Have you ever been in complete darkness? Most of us have experienced the loss of electricity due to a thunderstorm, but even then there is usually ambient light from outside sources. Total darkness is a fearful experience. And that is what God brought upon the Egyptians. 

There was thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days. (Ex 10:22) But all the children of Israel had light in their dwelling. (v.23) In fact the Bible states that the darkness was so dark that it may even be felt. (v.21) The word felt could also mean ‘grope’. It would be like having your eyes fully covered and trying to find your way even around your own home. They had no light. They had no idea how long the darkness would last. One can only imagine the fear and panic that would have overtaken them.

The Egyptians were sun worshippers. The sun deity became the ruler of all. For this reason it is very clear that God was sending them a message that He was greater than their sun god. But greater still, the darkness was not only literal it was a picture of their spiritual condition. They were in spiritual darkness while the Israelites were in light because their God was Lord of all.

In order for the Israelites to be freed from that land of darkness, they had to sacrifice a lamb without blemish. They had to kill it at twilight and take some of the blood and put it on the doorposts and lintel. In doing so God would pass over the door and not allow the destroyer to enter that house. They would no longer be enslaved to Egypt because the hand of God was upon them. (Ex 12:5,6,23; 13:3) 

Jesus the Messiah came into the world and “ the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light.” (Matt 4:15) He is the light of the world and whoever “follows Him shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8:12) “He is the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29) “For indeed Christ our Passover was sacrificed for us.”(I Cor 5:7)    For those who have trusted in Messiah as Lord and Savior, you are no longer a slave in the dark land of Egypt. You have been brought out of bondage through the sacrifice of the Lamb of God and brought into the Promised Land. For we were once in darkness but now are light in the Lord. “Walk as children of light.” (Eph 5:8) Hallelujah, what a Savior!