And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days: 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. Exodus 10:22-23

And now we are on the 9th plague which is total darkness. There are some interesting symbolisms that are happening here, first notice the darkness lasted 3 days. What great event lasted 3 days? Yes the resurrection of Jesus Christ! Notice the foreshadow of the Messiahs Resurrection

Another thing that is interesting is the Israelites were not effected by this darkness like many of the other plagues. Again is this a foreshadow of the Rapture? Another main thing to remember about this plague is the Egyptians, like many other pagan religions, worshipped the sun. So Yahweh being the true living God was demonstrating his power and deity over his creation

But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not let them go. And Pharaoh said unto him, Get thee from me, take heed to thyself, see my face no more; for in that day thou seest my face thou shalt die. And Moses said, Thou hast spoken well, I will see thy face again no more. Exodus 10:27-29

Now this is interesting because it says that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart again, however Pharaoh was so distraught with the darkness after 3 days, he commanded that the Israelites leave and Moses never come back again. I think this is interesting because it shows that Pharaoh still had the free will to choose whether the Israelites are freed or 

not. 

And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain, And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds. Revelation 16:10-11

Again we see the parallel between the Exodus and Revelation. Another interesting thing is the reaction to both groups of people are basically the same. The darkness over Egypt drove them to madness and influenced Pharaoh to let the Israelites go. While the wicked in Revelation were so tormented by the darkness they were injuring themselves just to know they were alive

What is it about total darkness that brings so much torment? Jesus described Hell as being “Outer Darkness” (Matthew 25:30)  Repent before its too late or be thrown into eternal outer darkness!

And Moses and Aaron came in unto Pharaoh, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, How long wilt thou refuse to humble thyself before me? let my people go, that they may serve me. Else, if thou refuse to let my people go, behold, to morrow will I bring the locusts into thy coast: Exodus 10:3-4

Heres a good question “How long will you refuse to humble yourself or repent to God?” This is the questioned posed by Moses to Pharaoh, this same question could be posed to millions, possibly billions today. When are you going to humble yourself before God? As the Bible says, “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6)

The plague of locusts is a very destructive plague. The Prophet Joel talks about how God calls Locust his “Great Army” (Joel 2:25) The multitude of Locusts will cover the land and devour everything in its sight. Again we also see the parallel of the Exodus and Revelation, as Revelation 9 talks about the Locust from the bottomless pit. 

And Pharaoh’s servants said unto him, How long shall this man be a snare unto us? let the men go, that they may serve the LORD their God: knowest thou not yet that Egypt is destroyed? And Moses and Aaron were brought again unto Pharaoh: and he said unto them, Go, serve the LORD your God: but who are they that shall go? Exodus 10:7-8

Notice Pharaohs response to this plague warning, he wasnt remorseful or humbled, he was just annoyed at all these plagues that God kept bring to Egypt. Its obvious Pharaoh didnt really have a change of heart, his heart was still hardened. 

And Moses said, We will go with our young and with our old, with our sons and with our daughters, with our flocks and with our herds will we go; for we must hold a feast unto the LORD. And he said unto them, Let the LORD be so with you, as I will let you go, and your little ones: look to it; for evil is before you. Exodus 10:9-10

Even though Pharaoh said he would let the Israelites go and worship God, he’s already showing signs of deceit. As first he wanted Moses to tell him exactly who was going ,and then Pharaoh made a warning that evil would be upon the Israelites. Again its pretty clear , that Pharaoh hasnt really had a change of heart and is up to something

For they covered the face of the whole earth, so that the land was darkened; and they did eat every herb of the land, and all the fruit of the trees which the hail had left: and there remained not any green thing in the trees, or in the herbs of the field, through all the land of Egypt. Exodus 10:15

Because of Pharaohs disobedience the plague of Locusts covered and devoured the land of Egypt. Nothing green remained alive anymore as the locusts have devoured any vegetation that wasn’t already destroyed by the plague of hail

Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron in haste; and he said, I have sinned against the LORD your God, and against you. Now therefore forgive, I pray thee, my sin only this once, and intreat the LORD your God, that he may take away from me this death only. Exodus 10:16-17

Again as soon as Pharaoh realize the consequences of his sin, he pretended to repent to God so take away this plague. However was this true repentance or was this again another false conversion by Pharaoh to get what he wants?

But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go. Exodus 10:20

Again God stood by his promise and took away the plague because of Pharaohs repentance, but then we see the same pattern. As soon as the storm cleared, Pharaoh changed his mind and wouldn’t allow the Israelites to go. 

Now the mystery is Gods sovereignty vs Mans Free Will, as we see God hardened Pharaohs heart. Did Pharaoh really have the free will to repent? This is a question that has been debated for centuries, one thing we do know is God is always in complete control and we are responsible for our actions, so Yes and Yes

And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. Revelation 9:3

Now when you study Revelation, you see that a plague of locusts come out of the bottomless pit during the fifth trumpet. Now I believe the locusts in Revelation are actually demons being released from Hell, while the locusts in Exodus are literal locusts. But there could be a foreshadowing in the Exodus that is revealing to us what will happen during the final judgement of Revelation

You can read my full commentary on Revelation at unashamedofjesus.org/revelation

And the LORD said unto Moses, Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me. For I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people; that thou mayest know that there is none like me in all the earth. Exodus 9:13-14

By this time, I think Gods patience with Pharaoh is wearing thin. So here God answers the first question “Why send Plagues?” I’m sure most people would ask that, and God says “So the whole world will know there is no one like me” 

Now notice God is expecting this Exodus story , not to just be a history lesson for Egypt, but a lesson for the whole world. This is God Almighty displaying his power and sovereignty , to make Him known!

For now I will stretch out my hand, that I may smite thee and thy people with pestilence; and thou shalt be cut off from the earth. And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth. Exodus 9:15-16

Now the next question is answered “Why did God harden Pharaohs heart?” God is using Egypt and Pharaoh for demonstration to the whole world. The Exodus story is not just for Jewish people , this story is for the entire world! Are you going to submit to the One true God or are you going to perish in your disobedience? 

As yet exaltest thou thyself against my people, that thou wilt not let them go? Behold, to morrow about this time I will cause it to rain a very grievous hail, such as hath not been in Egypt since the foundation thereof even until now.  Exodus 9:17-18

Pharaoh continually exalts himself as god even though he has seen the evidence of the true living God. Again , we still see this today with people, all the evidence of God yet they hardened their hearts and exalt themselves 

Next the 7th plague , God is going to rain down hail, unlike anything that has been seen since the beginning of the world. Again we see the parallel in Revelation, where God will reign down hail upon judgement of the world. Yes the Exodus story is still relevant to the entire world

And the hail smote throughout all the land of Egypt all that was in the field, both man and beast; and the hail smote every herb of the field, and brake every tree of the field. Only in the land of Goshen, where the children of Israel were, was there no hail. Exodus 9:25-26

 God gave Egypt the warning, anything outside would get pummeled with hail. Some Egyptians feared Yahweh and brough everything inside, some ignored the warning and paid the consequence. But notice again, God spared the Israelites from this judgement, again is this a foreshadow of the Rapture?

And Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned this time: the LORD is righteous, and I and my people are wicked. Intreat the LORD (for it is enough) that there be no more mighty thunderings and hail; and I will let you go, and ye shall stay no longer. Exodus 9:27-28

It almost seems like Pharaoh is finally coming to true repentance, he admits that he has sinned and the Egyptians are wicked. He begs Moses to be a mediator for them and have Yahweh show mercy upon them. Note that Jesus Christ is our Mediator today between us and the Father

And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, neither would he let the children of Israel go; as the LORD had spoken by Moses. Exodus 9:35

More deceit by Pharaoh , as he truly didnt repent. As soon as God stopped the plague, Pharaoh hardened his heart again and held the Israelites slaves. Many people are like this today, fairweather Christians. They cry out to God in times of trouble, but as soon as things are good they drift from God and some totally abandon him

And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great. Revelation 16:21

Again we see the parallel in Revelation, God reigning down hail on the wicked. God does not change, he is the same , today, yesterday, and forever. The God of the Exodus is the same God of Revelation. You can’t fool the Creator of the Universe , Repent or perish!

And the LORD said unto Moses and unto Aaron, Take to you handfuls of ashes of the furnace, and let Moses sprinkle it toward the heaven in the sight of Pharaoh.And it shall become small dust in all the land of Egypt, and shall be a boil breaking forth with blains upon man, and upon beast, throughout all the land of Egypt Exodus 9:8-9

Now comes time for the 6th Plague, as were seeing each plague is a little different and they each are revealing to the Egyptians how their pagan gods are useless and their rejection of the true living God has serious consequences. 

Again we see a parallel of this plague in Egypt and in Revelation. Its very clear the God of the Old Testament is the same God of the New Testament, anyone who thinks otherwise should study the Plagues of Egypt and the Wrath of Revelation

Again were seeing a Plague that will torment people, and again we see God separate the Wrath from Egyptians and Israelites. Is this a foreshadow of the Rapture? Either way God is in complete control!

And they took ashes of the furnace, and stood before Pharaoh; and Moses sprinkled it up toward heaven; and it became a boil breaking forth with blains upon man, and upon beast. And the magicians could not stand before Moses because of the boils; for the boil was upon the magicians, and upon all the Egyptians. Exodus 9:10-11

This time the torment was so bad, the magicians of Egypt couldnt even try to reproduce the miracle God had performed. What will it take for  people to come to repentance? Why do we allow our pride to rule our hearts instead of Christ?

And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had spoken unto Moses. Exodus 9:12

Even though the Egyptians see the true living God revealed, Pharaoh still refused to repent. We see this alot in people today, they want to enjoy all the attributes of God but they dont want to acknowledge God. Everybody wants love, peace, joy, everyone stands in awe of the universe, the ocean, DNA, however they still deny the Creator

And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image. Revelation 16:2

Again as you study the bowls of wrath of God in Revelation , you see how they parallel the plagues of Egypt. Here God gave the same judgement, but this time poured unto the entire Earth.  You would think that after all these judgments and revelation of Gods power, people would recieve God however as we see with the Egyptians and we see below, many people still wont repent

And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory. Revelation 16:9

How does the wicked respond to Gods wrath? They blasphemy his name and refuse to give him any glory or credit. Is this an evidential issue with God? Absolutely not, this is a heart issue. People pride and love for sin, they harden their hearts and suffer the wrath of God!

Then the LORD said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh, and tell him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me. For if thou refuse to let them go, and wilt hold them still, Behold, the hand of the LORD is upon thy cattle which is in the field, upon the horses, upon the asses, upon the camels, upon the oxen, and upon the sheep: there shall be a very grievous murrain. Exodus 9:1-3

Despite all the signs and wonders Pharaoh and the Egyptians have experiences, he continues to harden his heart and not allow the Israelties free from slavery. God has another test for Pharaoh, this time its going to effect his livestock. Notice in the scripture when it mentions “livestock” it goes on to list horses, camels, oxen, sheep, ect. Basically every animal throughout the land of Egypt

Now to us reading this, we might not think wiping out livestock to be a real big deal or punishment, however consider the time period of this event. Horses, even today, are considered very valuable, especially for the military during this time. Wiping out all the horses would be equivalent to destroying all the tanks in todays military. All the animals were very valuable, as they provided agriculture and livelihood. Without all these animals, this would have a great impact on Egypts economy and military

And the LORD shall sever between the cattle of Israel and the cattle of Egypt: and there shall nothing die of all that is the children’s of Israel. And the LORD appointed a set time, saying, To morrow the LORD shall do this thing in the land. Exodus 9:4-5

Notice again, God is making a clear distinction between the Egyptians and the Israelites, he will destroy all the Egyptians animals but not the Israelites. This again show us, this event was not just random plague, God was in complete control

Secondly again, is this a foreshadow of the Rapture? God pouring out His wrath on the wicked and unrepented, while sparing His people! 

And the LORD did that thing on the morrow, and all the cattle of Egypt died: but of the cattle of the children of Israel died not one. And Pharaoh sent, and, behold, there was not one of the cattle of the Israelites dead. And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, and he did not let the people go. Exodus 9:6-7

And so it happened , just as God foretold. All the Egyptians animals were killed , while all the Israelites animals were spared. Again even after all these signs and wonders, even after all this time God allowed Pharaoh to repent, what did Pharaoh do? He hardened his heart!

There are probably many people still like Pharaoh today, when they read this , instead of being in awe and fear of God, there hearts become hard and there hatred for God continues to grow. Dont be like Pharaoh, repent before its too late in Jesus Name Amen!