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Commentary on Exodus 7 verses 14–25
Here is the first of the ten plagues, the turning of the water into blood, which was, 1. A dreadful plague, and very grievous. The very sight of such vast rolling streams of blood, pure blood no doubt, florid and high-colored, could not but strike a horror upon people: much more afflictive were the consequences of it. Nothing more common than water: so wisely has Providence ordered it, and so kindly, that that which is so needful and serviceable to the comfort of human life should be cheap, and almost every where to be had; but now the Egyptians must either drink blood, or die for thirst. Fish was much of their food (Num 11:5), but the changing of the waters was the death of the fish; it was a pestilence in that element (Exo 7:21): The fish died. In the general deluge they escaped, because perhaps they had not then contributed so much to the luxury of man as they have since; but in this particular judgment they perished (Psa 105:29): He slew their fish; and when another destruction of Egypt, long afterwards, is threatened, the disappointment of those that make sluices and ponds for fish is particularly noticed, Isa 19:10. Egypt was a pleasant land, but the noisome stench of dead fish and blood, which by degrees would grow putrid, now rendered it very unpleasant. 2. It was a righteous plague, and justly inflicted upon the Egyptians. For, (1.) Nilus, the river of Egypt, was their idol; they and their land derived so much benefit from it that they served and worshipped it more than the Creator. The true fountain of the Nile being unknown to them, they paid all their devotions to its streams: here therefore God punished them, and turned that into blood which they had turned into a god. Note, That creature which we idolize God justly removes from us, or embitters to us. He makes that a scourge to us which we make a competitor with him. (2.) They had stained the river with the blood of the Hebrews' children, and now God made that river all bloody. Thus he gave them blood to drink, for they were worthy, Rev 16:6. Note, Never any thirsted after blood, but, sooner or later, they had enough of it. 3. It was a significant plague. Egypt had a great dependence upon their river (Zac 14:18), so that in smiting the river they were warned of the destruction of all the productions of their country, till it came at last to their firstborn; and this red river proved a direful omen of the ruin of Pharaoh and all his forces in the Red Sea. This plague of Egypt is alluded to in the prediction of the ruin of the enemies of the New Testament church, Rev 16:3, Rev 16:4. But there the sea, as well as the rivers and fountains of water, is turned into blood; for spiritual judgments reach further, and strike deeper, than temporal judgments do. And, lastly, let me observe in general concerning this plague that one of the first miracles Moses wrought was turning water into blood, but one of the first miracles our Lord Jesus wrought was turning water into wine; for the law was given by Moses, and it was a dispensation of death and terror; but grace and truth, which, like wine, make glad the heart, came by Jesus Christ. Observe,
I. Moses is directed to give Pharaoh warning of this plague. "Pharaoh's heart is hardened (Exo 7:14), therefore go and try what this will do to soften it," Exo 7:15. Moses perhaps may not be admitted into Pharaoh's presence-chamber, or the room of state where he used to give audience to ambassadors; and therefore he is directed to meet him by the river's brink, whither God foresaw he would come in the morning, either for the pleasure of a morning's walk or to pay his morning devotions to the river: for thus all people will walk, every one in the name of his god; they will not fail to worship their god every morning. There Moses must be ready to give him a new summons to surrender, and, in case of a refusal, to tell him of the judgment that was coming upon that very river on the banks of which they were now standing. Notice is thus given him of it beforehand, that they might have no colour to say it was a chance, or to attribute it to any other cause, but that it might appear to be done by the power of the God of the Hebrews, and as a punishment upon him for his obstinacy. Moses is expressly ordered to take the rod with him, that Pharaoh might be alarmed at the sight of that rod which had so lately triumphed over the rods of the magicians. Now learn hence, 1. That the judgments of God are all known to himself beforehand. He knows what he will do in wrath as well as in mercy. Every consumption is a consumption determined, Isa 10:23. 2. That men cannot escape the alarms of God's wrath, because they cannot go out of the hearing of their own consciences: he that made their hearts can make his sword to approach them. 3. That God warns before he wounds; for he is long-suffering, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
II. Aaron (who carried the mace) is directed to summon the plague by smiting the river with his rod, Exo 7:19, Exo 7:20. It was done in the sight of Pharaoh and his attendants; for God's true miracles were not performed, as Satan's lying wonders were, by those that peeped and muttered: truth seeks no corners. An amazing change was immediately wrought; all the waters, not only in the rivers but in all their ponds, were turned into blood. 1. See here the almighty power of God. Every creature is that to us which he makes it to be, water or blood. 2. See the mutability of all things under the sun, and what changes we may meet with in them. That which is water today may be blood tomorrow; what is always vain may soon become vexatious. A river, at the best, is transient; but divine justice can quickly make it malignant. 3. See what mischievous work sin makes. if the things that have been our comforts prove our crosses, we must thank ourselves: it is sin that turns our waters into blood.
III. Pharaoh endeavours to confront the miracle, because he resolves not to humble himself under the plague. He sends for the magicians, and, by God's permission, they ape the miracle with their enchantments (Exo 7:22), and this serves Pharaoh for an excuse not to set his heart to this also (Exo 7:23), and a pitiful excuse it was. Could they have turned the river of blood into water again, this would have been something to the purpose; then they would have proved their power, and Pharaoh would have been obliged to them as his benefactors. But for them, when there was such scarcity of water, to turn more of it into blood, only to show their art, plainly intimates that the design of the devil is only to delude his devotees and amuse them, not to do them any real kindness, but to keep them from doing a real kindness to themselves by repenting and returning to their God.
IV. The Egyptians, in the mean time, are seeking for relief against the plague, digging round about the river for water to drink, Exo 7:24. Probably they found some, with much ado, God remembering mercy in the midst of wrath; for he is full of compassion, and would not let the subjects smart too much for the obstinacy of their prince.
V. The plague continued seven days (Exo 7:25), and, in all that time, Pharaoh's proud heart would not let him so much as desire Moses to intercede for the removal of it. Thus the hypocrites in heart heap up wrath; they cry not when he binds them (Job 36:13); and then no wonder that his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.
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SUMMARY
Exodus 7:14 serves as a pivotal divine declaration to Moses, revealing that Pharaoh's heart has become hardened, leading to his continued refusal to release the Israelite people. This pronouncement, delivered by the Lord, marks a significant turning point, signaling the end of appeals and setting the stage for the escalating series of divine judgments—the ten plagues—that will demonstrate God's sovereign power and unwavering commitment to His covenant people.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. It functions as a Divine Declaration, where God authoritatively states a truth about Pharaoh's condition and the impending events, underscoring His omniscience and sovereignty. This declaration also serves as Foreshadowing, signaling the end of negotiations and the inevitable onset of the plagues, which will be God's forceful response to Pharaoh's unyielding heart. There is also an element of Irony at play: Pharaoh, who sees himself as a god and ruler of the world's most powerful empire, is ultimately powerless against the will of the true God, and his very stubbornness becomes the means by which God's glory is maximally displayed. The phrase "the LORD said" is a form of Anthropomorphism, attributing human-like communication to God, making His interaction with Moses relatable and direct.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The declaration in Exodus 7:14 is foundational to understanding the Exodus narrative, highlighting profound theological truths about God's character and His interaction with humanity. It underscores the tension between God's sovereign will and human responsibility, a theme woven throughout biblical theology. Pharaoh's hardened heart serves as a stark illustration of humanity's capacity for persistent rebellion against divine authority, even in the face of overwhelming evidence. Yet, it also reveals God's patient yet resolute justice, demonstrating that while He offers opportunities for repentance, He will ultimately act to uphold His righteousness and deliver His people, using even human obstinacy to magnify His name.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of Pharaoh's hardened heart in Exodus 7:14 serves as a timeless cautionary tale for all who encounter God's truth and commands. Just as Pharaoh's persistent defiance led to his nation's devastation and his own downfall, so too can an unyielding spirit lead to spiritual blindness and severe consequences in our lives. This verse calls us to a profound self-examination: are there areas in our hearts where we are resistant to God's will, where we refuse to "let go" of our own desires or control? True spiritual health is marked by a humble and responsive heart, eager to yield to God's leading. Furthermore, this passage encourages us to trust in God's sovereign plan, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable opposition or inexplicable delays, knowing that He is orchestrating all things—even human stubbornness—to accomplish His ultimate, glorious purposes for His people and His kingdom.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does it mean that Pharaoh's heart was "hardened" in Exodus 7:14?
Answer: In Exodus 7:14, the Hebrew word for "hardened" is kâbêd (כָּבֵד), which literally means "heavy" or "dull." When applied to the heart, it implies a lack of responsiveness, a spiritual denseness, or an ability to perceive and yield to God's will. This particular usage suggests Pharaoh's own initial culpability and self-imposed obstinacy. It indicates that his heart was already in a state of unresponsiveness, which God then recognized and allowed to persist, eventually strengthening it for His own purposes.
Did God make Pharaoh stubborn, or was Pharaoh responsible for his own choices?
Answer: The biblical narrative presents a complex interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. While Exodus 4:21 reveals God's foreknowledge and intention to harden Pharaoh's heart, verses like Exodus 7:14 (using kâbêd) and others where Pharaoh "hardened his own heart" (Exodus 8:15) demonstrate his personal responsibility and active choice in resisting God. God's hardening can be understood as allowing Pharaoh to persist in his chosen rebellion, removing any inclination to yield, and using that very resistance to display His power and glory. It is not that God forced an unwilling heart to be stubborn, but rather that He solidified an already resistant heart for His divine purposes.
What is the significance of the different Hebrew words used for "hardening" Pharaoh's heart throughout Exodus?
Answer: The text uses several Hebrew verbs to describe the hardening of Pharaoh's heart, each with a slightly different nuance, highlighting both Pharaoh's agency and God's sovereignty. Kâbêd (כָּבֵד): Used in Exodus 7:14, meaning "heavy" or "dull." It often describes Pharaoh's initial self-imposed denseness or lack of responsiveness. Chazaq (חָזַק): Meaning "to be strong," "to be firm," or "to strengthen." This verb is frequently used when God hardens Pharaoh's heart (Exodus 9:12), implying that God made Pharaoh's resolve firm or resolute. Qasha (קָשָׁה): Meaning "to be hard" or "to be stiff." Also used for God hardening Pharaoh's heart (Exodus 7:3), conveying a sense of rigidity or stubbornness. These variations underscore that Pharaoh's stubborn disposition was both a result of his own choices and a divinely orchestrated element in God's plan to demonstrate His power and deliver His people.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Pharaoh's hardened heart and God's mighty acts of deliverance in Exodus finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Just as God demonstrated His supreme power over the oppressive ruler of Egypt to liberate His people from physical slavery, Christ, through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, triumphed over the ultimate oppressors: sin, death, and the spiritual powers that enslave all humanity Colossians 2:15. Pharaoh's persistent refusal to acknowledge God's authority, though serving God's immediate purpose of revealing His glory, ultimately led to his destruction and the judgment of his nation. In stark contrast, Christ's perfect obedience, even unto death on the cross Philippians 2:8, provided the means for ultimate spiritual liberation and reconciliation with God. The plagues, a display of divine judgment against unrepentant rebellion, foreshadow the final judgment that awaits those whose hearts remain hardened against the gospel of grace John 3:18, while Christ offers a path to freedom, forgiveness, and new life for all who believe in Him, delivering them from a far greater bondage than that of ancient Egypt Romans 6:23. He is the true Lamb of God, whose sacrifice secures the exodus from sin's dominion for all who trust in Him John 1:29.