Definition: And the fish that [is] in the river shall die, and the river shall stink; and the Egyptians shall lothe to drink of the water of the river.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 7:18. It's a really important passage about God’s plan to end the Israelites’ existence in Egypt. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is deliberately causing a terrible problem to happen to the Israelites – and specifically, to their water supply – so that they will leave Egypt and never return. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And the fish that [is]…” : This refers to a large, unusual fish that appears in the Nile River. It’s described as being incredibly large and strange. “…in the river shall die…” : This means the fish will quickly perish and die. “…and the river shall stink…” : The Nile River is usually a beautiful, clear river. This verse says it will become foul-smelling because of the fish’s presence. “And the Egyptians shall lothe to drink of the water of the river.” : This is the crucial part. The Egyptians, who are living in Egypt and depend on the Nile for their food and livelihood, will be disgusted and uncomfortable with the smell. They'll feel repulsed by the idea of drinking from that polluted water. What’s the point of this? God is deliberately setting up a situation where the Egyptians will be forced to choose between: 1. Leaving Egypt: They’ll have to find a new place to live, which means they'll leave the land and their traditions. 2. Refusing to drink from the Nile: This is a symbolic act of rejecting God’s blessing and his plan for them. In short, it’s about a divine test designed to show God’s power and control. It's a dramatic example of God’s ability to bring about change through suffering – not necessarily to hurt the Israelites, but to prepare them for their future freedom. Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Exodus 7? Discuss what this verse might symbolize in general biblical themes (like judgment, test, or divine power)?