Exodus 10:21Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Consider the darkness and the disturbance of elements in Egypt. If some claim that this eclipse was merely a natural phenomenon and not an act of God, let them explain how it coincided with the crucifixion of Christ. It was not a typical event, occurring at a moment when, according to the natural order, it should not have happened—specifically on the fourteenth day of the month, during the full moon, a time when eclipses are not expected. Yet they cannot provide an answer. Therefore, it is clear that, like all creation, every eclipse occurs through the decree of the Creator.

In a similar way, we should recognize that the air became dark for the Egyptians through the rod, while it shone with light for the Hebrews. This observation reinforces our earlier point that it is not a divine power causing one group to be shrouded in darkness while another enjoys illumination. Rather, we, in our own human condition and volition, create both light and darkness in our lives, becoming what we choose. According to the narrative, it was not due to any obstruction like a wall or mountain preventing sight and light that the Egyptians remained unaware of the light enjoyed by the Hebrews.

When Moses spoke, the staffs vanished as soon as Pharaoh started to feel remorse. However, due to his indecision, Moses summoned darkness over all of Egypt, enduring for three days and three nights.

It was a common practice for the third punishment to be delivered unexpectedly to Pharaoh. This punishment—the darkness that enveloped the land of Egypt—carried profound significance. The Egyptians were used to a clear, bright sky, and their primary object of worship was the sun, Ra. The supernatural darkness that descended upon the Nile Valley must have plunged them into deep despair. In comparison, Job 12:25 states, "let the darkness settle down ... like a drunken man," indicating an overwhelming darkness where the sense of touch becomes the only means of navigation. Furthermore, the ‘Wisdom of Solomon’ offers a vivid portrayal of this darkness and the dread it cast upon the Egyptians. In this divine act, God exhibited remarkable phenomena reminiscent of the shamsin wind that occurs in Egypt after March, emphasizing that this was a miraculous event rather than a natural occurrence.