Definition: And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Exodus 10:22. It’s a really significant moment in the story of God’s plan to deliver His people from slavery. Here's what it means, explained simply: Basically, it says that after Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, God decided to actively try to stop them from escaping. Let’s unpack it a bit more: “And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven…” – This is a dramatic image. It means Moses was reaching up, as if trying to catch something that was flying away. He was hoping to stop the Israelites from running into the sea or escaping the Pharaoh's control. "...and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days:” – This is the core of the verse. The land of Egypt becomes completely dark. It’s like a blanket of shadow falls over everything. It wasn’t just a little bit dark; it was deeply dark. So, what does this darkness mean? The Bible describes it as a period of intense fear and uncertainty for the Egyptians. They were terrified that the Israelites would escape. This darkness represents: Fear & Anxiety: The Egyptians were gripped by worry about their safety. A Sense of Uncertainty: They weren’t sure what would happen, which created chaos. God's Presence: It symbolizes God being very present and watching over his people. Why did God do this? The Bible says it was because God wanted to show His power and control over the Israelites. He wasn’t just passively watching; he was actively intervening to protect them. In short, Exodus 10:22 is a powerful snapshot of God's intervention in a crucial moment – He is actively trying to stop the Israelites from escaping. --- Do you want me to delve deeper into any aspect of this passage? For example, would you like to know: What’s the context surrounding this verse? Why was this action significant for God?