Book of Exodus - Chapter 7 - Verse 21

This verse from the Book of Exodus describes the third plague that God sent to the land of Egypt as a punishment for Pharaoh's refusal to release the Israelites. In this plague, all the fish in the river died, causing the river to become foul-smelling and undrinkable for the Egyptians. The water turned into blood, causing widespread contamination throughout the land. This event served as a demonstration of the power of God over nature and the consequences of disobedience. It also highlighted the contrast between the protection of God's chosen people and the suffering of those who opposed Him. The contamination of the river not only affected the people but also disrupted the ecosystem, showing the far-reaching impact of God's judgment. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience and the consequences of defying God's will.

In this verse from the book of Exodus, the theological interpretation centers around the concept of divine judgment and the power of God over all creation. The death of the fish in the river, the foul smell of the water, and the inability of the Egyptians to drink from it all point to a demonstration of God's wrath and control over the natural world. The turning of the river into blood symbolizes the punishment inflicted upon Egypt for their oppression of the Israelites. This event also serves as a sign of the superiority of the God of the Israelites over the Egyptian gods, particularly Hapi, the god of the Nile. Additionally, the word "stank" in this verse comes from the Hebrew word "ba'ash," which denotes a repugnant odor or foulness. This detail emphasizes the severity and harshness of God's judgment upon Egypt. Overall, this verse showcases the theological themes of judgment, power, and sovereignty within the context of the plagues inflicted upon Egypt.