Finding Light in the Dark: A Layman’s Guide to a Powerful Metaphor
“Darkness as black as night covers all the nations of the earth,
but the glory of the Lord rises and appears over you.” (Isa. 60:2)
Let’s break down this deep and sometimes mysterious phrase: “darkness covers the face of the earth.” At first glance, it might sound like something out of a fantasy novel, but in religious and philosophical texts, it’s a metaphor loaded with meaning. Here’s what it’s all about, explained in down-to-earth language.
What Does “Darkness Covers the Face of the Earth” Mean?
A Metaphor with Many Meanings
When people say “darkness covers the face of the earth,” they’re usually not talking about the sun going down for the night. It’s a poetic way of talking about tough times—whether that’s confusion, sadness, chaos, or a sense that something important (like hope or goodness) is missing.
· Literal Darkness: Sometimes, it really just means night—when the sun isn’t shining on our side of the planet. But in stories and religious texts, it can also refer to special events, like when the sky turned dark during the crucifixion of Jesus as described in the Bible.
· Chaos and Judgment: In the Bible’s book of Genesis, the world starts out as a formless, empty place, covered in darkness before God begins the process of creation. In other traditions, like Hinduism, darkness can signal danger or punishment. It’s also used as a symbol for God’s judgment, like the ten plagues in Egypt when darkness fell as a sign of warning.
· Spiritual Darkness: Sometimes, the phrase is about something deeper—like losing touch with what’s right or good, or feeling separated from God. In the book of Isaiah, “darkness” describes a time when people are lost, confused, or don’t know the truth, but there’s hope that God will bring light back into their lives.
Real-Life Examples
· Genesis 1:2: At the very beginning of the Bible, darkness is the backdrop before God creates light and everything else.
· Matthew 27:45: During the crucifixion of Jesus, darkness falls over the land, marking a moment of great significance.
· Isaiah 60:2: The prophet Isaiah talks about darkness covering the earth, but promises that God’s light will rise and shine even brighter.
Isaiah 60:2: Light in Dark Times
Hope and Restoration When Things Seem Hopeless
Here’s the verse in simple terms: “For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.” (Isaiah 60:2)
What’s going on here?
· Darkness Isn’t Just About Night: In this context, darkness stands for confusion, sadness, or a time when people feel lost or separated from God.
· A Promise of Light: But Isaiah doesn’t leave it there. He says even when everything seems bleak, God’s light will shine through. It’s a promise that things will get better—hope will return, and goodness will win out.
What Does This Mean for Us?
When life feels overwhelming or the world seems full of bad news, it’s easy to feel like we’re living in darkness. Isaiah’s message is that this darkness isn’t forever. For those who turn to God, there’s a promise of hope, comfort, and a better future. The “dawn” is coming, and with it, light and clarity.
A Call to Action
The message isn’t just about waiting for things to get better: it’s about letting the “light” (kindness, truth, and goodness) shine in our own lives. When we live with hope and act with love, we become a source of light for others, helping them find their way out of the darkness too.
Wrapping It Up: Light Always Follows Darkness
To sum it up, when you hear “darkness covers the face of the earth,” remember it’s not just about the night. It’s a powerful picture of tough times—whether that’s in the world or in our own hearts. But the story doesn’t end there. There’s always the promise of light, hope, and a new beginning, for anyone who’s willing to look for it.
So, whatever darkness you might be facing, remember: light is on its way. And sometimes, that light shines brightest in you.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 