Dig a Little Deeper: God Over Hapi

Throughout our series, God Over All: Nations Will Bow, we witness the confrontation between the God of Israel and Pharaoh, king of Egypt. God, in his mercy, gave Pharaoh opportunities to repent and release the Hebrew people from bondage.

However, Pharaoh's heart remained hardened, and as a result, God unleashed a series of plagues upon Egypt. This cosmic war began as God struck the first blow: turning the Nile River into blood.

This devastating event not only demonstrated God's power over the false Egyptian deities, specifically Hapi, but it also foreshadowed the deliverance of his people and the disaster awaiting his enemies.

The River of Blood

Exodus 7:14-25 tells us about God striking the Nile River, the lifeblood of Egypt, turning it into blood. The source of sustenance and fertility became a horrifying spectacle of death and decay. The fish died, and a putrid stench permeated the air, bringing devastation to Egypt.

This plague cannot be explained away by "the redness of the Nile, which is said to be a frequent phenomenon." Greta Hort continues by saying, "the redness of the Nile which is frequent cannot by any means be described as blood-red" (Hort, 87).

This was a supernatural event, showing God's sovereignty over the Nile.

The significance of this plague lies in its confrontation with Hapi, the false god of the Nile. Hapi was believed to be the provider of life and prosperity in Egypt, and the Nile's annual flooding was considered a vital event for the nation's well-being. By transforming the Nile into blood, God effectively rendered Hapi powerless, showing that he is the true source of life and prosperity.

A Great Recession

The Nile's transformation had a real impact. Not only did this shatter ancient Egyptians religious beliefs and practices, but the ancient Egyptians' economy heavily relied on the Nile. Farmers had irrigated the river to provide crops, and boats were set sail upon it for transportation.

The river sustained their agricultural practices, ensuring bountiful harvests and economic prosperity.

However, with the Nile turned into blood, the entire economic foundation of Egypt crumbled. The absence of water meant barren lands, failed crops, and a spiraling recession.

The sudden collapse of a financial system or economic downturn can quickly remind us how dependent we are on God's provision. The plague of blood serves as a humbling reminder that God is the ultimate provider of our needs, and our true security lies in trusting him rather than our own resources.

Deliverance and Disaster

As the Egyptians witnessed the destruction of their lifeline, the Hebrew slaves saw a glimpse of hope. The plagues were a testament to God's power and His commitment to deliver His people from bondage.

Moreover, the imagery of blood holds deep significance in this narrative. Just as the blood of the Nile became a sign of disaster for Egypt, the blood of the Passover lamb would later become a sign of deliverance for the Israelites. The shedding of blood marked both the judgment upon God's enemies and the redemption of His people.

In the same way, the shed blood of Christ serves as the means of deliverance and redemption for all who believe in Him. Through His death and resurrection, we are set free from the bondage of sin and ushered into the abundant life and eternal security found in Him.

 Bibliography

Hort, Greta. “The Plagues of Egypt.” Zeitschrift Für Die Alttestamentliche Wissenschaft 69, no. 1–4 (1957): 84–103.