Exodus 7:25

And seven days were fulfilled, after that the LORD had smitten the river.

And seven {H7651} days {H3117} were fulfilled {H4390}, after {H310} that the LORD {H3068} had smitten {H5221} the river {H2975}.

Seven days after ADONAI had struck the river,

And seven full days passed after the LORD had struck the Nile.

And seven days were fulfilled, after that Jehovah had smitten the river.

Commentary

Exodus 7:25 serves as a brief but significant interlude in the narrative of the plagues, specifically marking the duration of the first plague upon Egypt.

Context

This verse follows the dramatic initial confrontation between the LORD, represented by Moses and Aaron, and Pharaoh. God had commanded Moses to announce His judgment on Egypt, culminating in the transformation of all water in Egypt into blood, including the vital Nile River. This plague not only rendered the water undrinkable but also killed all the fish, causing widespread suffering and demonstrating the LORD's direct power over the very lifeblood of Egypt. For seven days, the Egyptians were forced to dig for fresh water around the riverbanks, a testament to their dire situation, yet Pharaoh remained unyielding, his heart stubbornly hardened against God's demand to release the Israelites.

Key Themes

  • Divine Patience and Measured Judgment: The fulfillment of "seven days" indicates a specific, divinely appointed period for this plague. It wasn't an instantaneous event but a sustained judgment, allowing Pharaoh and the Egyptians ample time to experience its severity, contemplate its supernatural origin, and potentially reconsider their defiance. This period highlights God's measured approach, giving opportunity even amidst judgment.
  • Pharaoh's Unwavering Stubbornness: Despite a full week of widespread hardship and clear evidence of a powerful, unseen force at work, Pharaoh's resolve to keep the Israelites enslaved did not break. This verse underscores his deep-seated resistance, setting the stage for the escalating series of plagues that would follow.
  • God's Absolute Sovereignty: The sustained nature of the plague and the precise mention of its duration reinforce the LORD's complete control over creation. He not only initiated the plague but also determined its length, demonstrating His power over the very elements that sustained Egyptian life and worship.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "seven days were fulfilled" is significant. The number seven often denotes completeness or perfection in biblical contexts, suggesting that this phase of judgment had run its full, appointed course. The verb "smitten" (Hebrew: nakah) is a strong term, implying a decisive and forceful strike, emphasizing the direct and powerful action of God against the river, rather than a natural occurrence.

Practical Application

Exodus 7:25 teaches us that God's judgments are purposeful and often have a deliberate duration. They are not arbitrary acts but are designed to achieve divine objectives—whether to reveal His power, to expose the stubbornness of the human heart, or to provide an opportunity for response. Just as Pharaoh's continued defiance led to more severe consequences, this verse serves as a reminder of the spiritual principle that persistent rebellion against God's revealed will can lead to escalating difficulties. Ultimately, it showcases God's unwavering commitment to His plan and His people, even in the face of immense opposition, as seen in the progression of the Exodus plagues.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 10:23

    They saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days: but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.

  • Exodus 8:9

    And Moses said unto Pharaoh, Glory over me: when shall I intreat for thee, and for thy servants, and for thy people, to destroy the frogs from thee and thy houses, [that] they may remain in the river only?

  • Exodus 8:10

    And he said, To morrow. And he said, [Be it] according to thy word: that thou mayest know that [there is] none like unto the LORD our God.

  • 2 Samuel 24:13

    So Gad came to David, and told him, and said unto him, Shall seven years of famine come unto thee in thy land? or wilt thou flee three months before thine enemies, while they pursue thee? or that there be three days' pestilence in thy land? now advise, and see what answer I shall return to him that sent me.
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