The Treasures of Darkness, Part 1

“Uncle Sam” diamond, Smithsonian Institution Museum of Natural History (Catalog No. G11741), Source https://www.si.edu/newsdesk/releases/new-smithsonian-exhibit-showcases-extraordinary-american-diamonds, Author Smithsonian Institution (PD)

“I will give you the treasures of darkness And hidden riches of secret places, That you may know that I, the Lord, Who call you by your name, Am the God of Israel” (Isa. 45: 3).

Diamonds are one of the hardest natural substances known.  Billions of years old, diamonds form deep in the earth, under tremendous pressures and temperatures [1].  They are considered among the most valuable gemstones in the world, and are mined only with great difficulty.

But the treasures of darkness which God promises us are infinitely more precious.

Literal and Figurative Darkness

The word “darkness” can be interpreted both literally and figuratively.

Strong’s Concordance informs us that darkness is not only to be found in mines (Job 28: 3).  Darkness was over the surface of the deep at Creation (Gen. 1: 2).  Darkness was one of the plagues God caused to fall on Egypt, giving it a supernatural dimension (Ex. 10: 21).

The word can, also, be used to signify ignorance; confusion/perplexity; doubt, depression, and mourning; secrecy; evil and sin; death, destruction, and judgment.

What treasures can these possibly yield?  Let us examine them one at a time.

Ignorance

“…[T]he fool walks in darkness” (Eccl. 2: 14).  But “…wisdom excels folly As light excels darkness” (Eccl. 2: 13).

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Prov. 9: 10).  Wisdom is, therefore, the first treasure of darkness.

Confusion/Perplexity

“[The wicked] grope in darkness with no light, And He makes them stagger like a drunken man” (Job 12: 25).

The wicked grope in darkness, relying on their own devices.  But the Lord is a lamp to the feet of the righteous.  He enlightens the Christian’s darkness (2 Sam. 22: 29), so much so, that we are instructed not to lean on our own understanding (Prov. 3: 5).

Direction/guidance is, therefore, the second treasure of darkness.

Doubt, Depression, and Mourning

“For the enemy has persecuted my soul; He has crushed my life to the ground; He has made me dwell in darkness, Like those who have long been dead” (Ps. 143: 3).

Many Christians suffer from depression and/or doubts.  Others wrestle with the question of faith as a result of losing a loved one.  These factors do not diminish faith.  In fact, they can ultimately strengthen it.

“The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned” (Matt. 4: 16).

This identifies faith as the third great treasure of darkness.

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[1]  This statement, admittedly, takes an “old earth” view of Creation.

Originally posted 10/9/16

This series will conclude next week.

READERS CAN FIND MY VIEWS ON ABUSE AND ABUSE-RELATED ISSUES AT ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse 
https://avoicereclaimed.com