How does Exodus 7:17 connect to God's covenant promises to Israel? Setting the Context • After centuries of bondage (Exodus 1:8-14), God commissions Moses to confront Pharaoh (Exodus 3:7-10). • Exodus 7:17 records the first plague: “This is what the LORD says: ‘By this you will know that I am the LORD. Watch, I will strike the water of the Nile with the staff in my hand, and it will be turned to blood.’” The Significance of the First Plague • “By this you will know that I am the LORD” — the core covenant phrase (“I will be their God,” Genesis 17:7-8). • A direct assault on Egypt’s lifeline and its deified river, proving YHWH’s unrivaled sovereignty. • An opening salvo that will unfold through ten plagues, each exposing Egypt’s gods and vindicating Israel’s God (Exodus 12:12). Echoes of the Covenant • Promise of judgment on oppressors: “I will judge the nation they serve” (Genesis 15:13-14). The Nile’s blood inaugurates that judgment. • Promise of deliverance: “I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and mighty acts of judgment” (Exodus 6:6). The plague is the first “mighty act.” • Promise of possession: judgment on Egypt clears the path to Canaan (Genesis 15:18-21; Exodus 3:17). • Covenant identity affirmed: “You will know that I am the LORD your God” (Exodus 6:7). Each plague, starting with 7:17, reinforces Israel’s unique relationship with Him. Fulfillment and Forward Glance • Progressive revelation — each plague intensifies, displaying covenant faithfulness (Exodus 9:14-16). • Culminates in Passover blood (Exodus 12:13), foreshadowing the ultimate covenant blood of Christ (Luke 22:20; Hebrews 9:12-15). • Exodus becomes the template for later remembrance: “Has any god ever tried to take for himself one nation out of another… by signs, wonders and war?” (Deuteronomy 4:34). Walking in the Light of the Covenant Today • Trust the God who literally turned water to blood; His covenant promises never fail (2 Corinthians 1:20). • Worship Him alone; the plagues expose the futility of every rival god, ancient or modern. • Live as a redeemed people, set apart by the same LORD who acts with power and keeps His word from Abraham to eternity. |
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