We can compare ourselves to the Israelites living in Egypt to those living in a country where evil rules. Thank goodness God knows the difference and can see our hearts. In all these plagues, Israel was protected and set apart as an example to Pharaoh so he could see how differently they were treated compared to the Egyptians.
The eighth and ninth plagues brought about darkness.
The eighth was the locusts God brought to devastate whatever green was left after the hail. There were so many it darkened the sky. Pharaoh asked Moses to pray for God to take them away. I find it funny that his so-called gods couldn't help him. I'll bet they tried to get their help with no avail because how can something that only exists through magic do them any good?
The ninth plague was total darkness for three days, with no light of any kind. God darkened the sky and put out all their fires so no light could be seen. They didn't get up to move. It was the kind of darkness that will be seen and felt by those who reject Jesus and end up in hell. However, the Israelites had light within their homes and only watched the devastation.
Throughout the Bible, there is a significant distinction between those who trust God and those who don't. God's protection over his people is incredible. We may go through rough times, but God uses them to train us to trust him, but after all is said and done, we will end up in his presence, full of light.
And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days: 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. Exodus 10:22-23