Exodus 7:20 describes the first of the ten plagues on Egypt: Moses and Aaron strike the Nile with a staff, and its water turns to blood. The verse shows God proving who He is, through Moses, to Pharaoh and to the Egyptians. Moses speaks for God here, and Aaron acts alongside him, as the LORD had commanded them.
Moses and Aaron did so, as the LORD commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and struck the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood.
Exodus 7:20 (WEB)
What Exodus 7:20 Means
The phrase “Moses and Aaron did so, as the LORD commanded” tells you the brothers were obedient. They did not invent the plan or decide the moment themselves. Their action follows a direct word from God, which matters because the plague is meant as a sign, not a random disaster.
The words “he lifted up the rod, and struck the waters” describe a visible act. The rod had already been a sign of God’s authority in the earlier scenes at Pharaoh’s court, and here it is raised over the river that Egypt depended on for life. “In the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants” makes clear that the sign was public, with the king’s own officials watching. The verse ends with the result: “all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood.” It does not promise anything for the reader directly. It records what happened and why God wanted Pharaoh to see it.
The Context of Exodus 7:20
Exodus is traditionally attributed to Moses and tells the story of Israel’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt, the covenant at Sinai, and the building of the tabernacle. Its first audience was the people of Israel, who needed to know that the God of their ancestors was active and able to free them. The book reports God’s words to Moses in this scene, so the plagues are presented as God’s answer to Pharaoh’s refusal to let the people go.
Verses 17 to 19 set up the sign in advance: God tells Moses that by this, Pharaoh will know that He is the LORD. Verses 21 to 23 then show the consequences, with dead fish, foul water, and Pharaoh’s heart remaining hard. Reading the verse inside that frame changes it from a bare event into a demonstration with a stated purpose, the recognition of God’s identity.
Key Phrases in Exodus 7:20
Exodus 7:17
The LORD says, “In this you shall know that I am the LORD. Behold, I will strike with the rod that is in my hand on the waters which are in the river, and they shall be turned to blood.
(WEB)
This verse gives God’s announcement that the plague will come and that by it Pharaoh will know He is the LORD. Reading it first shows that the sign in verse 20 was planned and spoken in advance, not an impulsive act.
Exodus 14:4
I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will follow after them; and I will get honor over Pharaoh, and over all his armies; and the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD.” They did so.
(WEB)
Here God explains again that He will be honored through Pharaoh’s response to what He does. It shows the purpose behind the plagues carrying forward to the crossing of the sea, so the reader sees how the early signs connect to the later deliverance.
A Short Prayer From Exodus 7:20
Lord, you spoke clearly to Moses and Aaron, and they acted in obedience even before they could see the full result. Help me to do what you have asked, especially when the path feels strange or the outcome is uncertain. Let my faithfulness be a witness to others of who you are, not a performance for my own sake. When I am tempted to protect myself by hiding the truth, remind me that you are the one who makes your name known. Give me courage to act on your word today, and trust in your faithfulness with the results. Amen.
