Exodus 10:23
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 10:23
23 They saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days: but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.
Chapter Context
Exodus 10 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of prayer, worship, discipleship. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-29: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 10:23
23 They saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days: but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.
Analysis
Verse 23 introduces the plague of darkness, directly targeting Ra, Egypt's supreme sun god. Darkness covered Egypt for three days—'darkness which may be felt' (v.21)—while Israel had light in Goshen. This penultimate plague strikes at Egypt's chief deity.
Historical Context
Ra, the sun god, was Pharaoh's divine father and Egypt's supreme deity. His daily journey across sky sustained cosmic order (ma'at). Three days of darkness demonstrated Ra's impotence and YHWH's absolute supremacy over Egypt's highest god.
Reflection
- How does this plague reveal the ultimate showdown between YHWH and Egypt's gods?
- What does the light in Goshen symbolize about God's people?
Cross-References
- Light: Isaiah 42:16, 1 Peter 2:9
- References Israel: Exodus 9:4
- Parallel theme: Exodus 8:22