Old Testament
Exodus 7:18
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The fish in the river will die, the river will stink, and the Egyptians will loathe drinking the water from it.
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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.
What Exodus 7:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God warns that the fish in the river will die, leading to a terrible smell and making the water undrinkable for the Egyptians. This is a sign of God's power and a consequence of their refusal to listen. The river, once a source of life, will become a source of disgust. This event illustrates the seriousness of ignoring divine warnings. The Egyptians will experience firsthand the impact of their actions, as their water supply becomes polluted. This serves as a reminder that our choices can lead to dire consequences, affecting not just ourselves but those around us. The imagery of death and stench emphasizes the gravity of the situation, urging us to reflect on our own lives and the choices we make. It’s a call to recognize the importance of heeding warnings and understanding the repercussions of our actions in our daily lives. God’s message is clear: there are consequences for turning away from what is right and just, and these consequences can be severe.
How to apply Exodus 7:18 to your life
This verse encourages us to consider the impact of our choices on ourselves and others. Just as the Egyptians faced consequences for their actions, we too must be mindful of how our decisions affect our environment and relationships. Taking heed of warnings can lead to better outcomes in our lives. Reflect on your choices today and their potential consequences for tomorrow. Make decisions that promote life and well-being for yourself and those around you.
Curated for this public verse page. Exodus Summary
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: The Nile Turns to Blood (Exodus 7:14–25)
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Moses
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
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Keep studying Exodus 7:18
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Key themes
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At a Glance — the Book of Exodus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Exodus 7:18 mean?
Exodus 7:18 describes a warning from God that the fish in the river will die, causing a foul smell and making the water undrinkable for the Egyptians. This serves as a demonstration of God's power and a consequence of their refusal to heed His warnings.
What is the significance of the river in Exodus 7:18?
In Exodus 7:18, the river symbolizes life and sustenance for the Egyptians. The death of the fish and the pollution of the water illustrate the severe consequences of ignoring divine warnings.
What are the consequences mentioned in Exodus 7:18?
The consequences in Exodus 7:18 include the death of fish, a stinking river, and the Egyptians' inability to drink the water. These outcomes highlight the impact of their disobedience to God's commands.
How does Exodus 7:18 relate to the theme of divine warning?
Exodus 7:18 exemplifies the theme of divine warning by showing that ignoring God's messages leads to dire consequences, such as environmental pollution and loss of resources.
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