Biblical Reference:
The First Plague, the turning of the Nile River into blood, is recorded in the Book of Exodus, specifically in Exodus 7:14-25. This event marks the beginning of a series of ten plagues that God inflicted upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from bondage.

Context and Background:
The Israelites had been enslaved in Egypt for several centuries, and God appointed Moses and Aaron to lead them out of captivity. Despite repeated requests, Pharaoh's heart remained hardened, and he refused to let the Israelites go. In response, God initiated a series of plagues to demonstrate His power and to persuade Pharaoh to release His people.

Description of the Plague:
In Exodus 7:17-18 , God declares, "By this you will know that I am the LORD: I will strike the waters of the Nile with the staff that is in my hand, and they will be turned to blood. The fish in the Nile will die, the river will stink, and the Egyptians will be unable to drink its water." This transformation of the Nile, the lifeblood of Egypt, into blood was a direct challenge to the Egyptian gods, particularly Hapi, the god of the Nile, and Osiris, for whom the Nile was considered the bloodstream.

Execution of the Plague:
Moses and Aaron, following God's command, went to Pharaoh. Aaron stretched out his staff over the waters of Egypt, and all the water in the Nile turned to blood. This miraculous event extended beyond the river to all water sources in Egypt, including streams, canals, ponds, and reservoirs. The Egyptians were left without drinkable water, and the fish in the river died, causing a terrible stench throughout the land (Exodus 7:20-21).

Pharaoh's Response:
Despite the severity of the plague, Pharaoh's heart remained hardened. The magicians of Egypt were able to replicate the miracle through their secret arts, which further emboldened Pharaoh to dismiss the signs and refuse to release the Israelites (Exodus 7:22-23). Pharaoh's stubbornness set the stage for the subsequent plagues that would follow.

Theological Significance:
The First Plague serves as a powerful demonstration of God's sovereignty over creation and His authority over the false gods of Egypt. It underscores the futility of idolatry and the supremacy of the God of Israel. The plague also highlights the theme of divine judgment against those who oppose God's will and the deliverance of His chosen people.

Historical and Cultural Impact:
The Nile River was central to Egyptian life, economy, and religion. By turning it into blood, God not only disrupted the daily life of the Egyptians but also directly challenged the religious beliefs that upheld Pharaoh's authority. This act of divine intervention was a clear message to both the Egyptians and the Israelites of God's power and His commitment to His covenant with His people.

Symbolism and Typology:
The transformation of water into blood can be seen as a symbol of judgment and purification. In a broader biblical context, blood often represents life and sacrifice, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose blood would bring redemption and deliverance to all who believe.

Related Biblical Themes:
· Divine Judgment: The plagues as a whole represent God's judgment against sin and rebellion.
· Deliverance: The plagues are a prelude to the Exodus, the deliverance of God's people from slavery.
· Sovereignty of God: The plagues demonstrate God's control over nature and history.
· Hardness of Heart: Pharaoh's resistance exemplifies the human tendency to resist God's will.

Cross-References:
· Exodus 4:9 · The initial sign of turning water into blood given to Moses.
· Psalm 78:44; 105:29 · References to the plagues in the Psalms.
· Revelation 16:3-4 · End-times plagues that echo the plagues of Egypt.