Exodus 7:21

The fish in the Nile died, and the river smelled so bad that the Egyptians could not drink its water. And there was blood throughout the land of Egypt.

Study Bible

The fish in the Nile died
The Nile River was the lifeblood of Egypt, a source of sustenance and economic prosperity. The Hebrew word for "fish" (דָּג, dag) emphasizes the abundance and variety of aquatic life that thrived in the Nile. The death of the fish signifies a direct assault on the Egyptian economy and daily life, as fish were a staple food source. This event underscores God's power over creation and His ability to disrupt the natural order to fulfill His divine purposes.

and the river reeked so badly
The Hebrew word for "reeked" (בָּאַשׁ, ba'ash) conveys a sense of intense foulness and decay. This phrase highlights the severity of the plague, as the once life-giving river became a source of stench and corruption. The transformation of the Nile into a putrid body of water serves as a metaphor for the spiritual corruption of Egypt, which had turned away from the true God to worship false deities.

that the Egyptians could not drink its water
Water is a symbol of life and purity throughout Scripture. The inability of the Egyptians to drink from the Nile represents a deprivation of life and blessing. This phrase illustrates the futility of relying on earthly resources and false gods for sustenance. It serves as a call to recognize the sovereignty of the God of Israel, who alone can provide true and lasting nourishment.

There was blood throughout the land of Egypt
The transformation of the Nile's waters into blood (דָּם, dam) is a powerful symbol of judgment. Blood, often associated with life, here becomes a sign of death and divine retribution. This phrase emphasizes the pervasive nature of the plague, affecting the entire land of Egypt. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of defying God's will and the seriousness of His judgments against sin.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The prophet chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. He is instrumental in performing the signs and wonders, including the turning of the Nile into blood.

2. Aaron
Moses' brother and spokesperson, who assists Moses in confronting Pharaoh and performing the miracles.

3. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt who refuses to let the Israelites go, prompting God to send plagues as a demonstration of His power.

4. The Nile River
A vital water source for Egypt, turned to blood as the first plague, symbolizing God's judgment and power over Egyptian deities.

5. Egyptians
The people of Egypt who suffer the consequences of Pharaoh's hardened heart, experiencing the plagues firsthand.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty Over Nature
The transformation of the Nile into blood demonstrates God's control over creation, challenging the Egyptian gods and asserting His supremacy.

Judgment and Mercy
The plagues serve as both judgment against Egypt and a call to repentance, showing God's justice and His desire for people to turn to Him.

The Hardness of Heart
Pharaoh's refusal to heed God's command illustrates the danger of a hardened heart, warning believers to remain open and responsive to God's voice.

The Power of Obedience
Moses and Aaron's obedience in performing God's commands highlights the importance of faithfulness and trust in God's plan, even when facing opposition.

The Consequences of Sin
The devastation of the Nile serves as a reminder of the destructive nature of sin and the need for redemption through Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the turning of the Nile into blood demonstrate God's power over the Egyptian gods, and what does this teach us about His sovereignty in our lives today?

2. In what ways can we see the theme of judgment and mercy in the plagues, and how does this relate to the message of the Gospel?

3. How can we guard against the hardness of heart seen in Pharaoh, and what steps can we take to ensure our hearts remain open to God's leading?

4. What lessons can we learn from Moses and Aaron's obedience, and how can we apply these lessons in our daily walk with God?

5. How does the account of the plagues in Exodus connect with the future judgments described in Revelation, and what hope does this provide for believers?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 1:20-21
The creation of fish and life in the waters, contrasting with the death of fish in the Nile, highlighting the reversal of creation due to sin and judgment.

Revelation 16:3-4
The future judgment where waters turn to blood, drawing a parallel to the plagues in Egypt as a sign of God's ultimate authority and justice.

Psalm 78:44
A recounting of the plagues, emphasizing God's power and the fulfillment of His promises to His people.