The Ninth Plague: The Darkness in the Bible According to Ancient Sources
The Bible describes ten plagues sent upon Egypt during the Israelite exodus from slavery. Among these, the ninth plague, darkness, is often explored for its historical and symbolic significance. Scholars have scrutinized the accounts found in various ancient texts, including The Admonitions of Ipuwer and inscriptions on the Merneptah Stele, to piece together the historical context and meaning of this event.
Background of the Ninth Plague
The ninth plague, as recorded in Exodus 10:21-23, involved a 'thick darkness' that covered the land of Egypt for three days. The text explicitly states that this darkness was not a solar eclipse but rather a 'religious darkness'—a total silence where the Egyptian temple priests and their congregations were nowhere to be seen for the duration of the plague. This darkness was so profound that people could not see each other or move from their places for three days.
Historical Context: The Ninth Plague and Its Significance
According to the biblical narrative, this ninth plague occurred before Merneptah succeeded Rameses II to the throne around 1279 BCE. During this time, the Israelites, or least the people accompanying Moses, were residing in a foreign land identified as Succoth Tjeku. This period corresponds to the Late Bronze Age Collapse and the reign of Akhenaten, who initiated a religious reform that transformed Egypt into a monotheistic society.
Akhenaten's Monotheistic Reform
Akhenaten, also known as Amenhotep IV, is credited with this significant religious transformation. He changed his name to reflect his devotion to the Aten, the Sun disk, and declared it as the sole god of Egypt. This reform began around 1379 BCE and coincided with the ninth plague. The darkening of Egypt may have symbolized the chaos and turmoil occurring within the Egyptian religious landscape as essential deities were being dismissed. The absence of worship and offerings for Egyptian gods would have been felt as a profound darkness in the hearts and minds of the people.
Effects and Aftermath of the Ninth Plague
Moses, by stretching out his hand towards heaven in the Jewish sign of Shin, symbolically called upon the darkness. As he did, a total and lasting religious darkness began to envelop Egypt. This was a false monotheism that persisted for the following three years, leading to the eventual exodus of the Jews from Egypt. The scriptural account stresses that all Egyptians experienced this darkness, but the Israelites had light from the God YHVH in their dwellings.
Historical Accounts and Modern Analysis
Additional insights into the ninth plague come from other historical documents. The scribe Ipuwer, recording his observations during the reign of Rameses II, described a period of severe hardship and calamity, including soil erosion in the Copper region. He relates that prior to this, 'the mountain of copper was removed from the peoples neck, and a breath was given to the imprisoned folk.' This narrative aligns with Merneptah's description of the ninth plague making it no longer a problem during his reign, perhaps referring to the subsequent monotheistic reforms.
Conclusion
The ninth plague of darkness in the Bible provides a rich tapestry of historical, religious, and philosophical insights. It marks a pivotal moment in the transformation of religious beliefs and practices in ancient Egypt, predating the similar reform under Akhenaten. Understanding this event requires a nuanced look at the socio-political and religious climates of the time, as well as the symbolic and theological implications embedded within the biblical narrative.