Topical Bible: Blood: Water Turned Into, As a Sign

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The transformation of water into blood is a significant biblical event that serves as a divine sign, demonstrating God's power and authority. This miraculous occurrence is primarily associated with the narrative of the plagues in Egypt, as recorded in the Book of Exodus.

Exodus 7:14-25
The first instance of water turning into blood is found in the account of the ten plagues that God inflicted upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from bondage. In Exodus 7:14-25, God instructs Moses to confront Pharaoh and demand the release of His people. When Pharaoh refuses, God commands Moses and Aaron to perform a miraculous sign. Aaron, at Moses' direction, stretches out his staff over the waters of Egypt, and all the water in the Nile River turns into blood. The Berean Standard Bible states: "And 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 7:21).

This transformation of water into blood serves multiple purposes. It is a direct challenge to the Egyptian deities, particularly Hapi, the god of the Nile, demonstrating the superiority of the God of Israel. It also acts as a judgment against Egypt for their oppression of the Israelites, highlighting the seriousness of God's demand for their liberation.

Symbolism and Theological Implications
The turning of water into blood carries deep symbolic meaning. Blood, in biblical terms, often represents life and death, covenant, and sacrifice. In this context, the transformation signifies judgment and the impending doom that awaits those who oppose God's will. It foreshadows the ultimate deliverance of the Israelites and the establishment of a covenant relationship with God.

Furthermore, this sign is a precursor to the sacrificial system that would later be instituted under the Mosaic Law, where blood plays a central role in atonement and purification. The event underscores the theme of divine retribution and the necessity of obedience to God's commands.

New Testament Reflection
While the New Testament does not directly reference the water-to-blood miracle in Egypt, the theme of transformation and divine signs continues. Jesus' first miracle at the wedding in Cana, where He turns water into wine (John 2:1-11), echoes the transformative power of God. Though distinct in purpose and context, both miracles reveal God's authority over creation and His ability to bring about change for His divine purposes.

In summary, the turning of water into blood as a sign in the biblical narrative serves as a powerful demonstration of God's might, a judgment against the oppressors of His people, and a foreshadowing of the sacrificial system that points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 4:30
And Aaron spoke all the words which the LORD had spoken to Moses, and did the signs in the sight of the people.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The First Miracle in Cana --The Water Made Wine
... Testament as being the emblem of His blood shed for ... the thought that sorrow may be
turned into a solemn ... The Christ who transforms the water of earthly gladness ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the first miracle in canathe.htm

The First Sign --The Marriage in Cana.
... doubt, simple amazement at the power which so easily and unostentatiously turned
the water into wine ... not have seen in the wine a symbol of the blood He was ...
/.../v the first signthe marriage.htm

After Mentioning a Noble Action of the Romans, the Writer Shows ...
... it out, and the water of the river was turned into blood. ... with thirst; but there
was pure water flowing in ... how, by his innate goodness, he turned aside from ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xv after mentioning a.htm

The Story of a Cup of Water
... do this thing: shall I drink the blood of these ... same fine common-sense told him that
water procured at ... had become sacred, and had better be turned into a sort ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the story of a cup.htm

The Day of Blood at Prague.
... the altars with sticks, sprinkled holy water to cleanse ... influence of the Brethren
that Ferdinand turned his attention ... Bohemia was a field of blood, and Spanish ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter xv the day of.htm

Sanctification
... on wrong objects; in sanctification, they are turned into a sweet order ... Titus 3:3.
We were in our blood, and then God washed us with water, and anointed ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/5 sanctification.htm

Wherefore, Although I am not Able to Teach...
... and spread abroad, authority might be turned with effect ... slenderest food of bread
and water, and fastings ... Apostles, through the insults, crosses, blood, of the ...
/.../augustine/on the profit of believing /section 33 wherefore although i.htm

The Plagues of Egypt
... So the river was turned into blood. ... 'The magicians did likewise with their
enchantments'"made, we may suppose, water seem to turn to blood by some ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon x the plagues of.htm

Blessed are the Poor in Spirit
... the water, so he thirsts for Christ's blood, the water of life ... Conscience is turned
into a fiery serpent and has stung him; now ... He bathes himself in his blood. ...
/.../watson/the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/4 blessed are the poor.htm

Psalm LXVI.
... of the blood of Him innocent: and that same blood which through ... "My soul is as it
were land without water to Thee." [2613] "That hath turned the sea into ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxvi.htm