Definition: And seven days were fulfilled, after that the LORD had smitten the river.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 7:25. It’s a really important and slightly mysterious passage in the beginning of the story of God’s plan to deliver Israel from Egypt. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a specific period of time where God used a storm to change the course of the Nile River. It’s essentially about cleansing and preparing for a major event. Let’s unpack it bit by bit: “And seven days were fulfilled…” – This means that over seven days, something significant happened to the river. “…after that the LORD had smitten the river.” – "Smitten" is a fancy word meaning to strike or hit something. The Lord (God) deliberately caused this storm to hit the Nile River. What was happening? The key point is that this storm wasn't just random. It was a deliberate act of God, designed to achieve a specific outcome. The verse suggests that God was preparing for a significant change – a cleansing and purification that would lead to Israel’s freedom from slavery. Why is it important? This event is often interpreted as a sign that God was moving towards delivering the Israelites from Egypt. It's like a pre-emptive strike against their oppression. It’s a foundational story in the Old Testament, and it’s connected to many other stories about God’s power and judgment. In short: This verse describes a period where God used a storm to cleanse and prepare for the arrival of the Israelites. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Go into more detail about a specific aspect of this story (like why it's significant)?