Light and Darkness; Or, the Church and the World
J. Burns, D. D. Exodus 10:21-23 And the LORD said to Moses, Stretch out your hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt… I. EGYPT IN ITS DARKNESS WAS A TYPE OF THE WORLD. It was so also in other particulars. In its tyrannical dominion by the despotical Pharaoh; — in its diversified idolatry; but particularly in the darkness which enshrouded it. 1. Darkness is an emblem of ignorance and error, and the world is involved in these. 2. Darkness is an emblem of guilt, and the world is involved in this. 3. Darkness is an emblem of peril, and in this the world is involved. It is to be the scene of the Divine vengeance. It is to be renovated by fire (2 Peter 3:10). 4. Darkness is the emblem of misery, and in this the world is involved. Now the misery of the men of the world arises from three things. (1) From the accusations of guilt, the cause of their condemnation. (2) From the unsatisfying nature of their portion. They want happiness, but cannot find it. (3) Their gloomy fears as to the future. II. THE ISRAELITES WITH LIGHT IN THEIR DWELLINGS WERE A TYPE OF THE CHURCH. 1. They have the light of saving knowledge. 2. They have the light of the Divine approbation. 3. They have the light of holiness. In applying this subject we behold the contrast between those who are of the world and the people of God, in several conditions of life. (1) See them in adversity. The wicked have an addition of darkness. No solace, — no ray to cheer them; hence how often they sink into despair and rush into eternity. The Christian feels, but he recognizes God's hand. (2) See them in sickness. No light. Painful, restless, and an overwhelming anxiety, The sick chamber is as dark as Egypt. But the righteous have light in their dwellings. The serene countenance, the pious resignation, the cheering hope, show the difference. (3) See them in death. With the wicked it is a leap in the dark. But the righteous have light in death — often the celestial beams of glory. (J. Burns, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt. WEB: Yahweh said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand toward the sky, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt."