Exodus 7:17

Behold, I will smite - Here commences the account of the Ten plagues which were inflicted on the Egyptians by Moses and Aaron, by the command and through the power of God. According to Archbishop Usher these ten plagues took place in the course of one month, and in the following order: -

The first, the Waters turned into Blood, took place, he supposes, the 18th day of the sixth month; Exodus 7:20.

The second, the plague of Frogs, on the 25th day of the sixth month; Exodus 8:2.

The third, the plague of Lice, on the 27th day of the sixth month; Exodus 8:16.

The fourth, grievous Swarms of Flies, on the 29th day of the sixth month; Exodus 8:24.

The fifth, the grievous Murrain, on the 2d day of the seventh month; Exodus 9:3.

The sixth, the plague of Boils and Blains, on the 3d day of the seventh month; Exodus 9:10.

The seventh, the grievous Hail, on the 5th day of the seventh month; Exodus 9:18.

The eighth, the plague of Locusts, on the 8th day of the seventh month; Exodus 10:12.

The ninth, the Thick Darkness, on the 10th day of Abib, (April 30), now become the first month of the Jewish year; Exodus 10:22. See Clarke's note on Exodus 12:2.

The tenth, the Slaying the First-Born, on the 15th of Abib; Exodus 12:29. But most of these dates are destitute of proof.

Turned to blood - This miracle would bear a certain resemblance to natural phenomena, and therefore be one which Pharaoh might see with amazement and dismay, yet without complete conviction. It is well known that before the rise the water of the Nile is green and unfit to drink. About the 25th of June it becomes clear, and then yellow, and gradually reddish like ochre; an effect due to the presence of microscopic cryptogams and infusoria. The supernatural character of the visitation was tested by the suddenness of the change, by its immediate connection with the words and act of Moses, and by its effects. It killed the fish, and made the water unfit for use, neither of which results follows the annual discoloration.