Exodus 7:8 - Meaning and Application

The first time Moses came to Pharaoh, he only showed his instructions. Now he is told to show his proof, and he does so. Pharaoh would likely demand a miracle, not because he wanted to believe, but because he hoped none would happen. Then he could use that as a reason to keep rejecting Moses.

So God orders Moses to turn the rod into a serpent, just as he had been told earlier (Exodus 4:3). The same rod that would be used to begin the other miracles is now itself made part of a miracle, which gives it added weight. Aaron threw his rod down, and at once it became a serpent (Exodus 7:10). This was meant not only to amaze Pharaoh, but also to frighten him.

Serpents are dangerous and fearsome creatures. Even the sight of one brought about by God’s power should have softened Pharaoh’s heart and led him to fear the God who made it. This first miracle was not yet a plague, but it was a warning of one. If it did not make Pharaoh feel the danger, it at least made him feel fear. That is often how God deals with sinners, he comes on them little by little.

This miracle was too clear to deny, but the magicians weakened its force by copying it (Exodus 7:11, Exodus 7:12). Moses had been trained in Egyptian learning, and Pharaoh may have suspected that he had also learned secret magic during his long time away. So Pharaoh called in his own magicians to match Moses. Some think these magicians had a special hostility toward the Hebrews, because Joseph had once exposed their kind by interpreting a dream they could not explain, a shame remembered by their successors (2 Timothy 3:8).

Their rods became serpents, real serpents. Some think God allowed this to happen, beyond what they intended or expected, to harden Pharaoh’s heart. Others think evil spirits helped produce the deception, with God allowing it for wise and holy purposes, so that those who would not receive the truth might believe a lie. In this, the Lord was right and just. Even so, this might have driven Pharaoh to give in, just to escape these terrifying and strange events all around him.

But the children of the serpent were not impressed by these serpents. God allows a lying spirit to do strange things so that the faith of some may be tested and shown true (Deuteronomy 13:3; 1 Corinthians 11:19), the unbelief of others may be confirmed, and the one who is filthy may remain filthy still (2 Corinthians 4:4). Still, Moses clearly won the contest. Aaron’s rod, now a serpent, swallowed up the others, which should have shown Pharaoh plainly which side was right. Great is the truth, and it will prevail. God’s cause will surely win in the end over every rival and every attack, and it will stand alone (Daniel 2:44).

Yet Pharaoh was not moved. Since the magicians had produced serpents too, he could claim the matter was still open to debate. People who resist the light and love of truth can use even a small show of opposition as an excuse for their unbelief.