Gina Johnson
Genesis 15:12 describes how a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him. This passage has been interpreted in various ways. Some believe it signifies God's presence and a frightening vision of the future given to Abram, causing him to lose his sight. The deep sleep may indicate divine intervention and a sense of awareness of the Divine Presence. Others suggest it symbolizes Israel's future captivity in Egypt. The darkness in Genesis has also been compared to the plague of darkness in Exodus and the story of Jacob wrestling with an angel. The meaning of light and darkness in Genesis 1:3-5 has been interpreted to show that darkness and light belong together and that consciousness ends with light, not darkness.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Genesis chapter | 1, 15 |
| Verse | 1:3-5, 15:12 |
| Person | Abram/Abraham |
| Sleep | Deep sleep |
| Darkness | Great, horror, thick, dreadful |
| Purpose | To convey God's presence, to reveal something |
| Similarities | Plague of darkness in Ex 10.21, Genesis 32.24 |
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What You'll Learn
- Genesis 15:12 describes a 'deep sleep' and 'horror of great darkness' that fell upon Abram
- The darkness may symbolise a divine intervention or the presence of God
- God may have caused the darkness to reveal something to Abram in a way that he would understand to be from God
- The darkness could be interpreted as a frightening vision of future events in Israel
- Darkness in the Bible is often associated with rain clouds, night, and the netherworld
Genesis 15:12 describes a 'deep sleep' and 'horror of great darkness' that fell upon Abram
Genesis 15:12 describes a deep sleep that fell upon Abram, and the horror of great darkness that accompanied it. This event took place during a covenant ritual between Abram and the Lord. Leading up to this moment, God had instructed Abram to bring him five animals—a heifer, a goat, and a ram—which he cut in half and arranged opposite each other, chasing away the birds of prey that tried to feast on them. This ritual symbolised Israel's future captivity in Egypt.
The deep sleep that fell upon Abram can be interpreted in two ways. Firstly, it could simply be understood as a natural deep sleep. Alternatively, it could be seen as a result of divine intervention, with the horror of great darkness representing the sense of awareness that comes from being in the presence of God. This interpretation is supported by similar experiences described in the Bible, such as in Exodus 10:21 and Genesis 32:24.
The darkness that fell upon Abram is described as dreadful and thick, indicating a sense of terror and dread. This darkness may have been a way for God to reveal future events to Abram in a way that he would understand as divine. Some scholars suggest that this darkness was a frightening vision of the future troubles that Israel would face. This interpretation is supported by ancient Jewish sources, which state that God revealed the future of this world to Abraham.
The horror and dread associated with the darkness may also be linked to the presence of God. The experience of encountering the divine is described as ominous and not something to be taken lightly. This interpretation is reflected in the following verses, where God speaks to Abram in a dream or vision, further reinforcing the idea of divine intervention.
Overall, the deep sleep and horror of great darkness that fell upon Abram in Genesis 15:12 can be understood as a supernatural experience, through which God communicated with Abram and revealed future events to him.
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The darkness may symbolise a divine intervention or the presence of God
Genesis 15.12 describes "a deep sleep" that fell upon Abram at sunset, followed by "a horror of great darkness". This passage has been interpreted in various ways, with some suggesting that the deep sleep and darkness symbolise a divine intervention or the presence of God.
The interpretation that the darkness symbolises God's presence is supported by the fact that darkness is often associated with God in the Bible. For example, Psalm 97:2 (also Job 22:14) states, "Clouds and thick darkness surround him [God]." This verse suggests that darkness is like a veil that shrouds the glory of God, indicating that God is sometimes portrayed as being present in darkness.
Additionally, the context of the passage in Genesis suggests that the deep sleep and darkness may have been a way for God to communicate with Abram in a way that he would understand as coming from God. The horror and dread associated with the darkness could be interpreted as a sense of awe and respect in the presence of a divine being. This interpretation aligns with standard commentaries that reference a "dread associated with the inspired by the awareness of the Divine Presence".
Furthermore, the use of "deep sleep" in this passage may also be significant. In the Bible, deep sleep often precedes divine intervention or revelation. For example, in Genesis 2:21, God causes a deep sleep to fall upon Adam before creating Eve from his rib. By using the phrase "deep sleep", the author of Genesis may be alluding to other instances of divine intervention, further supporting the interpretation that the darkness symbolises God's presence and intervention.
While the horror of great darkness in Genesis 15:12 may symbolise God's presence and intervention, it is important to consider other interpretations as well. Some scholars argue that the primary meaning of this verse is to convey a sense of dread and horror at the future events that God reveals to Abram, causing him to lose his sight from anxiety. This interpretation focuses on the emotional impact of the revelation rather than solely on the presence of God.
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God may have caused the darkness to reveal something to Abram in a way that he would understand to be from God
Genesis 15.12 describes how "a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, a horror of great darkness fell upon him". This passage has been interpreted in several ways, with some suggesting that God caused the darkness to reveal something to Abram that he would understand to be a message from God.
The "deep sleep" mentioned in this verse can be interpreted in two ways. Firstly, it could simply refer to a natural state of deep sleep. Alternatively, it could indicate divine intervention, with the "horror of great darkness" being the sense of awareness that comes from being in God's presence. This interpretation is supported by similar descriptions of dread and trembling in Job 4:12-14 and other verses that describe the presence of God.
The purpose of this divine intervention was likely to convey God's presence and reveal a message or prophecy to Abram. One interpretation suggests that God gave Abram a frightening vision of future events, specifically the future troubles of Israel, causing him to lose his sight from the anxiety. This interpretation is supported by ancient Jewish sources, such as the Genesis Rabbah.
Another interpretation is that the "horror of great darkness" represents the future of Christ. This interpretation suggests that the darkness symbolises the body of Christ nailed and lifted up, reflecting the horror and dread associated with his sacrifice.
The use of darkness in this passage may also be symbolic of the unconsciousness or lack of awareness that comes before enlightenment or revelation. In Genesis 1:2-3, God's spirit moves over the waters, encountering resistance and creating a reflection of soul-awareness into nodes of time and space, or matter and self. The darkness, then, could represent the state before this enlightenment, or the unconsciousness of the soul before it remembers its true nature.
In conclusion, the "horror of great darkness" in Genesis 15.12 may be interpreted as a divine intervention by God to reveal a prophecy or message to Abram in a way that he would understand to be from God. This interpretation aligns with descriptions of God's presence in other verses and the idea that darkness can symbolise a lack of awareness or enlightenment.
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The darkness could be interpreted as a frightening vision of future events in Israel
In the book of Genesis, the darkness that fell upon Egypt could be interpreted as a symbolic foreshadowing of the trials and tribulations that the Israelites would later face in their journey through history. This interpretation suggests that the darkness was not merely a physical absence of light, but a prophetic sign of the challenges and hardships that lay ahead for God's chosen people. The darkness, in this sense, becomes a metaphor for the difficult periods in Israel's future, including their bondage in Egypt, their sojourn in the wilderness, and the many trials they would face in establishing their homeland.
This interpretation aligns with the biblical narrative's frequent use of symbolism and allegory to convey deeper meanings and divine messages. By seeing the darkness as something more than a natural phenomenon, the story takes on a prophetic quality, warning of impending struggles. It suggests that God is preparing the Israelites for a long and arduous path, one that will test their faith and resolve. The darkness, then, serves as a visual representation of the unknown future, filled with potential dangers and obstacles.
Additionally, this interpretation adds a layer of spiritual significance to the story. The darkness can be seen as a test of the Israelites' faith and their trust in God's providence. Just as they were plunged into physical darkness, so too would they face periods of spiritual darkness, where their belief in God's plan would be tried and tested. By enduring and overcoming these challenges, the Israelites would emerge with a stronger faith, having proven their devotion to God even in the face of adversity.
Furthermore, this interpretation of the darkness as a prophetic symbol can also be seen as a reminder of God's ultimate sovereignty and power. Despite the impending hardships, the Israelites are reminded that God is in control, even in the midst of darkness. He is able to bring light out of darkness, both literally and metaphorically, and this serves as a source of hope and reassurance for the Israelites as they face an uncertain future.
The image of darkness also serves as a powerful reminder of God's judgment and the consequences of disobedience. Just as the Egyptians experienced the wrath of God through the plague of darkness, so too could the Israelites expect to face divine punishment if they strayed from their covenant with God. This interpretation underscores the seriousness of their commitment to God and the importance of maintaining their faith, even in times of peace and prosperity.
Lastly, this interpretation of the darkness as a prophetic vision also provides a sense of continuity to the biblical narrative. It connects the trials of the Israelites in Egypt and the wilderness with the challenges they would face throughout their history, up to and including the destruction of the Temple and their exile from the Promised Land. The darkness, in this sense, becomes a recurring theme, symbolizing the cyclical nature of Israel's struggles and their ongoing journey towards redemption.
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Darkness in the Bible is often associated with rain clouds, night, and the netherworld
In the Bible, darkness is often used to signify God's presence, and it can be a symbol of dread and horror. For instance, in Genesis 15:12, Abram falls into a deep sleep as the sun sets, and a "horror of great darkness" comes over him. This darkness may be a result of divine intervention, signifying the awareness of God's presence. It could also be a foreshadowing of Christ in the grave or a frightening vision of future events that causes Avram to lose his sight.
Darkness in the Bible is also associated with rain clouds. Psalm 18:11 describes God making "darkness his covering, his canopy around him—the dark rain clouds of the sky". The substance of darkness is described as thick, dark clouds that surround God like a tent or veil, shrouding His glory.
Furthermore, the concept of darkness in the Bible can be linked to the netherworld. According to Babylonian beliefs, the light of the moon prevented the darkness of night from turning into the darkness of the netherworld, where demons dominated during eclipses or new moons. This constant struggle between light and darkness is also reflected in Egyptian mythology, where Apophis, the dragon of darkness, is defeated by Re each morning, swallowing the sun during a solar eclipse.
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Frequently asked questions
The "horror of great darkness" refers to God giving Avram a vision of the future troubles of Israel. This causes Avram to lose his sight from the anxiety.
In Genesis 1:3-5, God divides light from darkness, calling the light "Day" and the darkness "Night". This passage suggests that no matter how dark it gets, it will always become light again before the day is over.
Genesis 1:2 refers to darkness upon the deep, which, according to R. Judah, refers to the generations of Enosh, as their works are in the dark. R. Simeon states that the darkness clouds the vision of the Israelites through Greek decrees.
The darkness in Genesis 15:12 can be interpreted as a divine intervention, where the horror is the sense of awareness of God's presence. This interpretation ties in with the theme of Genesis, which is the beginnings of the potential of the consciousness of God through man.
