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[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.

 

[Next: 10th PLAGUE ]

 

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