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Exodus 7:20 - Divine power transforms Nile.

Exodus 7:20 - שמות 7:20

Hebrew Text

וַיַּעֲשׂוּ־כֵן מֹשֶׁה וְאַהֲרֹן כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה וַיָּרֶם בַּמַּטֶּה וַיַּךְ אֶת־הַמַּיִם אֲשֶׁר בַּיְאֹר לְעֵינֵי פַרְעֹה וּלְעֵינֵי עֲבָדָיו וַיֵּהָפְכוּ כָּל־הַמַּיִם אֲשֶׁר־בַּיְאֹר לְדָם׃

English Translation

And Moshe and Aharon 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 Par῾o, and in the sight of his servants; and all the water that was in the River was turned to blood.

Transliteration

Va'ya'asu-khen Moshe ve'Aharon ka'asher tziva Adonai, va'yarem ba'mateh va'yakh et-ha'mayim asher ba'ye'or le'einei Par'o u'le'einei avadav, va'ye'hafkhu kol-ha'mayim asher-ba'ye'or le'dam.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּֽעֲשׂוּ־כֵן֩ מֹשֶׁ֨ה וְאַהֲרֹ֜ן כַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר&thinsp
וַיַּֽעֲשׂוּ־כֵן֩ מֹשֶׁ֨ה וְאַהֲרֹ֜ן כַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר&thinsp

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Shemot 7:20) describes the first of the ten plagues—the transformation of the Nile's waters into blood—as Moshe and Aharon carry out Hashem's command before Pharaoh and his servants. This plague was a direct challenge to Egypt's reliance on the Nile, which they worshipped as a deity, demonstrating Hashem's supremacy over their false gods.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Shemot 7:20) explains that Moshe was the one who struck the Nile, not Aharon, because the Nile had protected Moshe when he was cast into it as an infant (Shemot 2:3). It would have been inappropriate for Moshe to strike the very entity that had safeguarded him. However, Aharon was the one who struck the dust to bring forth lice (the third plague) because Moshe could not strike the earth, which had also protected him when he buried the Egyptian taskmaster (Shemot 2:12). This teaches the principle of hakarat hatov (recognizing and repaying kindness), even to inanimate objects.

Symbolism of the Plague

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 9:9) elaborates that the plague of blood was a measure-for-measure punishment (middah k'neged middah). The Egyptians had drowned Jewish infants in the Nile (Shemot 1:22), so Hashem turned their life-sustaining waters into blood, symbolizing the spilled blood of the innocent. Additionally, the Nile was central to Egypt's economy and agriculture; by striking it, Hashem demonstrated His control over their false deities and their very survival.

The Role of Pharaoh's Servants

The verse emphasizes that the miracle occurred "in the sight of Pharaoh and his servants." The Ramban (Shemot 7:20) notes that Pharaoh's magicians attempted to replicate this plague (Shemot 7:22), but their efforts only reinforced the severity of the miracle, as they could not reverse it. This public display was meant to break Pharaoh's arrogance and prove that Hashem's power was absolute.

The Rod as a Divine Instrument

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 67b) discusses the significance of Moshe's rod, which was used to perform miracles. Unlike the magicians' tricks, Moshe's actions were purely at Hashem's command, emphasizing that true miracles come from divine will, not human manipulation. The rod symbolized divine authority, showing that Moshe and Aharon acted solely as Hashem's emissaries.

Lessons for Jewish Thought

  • Divine Justice: The plague illustrates that Hashem punishes nations according to their sins, particularly when they harm the Jewish people.
  • Emunah (Faith): The public nature of the miracle reinforced the Israelites' faith in Hashem's power and Moshe's leadership.
  • Hakarat Hatov: Moshe's avoidance of striking the Nile teaches the importance of gratitude, even to inanimate objects.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 67b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the miracles performed by Moses and Aaron in Egypt, particularly focusing on the transformation of the Nile's waters into blood as a sign of divine power.
📖 Pesachim 118a
Mentioned in the context of recounting the plagues of Egypt, emphasizing the role of Moses and Aaron in executing God's commands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Moshe and Aharon turn the Nile into blood?
A: According to Rashi and the Midrash, the Nile was turned into blood as the first of the ten plagues to demonstrate Hashem's power over Egypt. The Nile was worshipped by the Egyptians, so this plague humiliated their false gods and showed that Hashem controls nature.
Q: Why did Moshe use a staff to strike the Nile?
A: The Ramban explains that the staff was a symbol of authority and a tool for performing miracles. By using it, Moshe showed that the plague came from Hashem's command, not his own power. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 67b) also teaches that miracles often involve natural objects to emphasize that they are acts of G-d.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the Nile turning to blood?
A: The Midrash teaches that this plague reminds us that Hashem judges nations based on their actions. Since the Egyptians drowned Jewish babies in the Nile, they were punished measure for measure with blood in the river. It also teaches that no false god or power can stand against Hashem's will.
Q: Why did the plague happen in front of Pharaoh and his servants?
A: Rashi explains that this was to remove any doubt that the miracle was real. By performing it publicly before Pharaoh and his court, Hashem proved that the plague was undeniable and not a trick. This also gave Pharaoh a chance to repent before the next plagues came.
Q: How long did the water stay as blood?
A: The Torah (Exodus 7:25) states that the plague lasted for seven days. The Midrash adds that even if Egyptians dug new wells, the water turned to blood, showing that the miracle was complete and inescapable.