Exodus 7:12

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Exodus 7:8-13

The first time that Moses made his application to Pharaoh, he produced his instructions only; now he is directed to produce his credentials, and does accordingly. 1. It is taken for granted that Pharaoh would challenge these demandants to work a miracle, that, by a performance evidently above the power of nature, they might prove their commission from the God of nature. Pharaoh will say, Show a miracle; not with any desire to be convinced, but with the hope that none will be wrought, and then... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Exodus 7:12

For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents ,.... That is, they seemed to be so, as Josephus F26 Antiqu. ut supra. (l. 2. c. 13 sect. 3.) expresses it, but not really, in which he is followed by many; though some think that the devil assisted in this affair, and in an instant, as soon as the rods were cast down, removed them and put real serpents in their room: but Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods ; that is, the serpent that Aaron's rod was turned into,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 7:12

Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods - As Egypt was remarkably addicted to magic, sorcery, etc., it was necessary that God should permit Pharaoh's wise men to act to the utmost of their skill in order to imitate the work of God, that his superiority might be clearly seen, and his powerful working incontestably ascertained; and this was fully done when Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods. We have already seen that the names of two of the chief of these magicians were Jannes and Jambres; see... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 7:12

Verse 12 12.For they cast down every man. The number of the magicians is not expressed; and although Paul names two, Jannes and Jambres, (86) (2 Timothy 3:8,) it is probable that they were not the only ones, but the chief, and, as it were, the ringleaders. But I will not dispute this questionable point. The admonition of Paul is more to the purpose, that “as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses,” so also there should always be false teachers, who would oppose Christ’s true ministers, and indeed... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 7:8-13

The credentials of God's ambassadors to the froward. I. THE DEMANDS OF GOD , THOUGH REJECTED , CANNOT BE BANISHED . The rod which Pharaoh refuses to be shepherded by, cast down before him, springs into life. To those who refuse obedience to God's Word, that Word will cling and become a living thing. Israel thought to have done with God and to be like the heathen: it was a vain dream. Pharaoh would shake off care, and become like one of whom God had asked nothing:... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 7:8-13

The first sign to Pharaoh: the rod becomes a serpent. I. NOTICE THE REMARKABLE REQUEST WHICH JEHOVAH INDICATES THAT PHARAOH MAY MAKE . Perhaps we might even say, will make. "When Pharaoh shall speak unto you, saying, Shew a miracle for you." This is a great change from his former attitude, that he should be capable of stooping to such a request. But men who have despotic power sometimes do strange and contradictory things. The freaks of tyrants in the way of a... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 7:8-14

The rod turned into a serpent. On this sign, notice— I. ITS SIGNIFICANCE . 1 . Its distinctness from the similar sign wrought for the conviction of the Israelites. On the meaning of the latter, see Exodus 4:1-6 . There the serpent into which the rod was turned seemed to denote the power of the monarch—the royal and divine power of Egypt—of which the serpent was an Egyptian emblem. However threatening the aspect of this power to Moses and the Israelites, the sign taught them... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 7:10-12

False imitations of things Divine not difficult of detection. It is Satan's wont, in all ages and on all possible occasions, to set up counterfeits of things Divine, in order to confuse men's minds, and make them mistake the false for the true. Aaron no sooner works a true miracle, a real proof that he is a prophet of God ( Exodus 7:1 ), than Satan's instruments, the magicians of Egypt, are ready with an imitation of the miracle, on which they base a claim that Pharaoh is not to listen... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 7:10-13

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 7:12

But Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods . Aaron's serpent turned upon its rivals and devoured them, thus exhibiting a marked superiority. read more

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