What does Psalms 105:28 mean?

He sent darkness, and made it dark; and they rebelled not against his word. Psalms 105:28

Explanation

The verse “He sent darkness, and made it dark; and they rebelled not against his word.” from Psalms 105:28 refers primarily to one of the plagues that God inflicted upon Egypt as a sign of His power and to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery. The sending of darkness is mentioned in the book of Exodus as one of the ten plagues. This specific verse is emphasizing that even in the face of such a terrifying event, those who were obedient to God’s word—likely referring to the Israelites—did not rebel. It implies steadfastness in faith and trust in God despite the trials they faced.

Historical Context

Psalms 105 is a psalm of thanksgiving and remembrance of the marvellous deeds that God has performed for His people, the Israelites. The historical background of Psalm 105:28 directly relates to the period of Israelite enslavement in Egypt and their subsequent exodus, which is narrated in the book of Exodus. The darkness referred to in this verse is the ninth plague described in Exodus 10:22-23.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, darkness often symbolizes judgment, hardship, or the presence of evil. In this context, the darkness sent by God served as divine judgment upon Egypt. It’s also an act that showcases God’s sovereignty over creation, including the elements. The lack of rebellion against God’s word conveys the importance of obedience and submission to divine authority.

Practical Applications

This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to divine commandments. In a practical sense, it encourages believers to trust and obey God even during times of hardship or uncertainty. It also posits that those who are faithful will remain steadfast, not rebelling against God’s guidance, no matter how challenging their circumstances may be.

Cross-References

• Exodus 10:22-23: “And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days.”
• Psalm 105:36: “He smote also all the firstborn in their land, the chief of all their strength.”
• Psalm 105:37: “He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and there was not one feeble person among their tribes.”

Language Study

The original Hebrew term for “darkness” used in this verse is “choshek,” which can refer to physical darkness, obscurity, or metaphorically, misery and destruction. The phrase “made it dark” is translated from “hoshek” which literally means ’caused darkness’ or ‘to darken.’ The term “rebelled” is translated from “pasha,” which means to revolt or transgress against authority. This linguistic analysis underlines the gravity of the event as well as the Israelites’ non-transgression against God’s authority.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparison to other ancient myths, the theme of darkness has often been associated with chaos or cosmic battles. In Egyptian mythology, for example, the sun god Ra journeys through the underworld at night, fighting against the forces of chaos. The biblical narrative reframes these motifs to reflect the true God’s power over all of creation, including darkness, which in this context is used as an instrument of divine will rather than an uncontrollable force or deity.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific viewpoint, darkness is simply the absence of visible light. In the context of the biblical account, some scholars look for natural explanations for events described as miracles. For example, a massive sandstorm, volcanic eruption, or an eclipse might explain an extended period of darkness. However, these explanations are speculative and may not align with the narrative’s intention to portray a supernatural event.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and commentators have studied Psalm 105:28 to understand its place within the Psalter and the larger biblical narrative. Matthew Henry’s commentary, for example, reflects on God’s power to give comfort and inflict terror according to His righteous will. John Calvin’s commentary emphasizes God’s protection over His people through acts that serve as a testament to His promise – the deliverance of Israel from Egypt. Contemporary commentaries often focus on the theological significance of trust in divine providence and steadfastness in one’s faith during times of trial.