ALPHA MAAMA (A.M.)

Monite Ma’asi 6, 2023

Serpents and Crocodiles תנין

NGATA MO E KALOKATAILE  

EXODUS 7:8-9

THEN THE LORD SAID TO MOSES AND AARON, "WHEN PHARAOH SAYS TO YOU, 'PROVE YOURSELVES BY WORKING A MIRACLE,' THEN YOU SHALL SAY TO AARON, TAKE YOUR STAFF AND CAST IT DOWN BEFORE PHARAOH, THAT IT MAY BECOME A SERPENT.'" 

‘EKISOTO 7:8-9

8 Pea folofola ‘a Sihova kia Mōsese mo ‘Ēlone, ‘o pehē, 9 Ka lea mai ‘a Felo kiate kimoua ‘o pehē, Fai ha mana ma‘amoua; pea te ke pehē kia ‘Ēlone, To‘o ho tokotoko, ‘o sī atu ia ‘i he ‘ao ‘o Felo: ‘e hoko ia ko e ngata. 

In the desert, Moses' staff became a serpent (Exod. 4:3). Imagine his surprise in Egypt when this same staff became a crocodile! Most translations render the reptile in Exodus 4:3 and 7:9 the same as “serpent," but they are different words in Hebrew. At the burning bush, the staff became a nachash ("serpent"), but at the Nile, a tannin. In various contexts, a tannin is a great sea creature (Gen. 1:21; Ps. 74:13) as well as a monster or dragon (Jer. 51:34). Many scholars think this staff-turned-tannin is a Nile crocodile. 

The image of the tannin as a powerful, dangerous creature associated with water comes up several other times in the Bible. Each time, the tannin is emblematic of powerful forces that God-or God through his people - overcomes. The Lord "pierced the tannin" (Isa. 51:9) and smashes his head (Ps. 74:13). His people likewise trample the tannin underfoot (Ps. 91:13). In other words, God is victorious. None can stand in his way. He who walked on the Sea of Galilee will pierce, smash, and tread on every foe that faces him and his church. 

Hear us when we call, O Lord. In trouble, be with us, rescue, and honor us (Ps. 91:15-16).