Topical Bible: Blood: Plague of

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The Plague of Blood is the first of the ten plagues that God inflicted upon Egypt as described in the Book of Exodus. This miraculous event is a significant demonstration of God's power and serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative of the Israelites' liberation from Egyptian bondage.

Biblical Account

The account of the Plague of Blood is found in Exodus 7:14-25. God commands Moses to confront Pharaoh and demand the release of the Israelites. When Pharaoh refuses, God instructs Moses to meet Pharaoh by the Nile River. Moses, accompanied by Aaron, is to stretch out his staff over the waters of Egypt, turning them into blood. The Berean Standard Bible records this event as follows:

"So Moses and Aaron did just as the LORD had commanded. In the presence of Pharaoh and his officials, Aaron raised the staff and struck the water of the Nile, and all the water was turned to blood. The fish in the Nile died, and the river reeked so badly that the Egyptians could not drink its water. There was blood throughout the land of Egypt." (Exodus 7:20-21)

Significance

The Plague of Blood serves multiple purposes within the biblical narrative. Firstly, it is a direct challenge to the Egyptian pantheon, particularly the god Hapi, who was believed to be the god of the Nile and responsible for the river's annual flooding, which was crucial for agriculture. By turning the Nile into blood, God demonstrates His supremacy over the Egyptian deities and the natural world.

Secondly, the plague is a sign of judgment against Pharaoh and the Egyptians for their oppression of the Israelites. It is a tangible manifestation of God's power and a warning of the consequences of Pharaoh's hardened heart. Despite the severity of the plague, Pharaoh's magicians replicate the miracle through their secret arts, and Pharaoh's heart remains hardened, as noted in Exodus 7:22-23.

Theological Implications

The Plague of Blood is a testament to God's sovereignty and His ability to intervene in human history. It underscores the theme of divine retribution and justice, as God acts on behalf of His chosen people. The transformation of the Nile, a source of life and sustenance, into blood, a symbol of death, highlights the seriousness of defying God's will.

Furthermore, the plague sets the stage for the subsequent plagues, each escalating in intensity and further demonstrating God's power and determination to free the Israelites. It also foreshadows the ultimate deliverance of the Israelites through the Passover and the parting of the Red Sea.

Historical and Cultural Context

In the ancient Egyptian context, the Nile River was central to life and culture. It was not only a source of water and food but also held religious significance. The transformation of the Nile into blood would have been a catastrophic event, disrupting daily life and challenging the religious beliefs of the Egyptians.

The Plague of Blood, therefore, is not merely a natural disaster but a profound theological statement. It serves as a reminder of the futility of relying on false gods and the importance of recognizing the one true God.

Conclusion

The Plague of Blood is a foundational event in the Exodus narrative, illustrating God's power, judgment, and faithfulness to His promises. It marks the beginning of a series of divine interventions that ultimately lead to the liberation of the Israelites and the establishment of their covenant relationship with God.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 7:17-25
Thus said the LORD, In this you shall know that I am the LORD: behold, I will smite with the rod that is in my hand on the waters which are in the river, and they shall be turned to blood.
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Psalm 78:44
And had turned their rivers into blood; and their floods, that they could not drink.
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Psalm 105:29
He turned their waters into blood, and slew their fish.
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Library

Joel's Rhapsody of the Locust Plague
... LYRICS JOEL'S RHAPSODY OF THE LOCUST PLAGUE. i ... And I will shew wonders in the heavens
and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. ...
/.../select masterpieces of biblical literature/joels rhapsody of the locust.htm

On the Holy Ghost and his Descent Upon the Apostles
... The first plague was blood. All the water in the land was converted into
blood. (Ex.7). The king then sent for Moses and promised ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 9 on the holy.htm

Acts 17:26 "One Blood. "
... I can find no words to express my deep sense of the importance of maintaining in
our Church the true doctrine of the blood of Christ. One plague of our age is ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter vi acts 17 26 one.htm

On his Father'S Silence, Because of the Plague of Hail.
... I passed by the blood drunk in Egypt from the wells and rivers and all reservoirs
of water [3111] in the first plague: I passed over the next scourges, the ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xvi on his fathers.htm

The Doctrine of Angels.
... angels (cf. Revelation; fire, hail, blood, plague of locusts, poison of
scorpions, etc.)"whether actual or symbolic, it is awful. ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of angels.htm

Concerning the Ten Plagues which came Upon the Egyptians.
... upon the ceasing of this calamity would not grow wiser, he sent another plague upon
the ... insomuch that those who drew water had it spoiled by the blood of these ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 14 concerning the ten.htm

The Rod that Troubled Egypt.
... But because the wizards could turn water to blood also, Pharoah's heart was hardened ...
This also the magicians did, but so great was the plague that the king said ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xi the rod that.htm

The Blood
... "When I see the blood, I will pass over you.""Exodus 12:13. ... Plague, famine, war,
tempest,"all these have received commandment of God to save his people. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the blood.htm

Hebrews ix. 5-Jan
... good reason, since that is "the blood of bulls," and this "the Blood of Christ.". ...
And it is said too that a plague at its very commencement corrupts [3062] the ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xv hebrews ix 5-jan.htm

"My Little Children, These Things Write I unto You, that Ye Sin ...
... the water runs in that channel, and is conveyed by the blood thither, therefore
it ... not to return and inquire early after God,"this is the plague and judgment ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxii my little children.htm