Exodus 7:25

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

Seven days after ADONAI had struck the river,

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 7:25 serves as a concise yet profoundly significant verse, marking the divinely appointed conclusion of the first plague upon Egypt—the transformation of the Nile River and all Egyptian waters into blood. It underscores the precise duration and controlled nature of God's initial judgment, revealing His absolute sovereignty over creation and time, even as Pharaoh's heart remained stubbornly hardened against the divine command to release Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic initiation of the first plague, detailed in [Exodus 7:14-24](/exodus/7-14-24 "The First Plague: Water Turned to Blood"). The preceding verses describe the LORD's command to Moses to confront Pharaoh, Aaron's stretching out of his staff over the waters of Egypt, and the subsequent, immediate transformation of all water sources—rivers, canals, ponds, and even water in vessels—into blood. This catastrophic event not only rendered the vital Nile undrinkable but also caused the death of all fish, leading to widespread suffering and a desperate search for potable water. Exodus 7:25 then acts as a concluding statement, indicating the duration of this initial judgment before the narrative transitions to Pharaoh's continued obstinacy and the LORD's instruction for the second plague.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Nile River was the absolute lifeblood of ancient Egypt, central to its economy, agriculture, and daily existence. It was also deeply intertwined with Egyptian religion, revered as a deity itself (e.g., Hapi, the god of the Nile's annual flood) and associated with various other gods like Osiris and Ra. The transformation of the Nile into blood was a direct assault on Egypt's very survival and a profound theological challenge to its pantheon. The Egyptians' reliance on digging wells for water, mentioned in [Exodus 7:24](/exodus/7-24 "Egyptians Digging for Water"), highlights the severe disruption this plague caused, forcing them to resort to arduous and less efficient means to sustain themselves, demonstrating the LORD's power over the very foundation of their civilization and worship.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 7:25 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Exodus. Primarily, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute control over creation and His ability to manipulate natural elements to achieve His purposes, directly challenging the perceived power of Egyptian deities and Pharaoh himself. It also highlights the theme of **Pharaoh's Hardened Heart**, as the conclusion of this severe, week-long judgment still fails to elicit repentance or obedience from the Egyptian king, setting the stage for the escalating series of plagues. Furthermore, the precise "seven days" introduces the theme of **Measured Judgment and Divine Patience**, indicating that God's judgments are not arbitrary but purposeful, with a defined duration intended to provide an opportunity for response, even amidst the display of His power. This period of sustained suffering also serves to reveal the **Impotence of Egypt's Gods** in the face of the LORD's might, a theme that will intensify with each subsequent plague as God systematically targets specific Egyptian deities.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 7:25, though brief, encapsulates profound theological truths regarding God's character and the nature of His judgments. The verse states, "And seven days were fulfilled, after that the LORD had smitten the river."

#### Key Word Analysis
* **fulfilled (Hebrew, _mâlêʼ'_):** This word signifies completion, being full, or accomplishing a purpose. Here, it indicates that the designated period for the first plague had run its entire, intended course. It was not a partial or premature cessation but a divinely ordained conclusion, emphasizing God's precise control over the duration and scope of His judgment. The plague achieved its full effect before it ended.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the covenant name of God, revealing His self-existent and eternal nature. Its inclusion here underscores that the smiting of the river was not a random event or a natural disaster, but a direct, personal, and intentional act of the one true God, YHWH. It highlights His active involvement and supreme authority in the unfolding drama of the plagues, asserting His identity against the false gods of Egypt.
* **smitten (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** This powerful verb implies a forceful, decisive, and often destructive strike or blow. It conveys the severity and directness of God's action against the Nile. The river was not merely affected or changed; it was "smitten" by the LORD, emphasizing the supernatural and impactful nature of the plague as a direct divine intervention, a blow against the very lifeblood and idolatry of Egypt.
* **river (Hebrew, _yᵉʼôr'_):** This term specifically refers to the Nile, the primary and most vital water source for Egypt. By targeting the "river," God struck at the heart of Egyptian life, economy, and religion. The use of this specific term highlights the direct assault on what the Egyptians revered and depended upon, demonstrating the LORD's supremacy over their most cherished and deified natural resource.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And seven days were fulfilled":** This clause emphasizes the precise, divinely determined duration of the first plague. The number seven, often symbolizing completeness or perfection in biblical contexts, indicates that this phase of judgment had run its full, intended course. It was a sustained, deliberate act, allowing ample time for Pharaoh and the Egyptians to experience its severity, recognize its supernatural origin, and potentially respond to God's power. This highlights God's measured approach, offering a period of opportunity even amidst judgment.
* **"after that the LORD had smitten the river":** This phrase clearly identifies the agent and the object of the plague. The "LORD" (YHWH) is the active subject, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty and power over creation. The "river" (the Nile) is the object of His judgment, signifying a direct assault on Egypt's life source and its idolatrous reverence for the Nile. The verb "smitten" (Hebrew: *nakah*) conveys the decisive, forceful, and destructive nature of this divine intervention, emphasizing that the transformation of the water was not a natural phenomenon but a powerful, intentional act of God.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 7:25 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The **brevity** of the verse, following the detailed account of the plague's onset, creates a sense of finality and divine control, acting as a concluding summary statement. The number **Symbolism** of "seven days" is crucial; seven frequently denotes completeness, divine perfection, or a full cycle in Scripture. Here, it underscores that the plague was not arbitrary but had a divinely appointed duration, serving God's specific purposes. The phrase "the LORD had smitten the river" uses **Divine Agency** to clearly attribute the action to God, emphasizing His direct and powerful intervention, rather than any natural cause. This deliberate attribution highlights God's absolute sovereignty and His direct confrontation with Egypt's gods and Pharaoh's power. Furthermore, the verse functions as a subtle piece of **Foreshadowing**, implicitly setting the stage for the subsequent plagues by revealing Pharaoh's continued hardening despite a full week of severe judgment, indicating that more intense demonstrations of God's power will be necessary.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 7:25 powerfully underscores God's absolute sovereignty over creation and time, demonstrating that His judgments are not chaotic but purposeful, with a divinely appointed duration. The "seven days" reveal a God who is patient even in judgment, providing a sustained period for Pharaoh and Egypt to recognize His power and repent, thereby tempering justice with an opportunity for response. This verse also implicitly highlights the futility of Pharaoh's resistance, as the conclusion of this severe plague without his submission foreshadows the escalating intensity of subsequent judgments and the ultimate triumph of God's will. It reinforces the theme that persistent rebellion against divine authority leads to increasingly severe consequences, while simultaneously revealing YHWH's unwavering commitment to His covenant people and His plan of deliverance.

* [Genesis 7:4](/genesis/7-4 "God's Seven-Day Warning to Noah")
* [Psalm 33:11](/psalms/33-11 "The LORD's Counsel Stands Forever")
* [Romans 2:4](/romans/2-4 "God's Kindness Leads to Repentance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 7:25 offers profound insights into the nature of God's dealings with humanity, reminding us that His judgments, though severe, are always purposeful and often have a deliberate, divinely appointed duration. The seven-day period of the first plague was not arbitrary; it was a sustained demonstration of God's power, designed to achieve specific objectives: to reveal His supremacy, to expose the stubbornness of the human heart, and to provide ample opportunity for a response. Just as Pharaoh's continued defiance after a full week of suffering led to more severe consequences, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of the spiritual principle that persistent rebellion against God's revealed will can lead to escalating difficulties and intensified divine discipline. Conversely, it also 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](/exodus/8 "The Plagues of Egypt Begin"). We are called to respond to God's warnings and revelations with humility, repentance, and obedience, recognizing that while His patience is vast, His purposes will ultimately be fulfilled, and His justice will prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "seven days" of the plague challenge our understanding of God's patience and judgment?**
* **In what ways might we, like Pharaoh, resist God's clear demonstrations of His power or will in our lives?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the importance of responding promptly to divine warnings and opportunities for repentance?**
* **How does God's precise control over the duration of the plague encourage us to trust in His sovereignty over all circumstances in our lives?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "seven days" mentioned in Exodus 7:25?**

Answer: The "seven days" signifies the divinely appointed duration of the first plague. In biblical numerology, the number seven often represents completeness, perfection, or the culmination of a divine work. Here, it indicates that the plague of blood had run its full, intended course, demonstrating God's sustained power and allowing a full week for Pharaoh and the Egyptians to experience its severity and contemplate its supernatural origin. It highlights God's measured and purposeful judgment, rather than an arbitrary or instantaneous act, giving a prolonged period for Pharaoh to consider the implications of defying the [LORD's command](/exodus/7-16 "The LORD's Command to Pharaoh").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The judgments upon Egypt, culminating in the deliverance of Israel from bondage, serve as a profound foreshadowing of the greater deliverance wrought by Christ. Just as God's sovereignty was demonstrated over the Nile, the very lifeblood of Egypt, so Jesus Christ demonstrates ultimate authority over all creation, including the power to bring both judgment and salvation. The "seven days" of the plague, a period of sustained divine action and human testing, can be seen as a microcosm of God's patient yet firm dealings with humanity throughout history, leading to the ultimate revelation of His Son. Christ, through His sacrificial death on the cross and His glorious resurrection, fulfills the ultimate judgment against sin, taking upon Himself the wrath due to humanity. He secures the true Exodus for His people, delivering them from the bondage of spiritual death and sin into new life and freedom ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "The Wages of Sin and the Gift of God")). His first coming initiated a period of grace and patient invitation to repentance ([2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "God's Patience and Desire for Repentance")), but His second coming will bring a final, complete judgment upon all who reject Him, just as the plagues brought a complete judgment upon Egypt, ensuring the full and final establishment of His eternal kingdom ([Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11-15 "The Great White Throne Judgment")).

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

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.