The plague of which the river turned to blood (Exodus 7:17 ) was the first. All ten plagues were necessary - God's deliberate attack against Egypt's religious, pagan system was to have its full effect. (Exodus Chapters 7-12 ). The river Nile was worshipped as the source of their life. Crocodile and fish were sacred because they lived in the river. By turning the river into blood the source of life became the source of death. Their religion could not prevent or reverse what the only true and living God had done.

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. What status did God give to Moses as he was sent again to Pharaoh?
   • Are you assured of divine authority and power in fulfilling your commission?

2. What was Aaron's function?
   • As Moses' spokesman was he allowed to give his own message?
   • Are you permitted to change God's Word according to the circumstances, or to whom you happen to be speaking?

3. In all, there are ten references to God hardening Pharaoh's heart, and ten to the personal action of Pharaoh himself hardening his heart. Would you conclude from this that the hardening was as much from Pharaoh's own act, as it was the work of God?

4. What miraculous sign indicated that Moses and Aaron were indeed God's messengers?
   • The magical act of the magicians (See 2 Timothy 3:8 ) seemed to match the miracles of God's spokesmen. What demonstrated God's greater power?
   • Need you fear the counterfeit of the devil when you have the reality of God's might and power?

5. What was the first plague God brought on Egypt?
   • What pagan religious meaning did the river have?
   • What effect did the magicians have on Pharaoh by doing the same as Moses by their secret arts?
   • When there is a move of the Holy Spirit, do you witness fleshly and demonic copies?

6. How long did this first plague last?
   • Could the copyists stop the plague?
   • Who did?
   • What do you learn from this demonstration of God being in absolute control?