◄ Exodus 7 ►
Book Study • Verse Study • Study Que
Summary The Plague of Blood This chapter reveals the extraordinary extent of God's power and His commitment to the liberation of His people. It underlines the importance of obedience to God's commands and the profound consequences of hardening one's heart against divine signs. It calls us to heed God's voice, seek His will, and understand His mighty acts in our lives. Divine Empowerment (Verses 1-5) God promises Moses that He has made him like God to Pharaoh, with Aaron as his prophet. However, He also predicts that Pharaoh's heart will be hardened. Confrontation with Pharaoh (Verses 6-7) Moses and Aaron, at the ripe ages of eighty and eighty-three respectively, obey God's command and speak to Pharaoh, presenting their first miracle. Battle of Wonders (Verses 8-12) Aaron's staff transforms into a serpent before Pharaoh, a feat replicated by Egyptian sorcerers, but Aaron's staff swallows theirs. Pharaoh's Hardened Heart (Verse 13) Despite the miracle, Pharaoh's heart remains unchanged. First Plague: Blood in the Nile (Verses 14-21) As Pharaoh remains stubborn, God instructs Moses and Aaron to strike the Nile, turning its water into blood and causing all the fish to die. Mirrored Miracle (Verses 22-23) The magicians of Egypt replicate the miracle, leading to the further hardening of Pharaoh's heart. Aftermath of the Plague (Verses 24-25) Egyptians are forced to dig around the Nile for drinking water, and seven full days pass after the LORD's striking of the Nile. The chapter unfolds as the LORD endows Moses and Aaron with divine powers, enabling them to confront Pharaoh. Despite the ensuing wonders and miracles, Pharaoh's heart remains hardened, leading to the LORD's mighty act of turning the Nile's water into blood. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and Authority Exodus 7:1-2 highlights God's declaration to Moses, See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron will be your prophet. This demonstrates God's authority in appointing His servants to carry out His will. Obedience to God's Command In verses 6-7, Moses and Aaron did just as the LORD had commanded them. Their obedience is crucial in the unfolding of God's plan. God's Power Over Nature The first sign, turning the Nile into blood (verses 14-25), illustrates God's control over creation and His ability to disrupt the natural order to achieve His purposes. Pharaoh's Hardened Heart Despite witnessing God's power, Pharaoh's heart remains hardened (verse 13). This sets a pattern of resistance that continues throughout the plagues. Practical Applications Trust in God's Plan Like Moses and Aaron, we are called to trust and obey God's instructions, even when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges. Recognize God's Authority Acknowledge God's sovereignty in our lives and the world, understanding that He is in control, even when circumstances seem chaotic. Respond to God's Signs Unlike Pharaoh, who hardened his heart, we should remain open and responsive to God's work in our lives, allowing His signs to lead us to repentance and faith. People 1. The LORD (Yahweh) The central divine figure in the narrative, Yahweh is the God of Israel who commands Moses and Aaron to confront Pharaoh. The Hebrew name used is יְהוָה (YHWH), which is often rendered as "LORD" in English translations. 2. Moses A prophet and leader of the Israelites, Moses is chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt. In this chapter, he is instructed by God to speak to Pharaoh and perform signs. His Hebrew name is מֹשֶׁה (Mosheh). 3. Aaron The brother of Moses and his spokesperson, Aaron assists Moses in communicating with Pharaoh. He is also a key figure in performing the signs that God commands. His Hebrew name is אַהֲרֹן (Aharon). 4. Pharaoh The ruler of Egypt, Pharaoh is the antagonist in the narrative who refuses to let the Israelites go. His heart is hardened, leading to the plagues that follow. The term "Pharaoh" is derived from the Egyptian title for the king. Places 1. Egypt The central location of the narrative in Exodus 7, where Moses and Aaron confront Pharaoh to demand the release of the Israelites. Egypt, known in Hebrew as "Mitzrayim" (מִצְרַיִם), is the land where the Israelites are enslaved and where God demonstrates His power through the plagues. 2. The Nile River Although not explicitly named in Exodus 7, the Nile is implied when Aaron stretches out his hand over the waters of Egypt, turning them into blood. The Nile, a critical water source for Egypt, is referred to in Hebrew as "Ye'or" (יְאוֹר), which means "river" or "stream." Events 1. God Commissions Moses and Aaron God speaks to Moses, telling him that He has made him "like God to Pharaoh," and Aaron will be his prophet (Exodus 7:1). The Hebrew word for "prophet" is נָבִיא (navi), indicating one who speaks on behalf of God. 2. Instructions for Confronting Pharaoh God instructs Moses and Aaron to speak to Pharaoh and demand the release of the Israelites. God warns that He will harden Pharaoh's heart, allowing Him to multiply His signs and wonders in Egypt (Exodus 7:2-3). 3. God's Purpose Revealed God declares that He will bring judgment on Egypt and that the Egyptians will know He is the LORD when He stretches out His hand against Egypt and brings the Israelites out (Exodus 7:4-5). 4. Moses and Aaron Obey God's Command Moses and Aaron do as the LORD commands them. At this time, Moses is eighty years old, and Aaron is eighty-three (Exodus 7:6-7). 5. Aaron's Staff Becomes a Serpent God instructs Moses and Aaron to perform a miracle before Pharaoh. Aaron throws down his staff before Pharaoh, and it becomes a serpent (Exodus 7:9-10). The Hebrew word for "serpent" is תַּנִּין (tannin), which can also mean a large reptile or sea creature. 6. Pharaoh's Magicians Replicate the Miracle Pharaoh's magicians, using their secret arts, also turn their staffs into serpents. However, Aaron's staff swallows up their staffs, demonstrating God's superior power (Exodus 7:11-12). 7. Pharaoh's Heart is Hardened Despite witnessing the miracle, Pharaoh's heart is hardened, and he refuses to listen to Moses and Aaron, as the LORD had said (Exodus 7:13). 8. The First Plague: Water Turned to Blood God instructs Moses to meet Pharaoh by the Nile River and warn him that the water will be turned to blood if he does not let the Israelites go. Aaron stretches out his staff over the waters of Egypt, and they turn to blood, killing the fish and making the water undrinkable (Exodus 7:14-21). 9. Pharaoh's Magicians Imitate the Plague The magicians of Egypt replicate the turning of water into blood with their secret arts, further hardening Pharaoh's heart (Exodus 7:22). 10. Pharaoh's Continued Refusal Pharaoh remains obstinate and refuses to listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the LORD had foretold. The Egyptians are forced to dig around the Nile for drinking water (Exodus 7:23-24). Connections to Additional Scriptures Romans 9:17-18 Paul references Pharaoh's hardened heart to illustrate God's sovereign choice and purpose in displaying His power. Psalm 105:26-36 This psalm recounts the plagues in Egypt, emphasizing God's faithfulness in delivering His people. Hebrews 3:7-8 A warning against hardening our hearts, encouraging us to listen to God's voice today. Prayer Points Pray for a heart of obedience and trust in God's plan, even when it challenges our understanding. Ask for the ability to recognize and submit to God's authority in every aspect of life. Seek a responsive heart that is open to God's signs and willing to change in accordance with His will. Intercede for those who, like Pharaoh, have hardened their hearts against God's truth, that they may come to repentance and faith. Bible Study Questions 1. What does God's empowerment of Moses and Aaron reveal about His divine plan for His people's liberation? 2. Why do you think God allowed Pharaoh's heart to harden, and what does this teach us about free will? 3. How does the miracle of Aaron's staff turning into a serpent highlight the superior power of God over Egyptian magic? 4. Why do you think the magicians of Egypt could replicate the miracles performed by Moses and Aaron? 5. How does the first plague of turning the Nile into blood symbolize the impending judgment on Egypt? 6. How does Moses' obedience inspire you in your faith journey? 7. What can we learn from Pharaoh's hardened heart, even in the face of clear miracles and signs? 8. How does the transformation of Aaron's staff into a serpent signify the transformation of Moses' leadership? 9. What would you do if you were in Moses' place, tasked with confronting a stubborn ruler? 10. Why is it significant that the water of the Nile was turned into blood as the first plague? 11. How does the aftermath of the first plague reflect the dire consequences of disobedience to God's command? 12. How does the resilience of the Egyptians in finding alternative sources of water reflect human resistance to recognizing divine signs? 13. What lessons can you apply from this chapter to handle situations of persistent disbelief or opposition in your life? 14. How does this chapter influence your understanding of God's sovereign power over the affairs of nations? 15. How does the story of Pharaoh's stubbornness warn against the dangers of pride and self-sufficiency? 16. How can you apply the lesson of obedience shown by Moses and Aaron in your personal life? 17. Why do you think God chose to perform these miracles before Pharaoh and the Egyptians, and what does it reveal about His character? 18. How does this chapter inspire you to trust in God's plans, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges? 19. How does this chapter enhance your understanding of the struggle between divine power and human resistance? 20. In your present-day life, how would you apply the lessons learned from the consequences of Pharaoh's hardened heart? Topics 1. God's Commission to Moses and Aaron God reaffirms His command to Moses and Aaron to speak to Pharaoh and demand the release of the Israelites. This section emphasizes God's authority and the divine mission given to Moses and Aaron. The Hebrew root for "command" (צָוָה, tsavah) underscores the authoritative nature of God's instructions. 2. Moses and Aaron's Obedience Moses and Aaron demonstrate their obedience to God's command by approaching Pharaoh. This obedience is crucial in the narrative, highlighting the importance of faithfulness to God's directives. 3. God's Hardening of Pharaoh's Heart God declares that He will harden Pharaoh's heart, a theme that recurs throughout the Exodus narrative. The Hebrew word for "harden" (חָזַק, chazaq) suggests strengthening or making firm, indicating God's sovereign control over the situation. 4. The Sign of the Staff Turning into a Serpent Aaron's staff becomes a serpent as a sign to Pharaoh, demonstrating God's power. This miraculous sign is intended to validate Moses and Aaron's message and authority. The Hebrew word for "serpent" (תַּנִּין, tannin) can also mean a large reptile or sea creature, emphasizing the awe-inspiring nature of the miracle. 5. Pharaoh's Magicians Replicate the Miracle Pharaoh's magicians replicate the transformation of staffs into serpents, but Aaron's staff swallows theirs, showcasing the superiority of God's power over Egyptian magic. This event foreshadows the coming plagues and God's ultimate victory. 6. The First Plague: Water Turned to Blood God instructs Moses and Aaron to strike the Nile, turning its waters into blood. This first plague is a direct challenge to the Egyptian gods and a demonstration of God's power over creation. The Hebrew word for "blood" (דָּם, dam) signifies the severity and life-altering impact of the plague. Themes 1. Divine Authority and Commissioning In Exodus 7, God reaffirms His authority and commissions Moses and Aaron to confront Pharaoh. This theme is evident in God's declaration to Moses: "See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron will be your prophet" (Exodus 7:1). The Hebrew word for "prophet" (נָבִיא, ^navi^) emphasizes the role of Aaron as a spokesperson for God's divine message. 2. God's Sovereignty Over Creation The theme of God's sovereignty is highlighted through the miraculous signs and wonders that God promises to perform in Egypt. In Exodus 7:3, God says, "But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and though I will multiply My signs and wonders in the land of Egypt." The Hebrew word for "signs" (אוֹתֹת, ^otot^) and "wonders" (מֹפְתִים, ^mofetim^) underscore God's control over natural and supernatural events. 3. Judgment and Deliverance The narrative introduces the theme of judgment against Egypt and deliverance for Israel. God states His intention to bring judgment upon Egypt: "Then I will lay My hand on Egypt and bring out the divisions of My people the Israelites" (Exodus 7:4). The Hebrew term for "divisions" (צִבְאֹת, ^tzivot^) can also mean "armies," indicating the organized and powerful nature of God's deliverance. 4. The Hardening of Pharaoh's Heart A recurring theme in Exodus is the hardening of Pharaoh's heart, which is mentioned in Exodus 7:3: "But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart." The Hebrew verb used here (חָזַק, ^chazaq^) implies strengthening or making firm, indicating a divine action that ensures Pharaoh's resistance to God's commands. 5. The Power of God's Word The power and effectiveness of God's word are emphasized as Moses and Aaron obey God's command to speak to Pharaoh. In Exodus 7:6, it is written, "So Moses and Aaron did just as the LORD had commanded them." The Hebrew root for "commanded" (צָוָה, ^tzavah^) highlights the authoritative nature of God's instructions. 6. Miraculous Signs as a Testimony The transformation of Aaron's staff into a serpent serves as a testimony to God's power. In Exodus 7:10, it states, "Aaron threw his staff down before Pharaoh and his officials, and it became a serpent." The Hebrew word for "serpent" (תַּנִּין, ^tannin^) can also mean a large reptile or sea creature, emphasizing the miraculous nature of the sign. 7. Conflict Between Divine and Human Power The confrontation between Moses and Aaron and the magicians of Egypt illustrates the conflict between divine and human power. In Exodus 7:11-12, the magicians replicate the miracle, but Aaron's staff swallows their staffs, demonstrating the superiority of God's power: "But Aaron’s staff swallowed up their staffs." 8. God's Purpose in Revealing Himself God's actions in Egypt serve the purpose of revealing Himself to both the Israelites and the Egyptians. In Exodus 7:5, God declares, "And the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD when I stretch out My hand against Egypt and bring the Israelites out from among them." The Hebrew name for God, יְהוָה (^YHWH^), is used here, emphasizing His covenantal and self-revealing nature. Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions