17 Thus says Yahweh, "In this you shall know that I am Yahweh. Behold, I will strike with the rod that is in my hand on the waters which are in the river, and they shall be turned to blood.
*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.
Turned to blood - This miracle would bear a certain resemblance to natural phenomena, and therefore be one which Pharaoh might see with amazement and dismay, yet without complete conviction. It is well known that before the rise the water of the Nile is green and unfit to drink. About the 25th of June it becomes clear, and then yellow, and gradually reddish like ochre; an effect due to the presence of microscopic cryptogams and infusoria. The supernatural character of the visitation was tested by the suddenness of the change, by its immediate connection with the words and act of Moses, and by its effects. It killed the fish, and made the water unfit for use, neither of which results follows the annual discoloration.
Behold, I will smite - Here commences the account of the Ten plagues which were inflicted on the Egyptians by Moses and Aaron, by the command and through the power of God. According to Archbishop Usher these ten plagues took place in the course of one month, and in the following order: -
The first, the Waters turned into Blood, took place, he supposes, the 18th day of the sixth month; Exodus 7:20.
The second, the plague of Frogs, on the 25th day of the sixth month; Exodus 8:2.
The third, the plague of Lice, on the 27th day of the sixth month; Exodus 8:16.
The fourth, grievous Swarms of Flies, on the 29th day of the sixth month; Exodus 8:24.
The fifth, the grievous Murrain, on the 2d day of the seventh month; Exodus 9:3.
The sixth, the plague of Boils and Blains, on the 3d day of the seventh month; Exodus 9:10.
The seventh, the grievous Hail, on the 5th day of the seventh month; Exodus 9:18.
The eighth, the plague of Locusts, on the 8th day of the seventh month; Exodus 10:12.
The ninth, the Thick Darkness, on the 10th day of Abib, (April 30), now become the first month of the Jewish year; Exodus 10:22. See Clarke's note on Exodus 12:2.
The tenth, the Slaying the First-Born, on the 15th of Abib; Exodus 12:29. But most of these dates are destitute of proof.
Thus saith the Lord, in this thou shalt know that I am the Lord,.... By the following instance of his power and vengeance:
behold, I will smite with the rod that is in my hand; which though in the hand of Moses, Exodus 7:18 yet he being his ambassador, and representing him, is said to be in the hand of the Lord; and with this he threatens to smite
upon the waters which are in the river; the river Nile, and the canals thereof:
and they shall be turned to blood; and if this river was their god, it would abundantly appear that the God of the Hebrews was Jehovah, and above all gods, and particularly above theirs.
Aaron lifted up the rod and smote the waters, &c.--Whether the water was changed into real blood, or only the appearance of it (and Omnipotence could effect the one as easily as the other), this was a severe calamity. How great must have been the disappointment and disgust throughout the land when the river became of a blood red color, of which they had a national abhorrence; their favorite beverage became a nauseous draught, and the fish, which formed so large an article of food, were destroyed. [See on Numbers 11:5.] The immense scale on which the plague was inflicted is seen by its extending to "the streams," or branches of the Nile--to the "rivers," the canals, the "ponds" and "pools," that which is left after an overflow, the reservoirs, and the many domestic vessels in which the Nile water was kept to filter. And accordingly the sufferings of the people from thirst must have been severe. Nothing could more humble the pride of Egypt than this dishonor brought on their national god.
*More commentary available at chapter level.