So Moses stretched out his hand toward heaven, and there was pitch darkness in all the land of Egypt three days.
22. And Moses stretched forth his hand. By this darkness God not only wished to reprove the blindness of Pharaoh’s mind, but in every way to convince him how senseless and mad he was in his resistance. There is no blessing which is more common to all men, from the very highest even to the lowest, than light, which is enjoyed not less by the...
This darkness was not merely dark but palpable, felt by the fingers themselves, thick as fog. The Egyptians could not see one another, could not kindle a flame, and were terrified by the horrors of their own consciences and the dreadful sounds around them. Hell itself is utter darkness.
AI summary
Commenting on Exodus 10:21-29
And Pharaoh called unto Moses,.... After the three days, as the Targum of Jonathan, when the darkness was over, or at least much diminished, fearing that still worse evils would befall him: and said, go ye, serve the Lord, only let your flocks and your herds be stayed; stopped or remained behind, as a pledge and security of their return; and these the rather he...