Topical Encyclopedia The Plague of Blood is the first of the ten plagues that God inflicted upon Egypt as described in the Book of Exodus. This event marks the beginning of a series of divine judgments aimed at compelling Pharaoh to release the Israelites from bondage. The narrative is found in Exodus 7:14-25.Biblical Account The Lord instructed Moses to confront Pharaoh early in the morning as he went to the Nile River. Moses was to deliver God's command: "Let My people go, so that they may worship Me in the wilderness" (Exodus 7:16). Pharaoh's refusal to heed this command would result in the Nile's waters being turned into blood. The Lord said to Moses, "Tell Aaron, 'Take your staff and stretch out your hand over the waters of Egypt—over their rivers and canals, ponds and all their reservoirs—that they may become blood. There will be blood throughout the land of Egypt, even in vessels of wood and stone'" (Exodus 7:19). Moses and Aaron obeyed the Lord's command. Aaron stretched out his staff over the waters of Egypt, and the waters were transformed into blood. The fish in the Nile died, and the river reeked, making it undrinkable for the Egyptians. This miraculous transformation extended beyond the Nile to all water sources in Egypt, causing widespread distress. Significance and Theological Implications The Plague of Blood serves as a powerful demonstration of God's sovereignty over creation and His authority over the gods of Egypt. The Nile River, a vital source of life and sustenance for the Egyptians, was also considered sacred and associated with several deities. By turning the Nile into blood, God directly challenged the Egyptian pantheon and demonstrated His supremacy. This plague also highlights the theme of divine judgment and deliverance. It underscores the seriousness of Pharaoh's obstinacy and the lengths to which God would go to fulfill His covenant promises to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The transformation of water into blood symbolizes the severity of God's judgment against sin and rebellion. Pharaoh's Response Despite the severity of the plague, Pharaoh's heart remained hardened. The Egyptian magicians were able to replicate the miracle through their secret arts, which further emboldened Pharaoh in his defiance. "But the magicians of Egypt did the same things by their secret arts, and Pharaoh’s heart was hardened; he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said" (Exodus 7:22). Pharaoh's refusal to relent set the stage for the subsequent plagues, each escalating in intensity and impact. Historical and Cultural Context The Plague of Blood can be understood within the broader context of ancient Egyptian religion and society. The Nile was central to Egyptian life, agriculture, and religion. Its annual flooding was seen as a divine blessing, and its waters were revered. By striking at the heart of Egypt's natural and religious life, God demonstrated His power and the futility of relying on false gods. Conclusion The Plague of Blood is a foundational event in the Exodus narrative, illustrating God's power, judgment, and faithfulness. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of hard-heartedness and the ultimate authority of the God of Israel over all creation. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 7:14-25And the LORD said to Moses, Pharaoh's heart is hardened, he refuses to let the people go. Nave's Topical Index Library Joel's Rhapsody of the Locust Plague On the Holy Ghost and his Descent Upon the Apostles On his Father'S Silence, Because of the Plague of Hail. Concerning the Ten Plagues which came Upon the Egyptians. The Rod that Troubled Egypt. On the Advisableness of Improving Natural Knowledge. Hebrews ix. 5-Jan Jairus' Daughter and the Invalid Woman. Acts 17:26 "One Blood. " The Exhortation of the Last HomilyIs Continued in This. ... Resources What is the meaning of pestilence in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Moses in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What are the seven bowls/vials of Revelation? | GotQuestions.org Plague: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Plague of Boils and Open Sores Plague: As a Judgment on the Egyptians Plague: Death of the Firstborn Plague: Denounced As a Judgment Plague: On the Israelites for the Sin of Peor Plague: On the Israelites of Serpents Plague: On the Israelites: After Complaining About the Destruction of Korah and his Family Plague: On the Israelites: After Eating the Quail Meat Plague: On the Israelites: After Refusing to Enter the Promised Land Plague: On the Israelites: On Account of David's Sin The Plague or Pestilence was Attributed to a Destroying Angel The Plague or Pestilence: Described As Noisome The Plague or Pestilence: Desolating Effects of The Plague or Pestilence: Egypt often Afflicted With The Plague or Pestilence: Equally Fatal Day and Night The Plague or Pestilence: Fatal to Man and Beast The Plague or Pestilence: God's Judgments Upon the Apostasy The Plague or Pestilence: Inflicted by God The Plague or Pestilence: Israel Threatened With, As a Punishment for Disobedience The Plague or Pestilence: Often Broke out Suddenly The Plague or Pestilence: Often Followed War and Famine The Plague or Pestilence: One of God's Four Sore Judgments The Plague or Pestilence: Predicted to Happen Before Destruction of Jerusalem The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: David's Subjects for his Numbering the People The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: Israel for Despising Manna The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: Israel for Making Golden Calf The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: Israel for Murmuring at Destruction of Korah The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: Israel for Worshipping Baal-Peor The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: The Egyptians The Plague or Pestilence: Specially Fatal in Cities The Plague or Pestilence: The Diseased State of Man's Heart The Plague or Pestilence: The Jews Sought Deliverance From, by Prayer Related Terms |
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