The answer is: 3

Exo 10:22

Imagine the chilling sensation of darkness creeping over the land for three whole days. In the story of the ten plagues of Egypt, this profound period of darkness not only symbolized the might of the divine but also served as a powerful message to Pharaoh. Interestingly, in Exodus 10:22, it’s described as a darkness that could be felt – a tangible gloom that enveloped the people.

During this time, Moses and Aaron were seen as God’s conduits, delivering these intense messages, while the Egyptians grappled with a profound sense of despair. Notably, they had been aesthetics to light in their culture, worshipping the sun god Ra, which makes this plague especially poignant. It was as though the very essence of their faith was being challenged and called into question.

What’s fascinating is that many biblical scholars connect this event to other accounts of darkness in scripture. For instance, in the New Testament, when Jesus faces crucifixion, there’s an echo of the same kind of supernatural gloom – another dark chapter as monumental change unfolds in human history.

Seeing darkness so close contrasts sharply with the transformative power that light has in spiritual symbolism throughout the Bible. From illuminating Jesus as "the light of the world" to countless verses calling followers out of the darkness – it’s a literary motif that stands out across the ages, emphasizing hope and rebirth even in the depths of despair.