[LET MY PEOPLE GO, CONT.]
[the
ninth plague]
As Pharaoh's heart was hardened
again, Moses was commanded to stretch his hand toward
heaven ‘that there may be darkness over the land of
Egypt, even darkness which may be felt.' (Ex. 10:21-22).
This darkness was to last for three days. Although there
is a measure of chronological sequence in the
fulfillment of the ten plagues, there is an overlapping
and even a concurrent fulfillment of some of them. It
was not feasible to portray such detail in the type.
Therefore do I show by revelation how the plagues
dovetail together in end-time application. From one
perspective the plagues have their fulfillment in the
over-all end-time period beginning with modern day
bloodletting through revolution. From another
perspective the plagues have their fulfillment in the
short-term period of intensified world trouble just
preceding and during the period of the great
tribulation. The last four plagues find their
fulfillment during the tribulation period only, running
somewhat concurrently, although not completely. The
previous six plagues see a measure of fulfillment
before the great tribulation, although they also
continue into the tribulation period. In
considering the ninth plague, therefore, an overlapping
and even antedating principle must be pointed out.
For although the seventh and eighth plagues have been
portraying the fury of conflict primarily during
the last half of the tribulation period, even unto its
fiery consummation, the ninth plague portrays the
darkness of the entire tribulation period. In the type
it is placed at this point because of the intensity of
darkness which will characterize the latter part of the
tribulation period. The three days of darkness
symbolize the approximate three years of great
tribulation, for I appoint a day for a year. The
tribulation will actually be nearer three and one half
years, but in much typical drama of scripture the round
number usage prevails when portraying time patterns.
Now note the conditions which
prevailed during the time of darkness. 'And Moses
stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a
thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days: They
saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for
three days: but all the children of Israel had light in
their dwellings.' (Ex. 10:22-23). The light mentioned
was a supernatural light provided for the
Israelites only. It was a manifestation of the
shekinah glory of their God. In its anti-typical aspect
for the tribulation days, it will be the supernatural
guidance of the Holy Spirit for those who are indwelt by
His power and glory, and also the supernatural
manifestation or appearance of the glorified saints to
give instruction and help. Thus those who are mine will
not grope in darkness through extreme fear and
uncertainty as the people of the world, for I will
guide and protect them even during the days of extreme
crises when the world will be plunged into almost total
chaos. Those of the world on the other hand, typified by
the Egyptians, will be filled with terror. They will not
know what to do or where to go. Many shall perish for
lack of direction. They will be afraid to venture out,
but will cower in their houses like frightened animals
during the final phase of east-west conflict.
As a result of this plague, Pharaoh
again called Moses and offered to let all the people go
if only they would leave their flocks and herds behind.
But Moses refused, for he knew that God must not be
served halfheartedly or with reservations, but with
the entirety of one's being. This is the symbolic
significance of Moses’ insistence that the animals be
taken along. Moses said ‘You must give us also
sacrifices and burnt offerings, that we may sacrifice to
the Lord our God.' (Ex. 10:25). As pointed out before,
animals are a type of the basic propensities, abilities
and drives of the human nature. ALL must be SACRIFICED
to the Lord your God. They must be submitted to the
‘fire’ of my purging, that they might be sublimated and
transmuted and channeled to my glory. The primary
sacrificial offering which man rendered to his God
from the beginning was the 'whole burnt offering.’ Since
this offering typified the dedication to do the will of
God with the entirety of one's being, the whole animal
was burned on the altar. Its perfect fulfillment came
when Jesus Christ gave Himself in life and in death to
do the Father's will. (Heb. 10:5-7). And through Him it
is fulfilled in all others who give themselves as a
living sacrifice to their God. (Rom. 12:1-2). But
nothing can be held back. Moses said 'there shall not an
hoof be left behind; for thereof must we take to
serve the Lord our God.' (Ex, 10:26). A hoof is symbolic
of the lowest or basest of human traits, and not one can
be left in 'Egypt's land;’ there can be no concourse
with, or conformity to, that which is of the world. For
those who would be used mightily in the tribulation days
that are coming, all must be on the altar as a whole
burnt offering. And for those who want to be
received into the heavenly Kingdom of Christ, there
can be no holding back; no, not even a
hoof.