Exodus 10:23
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
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.
American King James Version (AKJV)
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.
American Standard Version (ASV)
they saw not one another, neither rose any one from his place for three days: but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
They were not able to see one another, and no one got up from his place for three days: but where the children of Israel were living it was light.
Webster's Revision
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.
World English Bible
They didn't see one another, neither did anyone rise from his place for three days; but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.
English Revised Version (ERV)
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.
Clarke's Exodus 10:23 Bible Commentary
They saw not one another - So deep was the obscurity, and probably such was its nature, that no artificial light could be procured; as the thick clammy vapors would prevent lamps, etc., from burning, or if they even could be ignited, the light through the palpable obscurity, could diffuse itself to no distance from the burning body. The author of the book of The Wisdom of Solomon 17:2-19, gives a fearful description of this plague. He says, "The Egyptians were shut up in their houses, the prisoners of darkness: and were fettered with the bonds of a long night. They were scattered under a dark veil of forgetfulness, being horribly astonished and troubled with strange apparitions; for neither might the corner that held them keep them from fear; but noises as of waters falling down sounded about them; and sad visions appeared unto them with heavy countenances. No power of the fire could give them light - only there appeared unto them a fire kindled of itself very dreadful; for being much terrified, they thought the things which they saw to be worse than the sight they saw not. For though no terrible thing did scare them, yet being scared with beasts that passed by, and hissing of serpents, they died for fear: for whether he were husbandman, or shepherd, or a laborer in the field, he was overtaken; for they were all bound with one chain of darkness. Whether it were a whistling wind, or a terrible sound of stones cast down, or a running that could not be seen of tripping beasts, or a roaring voice of most savage wild beasts, or a rebounding echo from the hollow mountains, these things made them to swoon for fear." See Psalm 78:49.
To this description nothing need be added except this circumstance, that the darkness, with its attendant horrors, lasted for three days.
All the children of Israel had light - By thus distinguishing the Israelites, God showed the Egyptians that the darkness was produced by his power; that he sent it in judgment against them for their cruelty to his people; that because they trusted in him they were exempted from these plagues; that in the displeasure of such a Being his enemies had every thing to fear, and in his approbation his followers had every thing to hope.
Barnes's Exodus 10:23 Bible Commentary
Had light in their dwellings - The sandstorm, if such were the cause, may not have extended to the district of Goshen; but the expression clearly denotes a miraculous intervention, whether accomplished or not by natural agencies.
Wesley's Exodus 10:23 Bible Commentary
10:23 But the children of Israel had light in their dwellings - Not only in the land of Goshen, where most of them inhabited, but in the particular dwellings which in other places the Israelites had dispersed among the Egyptians, as it appears they had by the distinction afterwards appointed to be put on their door - posts. And during these three days of darkness to the Egyptians, if God had so pleased, the Israelites by the light which they had, might have made their escape, and have asked Pharaoh no leave; but God would bring them out with a high hand, and not by stealth or in haste.