After eight plagues, Egypt’s flocks, herds, and crops have been decimated, yet Pharaoh refuses to allow the Israelites to leave.  The ninth plague, three days of total darkness, then descends without warning.  Yet again, Pharaoh refuses, and the Lord tells Moses that Pharaoh will finally relent after the next and final judgment, the death of the firstborn.  For those who obey God’s…