Definition: And the fish that [was] in the river died; and the river stank, and the Egyptians could not drink of the water of the river; and there was blood throughout all the land of Egypt.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 7:21. It’s a really significant story about God’s plan to overcome the Egyptian people. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: God decided he wanted to defeat the Egyptians and allow the Israelites (the Jewish people) to leave Egypt. He chose a giant, poisonous fish to be placed in the Nile River. This fish was incredibly large and dangerous. Here's a breakdown of what happened: The Fish Dies: As a result of the fish’s poison, it died quickly. The River Turns Foul: The water became incredibly dirty and smelled bad. It wasn't safe for anyone to drink from the Nile. Blood Everywhere: There was so much blood in the land of Egypt that it spread everywhere. What it’s telling us about God's plan: This verse is a sign that God is actively working to help the Israelites. It shows that He is using this situation – a dangerous and smelly river – to lead them out of slavery and into their own land. It’s a powerful demonstration of God’s power and control. Important Note: The verse describes this event as a result of God's plan, not as the cause . It was a consequence of his choices and actions. In short, it’s a dramatic story about God using a problem to help His people escape a difficult situation. --- Do you have any other questions about this verse or would you like me to explain anything in more detail? For example, are you curious about: The context of the story within the larger narrative of Exodus? The symbolism behind the image of the poisonous fish?