Exodus 7:20Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Moses, observing that all those under his authority were united with the leader of evil, struck a decisive blow against the entire Egyptian nation, without excluding any of those in despair. Alongside him, the very powers of creation—earth, fire, air, and water—responded to this assault on the Egyptians, shifting according to human will. By a singular force, simultaneously and in one location, chaos was subdued, and those who remained unscathed were free from guilt. Upon Moses' command, all water in Egypt was transformed into blood, causing the fish to perish due to this conversion of water into a fleshly taint; however, for the Hebrews, the blood became as water to them. Consequently, it allowed the magicians to make the water found among the Hebrews appear bloody.

The waters that the previous Pharaoh had polluted with the blood of infants he had drowned were transformed into blood.

Why did the initial judgment take the form of water turning into blood? Firstly, the Egyptians held the river in high esteem, venerating it as a deity in place of the clouds. Additionally, this transformation served as a testament against the Jewish infants who were cast into the river (Ex. 1:22), for it symbolically accused them of infanticide. Consequently, in retaliation for the children lost in its depths, the waters also surged with toads. The resemblance of young children to toads is notable, as both are unable to stand on their legs independently; their weakness is supported by their arms. Moreover, the land suffered because of the toads (Exodus 8:14), symbolizing how the Egyptians were rendered lifeless and bent by their overwhelming deceit.

In the Gospel, we find the account of water transforming into wine (See John 2:9), which symbolizes a positive transformation among the people. In contrast, the transformation of water into blood illustrates how sinners, caught up in their fleshly desires, perceive the root of spiritual matters. Blood represents the physical body, reflecting the mindset of the Jewish people at that time. It is noted that both rivers and rain were turned into blood, indicating that those who were enmeshed in carnal emotions failed to grasp the divine foresight in a spiritual manner. The literal interpretation of this event, along with subsequent occurrences, is evident, and the narrative of Sacred History recounts what unfolded in Egypt.

This marks the beginning of the executions in Egypt. What was visibly occurring to the Egyptians now unfolds within us in a spiritual manner. Egypt symbolizes the current age. The initial act of execution is represented by the transformation of water into blood. The waters of Egypt are transient, much like the uncertain philosophies of humankind. The waters are justly changed to blood because these philosophers focus solely on the physical causes of existence. However, when the cross of Christ illuminates the world with divine truth, it will bring upon the earth severe admonitions, prompting it to acknowledge its own transgressions through these trials.

Aaron approached Pharaoh and transformed the river water into blood: Take Aaron his staff and strike the river water before Pharaoh and before his officials, and all the river water will turn to blood. The magicians of Egypt, through their craftiness and skill, performed a similar feat, as noted in the subsequent text: And the magicians of Egypt did likewise with their enchantments. When reflecting on the nature of these acts, one might conclude that the transformation of the river's water into blood was not a miraculous event. This observation is valid, as the magicians accomplished a semblance of this by using water they had drawn from the earth. It is essential, however, to differentiate between the works of the Almighty and the illusions and deceptions of malevolent spirits. Any phenomena brought about through deceit and demonic influence should not be considered true miracles, which are solely the result of the omnipotent hand of God.