What is the darkness that is outside? 521-2 - 20 - 4

While I don’t think this is the darkness referred to in this discussion question, it is a favorite. John 1:5, “And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.”

Following God’s command “And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days” Exodus 10:22

While we may not yet be into the darkness that can be felt as in the darkness of the 9th plague of Egypt, darkness is encroaching. Ephesians 6:12, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

While I don’t really understand it, there are several passages where God is wrapped in a different kind of darkness. When the Ten Commandment were given the people were afraid they would die if God spoke to them directly, so Moses became their mediator just as Jesus is our mediator.

Exodus 20:20-22, “20, And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not. 21, And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was. 22, And the Lord said unto Moses, Thus thou shalt say unto the children of Israel, Ye have seen that I have talked with you from heaven.”

And again in darkness, 1 Kings 8:11-12, “11 So that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud: for the glory of the Lord had filled the house of the Lord. 12, Then spake Solomon, The Lord said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.” And in 2 Chronicles 6:1, “Then said Solomon, The Lord hath said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.” Darkness here is Strong’s H6205, gloom as of a lowering sky – a gross, thick dark cloudiness. Perhaps the darkness is because there is no illumination except the glory of God Himself.

So what is the darkness that is outside, the darkness of Exodus 10:22? Darkness that can be felt is referenced in Matthew and Revelation.

Matthew 8:12, “But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Darkness, Strong’s G4655, shadiness, that is, obscurity, literally or figuratively. The Jewish authority had rejected Jesus, however, a centurion recognized that like him, Jesus was a man under authority.

Matthew 22:13, “Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Here the wedding guest was not prepared as he didn’t have the proper wedding garment and was subject to the terrible pronouncement,  Matthew 22:14, “For many are called, but few are chosen.” Darkness, Strong’s G4655, shadiness, that is, obscurity, literally or figuratively

Revelation 16:10, “And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain,” Darkness here is Strong’s number G4656, to obscure or blind, literally or figuratively - be full of darkness.

To me, this outer darkness would be the absence of God, to know that for all of eternity you are in a place of utter darkness and will never behold the glory of Jesus. This would cause a great burning of the soul and an unfathomable regret.