Exodus 7:22
Exodus 7:22 in Multiple Translations
But the magicians of Egypt did the same things by their magic arts. So Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the LORD had said.
And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments: and Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, neither did he hearken unto them; as the LORD had said.
And the magicians of Egypt did in like manner with their enchantments: and Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as Jehovah had spoken.
And the wonder-workers of Egypt did the same with their secret arts: but Pharaoh's heart was made hard, and he would not give ear to them, as the Lord had said.
But the Egyptian magicians did the same thing using their magic arts. Pharaoh maintained his stubborn attitude and he wouldn't listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the Lord had predicted.
And the enchanters of Egypt did likewise with their sorceries: and the heart of Phraoh was hardened: so that he did not hearken vnto them, as the Lord had sayde.
And the scribes of Egypt do so with their flashings, and the heart of Pharaoh is strong, and he hath not hearkened unto them, as Jehovah hath spoken,
The magicians of Egypt did the same thing with their enchantments. So Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he didn’t listen to them, as the LORD had spoken.
And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, neither did he hearken to them; as the LORD had said.
And the magicians of the Egyptians with their enchantments did in like manner: and Pharao’s heart was hardened, neither did he hear them, as the Lord had commanded.
But the men who performed magic did the same thing using their magic. So the king remained stubborn [IDM], and he would not pay attention to what Aaron and Moses/I said, just as Yahweh had predicted.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 7:22
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 7:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּֽעֲשׂוּ
כֵ֛ן
חַרְטֻמֵּ֥י
מִצְרַ֖יִם
בְּ/לָטֵי/הֶ֑ם
וַ/יֶּחֱזַ֤ק
לֵב
פַּרְעֹה֙
וְ/לֹא
שָׁמַ֣ע
אֲלֵ/הֶ֔ם
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֖ר
דִּבֶּ֥ר
יְהוָֽה
וַ/יַּֽעֲשׂוּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
כֵ֛ן
kên
H3651
right
Adv
חַרְטֻמֵּ֥י
charṭôm
H2748
magician
N-mp
מִצְרַ֖יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
Egypt
N-proper
בְּ/לָטֵי/הֶ֑ם
lâṭ
H3909
secrecy
Prep | N-mp | Suff
וַ/יֶּחֱזַ֤ק
châzaq
H2388
to strengthen
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לֵב
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms
פַּרְעֹה֙
Parʻôh
H6547
Pharaoh
N-proper
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
שָׁמַ֣ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אֲלֵ/הֶ֔ם
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֖ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Prep | Rel
דִּבֶּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 7:22
וַ/יַּֽעֲשׂוּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
כֵ֛ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Adv
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
חַרְטֻמֵּ֥י
charṭôm
H2748
"magician"
N-mp
This word refers to a magician or astrologer who claims to have special knowledge of the stars and supernatural forces. Such individuals were known for drawing magical lines and circles to predict the future. They were often seen as having occult powers.
Definition: 1) diviner, magician, astrologer 1a) engraver, writer (only in derivative sense of one possessed of occult knowledge) Aramaic equivalent: char.tom (חַרְטֹם "magician" H2749)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: magician. See also: Genesis 41:8; Exodus 8:14; Daniel 2:2.
מִצְרַ֖יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
"Egypt"
N-proper
This word means Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa, and is used in the Bible to describe the land and its people. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often referring to the Nile River and the Egyptians. Egypt is an important setting for many biblical events.
Definition: § Egypt = "land of the Copts" a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows Egyptians = "double straits" adj 2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.
בְּ/לָטֵי/הֶ֑ם
lâṭ
H3909
"secrecy"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
This word refers to secrecy or something done covertly, like an enchantment or mystery. It implies something hidden or covered, often with a sense of quietness or stealth. In the Bible, it can mean secrecy, mystery, or enchantment.
Definition: 1) secrecy, mystery, enchantment 1a) secrecy, secretly 1b) mystery, enchantment Also means: lat (לָאט "secret" H3814)
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: enchantment, privily, secretly, softly. See also: Exodus 7:22; Ruth 3:7; 1 Samuel 24:5.
וַ/יֶּחֱזַ֤ק
châzaq
H2388
"to strengthen"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To strengthen means to be strong or courageous, and can also mean to seize or conquer, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: : strengthen/support/encourage 1) to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, be sore 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be strong, grow strong 1a1a) to prevail, prevail upon 1a1b) to be firm, be caught fast, be secure 1a1c) to press, be urgent 1a1d) to grow stout, grow rigid, grow hard (bad sense) 1a1e) to be severe, be grievous 1a2) to strengthen 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make strong 1b2) to restore to strength, give strength 1b3) to strengthen, sustain, encourage 1b4) to make strong, make bold, encourage 1b5) to make firm 1b6) to make rigid, make hard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make strong, strengthen 1c2) to make firm 1c3) to display strength 1c4) to make severe 1c5) to support 1c6) to repair 1c7) to prevail, prevail upon 1c8) to have or take or keep hold of, retain, hold up, sustain, support 1c9) to hold, contain 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to strengthen oneself 1d2) to put forth strength, use one's strength 1d3) to withstand 1d4) to hold strongly with
Usage: Occurs in 266 OT verses. KJV: aid, amend, [idiom] calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand. See also: Genesis 19:16; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 27:14.
לֵב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
פַּרְעֹה֙
Parʻôh
H6547
"Pharaoh"
N-proper
In the Bible, Pharaoh refers to the king of Egypt, a powerful leader with great authority. The word is used in many passages, including Genesis 12:15 and Exodus 1:9, to describe the ruler of Egypt. It is a title of respect and power.
Definition: A man of the Egyptians living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.23.29; also called Pharaoh at 2Ki.23.35 etc.; Another name of ne.kho (נְכוֹ "Neco" H5224G) § Pharaoh = "great house" the common title of the king of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: Pharaoh. See also: Genesis 12:15; Exodus 6:29; 2 Kings 23:35.
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
שָׁמַ֣ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
אֲלֵ/הֶ֔ם
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֖ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Prep | Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
דִּבֶּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
Study Notes — Exodus 7:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 7:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 7:22
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 7:22
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 7:22
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 7:22
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 7:22
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 7:22
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 7:22
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 7:22
- Sermons on Exodus 7:22
Context — The First Plague: Blood
20Moses and Aaron did just as the LORD had commanded; in the presence of Pharaoh and his officials, Aaron raised the staff and struck the water of the Nile, and all the water was turned to blood.
21The fish in the Nile died, and the river smelled so bad that the Egyptians could not drink its water. And there was blood throughout the land of Egypt.
22But the magicians of Egypt did the same things by their magic arts. So Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the LORD had said.
23Instead, Pharaoh turned around, went into his palace, and did not take any of this to heart. 24So all the Egyptians dug around the Nile for water to drink, because they could not drink the water from the river.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 7:11 | But Pharaoh called the wise men and sorcerers and magicians of Egypt, and they also did the same things by their magic arts. |
| 2 | 2 Timothy 3:8 | Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth. They are depraved in mind and disqualified from the faith. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 27:18 | If they are indeed prophets and the word of the LORD is with them, let them now plead with the LORD of Hosts that the articles remaining in the house of the LORD, in the palace of the king of Judah, and in Jerusalem, not be taken to Babylon. |
| 4 | Exodus 8:7–8 | But the magicians did the same thing by their magic arts, and they also brought frogs up onto the land of Egypt. Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, “Pray to the LORD to take the frogs away from me and my people. Then I will let your people go, that they may sacrifice to the LORD.” |
Exodus 7:22 Summary
This verse, Exodus 7:22, tells us that even though God performed a powerful miracle through Moses, Pharaoh's heart became harder and he refused to listen. This happened because the magicians of Egypt were able to do something similar using their magic, which made Pharaoh think that Moses' action was not so special. It's like when we see something amazing, but then we see someone else do something similar, and it doesn't seem as amazing anymore (as seen in 2 Timothy 3:8). The Bible says that God had told Moses this would happen, and it shows us that God is in control, even when people make choices that seem to go against Him, similar to what we see in Psalm 115:3.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the magicians of Egypt seem to replicate the miracle of turning water to blood?
The magicians were able to perform similar feats through their magic arts, but this was not a genuine miracle from God, as seen in Exodus 7:22, and was likely a deception to convince Pharaoh that Moses' actions were not unique, much like the warnings in Deuteronomy 13:1-3 about false signs and wonders.
What does it mean that Pharaoh's heart was hardened?
The hardening of Pharaoh's heart, as mentioned in Exodus 7:22, means that he became more stubborn and resistant to listening to Moses and Aaron, similar to the hardening of hearts described in Romans 9:17-18, where God hardens hearts to fulfill His purposes.
Did God force Pharaoh to harden his heart, or did Pharaoh choose to do so?
According to Exodus 7:22 and other passages like Romans 9:17-18, it seems that God's sovereignty and Pharaoh's free will are both at work, as God said He would harden Pharaoh's heart, yet Pharaoh also made choices that led to his heart being hardened, similar to the dynamic seen in Joshua 11:20.
What is the significance of the magicians being able to replicate the miracle?
The fact that the magicians could replicate the miracle, as seen in Exodus 7:22, highlights the difference between God's true miracles and human magic, and serves as a reminder that not all supernatural events are from God, as warned in 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be hardening my heart to God's will, and how can I surrender to Him?
- How do I distinguish between genuine miracles from God and counterfeit ones, and what role does faith play in this discernment?
- In what ways can I, like Moses and Aaron, trust in God's power and promises even when faced with opposition or seemingly insurmountable challenges?
- What does the hardening of Pharaoh's heart teach me about the importance of responding to God's warnings and calls to repentance, as seen in verses like Matthew 23:37?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 7:22
And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments,.... Who were either in company with Pharaoh and his nobles, or were immediately sent for to try their art, and confront Moses and Aaron with
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 7:22
And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, neither did he hearken unto them; as the LORD had said. The magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 7:22
It was not difficult for the devil to convey blood speedily and unperceivably, and that in a great quantity, which might suffice to infect with a bloody colour those small parcels of water which were left for them to show their art in. Quest. Whence could they have water, when all their waters were turned into blood? Answ. It might be had, either, 1. By rain, which at that time God was pleased to send down either for this purpose, or to mitigate the extremity of the plague, or for other reasons known to him, though not to us. For that rain sometimes falls in Egypt, though not much nor often, is affirmed by ancient writers and late travellers. Or, 2. From Goshen, which was not far from the court, or from some houses of the Israelites, who dwelt amongst the Egyptians, as appears from many places of this history, and who were free from these plagues. See 9:26 10:23 12:13 &c.
Or, 3. From the pits which they digged, . Or, 4. From some branch of Nilus, or some vessels in their houses, whose waters were not yet changed; for this change might be wrought not suddenly, (which is not affirmed in this relation,) but by degrees, which God might so order for this very end, that the magicians might have matter for the trial of their experiment.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 7:22
Exodus 7:22 And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments: and Pharaoh’ s heart was hardened, neither did he hearken unto them; as the LORD had said.Ver. 22. Did so with their enchantments.] With their secret sleights and magic, they seemed to do so. See Exodus 7:12, for Pharaoh’ s hardening.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 7:22
(22) The magicians . . . did so with their enchantments.—The act of the magicians must have been a very poor imitation of the action of Moses and Aaron. The two brothers had turned into blood all the waters of the river, the canals, the pools or lakes, and the reservoirs. The magicians could not act on this large scale. They could only operate, or seem to operate, on some small quantity of water, obtained probably in the way noticed in Exodus 7:24. On this they succeeded, so far as to satisfy Pharaoh, who was probably easy to satisfy, and perhaps so far as to satisfy the courtiers. They turned the liquid of a red colour, or by sleight-of-hand substituted blood for it. The result was subjected to no test, and was perhaps not even done in the presence of any hostile witness. But it enabled the king to harden himself, and refuse the request of the brothers.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 7:22
Verse 22. And the magicians - did so] But if all the water in Egypt was turned into blood by Moses, where did the magicians get the water which they changed into blood? This question is answered in Exodus 7:24. The Egyptians digged round about the river for water to drink, and it seems that the water obtained by this means was not bloody like that in the river: on this water therefore the magicians might operate. Again, though a general commission was given to Moses, not only to turn the waters of the river (Nile) into blood, but also those of their streams, rivers, ponds, and pools; yet it seems pretty clear from Exodus 7:20 that he did not proceed thus far, at least in the first instance; for it is there stated that only the waters of the river were turned into blood. Afterwards the plague doubtless became general. At the commencement therefore of this plague, the magicians might obtain other water to imitate the miracle; and it would not be difficult for them, by juggling tricks or the assistance of a familiar spirit, (for we must not abandon the possibility of this use,) to give it a bloody appearance, a fetid smell, and a bad taste. On either of these grounds there is no contradiction in the Mosaic account, though some have been very studious to find one. The plague of the bloody waters may be considered as a display of retributive justice against the Egyptians, for the murderous decree which enacted that all the male children of the Israelites should be drowned in that river, the waters of which, so necessary to their support and life, were now rendered not only insalubrious but deadly, by being turned into blood. As it is well known that the Nile was a chief object of Egyptian idolatry, (See Clarke on Exodus 7:15,) and that annually they sacrificed a girl, or as others say, both a boy and a girl, to this river, in gratitude for the benefits received from it, (Universal Hist., vol. i., p. 178, fol. edit.,) God might have designed this plague as a punishment for such cruelty: and the contempt poured upon this object of their adoration, by turning its waters into blood, and rendering them fetid and corrupt, must have had a direct tendency to correct their idolatrous notions, and lead them to acknowledge the power and authority of the true God.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 7:22
22. The magicians, however, did the same with their ‘secret arts’; and the Pharaoh remained unmoved. The expressions, as vv. 11b, 13 (P).
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 7:22
22. And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments: and Pharaoh’s heart was hardened — The two things are connected as cause and effect.
Sermons on Exodus 7:22
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(Exodus) Exodus 7:14-25 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the biblical story of Moses and the plagues of Egypt. He emphasizes that the river was essential for the livelihood of the nation, but when i |
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2 Timothy - Part 14 by John Hunter | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the presence of con men in the world who deceive people and take their money. He also talks about a proud and arrogant man who believes he is |
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All Miracles and Healings Come From God by Anton Bosch | Anton Bosch emphasizes that the ability to perform miracles does not automatically authenticate a ministry, as even false prophets and charlatans can deceive with signs and wonders |
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(Exodus) Exodus 7:10-13 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the worship of a monster-like creature in ancient Egypt that aimed to prevent the rising of the sun god Ra and create chaos in the form of st |
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(Saved Through the Fire) 12 - God's True Message by Milton Green | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding God's message for today. He refers to various parts of the Bible, particularly Ezekiel 7 and Matthew 24, to e |
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The Faith" or Something Else? by H.J. Vine | H.J. Vine preaches about the importance of holding onto the faith once delivered to the saints, using the conversion of Paul as an example of God's grace and the need to fight the |
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Epistle 388 by George Fox | George Fox preaches to captives in Algiers, urging them to know and do God's will in humility and fear, living lives that preach godliness and righteousness to all, including Turks |