20 So 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.
Setting the Scene for Exodus 7:20
In Exodus chapter 7, we find Moses and his brother Aaron standing before Pharaoh in the grand throne room of the Egyptian palace. The room is adorned with intricate hieroglyphics and golden decorations, reflecting the wealth and power of the Pharaoh. Pharaoh, seated on a majestic throne, is surrounded by his advisors and court officials, all dressed in opulent garments.
Moses and Aaron, representing the God of the Israelites, have come to demand the release of the Israelite slaves. As a sign of God’s power and authority, Aaron stretches out his staff and strikes the Nile River, turning its waters into blood. The once life-giving river now flows red, a stark and unsettling sight for all present in the room. Pharaoh, initially unmoved by this display of power, is now faced with the undeniable might of the God of Moses and Aaron.
The tension in the room is palpable as Pharaoh’s heart begins to harden, setting the stage for the series of plagues that will follow. The clash of divine forces and earthly power is set in motion, with the fate of the Israelites hanging in the balance.
What is Exodus 7:20 about?
Moses demonstrates the power of God through a miraculous act of turning the Nile River into blood in Exodus 7:20. This event symbolizes both judgment against Pharaoh and the Egyptian gods, as well as a display of God’s supremacy over nature. The Nile River was not only a source of water but also held religious and cultural significance for the Egyptians. God not only showed His power but also challenged the belief in the Egyptian gods who were believed to control the river’s fertility and abundance by turning it into blood.
Imagine the awe and wonder that the Israelites must have felt witnessing this incredible event. They saw firsthand the power of their God and were reminded of His ability to intervene in their lives. Through this act, God was not only setting the stage for the liberation of His people but also teaching them to trust in His sovereignty and supreme authority. Reflecting on this verse reminds us of the power of God in our own lives, encouraging us to trust in His guidance and protection, even in the face of daunting challenges.
Understanding what Exodus 7:20 really means
Structure for Commentary:
1. Introduction and Context
2. Explanation of Key Phrases
3. Cross-referencing with Other Biblical Passages
4. Relevance to Contemporary Life
5. Anecdote for Illustration
6. Reflection and Conclusion
Commentary:
**1. Moses and Aaron are performing a miraculous act by turning the waters of the Nile into blood in this verse. This is the first of the ten plagues that God inflicts upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from bondage. Understanding the context of this verse helps us grasp the magnitude of God’s power and His commitment to His people’s liberation.
2. Explanation of Key Phrases:
“Lifted up the staff” is a significant phrase. The staff represents God’s authority and power granted to Moses and Aaron. They are not just performing a physical action but symbolizing divine intervention by lifting it. “Struck the water” signifies the tangible change from the ordinary to the extraordinary, emphasizing God’s ability to alter the natural world. Finally, “turned to blood” is a stark and shocking transformation that serves as a direct message to Pharaoh about the seriousness of God’s demands.
3. Cross-referencing with Other Biblical Passages:
This event is reminiscent of previous instances where God uses natural elements to demonstrate His power. For example, in Exodus 4:3, Moses’ staff turns into a snake, showing God’s control over creation. Similarly, in Joshua 3:13, the waters of the Jordan River stop flowing to allow the Israelites to cross. These instances collectively reinforce the theme of God’s sovereignty over nature.
4. Relevance to Contemporary Life:
Today, this verse can remind us of the importance of recognizing and respecting divine authority. It’s crucial to remember that there are higher powers at work in our modern world, where human capability often seems limitless. This verse challenges us to ponder the extent of God’s influence in our daily lives and the natural world.
**5. Consider a time when you faced a seemingly insurmountable challenge. Perhaps it was a health crisis, a financial struggle, or a personal loss. Just as the Israelites were trapped in a situation that seemed hopeless, you might have felt powerless. However, just as God intervened in Egypt, He can also work in our lives in mysterious and powerful ways. There have been countless stories of people experiencing unexpected miracles or finding strength they never knew they had, which they attribute to their faith.
6. Reflection and Conclusion:
Reflect on the “waters” in your life that need transformation. Are there areas where you need divine intervention? This verse reminds us that God is capable of great and awe-inspiring acts. It encourages us to trust in His power and to seek His guidance in times of trouble. By opening ourselves up to doing so, we experience His presence and influence in our lives. Exodus 7:20 is a potent reminder of God’s omnipotence and His willingness to intervene for the sake of His people. It challenges us to see beyond the ordinary and to trust in the extraordinary capabilities of the divine. Let this verse inspire you to recognize God’s hand in your life and to trust in His power to bring about change.
How can we trust in God’s power fully?
We can trust in God’s power fully by recognizing His authority and ability to bring about miracles. When we understand that God has control over all aspects of the world, including nature itself, we can have confidence in His ability to intervene in our lives and bring about circumstances that align with His will. This trust allows us to surrender our worries and fears, knowing that God is capable of handling any situation that comes our way.
Furthermore, by focusing on the truth of God’s power, we can build our faith and reliance on Him. Through prayer, meditation on His Word, and reflection on past instances where God has demonstrated His might, we can cultivate a deep-rooted belief in His ability to work all things for our good. This kind of unwavering trust enables us to navigate life’s challenges with a sense of peace and assurance, knowing that God is always in control and that His power is limitless. Trusting fully in God’s power ultimately means acknowledging that He is sovereign over all things and that His plans are perfect and good. When we let go of our need for control and place our faith in God’s omnipotence, we can experience a profound sense of freedom and security in knowing that He is watching over us and working on our behalf. This trust allows us to live boldly, knowing that we serve a God who is all-powerful and capable of performing miracles in our lives.
Application
Think of God’s power as a force greater than any career hurdle or family challenge you face. Exodus 7:20 isn’t just a story—it’s a wake-up call. Disobeying God can have serious repercussions, just like ignoring a crucial deadline at work or neglecting family obligations. Reflect on your everyday choices. Are your actions in sync with His purpose? How will you step up and align your life with God’s will today?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.