The Ninth Blow: Darkness

10:21 62 The Lord said to Moses, “Extend your hand toward heaven63 so that there may be64 darkness over the land of Egypt, a darkness so thick it can be felt.”65

10:22 So Moses extended his hand toward heaven, and there was absolute darkness66 throughout the land of Egypt for three days.67 10:23 No one68 could see69 another person, and no one could rise from his place for three days. But the Israelites had light in the places where they lived.

10:24 Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and said, “Go, serve the Lord—only your flocks and herds will be detained. Even your families70 may go with you.”

10:25 But Moses said, “Will you also71 provide us72 with sacrifices and burnt offerings that we may present them73 to the Lord our God? 10:26 Our livestock must74 also go with us! Not a hoof is to be left behind! For we must take75 these animals76 to serve the Lord our God. Until we arrive there, we do not know what we must use to serve the Lord.”77

10:27 But the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he was not willing to release them. 10:28 Pharaoh said to him, “Go from me!78 Watch out for yourself! Do not appear before me again,79 for when80 you see my face you will die!” 10:29 Moses said, “As you wish!81 I will not see your face again.”82