Exodus 7:19

And the LORD said to Moses, "Tell Aaron, 'Take your staff and stretch out your hand over the waters of Egypt--over their rivers and canals and ponds and reservoirs--that they may become blood.' There will be blood throughout the land of Egypt, even in the vessels of wood and stone."

Study Bible

And the LORD said to Moses
This phrase underscores the direct communication between God and Moses, a central theme in the Exodus narrative. The Hebrew word for "LORD" is "YHWH," the sacred name of God, emphasizing His eternal and self-existent nature. This divine instruction highlights God's sovereignty and His active role in the deliverance of His people. Historically, this communication signifies the beginning of the plagues, a series of divine judgments against Egypt's gods and Pharaoh's hardened heart.

Tell Aaron
Aaron, Moses' brother, serves as his spokesperson. This reflects God's provision for Moses' perceived inadequacies in speech (Exodus 4:14-16). Aaron's role is crucial, as it demonstrates the importance of obedience and partnership in God's work. The Hebrew root for "tell" (אָמַר, 'amar) implies a command, indicating the urgency and authority of God's message.

Take your staff
The staff is a symbol of authority and power, often used by shepherds. In the context of Exodus, it becomes a tool for divine miracles. The Hebrew word for "staff" (מַטֶּה, matteh) can also mean "tribe," symbolizing leadership and guidance. This staff, once a simple shepherd's tool, is transformed into an instrument of God's will, illustrating how God uses the ordinary for extraordinary purposes.

and stretch out your hand
This action signifies the extension of God's power through human agency. The Hebrew verb for "stretch out" (נָטָה, natah) conveys the idea of reaching out with intent and purpose. It is a physical manifestation of faith and obedience, as Aaron acts on God's command, demonstrating the partnership between divine sovereignty and human responsibility.

over the waters of Egypt
The "waters of Egypt" refer to the Nile River and its tributaries, which were the lifeblood of Egyptian civilization. The Nile was revered as a deity, and its transformation into blood would have been a direct affront to Egyptian religious beliefs. This act signifies God's supremacy over all creation and His power to disrupt the natural order to fulfill His purposes.

over their rivers and canals, over their ponds and all their reservoirs
This comprehensive list emphasizes the totality of the plague's impact. The Hebrew terms for these bodies of water (יְאֹר, ye'or for "rivers"; אֲגַם, agam for "ponds"; מִקְוֶה, miqveh for "reservoirs") highlight the extensive reach of God's judgment. It serves as a reminder that no aspect of life is beyond God's control and that His judgments are thorough and complete.

that they may become blood
The transformation of water into blood is a miraculous sign of judgment. Blood, in Hebrew (דָּם, dam), is often associated with life and death. This plague symbolizes the death of Egypt's sustenance and the beginning of God's deliverance of Israel. It foreshadows the sacrificial system and the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, whose blood brings redemption.

There will be blood throughout the land of Egypt
This phrase indicates the widespread nature of the plague, affecting all Egyptians. It serves as a warning of God's power and a call to repentance. The pervasive presence of blood signifies the seriousness of God's judgment and the need for Pharaoh to acknowledge the true God.

even in vessels of wood and stone
This detail highlights the inescapability of God's judgment. The Hebrew words for "wood" (עֵץ, etz) and "stone" (אֶבֶן, eben) suggest that even the most mundane and everyday objects are subject to God's will. It underscores the futility of relying on material possessions or false gods for security, pointing instead to the necessity of trusting in the one true God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who is demonstrating His power over the gods of Egypt.

2. Moses
The prophet and leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt.

3. Aaron
Moses' brother and spokesperson, who acts on Moses' behalf by performing the miracles.

4. Egypt
The land where the Israelites are enslaved, ruled by Pharaoh, and the setting for the plagues.

5. The Plague of Blood
The first of the ten plagues, where the waters of Egypt are turned to blood as a sign of God's power and judgment.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty Over Creation
God demonstrates His absolute control over nature, reminding us that He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things.

Judgment and Mercy
The plagues serve as both a judgment against Egypt and a means of deliverance for Israel, illustrating God's justice and mercy.

Obedience to God's Commands
Moses and Aaron's obedience in performing God's commands is a model for us to follow God's instructions, even when they seem daunting.

The Power of God’s Word
The transformation of water to blood shows the power of God's word, encouraging us to trust in His promises and commands.

The Hardness of Heart
Pharaoh's resistance to God's signs warns us of the dangers of hardening our hearts against God's will.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the transformation of water to blood in Exodus 7:19 demonstrate God's sovereignty over creation?

2. In what ways does the first plague serve as both a judgment and a means of deliverance? How can this dual purpose be seen in other parts of Scripture?

3. What can we learn from Moses and Aaron's obedience in this passage about following God's commands in our own lives?

4. How does the account of the first plague in Egypt connect to the future judgments described in Revelation? What does this tell us about God's consistent character?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced a "hardening of heart" in your own life. How can you apply the lessons from Pharaoh's response to God's signs to avoid similar pitfalls?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 1:1-2
The creation of water as part of God's original creation, showing His sovereignty over all elements.

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

Psalm 78:44
A recounting of the plagues, emphasizing God's mighty acts in delivering His people.

John 2:1-11
Jesus turning water into wine, contrasting the judgment of Egypt with the blessing and new covenant in Christ.