Armor of Light in Days of Darkness

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The 3 days of darkness in Egypt during time of Moses interpreted as 3 days of spiritual darkness, as opposed to physical darkness.

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Post by DJ Maxwell.

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Spiritual Light

“For You will light my lamp; The Lord my God will enlighten my darkness” (Psalm 18:28, NKJV).

“For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light” (Psalm 36:9).

“Therefore, let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the Armor of Light” (Romans 13:12, NKJV).

This is a brief study regarding the Armor of Light along with a prayer, seeking Father God to shine His Light over anyone, or any place, casting off the works of darkness (evil), overcoming the god of this world who blinds the mind (2nd Corinthians 4:3-4).

Since the Word is sharper than a two edge sword, cutting between bone and marrow (Hebrews 4:12), let us comprehend the Armor of Light, dispelling darkness (evil) and advancing the Kingdom (righteousness, peace and joy in the Spirit – Romans 14:17) by shining His Light upon a physical place or person(s).

Christ is our armor, He is the light (John 12:35-36). However, I think there is more to understand and apply with this spiritual Armor of Light. The testimony and confirmation of the power Light is within Old and New Testament Scriptures.

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The Armor of God is defined with specificity by Paul: truth, righteousness, salvation, faith, the gospel of peace and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

The following link presents a detailed assessment, describing each piece of the Armor of God with Scriptures through a specific prayer warrior prayer.

https://heavenawaits.wordpress.com/armor-of-god-prayer/

Through prayer, asking for this Light of Heaven, I’ve seen a change in a person’s countenance and behaviors, and a positive spiritual change within a group of people in the workplace and within a church congregation. 

I’ve experienced conversations opening up on topics of salvation and deliverance (2nd Corinthians 4:1-6) as a result of applying the Light of Heaven to brake the oppressive darkness. Thank you Lord

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Separation of Light and Dark

Remember Genesis chapter 1, the first “day” of creation, before the sun, moon, stars and earth were made – He said, “Let there be light.”

God separated light from the darkness by the Word (John 1:1-14). He called the light day and the darkness night. He said the light was good (Genesis 1:3-5). But, the heavens (sun, moon, planets and stars) were created on the 4th “day”.

This “light” of Genesis 1:3-5 is righteousness. The darkness, in this context, is evil – demonic and of Satan (John 1:1-14; John 12:35-36, 42-50; Psalm 34:5-6).

Please read this passage from John to comprehend the separation of light and darkness.

In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:1-5, NKJV).

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Egypt’s 9^th Plague

Next to the first day of creation (Genesis 1:3-4), the greatest event in terms of separating light (righteousness) from darkness (evil) occurred with the 9th Plague in the land of Egypt.

We all remember God’s magnificent work through His servant Moses, including the Death Angel passing over dwellings with lamb’s blood placed about the door frame ( Exodus 12). We recognize the act of faith required to apply the blood of a lamb then and the blood of the Lamb of God, our Messiah, today (Ephesians 1:7, Revelation 12:11).

Exodus chapter 10 provides us with the evidence of an oppression of darkness and the presence of Light.

“Then the Lord told Moses, “Raise your hand into the air and darkness will cover Egypt. It will be so dark you can feel it!”

So Moses raised his hand into the air and a cloud of darkness covered Egypt. The darkness stayed in Egypt for three days.

None of the people could see each other, and no one got up to go any place for three days. But there was light in all the places where the Israelites lived” (Exodus 10:21-23, ERV).

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Many people suggest this 9th plague focused on the Egyptian’s worship of a sun god and other astro gods.

The lesson: No sun light = no god. No moonlight = no god. No stars in the night sky = no gods. Simple.

Was this a “cloud” – a super dense fog, blocking out the sun, which was felt on the flesh of Egyptians for 72 hours?

I don’t think or believe so and the following are some reasons why I believe this was a mental, emotional, spiritual darkness and not a physical darkness (no sun light by day or moon and star light by night) or a thick, dark fog-like weather event.

This was a unique “cloud of darkness” falling over all of Egypt – it was something that they could actually feel.

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Darkness interpreted as spiritual – Reasons

One reason for this spiritual, mental darkness is the Egyptians could not see each other for 3 days.

This event could not be simply visual sight restriction by a lack of sun light because Exodus chapter 10 does not tell us that the sun did not shine or that the sun, moon and stars was hidden does it?

Second, there is no account of God removing oil and wood from the Egyptians.

There was not a plague upon oil, wood or fire. The Egyptians would have oil for lamps and wood for fire, keeping the light burning in their dwellings.

Illumination from a flame was not hampered or removed from the land – that is an assumption.

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Other scripture describing spiritual darkness

The King James translation of the event is as follows: “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, KJV).

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Let’s examine the original language (“thick darkness”) with Strong’s Hebrew dictionary.

Thick: (Feminine), duskiness, figuratively misfortune; concretely concealment: – dark, darkness, gloominess.

Darkness: the dark; hence (literally) darkness; figuratively misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness: – dark (-ness), night, obscurity.

Let’s examine the original language (“light in their dwelling”) with Strong’s Hebrew dictionary.

Light: illumination or (concretely) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.): – bright, clear, + day, light (-ning), morning, sun.

Dwelling: a seat; figuratively a site; abstractly a session; by extension an abode (the place or the time); by implication population: – assembly, dwell in, dwelling (-place), wherein (that) dwelt (in), inhabited place, seat, sitting, situation, sojourning.

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If you still think these 3 days were physical darkness (no sun light or flame of light), okay. Please, keep an “open mind” and consider spiritual and/or mental darkness.

The book of Job gives an account of such darkness upon the so called wise but are truly wicked.

“He [God] frustrates the devices of the crafty, so that their hands achieve no success. He catches the wise in their own craftiness, and the schemes of the wily are brought to a quick end.

They meet with darkness in the daytime and grope at noonday as in the night. But, He saves the needy from the sword of their mouth and from the hand of the mighty. So the poor have hope, and injustice shuts her mouth” (Job 5:12-16, NKJV).

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Again, Scripture provides us addition information. Please read Job 3:1-10 for a description of such darkness. This reads like the cloud of darkness that fell upon the Egyptians.

“Let that day be darkness! May God above not seek it, nor light shine upon it. Let gloom and deep darkness claim it. Let clouds dwell upon it; let the blackness of the day terrify it. That night—let thick darkness seize it!”

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Applying concept of spiritual darkness to Egypt’s 9^th Plague

In such a mental, emotional, spiritual state of darkness the Egyptians would experience – deep depression, despair, gloom, lethargy, despondency, mind-binding confusion, forgetfulness.

This “cloud of darkness” was pervasive throughout the entire population of Egyptians. Their emotional state was so dark that they did not “see one another”.

The Hebrew figurative definition tells us that those Egyptians were not able to “see” – incapable of considering, taking heed, regarding or having respect for one another for 3 days.

Could it be that the darkness was so deep that Egyptians were self absorbed in their personal mental anguish? This suggests they were unable to meet the needs of themselves family, or anyone, which is evidence of chronic depression.

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Finally, this state of darkness was so oppressive that it keeps the Egyptians from getting up in the morning, or getting up at all – “nor did anyone rise from his place for three days.”

The Egyptians were in bondage with no relief or way of escape from 3 days of darkness.

At this same time, the Children of Israel, under physical Egyptian bondage, had light in their homes; peace, joy, loving-kindness, and other attributes of the Light – the Spirit of God. They are the Israelites (pun intended).

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Triumph of Light over Darkness

We do not know if the Israelites stayed within their home (like the night of Passover a few weeks later) or if they freely “walked in the light”. But, we do know that they were covered in light, while the Egyptian were covered in darkness.

Scripture tells us a great deal about this light and darkness –

“He protects His holy people. He keeps them from stumbling. But evil people will be destroyed. They will fall in the darkness. Their power won’t help them win” (1st Samuel 2:9, ERV).

“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday” (Psalm 34:5-6).

In the book of Esther we read this account of light and the impact upon both Hebrews and Gentiles;

“The Jews had light and gladness, joy and honor.  And in every province and city, wherever the king’s command and decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a holiday. Then many of the people of the land became Jews…” (Esther 8:17-18, NKJV).

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For You are my lamp, O Lord, and my God lightens my darkness. For by You I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall. This God—His way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him” (2 Samuel 22:29-31).

“You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light” (Psalm 18:28).

“Hate evil, you who love the LORD, Who preserves the souls of His godly ones; He delivers them from the hand of the wicked. Light is sown like seed for the righteous and gladness for the upright in heart. Be glad in the LORD, you righteous ones, and give thanks to His holy name” (Psalm 97:10-12).

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Please know that the Hebrew word for “light” (H216) in Exodus chapter 10 is the same “light” (H216) as we read in all the verses above.

Therefore, the light within the Israelites dwelling is mental, emotional, spiritual. But, darkness fell over the Egyptians, clouding their minds emotionally and spiritually.

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What does Jesus say about this spiritual light?

Our Lord tells a great deal about the power of the light, keeping us close to Him, trusting Him and being children of the light. Psalm 119:105 tells us, His word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if one walks in the night he stumbles, because the light is not in him” (John 11:9-10)

“…’A little while longer the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he going. So put your trust in the light while you still have it. Then you will be children of light” (John 12:35-36).

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Paul gives wise counsel to Believers regarding thoughts, behaviors and actions. Believers are too walk in the light (following and pleasing Him), just as Jesus told us to depart from darkness (evil).

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%205:8-21

So many souls are in bondage to “the god of this world” – demonic oppressions of the mind. Many people cannot hear the truth (Matthew 13:9, Rev. 3:6).

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Therefore, please consider offering a prayer like this one for family members and those souls that you work with because God does not want any to parish, but all to come to know Him as Abba Father throughout Jesus Christ – the light of this world.

With this understanding of light and darkness (comprehending the spiritual significance), we are to put on the Armor of Light, overcoming darkness. We can also pray for those walking in darkness.

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Prayer:

“Almighty God, I give You all the glory and praise for Your loving-kindness. You are so gracious and full of mercy to me. You sent Your Son so that He would be my righteousness for my righteousness is but filthy rages (Isaiah 64:6).

Thank you Lord, for I am now clothed in a robe of righteousness (Isaiah 61:10). Thank you Lord because You are my deliverer (Psalm 140).

Father God, with confidence I draw near to the throne of grace so that I may receive mercy and find grace, helping me in this hour need (Hebrews 4:14-16).

“You are my lamp, O Lord” (2nd Samuel 22:29). Send out Your light and Your truth! Your word is Truth. Let them lead me, bringing me to Your holy hill and to Your tabernacle (Psalm 43:3, NKJV).

I put on the Armor of Light with gratitude because I’m a child of the light” (1st Thessalonians 5:5). Thank you Father God.

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Father, the Word tells me, “the Gospel is veiled to those who are perishing” because “the god of this world has blinded their minds, keeping them from seeing the light of the gospel of the Glory of Christ, who is the image of God” (2nd Corinthians 4:1-6).

Father God, I earnestly pray that the Light of eternal Glory, the Light that overcomes darkness shine down upon (person’s name), dispelling the oppressive god of this world, keeping them from hearing the gospel.

I say this believing that the spiritual Light of Heaven will shine 24/7 upon them, driving the demonic oppression away, allowing their ears to be open to the message of the Gospel.

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In the might name of Jesus, I rebuke the workers of darkness, advancing of the Kingdom and the Gospel.

I pray the heavenly Light of glory shine down, filling (name the home, office, church or classroom), where my dear (family member, co-workers, or friend) resides so that they may experience peace of mind and soul, opening that specific place to the work of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:17).

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The Word says, “but if anyone who follows the true way comes to the light. Then the light will show that whatever they have done was done through God” (John 3:16-21). Therefore, I pray that they (name of person or those is a specified location), follow the way and come into the Light.

Please, give me the words to speak to them when the Spirit opens a conversation at His appointed time. Lord, thank You for sending the Spirit, my helper and counsel (John 15:26, 16:13 & 1st Corinthians 12:11).

In Jesus name I pray, Amen.”

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Days of Darkness to be repeated during God’s end time wrath – a choice to be made for Light

In the last days, during the time of the 5th Bowl with its plague there will again be days of darkness. These are the conditions in that day:

“Men were scorched with fierce heat; and they blasphemed the name of God who has the power over these plagues, and they did not repent so as to give Him glory.

Then, the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom became darkened; and they gnawed their tongues because of pain, and they blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores; and they did not repent of their deeds” (Revelation 16:9-11).

http://biblehub.com/revelation/16-10.htm

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Believers are not of his kingdom and are not subject to the plagues of Revelation just as the Israelites in Egypt were not subject to the plagues, including the 3 days of darkness and the Death Angel.

Scriptures tells us that Believers are like those Israelites in the land of Egypt because we are “children of the light” (1st Thessalonians 5:5). Thank you Father God. Thank you Lord!

Let us pray for those who are oppressed by the god of this world with darkness by applying the glorious Armor of Light through fervent prayers.

“The night is almost over, the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and arm ourselves with the weapons of light” (Romans 13:12, CJB).

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