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Daily Devotion: Exodus 7:10-13

Exodus 7:10-13    "And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the LORD had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent. Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments. For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods. And he hardened Pharaoh's heart, that he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said."

It is amazing to see God’s hand in everything that transpires in these verses. Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh. Two men whom Pharaoh should have considered to be nothing more than Hebrew slaves and instigators of rebellion were admitted into Pharaoh’s presence. How did this happen? They did as the LORD commanded.

Although not spelled out specifically here, the implication is clear that Pharaoh asked Moses and Aaron for some sign or miracle that God had sent them. Again, this was just as God said it would be. Aaron threw his rod to the ground before Pharaoh and all his court. As it had before, the rod became a serpent. 

Pharaoh and his sorcerers did not appear to be impressed by this. Pharaoh’s magicians appeared to be able to also throw their rods on the ground and they turned into serpents. Did you notice that they did this using their “enchantments?” The root of the word translated as enchantment means “a blaze.” We have all seen magicians do what appear to be incredible feats. However, we know that these “miracles” are done using distraction and sleight of hand. 

Based on the use of the term “enchantments” here, it seems likely that these magicians used some sort of distraction and trickery to make it appear that they had duplicated God’s action. We can almost imagine the look of smug satisfaction that would have rested on Pharaoh’s face at this display. However, such a reaction would not have lasted long. God caused the serpent from Aaron’s rod to swallow up the serpents that existed by the enchantments of Pharaoh’s magicians. 

Just as God had promised Moses and Aaron, He hardened Pharaoh’s heart. He would not acknowledge the supremacy of God’s action through Moses and Aaron. God would use Pharaoh’s hard heart to show many more signs and wonders to the house of Israel and the Egyptians. The LORD would do greater and greater things until the magicians of Pharaoh’s court would finally have to admit that they could not do such things.

As we look at the workings of God here through Moses and Aaron, we see the theme of God’s faithfulness repeated again. God assures and reassures that His word is true, and His purpose will unfold according to His plans. Even though some might come along with “enchanted” doctrines that would seem to mimic God’s power, God’s word and way will always swallow up all falsehoods. We can always rely on things working out “as the LORD had said.” 

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