Exodus: A Group StudySample

What is this passage saying?

Yahweh sends plagues of locusts that consume what remains of Egypt’s vegetation and darkness that covers the sun.

What is this passage teaching?

The ninth plague targeted the most prominent of all Egyptian gods, the sun god. In the modern day, it is hard to comprehend how devastating darkness was for ancient peoples. Darkness brought uncertainty and was associated with death. The rising of the sun was the one thing that could be counted on in the ancient world. Water may be contaminated, the weather may bring destruction, and insects may devour the crops, but the sun would always rise again. Without electric lighting, there was no significant source of sustainable illumination at night aside from the moon and then, only on a cloudless night. Furthermore, the sun was worshipped in Egypt more than any other god and was directly connected to Pharaoh himself. Yahweh’s darkening of the sun was a social, psychological, and religious judgment – a total humiliation of Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt.

How do I respond?

As the plagues draw to a close, it is important to remember the plagues were just as much to show Israel Yahweh’s power, providence, and faithfulness as it was to execute judgment on the Egyptians. If you have identified some idols in your life this week – whether to success, productivity, sexuality, or a whole host of other gods – remember that God’s posture towards His people is compassion and mercy. At the cross, Jesus absorbed all the judgment and wrath that was reserved for you. No matter the darkness of your heart, the duration of your wickedness, or the severity of your sinfulness, there is no condemnation left for you (Romans 8:1). You can expose your heart, trusting the blood of Christ to cover it. You can confess your sins, believing that God is faithful and just to forgive your sins and to cleanse you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). You can be vulnerable in community, knowing that God’s people will encourage you, point you towards Jesus, and walk with you in healing (James 5:16).