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.

Study Bible

Then Pharaoh also summoned
The phrase indicates Pharaoh's immediate response to the miraculous sign performed by Moses and Aaron. The Hebrew root for "summoned" is קָרָא (qara), which means to call or proclaim. This action reflects Pharaoh's authority and his reliance on his own resources to counteract the divine demonstration. Historically, Egyptian pharaohs were seen as god-kings, wielding immense power and influence, and this summoning underscores Pharaoh's attempt to assert control and challenge the God of Israel.

wise men and sorcerers
The "wise men" (חֲכָמִים, chakamim) were considered the intellectual elite of Egypt, skilled in various sciences and arts. The "sorcerers" (מְכַשְּׁפִים, mekashfim) were practitioners of magic and the occult. In ancient Egypt, magic was an integral part of religion and daily life, often used to maintain cosmic order. This phrase highlights the spiritual battle between the God of Israel and the gods of Egypt, as Pharaoh relies on his spiritual advisors to replicate the miracles of Moses and Aaron.

and they, along with the magicians of Egypt
The "magicians" (חַרְטֻמִּים, chartummim) were a specific class of priests skilled in the sacred arts, often associated with the temple and royal court. Their presence signifies the institutional power of Egyptian religion and its deep entrenchment in the culture. This phrase emphasizes the collective effort of Egypt's spiritual leaders to oppose the God of Israel, showcasing the depth of the spiritual conflict.

did the same things
This phrase suggests that the Egyptian magicians were able to replicate the signs performed by Moses and Aaron, at least superficially. The Hebrew word עָשָׂה (asah) means to do or make, indicating an action that mimics the original. This replication serves as a test of faith for the Israelites and a demonstration of the limitations of human power against divine will. It also foreshadows the eventual triumph of God's power over the false gods of Egypt.

by their magic arts
The term "magic arts" (לָטִים, latim) refers to secret or hidden practices, often associated with enchantments and spells. In the ancient Near East, such practices were believed to manipulate spiritual forces. This phrase highlights the contrast between the true power of God and the deceptive nature of human magic. It serves as a reminder of the futility of opposing God's will through human means, as the subsequent plagues will reveal the impotence of Egypt's gods and magicians.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt who is resistant to God's command to let the Israelites go. His heart is hardened, and he seeks to oppose Moses and Aaron.

2. Wise Men and Sorcerers
These are the Egyptian magicians and practitioners of the occult arts who are called upon by Pharaoh to replicate the miracles performed by Moses and Aaron.

3. Magicians of Egypt
Skilled in the magical arts, these individuals represent the spiritual opposition to God's power, attempting to mimic the divine signs given through Moses and Aaron.

4. Moses and Aaron
God's chosen leaders to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. They are instruments of God's power and authority.

5. Egypt
The land where the Israelites are enslaved, representing a place of oppression and spiritual darkness in contrast to the promised land of freedom and divine blessing.

Teaching Points

The Futility of Opposing God
The magicians' attempts to replicate God's miracles highlight the ultimate futility of opposing God's will. No human power can stand against the divine.

Discernment of True Power
Believers are called to discern between the true power of God and counterfeit spiritual forces. This requires a deep understanding of Scripture and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

The Hardening of the Heart
Pharaoh's reliance on his magicians reflects a hardened heart that refuses to acknowledge God's authority. We must guard against hardening our hearts to God's voice.

Spiritual Warfare
The confrontation between Moses and the magicians is a reminder of the spiritual warfare believers face. We must be equipped with the armor of God to stand firm against spiritual deception.

God's Sovereignty
Despite the magicians' efforts, God's plan for the Israelites' deliverance is unstoppable. This reassures us of God's sovereignty in our lives and His ultimate control over all circumstances.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Pharaoh's reliance on his magicians reflect a common human tendency to seek control through worldly means rather than trusting in God?

2. In what ways can we discern between true spiritual power and counterfeit forces in our own lives?

3. How does the account of the magicians in Exodus 7:11 encourage us to respond to spiritual opposition today?

4. What are some areas in our lives where we might be hardening our hearts to God's voice, and how can we remain open to His leading?

5. How does understanding God's sovereignty in the account of Exodus 7:11 provide comfort and assurance in the face of life's challenges?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Timothy 3:8
This passage references Jannes and Jambres, who are traditionally understood to be among the magicians opposing Moses. It highlights the theme of resisting the truth and the futility of opposing God's power.

Acts 8:9-24
The account of Simon the Sorcerer, who attempts to buy the power of the Holy Spirit, parallels the Egyptian magicians' attempts to replicate God's miracles through their own means.

1 Kings 18:20-40
Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel serves as another example of God's power triumphing over false spiritual forces.