodus 10:21-23)
I find that phrase in Exodus 10:21 interesting. This wasn't just darkness like darkness at night, when the moon still shines or when you can at least still see. No, this was "a darkness to be felt."
But why darkness? The HCSB Study Bible sheds some light on this: "Darkness seems appropriate as an attack on the Egyptian king, since Pharaoh was believed to be the son of Egypt's chief god, the sun-god Re. ... Pharaoh had refused to allow a three-day journey for the Israelites, and now, ironically, Pharaoh's people were surrounded by darkness and unable to go anywhere for three days, while the Lord's people had light for their activities." That's kind of interesting, isn't it? Darkness was not randomly picked; there's irony at play here.
"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." (Exodus 10:23 - emphasis mine) Yep, Egypt was black with their sin and idolatry, but Goshen remained light with the name of the LORD being proclaimed through the brightly-lit streets. "For the Lord hears the needy and does not despise his own people who are prisoners." (Psalm 69:33)
"Then Pharaoh called Moses and said, “Go, serve the LORD; your little ones also may go with you; only let your flocks and your herds remain behind.”" (Exodus 10:24) Here we find Pharaoh trying to make yet another compromise with Moses. "Okay. Just the men was a no-no. How about I let you take the men and your little ones? How about that? No animals, but I think that's a pretty good deal."
"Not. A. Chance," said our fed-up Moses. "We need our flocks so that we can offer sacrifices to the LORD. Do you hear me? Not a hoof will be left behind when we leave this place." (Exodus 10:25-26)
"But the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he would not let them go." (Exodus 10:27) Okay. This is getting a little old. Nine times and counting. We're sick of this, Pharaoh. Sick and tired. Well, apparently Pharaoh was too. "Then Pharaoh said to him, “Get away from me; take care never to see my face again, for on the day you see my face you shall die.” Moses said, “As you say! I will not see your face again.”" (Exodus 10:28-29) Ooh. This was harsher than expected. "Bug me again and die," said our fed-up Pharaoh. The tension here had suddenly escalated to about a billion; Pharaoh was this close to killing Moses, and we're on our second last plague. Things are changing all ready. But don't go away yet. We've got one more plague before everything explodes ... and God's power is proclaimed with blood ...