Exodus 7:17 Thus saith the LORD, In this thou shalt know that I am the LORD: behold, I will smite with the rod that is in mine hand upon the waters which are in the river, and they shall be turned to blood.

Exodus 7:17 'Thus says the LORD, "By this you shall know that I am the LORD: behold, I will strike the water that is in the Nile with the staff that is in my hand, and it shall be turned to blood.

17-21. Aaron lifted up the rod and smote the waters, &c.--Whether the water was changed into real blood, or only the appearance of it (and Omnipotence could effect the one as easily as the other), this was a severe calamity. How great must have been the disappointment and disgust throughout the land when the river became of a blood red color, of which they had a national abhorrence; their favorite beverage became a nauseous draught, and the fish, which formed so large an article of food, were destroyed. [See on Nu 11:5.] The immense scale on which the plague was inflicted is seen by its extending to "the streams," or branches of the Nile--to the "rivers," the canals, the "ponds" and "pools," that which is left after an overflow, the reservoirs, and the many domestic vessels in which the Nile water was kept to filter. And accordingly the sufferings of the people from thirst must have been severe. Nothing could more humble the pride of Egypt than this dishonor brought on their national god.

JFB.

Questions Related to this Verse

Where in Scripture does it mention The plague of Blood?

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Exodus 7 Images and Notes

Brief Summary: Moses is appointed to give the Word of the LORD to Pharaoh, The LORD will multiply His signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, Aaron's rod becomes a serpent, Pharaoh's heart is hardened, The river is turned into blood, The magicians of Egypt imitate the miracles of Moses and Aaron.

Outline
1 Moses is encouraged to go to Pharaoh
7 The age of Moses is 80 and Aaron 83
10 His rod Is turned Into a serpent
11 The sorcerers do the same
13 Pharaoh's heart is hardened
14 God's message to Pharaoh
19 The river is turned into blood

Ancient Customs
prophet
rod
magicians
wise men
sorcerers
Pharaoh by the river's brink
blood
Pharaoh's house
IRRIGATION.
RECEPTACLES FOR NILE WATER
REVERENCE FOR RIVERS ABHORRENCE OF BLOOD
NILE WATER

Quick Reference Map

Map of the Nile River and Egypt (Click to Enlarge)

Photo of the Sinai Wilderness

Ancient Topics
I will harden Pharaoh's heart

Ancient People
God, Moses, Pharaoh
Egyptians
children of Israel
Hebrews

Geography
Egypt
the land of Canaan

Quick Reference Maps

The Exodus of the Hebrews

Mount Horeb

The Red Sea

The Old Testament

Exodus Resources

Moses and the Exodus
The Giving of the Law
The Tabernacle
The Wilderness Wanderings