Remember His Wonders
He sent darkness, and it became dark— yet they defied His words. Psalm 105:28 · Berean Standard Bible
The first plague: God sent thick darkness over Egypt, but Pharaoh refused to listen or let the people go. Instead of repenting, he dug in harder.
Imagine three days of complete darkness—no sunlight in the land of Ra, the sun god Egyptians worshipped. It was terrifying and humiliating. Yet even faced with this undeniable sign, Pharaoh's heart remained closed. His stubbornness wasn't just foolishness; it was spiritual rebellion against God.
The psalmist, describing the plague of darkness and Pharaoh's response
You're watching a pattern develop: God acts, Egypt experiences a sign that proves His power, and Pharaoh refuses to surrender. This happens again and again. It shows that even miraculous power doesn't automatically produce faith—people can see God work and still choose to resist.
God sent plague darkness upon Egypt, yet Pharaoh and his magicians defiantly resisted God's commands despite this overwhelming display of power.
The ninth plague (Exodus 10:21-29) brought palpable darkness for three days—a darkness so thick the Egyptians couldn't move. Notably, this wasn't mere darkness but what scholars recognize as theological darkness, associated with divine judgment throughout scripture. Yet Pharaoh's refusal persisted.
The psalmist, now highlighting the theme of human obstinacy in the face of divine manifestation—a recurring theological concern about how revelation and resistance coexist.
This verse introduces the theological puzzle of Pharaoh's hardening—if God is demonstrating his power this unmistakably, why does resistance continue? Medieval exegetes debated whether Pharaoh's resistance was libertarian free choice or divine causation. The psalmist presents it as a mystery inherent to God's redemptive work.
26He sent Moses His servant, and Aaron, whom He had chosen.
27They performed His miraculous signs among them, and wonders in the land of Ham.
28He sent darkness, and it became dark— yet they defied His words.
29He turned their waters to blood and caused their fish to die.
30Their land teemed with frogs, even in their royal chambers.
Read all of Psalm 105 — From Abraham to the exodus, God's faithfulness is retold as a song. He remembered His holy promise and brought His people out with joy.
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