Psalms 105:28 (KJV)

What does Psalms 105:28 mean?

Psalms 105:28 says that God sent darkness and made it dark, and those involved did not rebel against His command. The verse recalls a moment when God acted powerfully, and His word was obeyed without resistance.

This verse is part of a psalm where the writer, likely addressing the people of Israel, is recounting God’s mighty acts during the time of the Exodus from Egypt. Specifically, Psalms 105:28 refers to one of the plagues—when God brought darkness over Egypt. The verse highlights both God’s control over nature and the fact that His instructions were carried out as intended.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 105:28

• "sent" (שָׁלַח, shalach): This word means to send out or dispatch. Here, it emphasizes that the darkness was not accidental but was deliberately sent by God as an act of judgment.
• "darkness" (חֹשֶׁךְ, choshekh): This word refers to literal darkness, the absence of light. In the context of the Exodus, it points to the ninth plague, a supernatural darkness that covered Egypt.
• "dark" (וַיַּחְשֶׁךְ, vayachshekh): This is a verb form meaning "and He made it dark." It underlines God’s active role in causing the darkness, not just allowing it to happen.
• "rebelled" (מָרָה, marah): This word means to resist or disobey. In this verse, it is likely referring to the agents of the plague (possibly the darkness itself or the forces carrying out God's will) not resisting God's command.
• "word" (דָּבָר, davar): This word means a spoken command or instruction. The verse stresses that God's word was effective and unchallenged in this event.

Why Psalms 105:28 matters

• Psalms 105:28 clarifies that the darkness during the plagues was a direct act of God, not a natural event, highlighting His authority over creation.
• The verse subtly emphasizes that God’s commands are always carried out, even by the forces of nature, and there is no resistance to His will in these moments.
• By recalling this specific plague, the psalm connects the listeners to their history, reminding them of God’s power and faithfulness during the Exodus, which is a central theme in Israel’s story.