Exodus 7

Exodus 7: The First Plague: Water Turned to Blood

Background History and Timeline: Exodus continues the narrative of the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt. The events likely occurred around the late 15th or early 14th century BCE during the Late Bronze Age or Early Iron Age.

Locations Mentioned: The chapter primarily takes place in Egypt, focusing on the Nile River and the royal court of Pharaoh.

Themes and Conflicts: Exodus 7 introduces the series of plagues inflicted upon Egypt as signs of God's power and judgment. It explores themes of divine intervention, sovereignty, and the confrontation between Yahweh and the Egyptian gods.

Main Characters: The main characters in this chapter include Moses, Aaron, Pharaoh, and the Egyptian magicians.

Specific Passages:

• Exodus 7:20: "Moses and Aaron did as the Lord commanded. In the sight of Pharaoh and in the sight of his servants he lifted up the staff and struck the water in the Nile, and all the water in the Nile turned into blood."

Explanation: Exodus 7 begins with God instructing Moses and Aaron to confront Pharaoh and demand the release of the Israelites. They perform the miraculous sign of turning the waters of the Nile River into blood, demonstrating God's power and demanding Pharaoh's attention.

Despite witnessing this extraordinary event, Pharaoh's heart remains hardened, and he refuses to let the Israelites go. Instead, he turns to his magicians, who replicate the miracle by turning water into blood, further intensifying the suffering in Egypt.

The chapter serves as the initial confrontation between Moses, representing the God of Israel, and Pharaoh, representing the power of Egypt. It sets the stage for the escalating conflict between Yahweh and the Egyptian gods, as each plague targets a specific aspect of Egyptian life and religion.

The authorship of Exodus is traditionally attributed to Moses, who recorded the events and interactions with God during the Israelites' journey to liberation. While non-biblical sources may not directly verify the specific accounts, archaeological evidence corroborates aspects of ancient Egyptian history and culture, providing context for the biblical narrative.

Exodus 7 expands on the previous chapters by initiating the series of plagues, demonstrating God's supremacy over the Egyptian deities and asserting His authority in the liberation of His people.