The Ninth Plague: Lights Out

Sermon 23 in Series

Exodus 10:21-29
[21] Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, a darkness to be felt.” [22] So Moses stretched out his hand toward heaven, and there was pitch darkness in all the land of Egypt three days. [23] They did not see one another, nor did anyone rise from his place for three days, but all the people of Israel had light where they lived. [24] Then Pharaoh called Moses and said, “Go, serve the LORD; your little ones also may go with you; only let your flocks and your herds remain behind.” [25] But Moses said, “You must also let us have sacrifices and burnt offerings, that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God. [26] Our livestock also must go with us; not a hoof shall be left behind, for we must take of them to serve the LORD our God, and we do not know with what we must serve the LORD until we arrive there.” [27] But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not let them go. [28] Then Pharaoh said to him, “Get away from me; take care never to see my face again, for on the day you see my face you shall die.” [29] Moses said, “As you say! I will not see your face again.”

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How do the plagues reinforce the reality of God’s judgment? How does this truth get softened or marginalized in our culture?
2.   How would you describe the ninth plague? What would this period have been like for the Egyptians?
3.   How does the contrast between the Egyptians in the darkness and God’s people in the light provide a picture of final judgment?
4.   What message was God sending through the ninth plague? How did it glorify Yahweh and tear down Egyptian religion?
5.   How does Pharaoh serve as an illustration of the destructive power of pride? How can you turn from pride in your own life?
6.   What does Moses’ response to Pharaoh teach us about the nature of worship?

References: John 4:24; Exodus 10:1-3; Matthew 13:43; 8:12; Genesis 1:2-3; Proverbs 16:18.