Definition: They saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days: but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Exodus 10:23. It’s a really striking and important verse that describes a moment of profound stillness and change. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, the Israelites were completely isolated and without anyone. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening: “They saw not one another…” : This suggests a separation between the Israelites and the Egyptians. They weren’t interacting or even being near each other. “…neither rose any from his place…” : This is key. “His place” refers to the Pharaoh's palace – where he lived and ruled. The Egyptians were in charge of the Israelites, and they were completely absent from that space. “for three days…” : This is the longest pause in the story. It’s a long period of nothing happening. “…all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings” : This is the surprising part! The Israelites were inside their homes, and they were bathed in sunlight. It's like they were completely shielded from the sun, even within their own houses. What does this mean symbolically? The story of this isolation and darkness is often interpreted as a sign that God was preparing for a dramatic event – the Exodus. It represents: God’s Protection: The darkness symbolizes a period of intense protection and divine intervention. A Test of Faith: It's a moment where the Israelites needed to be shielded from temptation and evil, allowing them to focus on God's will. A Preparation for Freedom: The darkness is a prelude to a time when God would bring freedom and deliverance to his people. In short, it’s a powerful image of divine protection and a moment of stillness that precedes a significant shift in history. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific part of the verse further? Provide context about the story of Exodus 10:23?