As we study the books of Moses and the prophets let us ever be aware that they were divinely inspired, brought to pass, and preserved in scripture to lay the foundation of the work of Christ who was yet to come. “To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.” (Acts 10: 43) Here are a few things that struck me as I studied this first plague brought upon Egypt.
The river: The river Nile, meaning dark blue waters, was an object of worship in Egypt. It was declared as the patron deity and source of all the lesser gods they worshiped. As Pharaoh went out to the river it was not for a leisurely walk but to lead all those in his kingdom to practice idolatry. Historians say he went out because he had proclaimed a festival to be kept and was there himself to lead his people in their devotions. All those who are confronted by Satan's ambassadors are practicing idolaters being led in their religious traditions by the god of this world. (Ephesians 2: 1-3, Ephesians 2: 11, Titus 3: 3-5)
The time: “In the morning.” (Exodus 7: 15) God himself dictates the time of his interventions. Paul told the philosophers on Mars Hill, “that God hath determined the times, before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation.” (Acts 17:26) “Wherefore, as the Holy Ghost saith, today if you will hear his voice harden not your hearts as in the provocation…” (Hebrews 3: 7-8)
The place: The place is where God arranged for his messenger to stand. One writer said God foresees where Pharaoh would send his messenger ahead; but God only foresees what he foreordains. God so arranges the path of his preachers that they are always speaking to them to whom they are sent.
The revelation: The river was smitten by God to expose the ungodly idolatry of Egypt. The first work in the deliverance of Israel is to reveal that “that which is highly esteemed among men is an abomination before God.” (Luke 16:15) It did not begin with the low immorality and vile pleasure practiced in Egypt but with their religious imaginations.
The elements: Blood and water were used to expose their idolatry. To draw a line from this ancient text to modern theology lets consider these two elements.
The water always speaks of the regenerating, cleansing work of the Holy Spirit. (John 7: 37-39). Christ sanctifies his beloved bride by the washing of the water by the word. (Ephesians 5: 26) The blood speaks of the sin atoning sacrifice of our Savior. It is by his person and work that we are reconciled to God. It is by way of his righteous obedience and shed blood that God can be propitious (show favor) to believing sinners. (Romans 3: 24-26) All false religion substitutes the water for the blood. They look to and teach others that by their works and will they can win God’s favor and affection. We do not deny that converted sinners make decisions or must be willing or have strong inclinations to change their direction of life. But these are not what brings them into favor with God. It is the blood and righteousness of Christ that God approves of, is satisfied with, and imputes through faith to all for whom he died. Religion, idolatrous religion, substitutes the water for the blood.
When God interrupts the work of Satan he smites the hypnotic waters of their religious traditions and reveals it for what it truly is; a bloody, stinking river of death. All those who see it and smell it refuse to drink from its polluted stream. -- Darvin Pruitt
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