Exodus 7:17 – “This is what the Lord says: ‘By this you will know that I am the Lord: With the staff that is in my hand I will strike the water of the Nile, and it will be changed into blood.'”
Extended Explanation
Exodus 7:17 marks the beginning of the first of the ten plagues that God sends upon Egypt. In this verse, God instructs Moses to deliver a clear and powerful message to Pharaoh. The purpose of this plague is to demonstrate God’s power and authority. By turning the water of the Nile into blood, God is making it clear that He is the Lord, and that His commands must be obeyed.
The Nile River was central to the life and economy of Egypt. It was the source of water, food, and transportation, and it held significant religious importance as well. By striking the Nile and turning its water into blood, God is attacking the very heart of Egypt’s power and prosperity. This miraculous sign serves as a direct confrontation with Pharaoh, who had refused to acknowledge God’s command to let the Israelites go. Through this plague, God is not only judging Egypt but also revealing His identity as the true God, in contrast to the false gods of Egypt.
Historical Context
The historical context of this verse is set during the time of the Israelites’ slavery in Egypt. The Egyptians relied heavily on the Nile River, which was considered the lifeblood of the nation. It was worshiped as a god, and many of the Egyptian deities were associated with the Nile. Pharaoh, as the ruler of Egypt, was seen as a divine figure responsible for maintaining the order and prosperity of the land, which included the Nile.
Moses had already confronted Pharaoh multiple times, demanding that he let the Israelites go, but Pharaoh had consistently refused. The plagues that follow are God’s response to Pharaoh’s hardened heart. By striking the Nile, God is demonstrating that He has power over the elements and the gods of Egypt, showing that Pharaoh is not in control, but God is.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Exodus 7:17 emphasizes the sovereignty of God over all creation and the futility of resisting His will. The transformation of the Nile’s water into blood symbolizes the seriousness of God’s judgment against those who oppose Him. It also highlights the theme of divine revelation—God is making Himself known not just to the Israelites, but to the Egyptians and the entire world. The phrase “By this you will know that I am the Lord” underscores that the purpose of the plague is not merely punitive, but revelatory. God is showing that He alone is the true God.
This verse also speaks to the concept of judgment and mercy. While the plague is a severe act of judgment, it is also an opportunity for Pharaoh and the Egyptians to recognize God’s power and repent. The plagues serve as both a warning and a demonstration of God’s control over the natural world and human history.
Literary Analysis
From a literary perspective, Exodus 7:17 is a turning point in the narrative. The verse is structured as a direct declaration from God, emphasizing the authority and finality of His words. The phrase “This is what the Lord says” introduces a prophetic formula that is often used in the Bible to signify that what follows is an authoritative message from God.
The imagery of the Nile turning to blood is both vivid and symbolic. Blood is often associated with life and death, and by turning the life-giving waters of the Nile into blood, God is symbolically declaring that Egypt’s source of life is now a source of judgment. This act also foreshadows the later plagues, each of which will further demonstrate God’s power and the consequences of Pharaoh’s refusal to obey.
Biblical Cross-References
Several other passages in the Bible resonate with the themes found in Exodus 7:17:
- Revelation 16:4 – “The third angel poured out his bowl on the rivers and springs of water, and they became blood.” This verse in Revelation echoes the plague of blood in Exodus, symbolizing God’s judgment in the end times.
- Psalm 78:44 – “He turned their rivers to blood; they could not drink from their streams.” This psalm reflects on the plagues as acts of God’s judgment and power during the Exodus.
- Ezekiel 30:12 – “I will dry up the Nile and sell the land to an evil nation; by the hand of foreigners I will lay waste the land and everything in it. I the Lord have spoken.” This verse highlights God’s power over the Nile, a theme that resonates with the judgment seen in Exodus.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Exodus 7:17 serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty and His ability to intervene in human affairs in dramatic and undeniable ways. It challenges believers to recognize that God is in control of all things, including the forces of nature and the events of history. This verse also calls us to respond to God’s revelation with humility and obedience, recognizing that resisting God’s will leads to judgment, while submitting to Him brings life.
This verse also encourages believers to trust in God’s power, even in situations that seem impossible or overwhelming. Just as God demonstrated His power over the Nile, He is able to work in our lives in ways that surpass our understanding, bringing about His purposes and revealing His glory.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Exodus 7:17, while demonstrating God’s judgment, also reflects His love in the way He seeks to reveal Himself to both the Israelites and the Egyptians. God’s actions are not arbitrary; they are purposeful, aimed at revealing His identity as the Lord. Even in judgment, there is an opportunity for repentance and recognition of God’s sovereignty.
God’s love is also seen in His protection of His people. The plagues, while devastating to Egypt, are part of God’s plan to deliver the Israelites from slavery. This act of deliverance is motivated by God’s love for His people and His commitment to fulfilling His promises to them.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Exodus 7:17 connects to Jesus Christ in the theme of divine revelation and judgment. Just as the plague of blood was a sign meant to reveal God’s power and authority, Jesus’ miracles and teachings were signs that revealed His divine identity. In John 2:11, after turning water into wine, it is written, “What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.”
Furthermore, the imagery of blood in this verse also points to the significance of blood in the New Testament, particularly the blood of Jesus shed on the cross. In Matthew 26:28, Jesus says, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” While the plague of blood in Exodus was a sign of judgment, the blood of Christ is a sign of redemption and forgiveness, offering life where there was once death.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the transformation of the Nile into blood challenge your understanding of God’s power and authority?
- Are there areas in your life where you need to recognize God’s sovereignty and submit to His will?
- How can you respond to God’s revelations in your life with obedience and faith, rather than resistance?
- What does this verse teach you about the balance between God’s judgment and His desire for people to know Him?
- How does the imagery of blood in Exodus 7:17 deepen your understanding of the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross?