Psalms 78:44

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And had turned {H2015}{H8799)} their rivers {H2975} into blood {H1818}; and their floods {H5140}{H8802)}, that they could not drink {H8354}{H8799)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He turned their rivers into blood, so they couldn't drink from their streams.

Berean Standard Bible

He turned their rivers to blood, and from their streams they could not drink.

American Standard Version

And turned their rivers into blood, And their streams, so that they could not drink.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 78:44 succinctly recounts the devastating first plague inflicted upon ancient Egypt, where God miraculously transformed the nation's vital water sources into blood, rendering them utterly undrinkable. This powerful act served as a direct manifestation of divine judgment against Pharaoh's stubborn defiance and a pivotal step in God's redemptive plan to liberate the enslaved Israelites, showcasing His absolute sovereignty over creation and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 78 is a lengthy "maskil," an instructive or contemplative psalm attributed to Asaph, designed to recount the historical narrative of God's dealings with Israel from the Exodus through the period of David. The psalmist's primary aim is didactic, using the nation's past—particularly their repeated cycles of rebellion and God's persistent faithfulness—to instruct future generations (cf. [Psalms 78:1-8](/psalms/78-1 "Psalms 78:1-8 - The Purpose of the Psalm")). Verse 44 is situated within a section (beginning around [Psalms 78:43](/psalms/78-43 "Psalms 78:43 - God's Signs in Egypt")) that specifically details the miraculous signs and judgments God wrought in Egypt, serving as a powerful reminder of His initial acts of deliverance. This recounting of the plagues sets the stage for the subsequent narrative of Israel's wilderness wanderings and their consistent unfaithfulness despite God's mighty works.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The verse directly references the first of the ten plagues inflicted upon ancient Egypt, as recorded in [Exodus 7:14-25](/exodus/7-14 "Exodus 7:14-25 - The First Plague: Water Turned to Blood"). The Nile River was the absolute lifeblood of Egyptian civilization, providing water for drinking, agriculture, and transportation. It was also deeply intertwined with Egyptian religion, with deities like Hapi (god of the Nile's annual flood) and Khnum (god of the Nile's source) being revered. The transformation of the Nile and all other water sources into blood was not merely an inconvenience but a direct, devastating assault on Egypt's economy, sustenance, and, most significantly, its polytheistic worldview. It demonstrated Yahweh's absolute supremacy over the gods of Egypt and served as a divine judgment against Pharaoh's hardened heart and his refusal to release the Israelites from bondage, as commanded by God through Moses (cf. [Exodus 5:1-2](/exodus/5-1 "Exodus 5:1-2 - Moses' First Confrontation with Pharaoh")).
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 78:44 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the psalm and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Power**, illustrating God's absolute control over creation, capable of altering the very elements vital for human existence. The turning of water into blood was an undeniable sign of His omnipotence and a direct challenge to the Egyptian deities and Pharaoh's perceived authority. Secondly, it highlights **Judgment on Rebellion**, as the plagues were God's just response to Pharaoh's stubborn refusal to obey His command. This act of judgment was not arbitrary but a direct consequence of a hardened heart and persistent defiance against the Creator. Finally, the verse speaks to **God's Deliverance of His People**, emphasizing that while a devastating plague for the Egyptians, this event was a crucial, foundational step in God's plan to liberate Israel from generations of bondage, underscoring His unwavering commitment to His covenant people and His willingness to act decisively on their behalf (cf. [Exodus 6:6-8](/exodus/6-6 "Exodus 6:6-8 - God's Promise of Deliverance")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rivers (Hebrew, _ye'orim'_):** This term, often translated as "rivers" or "streams," specifically refers to the branches or canals of the Nile River in the context of Egypt. It encompasses the vast network of waterways that crisscrossed the land, all dependent on the Nile. The plural indicates the widespread nature of the plague, affecting not just the main river but all its tributaries and associated water bodies, emphasizing the totality of the judgment.
* **Floods (Hebrew, _naharot'_):** While _naharot_ can mean "rivers" generally, in this context, alongside _ye'orim_, it likely refers to the overflowing or inundating waters, or perhaps broader streams and channels. It reinforces the comprehensive nature of the plague, affecting every source of flowing water that the Egyptians relied upon for their sustenance and daily life, leaving no potable water untouched.
* **Blood (Hebrew, _dam'_):** The Hebrew word _dam_ here denotes a literal, stark transformation. It wasn't merely a discoloration or a reddish hue, but a putrefaction that rendered the water utterly undrinkable, foul-smelling, and harmful to aquatic life. This literal turning to blood was a direct affront to the Egyptian reverence for the Nile and a clear sign of divine judgment, signifying death and defilement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And had turned their rivers into blood;":** This clause directly states the miraculous and devastating act performed by God. The "rivers" (primarily the Nile and its extensive network of canals) were the very lifeblood of Egypt. The transformation "into blood" signifies not only a change in color but a complete corruption, rendering the water putrid, undrinkable, and deadly to aquatic life. This was a direct assault on Egypt's vital resource and a profound demonstration of Yahweh's power over creation, challenging the very gods the Egyptians worshipped who were associated with the Nile.
* **"and their floods, that they could not drink.":** This second clause reinforces the totality and consequence of the first. "Their floods" further emphasizes all sources of water—whether main channels, tributaries, or collected waters—were affected. The phrase "that they could not drink" highlights the immediate and severe impact on the Egyptian populace. It underscores the practical, life-threatening nature of the plague, as the most fundamental necessity for survival was denied, leading to widespread suffering and demonstrating the futility of human and idolatrous reliance against the will of the Almighty.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 78:44 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its message. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, as "rivers" and "floods" encompass all water sources, emphasizing the pervasive and inescapable nature of the plague, though the literal transformation of *all* water in *all* containers is described in Exodus. The phrase "turned their rivers into blood" also functions as powerful **Imagery**, evoking a vivid and horrifying picture of life-sustaining water becoming a source of death and defilement, directly assaulting the senses and the cultural reverence for the Nile. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Synecdoche** by using "rivers" and "floods" to represent the entire water supply of Egypt, symbolizing the complete disruption of their civilization. The stark contrast between life-giving water and death-bringing blood creates a profound **Antithesis**, highlighting the severity of God's judgment and His ability to reverse the natural order. This concise statement, therefore, acts as a powerful **Metonymy** for the entire first plague, representing God's absolute power and His direct confrontation with the gods of Egypt.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 78:44 serves as a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty and His active involvement in human history. The turning of water into blood is not merely a historical event but a powerful demonstration of divine power over creation, challenging false deities and asserting Yahweh's unique supremacy. It underscores the principle that God uses both judgment and miraculous intervention to accomplish His redemptive purposes, particularly in delivering His chosen people and revealing His character to a rebellious world. This event foreshadows God's ultimate victory over all opposing forces and His unwavering commitment to justice and salvation, reminding us that no power, human or spiritual, can thwart His will.

* [Exodus 7:19](/exodus/7-19 "Exodus 7:19 - Moses' Rod Over the Waters")
* [Revelation 16:4](/revelation/16-4 "Revelation 16:4 - The Third Bowl of Wrath: Rivers and Springs Turn to Blood")
* [Isaiah 19:5-6](/isaiah/19-5-6 "Isaiah 19:5-6 - The Drying Up of the Nile")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The historical recounting in Psalms 78:44 offers enduring lessons for contemporary believers. It compels us to reflect on the unchanging character of God: His omnipotence, His justice, and His faithfulness to His covenant promises. Just as Pharaoh's hardened heart brought about severe consequences, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of the gravity of disobedience and the futility of resisting divine will. For those who trust in God, it provides immense encouragement, affirming that the same God who delivered Israel from the mighty hand of Egypt is still at work, capable of overcoming any obstacle and providing for His people in seemingly impossible situations. It calls us to cultivate a posture of humility and trust, recognizing that true security and sustenance come not from earthly resources or human ingenuity, but from the sovereign hand of the Almighty. This historical account invites us to remember God's past faithfulness as a foundation for present hope and future assurance, guarding against the forgetfulness that plagued ancient Israel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's demonstration of power in Psalms 78:44 challenge any areas of self-reliance or false security in your own life?**
* **In what ways might we, like ancient Israel, be prone to forget God's past acts of deliverance and faithfulness?**
* **What specific "floods" or vital resources in your life might God be calling you to hold loosely, recognizing His ultimate sovereignty over them?**

### FAQ
**Why does Psalm 78 recount this history, including the plagues?**

Answer: Psalm 78, a "maskil" or instructive psalm, recounts Israel's history primarily to teach future generations about God's faithfulness and Israel's repeated rebellion. By detailing events like the plagues (as in [Psalms 78:44](/psalms/78-44 "Psalms 78:44 - The First Plague")), the psalmist Asaph aims to prevent the new generation from repeating the mistakes of their ancestors, who "did not keep the covenant of God" ([Psalms 78:10](/psalms/78-10 "Psalms 78:10 - Israel's Disobedience")). It serves as a powerful reminder of God's mighty acts of deliverance and judgment, emphasizing the consequences of disobedience and the importance of remembering His works and obeying His law.

**Was the turning of water into blood a literal event, or symbolic?**

Answer: The biblical account in [Exodus 7:14-25](/exodus/7-14 "Exodus 7:14-25 - The First Plague") strongly describes the turning of water into blood as a literal, physical transformation. It affected all water sources in Egypt—the Nile, canals, ponds, and even water in vessels—rendering it undrinkable and causing fish to die. While it carried profound symbolic meaning (judgment, defilement, the assault on Egyptian deities), the text presents it as a tangible, devastating event that directly impacted the Egyptians' lives and demonstrated the undeniable power of Yahweh. The language in Psalms 78:44, "turned their rivers into blood; and their floods, that they could not drink," reinforces this literal understanding of the event and its practical consequences.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalms 78:44 speaks of God's judgment through the turning of water into blood, this Old Testament event finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. The plagues in Egypt demonstrated God's power over creation and His authority to judge sin, foreshadowing Christ's ultimate authority over all things. Jesus, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), did not turn water into blood for judgment, but rather turned water into wine, symbolizing the new covenant and the abundance of life He brings (cf. [John 2:1-11](/john/2-1 "John 2:1-11 - Jesus Turns Water into Wine")). More profoundly, the "blood" in Psalms 78:44 represented death and defilement, whereas the blood of Christ, shed on the cross, brings life and purification. His sacrifice cleanses us from all sin (cf. [1_john/1-7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by the Blood of Jesus")) and establishes a new covenant, where His life-giving Spirit flows like "rivers of living water" (cf. [John 7:38](/john/7-38 "John 7:38 - Rivers of Living Water")). Thus, the judgment of blood in the Old Testament points forward to the redemptive, life-giving blood of Christ, through whom God's ultimate deliverance and salvation are accomplished, transforming the curse of sin into the blessing of eternal life (cf. [Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Justified by His Blood")).

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.

Revelation 16:3

And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead [man]: and every living soul died in the sea.

Revelation 16:6

For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.

Exodus 7:17

Thus saith the LORD, In this thou shalt know that I [am] the LORD: behold, I will smite with the rod that [is] in mine hand upon the waters which [are] in the river, and they shall be turned to blood.

Exodus 7:21

And the fish that [was] in the river died; and the river stank, and the Egyptians could not drink of the water of the river; and there was blood throughout all the land of Egypt.