Exodus 7

Exodus 7:1

Moses was a God to Pharaoh: he dealt with him in the name and authority of God, and punished his disobedience with plagues, which none but God could inflict

Exodus 7:6

They manifested the noblest courage in speaking to, or dealing with, proud Pharaoh, and the most exact fidelity in the execution of all God’s commands. Ver. 12, 22. Whether the magicians imposed upon the sight of the spectators, by artfully conveying away the rods, and putting serpents in their places; or whether Satan actuated the rods, and made them to appear as serpents; or whether, for the hardening of Pharaoh, God himself effected this change, is hard to determine. It was more easy to impose upon spectators, in turning the water into blood, or in bringing up frogs. But it is manifest that all which the magicians did increased the plagues, but could not remove them; and that the swallowing up of their rods by Aaron’s, and their inability to produce lice, proved that Moses’ miracles were effected by a power infinitely superior to what they had in command. 2

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. VII.—How great is the condescension of God in putting some of his honour upon sinful men, and in speaking to us by them, that his dread may not make us afraid! But, amidst trials and discouragements, ministers have need to be fully satisfied that, whatever contradiction they meet with, God shall be glorified by their work, both in them that are saved, and in them that perish. Happy those who know the Lord to be God by his fulfilment of promises to them; but miserable indeed are they who know him to be God by the execution of his vengeance upon them! The contest between Almighty God and the strongest worms of mankind is greatly unequal; let the potsherds strive with the potsherds of the earth; for, if men will not bow before the sceptre of his grace, they must break beneath the rod of his judgment! But, in mercy, God often warns before he punishes them. Sinners frequently desire to see miracles, not for their conviction, but to strengthen their unbelief. And readily is Satan permitted to harden such in their sin by his lying wonders. Through his influence men harden themselves against warnings, against judgments, and deliverances; and, whatever other shifts they try for relief, they will not so much as cry to God when he bindeth them. But the cause of God and truth shall prevail at last, and reign without contradiction; and dreadful shall be the just miseries of them who oppressed his people and contemned his admonitions? 2