Exodus 7:20
And Moses and Aaron did so, as the LORD commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood.
Exodus 7:20 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, we witness a powerful display of God's authority and miraculous power through Moses and Aaron. The act of turning the waters of the river into blood was a sign to Pharaoh and his servants that God's judgment was upon them. By following the command of the Lord, Moses and Aaron demonstrated their obedience and faith in God's plan. This event also serves as a warning to Pharaoh, showing him that the God of Israel is more powerful than any of the Egyptian gods he worshipped. The transformation of the river into blood was not only a physical act, but also a symbolic one, representing the blood of the Israelites who were enslaved and oppressed by the Egyptians. Through this act, God was setting the stage for the eventual liberation of his people. Overall, this verse highlights the sovereignty of God and his ability to bring about both judgment and deliverance according to his will.
Theological Overview
In this powerful verse from the book of Exodus, we witness Moses and Aaron faithfully obeying the command of the Lord to smite the waters of the river with the rod. This act of obedience demonstrates the authority and power of God over all creation, as he turns the waters of the river into blood. The theological interpretation of this event highlights the sovereignty of God and his ability to perform miraculous signs and wonders. The transformation of the water into blood serves as a warning to Pharaoh and his servants, revealing the consequences of their disobedience and stubborn resistance to God's will. This event also foreshadows the later plagues that will come upon Egypt, ultimately leading to the liberation of the Israelites. Through this act, God displays his justice and power, establishing himself as the one true God who will not be challenged or defied.
Exodus 7:20 in other translations
American Standard Version
And Moses and Aaron did so, as Jehovah commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood.
World English Bible
Moses and Aaron did so, as Yahweh commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and struck the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood.
Douay-Rheims
And Moses and Aaron did as the Lord had commanded: and lifting up the rod, he struck the water of the river before Pharao and his servants: and it was turned into blood.
Geneva Bible (1599)
So Moses and Aaron did euen as the Lord commanded: and hee lift vp the rodde, and smote the water that was in the riuer in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his seruants: and all the water that was in the riuer, was turned into blood.