Let’s dive into a story from the book of Exodus, retold in Ginzberg's Legends of the Jews, where that's exactly what happened in ancient Egypt.
Aaron, acting on divine command, stretched out his hand, and bam! Every drop of water in Egypt transformed into blood. Not just the Nile, not just the rivers and streams, but even the water stored in wooden and stone vessels. Can you picture it?
It gets even weirder. According to the legends, an Egyptian's own spittle would turn to blood the moment it left their mouth. Even their idols started dripping blood! A truly terrifying image.
Now, why blood? Why this particular plague? Jewish tradition often sees these plagues as not just punishments, but also as midah k’neged midah (מדה כנגד מדה), measure for measure – a fitting retribution for the Egyptians' actions. The Egyptians had shed the blood of Israelite babies, so now, their own water became a symbol of that bloodshed. Pretty powerful stuff.
But here's a twist. The transformation of water into blood wasn't just a punishment. It also presented an opportunity for the Israelites. According to Legends of the Jews, the Egyptians, desperate for untainted water, were forced to buy it from the Israelites at exorbitant prices.
Imagine the scene: an Egyptian and an Israelite drawing water from the same trough. The moment the Egyptian's portion was separated, poof! Blood. The Israelite's water remained pure.
This bizarre situation allowed the Israelites to amass significant wealth, essentially turning the plague into an economic advantage. They were able to leverage their unique position to alleviate their own suffering, and to profit from the suffering of their oppressors.
You might think, "Okay, they can buy water, problem solved!" But it wasn't that simple. Even drinking from the same cup as an Israelite couldn't save them. The moment the water touched an Egyptian's lips, it transformed into blood. The Legends emphasize the absolute, inescapable nature of the plague.
This story, found within the larger narrative of the Exodus, is a potent reminder of divine justice, but also of human resilience. It shows how even in the face of unimaginable hardship, opportunities for survival and even prosperity can emerge. It’s a complex tale, filled with horror and hope, punishment and profit. And it makes you wonder: what strange opportunities might arise from the unexpected "plagues" in our own lives?