Exodus 7:20

KJV

And Moses and Aaron did so, as the LORD commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that [were] in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that [were] in the river were turned to blood.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} and Aaron {H175} did {H6213} so, as the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680}; and he lifted up {H7311} the rod {H4294}, and smote {H5221} the waters {H4325} that were in the river {H2975}, in the sight {H5869} of Pharaoh {H6547}, and in the sight {H5869} of his servants {H5650}; and all the waters {H4325} that were in the river {H2975} were turned {H2015} to blood {H1818}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe and Aharon did exactly what ADONAI had ordered. He raised the staff and, in the sight of Pharaoh and his servants, struck the water in the river; and all the water in the river was turned into blood.

Berean Standard Bible

Moses and Aaron did just as the LORD had commanded; in the presence of Pharaoh and his officials, Aaron raised the staff and struck the water of the Nile, and all the water was turned to blood.

American Standard Version

And Moses and Aaron did so, as Jehovah commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 7:20 powerfully narrates the initiation of the first plague upon Egypt, where Moses and Aaron, acting in precise obedience to the Lord's divine command, raised the rod and struck the Nile River. This act miraculously transformed all the waters of the river into blood before the very eyes of Pharaoh and his court, serving as an undeniable and public demonstration of God's supreme power and His direct confrontation with Egypt's idolatrous system and its false deities.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks the dramatic fulfillment of God's earlier pronouncements to Moses regarding the impending plagues, which were designed to force Pharaoh's hand and secure the release of the Israelites. It immediately follows Pharaoh's defiant refusal to acknowledge the Lord's authority and his hardened heart, despite Moses and Aaron's initial demonstrations of power (e.g., Aaron's rod turning into a serpent). The narrative flow establishes a clear pattern: God commands, Moses and Aaron obey, the plague occurs, and Pharaoh remains obstinate, setting the stage for the escalating series of divine judgments that follow. This first plague, targeting the very lifeblood of Egypt, immediately establishes the severity and scope of God's impending actions.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was an agrarian society utterly dependent on the Nile River, which was not merely a geographical feature but the central artery of their civilization, providing water for drinking, agriculture, and transportation. The Nile was deeply interwoven with Egyptian religious beliefs, revered as a deity itself and associated with gods like Hapi (the god of the Nile's annual flood, believed to bring fertility) and Osiris (god of the underworld and fertility, whose blood was mythologically said to flow in the Nile). The act of turning the Nile to blood was therefore a direct assault on the economic, social, and spiritual foundations of Egypt, striking at the heart of their daily existence and challenging the impotence of their most cherished deities.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 7:20 is pivotal in developing several key themes within the book of Exodus. It vividly illustrates the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Power**, demonstrating the Lord's absolute control over creation and His ability to manipulate natural elements at will, far surpassing the capabilities of any human ruler or pagan deity. The plague also powerfully underscores the theme of **Judgment on Idolatry**, directly targeting the false gods of Egypt and exposing their powerlessness in the face of the one true God. Furthermore, it reinforces the theme of **God's Self-Revelation**, as the plagues are consistently presented as a means by which both Egyptians and Israelites would "know that I am the LORD" ([Exodus 7:5](/exodus/7-5 "God's purpose in the plagues")), distinguishing Him from all other gods and revealing His unique identity. The immediate obedience of Moses and Aaron also highlights the theme of **Faithful Obedience** as a conduit for divine action, a recurring motif throughout the Exodus narrative leading up to the giving of the Law on [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Arrival at Sinai").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rod (Hebrew, _maṭṭeh'_):** This term (H4294) refers to a staff or branch, but in this context, it is the instrument of divine power, often called the "rod of God" or "rod of Aaron." It is not inherently magical but serves as a tangible symbol and conduit through which the Lord's miraculous power is manifested, demonstrating that God works through chosen instruments.
* **River (Hebrew, _yᵉʼôr'_):** This word (H2975), of Egyptian origin, specifically denotes the Nile River. It emphasizes that the target of the plague was not just any body of water, but the very lifeblood of Egypt—its primary source of sustenance, agriculture, and religious veneration. The attack on the Nile was a direct challenge to the nation's existence and its pantheon of river-related deities.
* **Blood (Hebrew, _dâm'_):** The term (H1818) unequivocally means literal blood, signifying a complete and defiling transformation of the water. This was not mere discoloration but a radical change that rendered the water undrinkable, caused fish to die, and produced a stench, turning a source of life into a symbol of death and impurity, directly violating Egyptian religious purity laws and practices.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses and Aaron did so, as the LORD commanded":** This opening clause emphasizes the immediate and unwavering obedience of Moses and Aaron. Their actions were not arbitrary or self-initiated but a direct fulfillment of God's explicit instructions, underscoring the necessity of heeding divine authority in the face of formidable opposition. It highlights their role as faithful agents of God's will.
* **"and he lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that [were] in the river":** This describes the physical action that initiated the plague. The "rod" serves as a visible sign of divine authority, not possessing inherent power but acting as a conduit for the Lord's miraculous intervention. The target, "the waters that were in the river" (specifically the Nile), signifies a direct assault on the most vital and sacred element of Egyptian life, upon which their entire civilization, economy, and religious practices depended.
* **"in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants":** This detail is crucial, emphasizing the public and undeniable nature of the miracle. The plague was not a hidden act but a clear, undeniable spectacle witnessed by the highest authorities of Egypt. This ensured that Pharaoh and his court could not dismiss it as coincidence, illusion, or a natural phenomenon, forcing them to confront the reality of the Lord's power directly and publicly.
* **"and all the waters that [were] in the river were turned to blood":** This describes the miraculous and pervasive outcome. The transformation was complete and total, affecting all the waters in the Nile. The use of "blood" signifies a literal, defiling change, rendering the water not just discolored but truly putrid, undrinkable, and a source of dread. This act directly attacked the Egyptian worldview, turning their life-giving deity into a source of death and judgment, and demonstrating God's absolute supremacy over their most revered natural resource and its associated gods.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 7:20 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the Nile River symbolizing the very lifeblood and spiritual foundation of Egypt, which is then transformed into **blood**, a universal symbol of death, defilement, and judgment. The rod itself serves as a **symbol** of divine authority and power, acting as the instrument through which God's will is executed. The public nature of the miracle, performed "in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants," highlights the use of **dramatic irony**, as Pharaoh, who sought to diminish God's power, is forced to witness its overwhelming display. Furthermore, the complete transformation of "all the waters" suggests **hyperbole** to emphasize the totality and undeniable nature of the plague, ensuring its impact was comprehensive and inescapable throughout Egypt.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 7:20 stands as a foundational text for understanding God's sovereign power, His righteous judgment against idolatry, and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. It unequivocally declares that the Lord is not merely one god among many, but the supreme Creator and Sustainer who holds absolute dominion over all creation, capable of altering its very fabric at will. This plague serves as a direct indictment of Egypt's polytheistic religion, demonstrating the futility of worshipping created things—like the Nile—rather than the Creator. It also highlights the principle that God often chooses to work through obedient human instruments, empowering them to perform acts that reveal His glory and fulfill His purposes, even in the face of overwhelming opposition. The transformation of the Nile from a source of life to a symbol of death foreshadows the ultimate consequences of resisting God's will and oppressing His chosen people.

* [Psalm 105:29](/psalm/105-29 "God turned their waters into blood")
* [Romans 1:24-25](/romans/1-24-25 "Worship of creation rather than the Creator")
* [Revelation 16:3-6](/revelation/16-3-6 "The second bowl judgment, turning the sea to blood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 7:20 serves as a profound reminder of God's limitless power and His unwavering sovereignty over all creation. It calls believers to cultivate a deep and abiding trust in His authority, recognizing that He can orchestrate events and transform circumstances in ways that defy human expectation and logic. This passage challenges us to practice immediate and unwavering obedience to His commands, even when the path ahead seems daunting or the opposition appears insurmountable, knowing that our faithful actions can become conduits for His supernatural work. Just as God decisively confronted the false gods and oppressive systems of ancient Egypt, He continues to challenge anything that attempts to usurp His rightful place in our lives—whether it be material wealth, worldly power, personal ambitions, or any form of idolatry. This verse assures us that God will act decisively to fulfill His divine purposes and reveal His glory, often in ways that transcend human understanding, reminding us that true freedom and blessing are found only in submission to His supreme will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to rely on worldly "sources of life" (like the Nile for Egypt) rather than on God alone?**
* **How does the immediate obedience of Moses and Aaron challenge my own willingness to obey God's commands, especially when they seem difficult or illogical?**
* **What "idols" or false securities in my own life might God be seeking to expose and dismantle through His sovereign power?**

### FAQ

**Why did God choose to turn the Nile River into blood for the first plague?**

Answer: God chose the Nile because it was the lifeblood of Egypt, essential for agriculture, drinking water, and transportation. More significantly, the Nile was deeply integrated into Egyptian religious beliefs, being deified itself and associated with gods like Hapi (god of the Nile's annual flood) and Osiris (god of the underworld and fertility, whose blood was believed to flow in the Nile). By turning it to blood, God directly attacked the spiritual foundations of Egypt, demonstrating His absolute supremacy over their false gods and revealing their impotence. It was a profound judgment on their idolatry and a clear, undeniable sign of His power, intended to make His name known throughout the land ([Exodus 9:16](/exodus/9-16 "God's purpose for the plagues")).

**Was the water literally turned to blood, or was it just discolored?**

Answer: The biblical text strongly indicates a literal transformation. The Hebrew word *dam* (דָּם) unequivocally means "blood." The narrative describes fish dying, the river stinking, and Egyptians being unable to drink the water, having to dig for fresh water elsewhere ([Exodus 7:21](/exodus/7-21 "The effects of the first plague")). This points to a complete and literal change, not merely a discoloration or a natural phenomenon, causing widespread distress and confirming the miraculous nature of the event.

**Did the Egyptians have any water to drink after this plague?**

Answer: The plague affected "all the waters that [were] in the river" and "all the streams, the rivers, the ponds, and all their pools of water" ([Exodus 7:19](/exodus/7-19 "The scope of the first plague")). The text states that the Egyptians "digged round about the river for water to drink" ([Exodus 7:24](/exodus/7-24 "Egyptians digging for water")). This indicates that while the Nile and its connected waterways were contaminated, groundwater or other sources not directly linked to the river might have remained unaffected, or they had to work laboriously to find potable water, highlighting the severe hardship imposed by the plague.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 7:20, with its portrayal of God's sovereign power over creation and His righteous judgment against sin and idolatry, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Just as the Nile, a vital source of life for Egypt, was supernaturally turned to blood as a sign of judgment and defilement, Christ's own blood, shed on the cross, transforms the curse of sin into the promise of new life, offering purification and redemption rather than defilement. He is the true and living "water" ([John 4:10](/john/4-10 "Jesus as living water")) who quenches spiritual thirst, and through His perfect sacrifice, He triumphs over all false gods, oppressive powers, and the bondage of sin and death. The plagues revealed God's power to save His people from physical slavery, and Christ's crucifixion and resurrection are the supreme demonstration of that saving power, establishing a new covenant not through the judgment of water, but through the cleansing, life-giving power of His own blood, ushering in the ultimate and eternal Exodus for all who believe ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Christ's blood obtains eternal redemption")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 105:29

He turned their waters into blood, and slew their fish.

Psalms 78:44

And had turned their rivers into blood; and their floods, that they could not drink.

Exodus 17:9

And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand.

Exodus 17:12

But Moses' hands [were] heavy; and they took a stone, and put [it] under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.

Revelation 8:8

And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood;

Exodus 17:5

And the LORD said unto Moses, Go on before the people, and take with thee of the elders of Israel; and thy rod, wherewith thou smotest the river, take in thine hand, and go.

Exodus 17:6

Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.