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Where in the Bible Does it Talk About 3 Days of Darkness?

where in the bible does it talk about 3 days of darkness

The phrase “3 days of darkness” often brings to mind divine judgment and mystery. This term isn’t directly mentioned in the Bible. Yet, darkness is used as a symbol of divine intervention in many places. So, where does the Bible mention 3 days of darkness? This question has puzzled theologians and believers for centuries, with some passages hinting at this event. So, where in the bible does it talk about 3 days of darkness?

This article will look into these references, their context, and the theological meanings behind the 3 days of darkness. We’ll also explore historical views and their impact on modern Christian life.

where in the bible does it talk about 3 days of darkness

The Symbolism of Darkness in the Bible

Before diving into where the Bible talks about 3 days of darkness, let’s understand its symbolic use. Darkness in the Bible often symbolizes trial, judgment, or divine intervention. For instance, in Genesis, darkness comes before creation: “The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep” (Genesis 1:2, ESV). This sets the stage for God’s power to bring light into existence.

Darkness is also linked to God’s judgment. In Isaiah 60:2, it’s written, “For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and His glory will be seen upon you.” Here, darkness is tied to judgment or hardship, yet also to divine redemption.

where in the bible does it talk about 3 days of darkness

Exodus 10:21-23: The First Biblical Reference to 3 Days of Darkness

The Old Testament, specifically Exodus, provides the most direct mention of 3 days of darkness. In Exodus 10:21-23, during the plagues of Egypt, God sent a plague of darkness that lasted three days. The scripture says:

“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Stretch out your hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, a darkness to be felt.’ So Moses stretched out his hand toward heaven, and there was pitch darkness in all the land of Egypt for three days. They did not see one another, nor did anyone rise from his place for three days, but all the people of Israel had light where they lived.” (Exodus 10:21-23, ESV)

This passage is the clearest reference to a literal three-day period of darkness. It’s part of the final plagues that lead to the Israelites’ liberation from slavery. Many theologians see this as a key passage when discussing the 3 days of darkness.

Is the 3 Days of Darkness a Prophecy of Future Events?

Interpretations of the 3 days of darkness vary, with some seeing it as a historical event and others as a future apocalyptic sign. Some Christian groups, especially Catholics, believe it will happen again in the end times.

However, these beliefs often come from private revelations by saints and mystics, not directly from the Bible. For example, some mystics, like Blessed Anna Maria Taigi, had visions of a future 3 days of darkness as God’s judgment.

While these claims aren’t official Church doctrine, they’ve made the idea of a future 3 days of darkness popular. Yet, the Bible doesn’t explicitly prophesy this event.

where in the bible does it talk about 3 days of darkness

Other Biblical References to Darkness

Exodus 10:21-23 talks about the 3 days of darkness in a clear way. But, other parts of the Bible link darkness with God’s judgment and His presence. These texts often show times when God steps in or when big spiritual events happen:

  • Joel 2:31: “The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes.”
    This text says darkness will come before the Day of the Lord, which is seen as the final judgment. It doesn’t mention 3 days of darkness but shows its spiritual importance.
  • Matthew 27:45: “Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour.”
    This happens during Jesus’ crucifixion. The darkness shows the gravity of this event in Christian belief—God’s judgment and Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins.
  • Revelation 6:12: “When he opened the sixth seal, I looked, and behold, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth, and the full moon became like blood.”
    Revelation uses symbols to describe the end times. This cosmic darkness is part of the apocalyptic theme, even if it doesn’t mention 3 days of darkness.

These texts, though not directly about 3 days of darkness, show how darkness symbolizes God’s presence or judgment. They add to our understanding of darkness in the Old and New Testaments.

So…

The question “Where in the Bible does it talk about 3 days of darkness?” is answered in Exodus, during the plagues of Egypt. While this is the only clear mention, darkness has a deeper meaning in the Bible. It’s linked to God’s judgment and important spiritual events. Though there’s no prophecy about a future 3 days of darkness, Christian traditions have interpreted these symbols in apocalyptic ways.

FAQ: Common Questions about the 3 Days of Darkness

Where in the Bible does it talk about 3 days of darkness?

The Bible mentions 3 days of darkness in Exodus 10:21-23, during the ninth plague of Egypt. It is also symbolically referenced in other scriptures, though not directly described as a future event.

Is the 3 days of darkness a prophecy for the end times?

While some Christian groups interpret it as such, there is no explicit biblical prophecy linking 3 days of darkness to the end times. Most interpretations come from private revelations rather than canonical texts.

What should Christians do during the 3 days of darkness?

According to some private revelations, Christians are advised to stay indoors, pray, and avoid opening windows during these days. However, this is based on non-canonical sources and traditions, not direct biblical instruction.

Are there other references to darkness in the Bible?

Yes, other passages like Joel 2:31, Matthew 27:45, and Revelation 6:12 mention darkness in various contexts, often related to divine judgment and significant spiritual events.

Sources

  1. Exodus 10:21-23 – BibleGateway
  2. Symbolism of Darkness in the Bible – BibleStudyTools
  3. Prophecies of Three Days of Darkness – Catholic Encyclopedia
  4. Commentary on Darkness in the End Times – Blue Letter Bible

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