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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 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 he would have some colour for his infidelity. 2. Orders are therefore given to turn the rod into a serpent, according to the instructions, Exo 4:3. The same rod that was to give the signal of the other miracles is now itself the subject of a miracle, to put a reputation upon it. Aaron cast his rod to the ground, and instantly it became a serpent, Exo 7:10. This was proper, not only to affect Pharaoh with wonder, but to strike a terror upon him. Serpents are hurtful dreadful animals; the very sight of one, thus miraculously produced, might have softened his heart into a fear of that God by whose power it was produced. This first miracle, though it was not a plague, yet amounted to the threatening of a plague. If it made not Pharaoh feel, it made him fear; and this is God's method of dealing with sinners - he comes upon them gradually. 3. This miracle, though too plain to be denied, is enervated, and the conviction of it taken off, by the magicians' imitation of it, Exo 7:11, Exo 7:12. Moses had been originally instructed in the learning of the Egyptians, and was suspected to have improved himself in magical arts in his long retirement; the magicians are therefore sent for, to vie with him. And some think those of that profession had a particular spite against the Hebrews ever since Joseph put them all to shame, by interpreting a dream which they could make nothing of, in remembrance of which slur put on their predecessors these magicians withstood Moses, as it is explained, Ti2 3:8. Their rods became serpents, real serpents; some think, by the power of God, beyond their intention or expectation, for the hardening of Pharaoh's heart; others think, by the power of evil angels, artfully substituting serpents in the room of the rods, God permitting the delusion to be wrought for wise and holy ends, that those might believe a lie who received not the truth: and herein the Lord was righteous. Yet this might have helped to frighten Pharaoh into a compliance with the demands of Moses, that he might be freed from these dreadful unaccountable phenomena, with which he saw himself on all sides surrounded. But to the seed of the serpent these serpents were no amazement. Note, God suffers the lying spirit to do strange things, that the faith of some may be tried and manifested (Deu 13:3; Co1 11:19), that the infidelity of others may be confirmed, and that he who is filthy may be filthy still, Co2 4:4. 4. Yet, in this contest, Moses plainly gains the victory. The serpent which Aaron's rod was turned into swallowed up the others, which was sufficient to have convinced Pharaoh on which side the right lay. Note, Great is the truth, and will prevail. The cause of God will undoubtedly triumph at last over all competition and contradiction, and will reign alone, Dan 2:44. But Pharaoh was not wrought upon by this. The magicians having produced serpents, he had this to say, that the case between them and Moses was disputable; and the very appearance of an opposition to truth, and the least head made against it, serve those for a justification of their infidelity who are prejudiced against the light and love of it.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
3 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
The staff is a sign of the cross. It caused all the plagues when it swallowed the snakes, just as [the cross] would destroy all idols. With [the staff], [Moses] divided the sea and drowned the Egyptians. That prefigured the destruction of the Canaanites.
He cast down his rod, and it became a serpent which devoured the serpents of Egypt. This signified that the Word should become flesh to destroy the poison of the dread serpent by the forgiveness and pardon of sins. For the rod stands for the Word that is true, royal, filled with power and glorious in ruling. As the rod became a serpent, so he who was the Son of God begotten of the Father became the Son of man born of a woman. Like the serpent, he was lifted up on the cross, poured his healing medicine on the wounds of humanity. Wherefore the Lord himself says, “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up.”
For by the serpent is to be understood death, which was brought about by the serpent in paradise, according to the manner of speech which attributes the effect to the cause. Therefore the rod was turned into a serpent, and the whole Christ, together with his body which is the church, into the resurrection, that will take place at the end of time. This is signified by the tail of the serpent which Moses held, in order that it might be turned again into a rod. But the serpents of the magicians are like those who are dead in the world, for, unless by believing in Christ they have been as it were swallowed up and entered into his body, they will not be able to rise in him.
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Summary
In a pivotal confrontation within Pharaoh's court, Moses and Aaron faithfully execute the LORD's command. Aaron casts his rod before Pharaoh and his officials, and it undergoes a miraculous transformation into a formidable serpent. This initial sign serves as a profound demonstration of the LORD's supreme authority and power, directly challenging the perceived divinity of Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt, while simultaneously authenticating Moses' divine commission to liberate the enslaved Israelites.
Context
Literary Context
This verse marks the immediate fulfillment of the LORD's explicit instructions given to Moses and Aaron in Exodus 7:8-9. Having received their divine mandate, Moses and Aaron enter the very heart of Egyptian power, Pharaoh's royal court, to deliver God's message and perform the commanded sign. This dramatic event is not an isolated incident but the opening salvo in a protracted spiritual and political struggle. It directly precedes the escalating series of divine judgments known as the plagues, which God orchestrates to compel Pharaoh to release the enslaved Israelites. The narrative meticulously details the obedience of God's messengers and the immediate, powerful demonstration of His sovereignty over all earthly powers.
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient Egypt was a highly structured society where the Pharaoh was considered a divine king, an embodiment of the gods, particularly Ra or Horus. His authority was absolute, and his court was the epicenter of power and religious belief. Magic and sorcery were integral to Egyptian religious practice, with court magicians (like Jannes and Jambres, referenced in 2 Timothy 3:8) serving as interpreters of divine will and wielders of supernatural power. Serpents, especially the uraeus (a stylized cobra) worn on Pharaoh's crown, were potent symbols of royal and divine authority, protection, and destruction. Therefore, God's choice to transform Aaron's rod into a tannîyn (a large, formidable serpent or dragon) was a direct, culturally resonant challenge to Pharaoh's perceived divinity and the efficacy of his magicians' powers, asserting the LORD's superior sovereignty on Egypt's own symbolic ground.
Key Themes
Exodus 7:10 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Exodus. Firstly, it powerfully establishes the theme of Divine Sovereignty, demonstrating the LORD's absolute authority over all creation, human rulers, and false gods. Secondly, it underscores the theme of Divine Authentication, as the miracle serves as irrefutable proof of Moses and Aaron's divine commission, validating them as God's chosen representatives before both Pharaoh and the Israelites. Thirdly, it initiates the theme of Spiritual Warfare, portraying the confrontation not merely as a political struggle but as a direct challenge to the gods of Egypt and the demonic influences behind Pharaoh's resistance. Finally, the verse highlights the critical importance of Obedience to God's specific commands, as Moses and Aaron's faithful execution of instructions leads directly to the manifestation of God's power, setting the stage for Israel's ultimate deliverance from bondage.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Derived from uncertain origins, Aaron is identified as Moses' older brother and designated spokesman. In this context, his role is crucial as the one physically performing the commanded sign, highlighting his direct involvement in God's plan and his position as a divinely appointed representative.
This term refers to a staff or branch, often symbolizing authority, a shepherd's tool, or a weapon. Here, it is an ordinary object that becomes an extraordinary instrument of divine power, underscoring that God can use the mundane to achieve the miraculous and that true authority stems from Him.
More than a common snake, tannîyn denotes a large marine or land monster, a sea-serpent, or a dragon. This choice of word emphasizes the formidable, awe-inspiring, and potentially terrifying nature of the transformation, signifying a creature of immense power and challenging the Egyptian symbols of authority and chaos.
Verse Breakdown
"And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh"
This clause signifies a direct and audacious confrontation. Moses and Aaron, two enslaved Israelites, boldly enter the court of the most powerful ruler of their time, acting as emissaries of a higher authority, the LORD. Their entry marks the beginning of the divine challenge to Pharaoh's dominion.
"and they did so as the LORD had commanded"
This phrase is crucial, emphasizing the immediate and faithful obedience of Moses and Aaron. It underscores that the ensuing miracle is not a human trick or a display of their own power, but a direct result of their adherence to God's specific instructions, thus validating the divine origin of the sign.
"and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants"
The act of casting down the rod is a deliberate, public demonstration. It occurs in the presence of Pharaoh and his entire court, ensuring that the miracle is witnessed by all the key figures of Egyptian power, leaving no room for doubt about its occurrence or its intended audience.
"and it became a serpent"
This is the climactic moment of the verse. The ordinary rod transforms into a tannîyn, a fearsome and powerful creature. This instantaneous and miraculous metamorphosis serves as the initial, undeniable proof of the LORD's power, directly challenging Pharaoh's authority and the efficacy of Egyptian magic.
Literary Devices
The narrative of Exodus 7:10 is rich with Symbolism. The "rod" itself is a potent symbol of authority, both human (a shepherd's staff, a king's scepter) and divine (God's instrument). Its transformation into a "serpent" (specifically, a tannîyn or dragon) carries significant symbolic weight, directly challenging the Egyptian use of serpent imagery (like the uraeus on Pharaoh's crown) as symbols of royal and divine power. This act is a direct declaration of the LORD's superior power over all Egyptian deities and their earthly representative, Pharaoh. The event also functions as Foreshadowing, setting the stage for the escalating conflict and the ten plagues that will follow, each designed to demonstrate God's sovereignty over specific aspects of Egyptian life and their pantheon. The immediate, miraculous nature of the transformation creates a moment of intense Dramatic Irony, as Pharaoh and his court, initially dismissive, are about to witness a power far beyond their comprehension or control.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This foundational event in Exodus unequivocally declares the LORD's absolute sovereignty, demonstrating His ability to humble the proudest rulers and dismantle human systems of oppression. It establishes that God's power is not confined by human limitations or earthly authority, but transcends all, capable of transforming the ordinary into the miraculous to achieve His divine purposes. The faithfulness of Moses and Aaron in executing God's specific, seemingly audacious, command underscores that divine power is often manifested through human obedience, even in the face of overwhelming opposition. This miracle served as irrefutable proof of Moses and Aaron's divine commission, authenticating them as God's chosen representatives before Pharaoh and the Israelites, and initiating a spiritual battle that challenged the gods of Egypt, asserting the LORD's supremacy over all idolatry and demonic influence.
Reflection and Application
Exodus 7:10 offers enduring lessons for believers today, powerfully illustrating God's absolute authority and His capacity to overcome any human resistance or perceived obstacle. Just as He equipped Moses and Aaron to confront Pharaoh, God empowers His people to face their own challenges, demonstrating His might through their faithful obedience. This verse encourages us to trust in God's ability to work miracles in seemingly impossible situations and to walk confidently in His commands, knowing that His glory will be revealed through our faithfulness. It reminds us that our obedience, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, can become the conduit for God's mighty acts, leading to ultimate deliverance, just as He delivered Israel from slavery in Egypt. We are called to stand firm in our faith, even when confronted by overwhelming worldly power, knowing that the LORD is sovereign over all.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did God choose a serpent for this sign?
The choice of a serpent (or tannîyn, a large, formidable reptile or dragon) was highly significant and strategically chosen for its cultural and religious resonance in ancient Egypt. Serpents were prominent in Egyptian iconography, often associated with royalty (like the uraeus, the stylized cobra on Pharaoh's crown, symbolizing divine protection and destructive power) and divine authority. By transforming Aaron's rod into a tannîyn, God directly challenged Pharaoh's perceived divine authority and the power of Egypt's gods on their own symbolic ground, demonstrating the LORD's superior power over all their deities and symbols. It was a direct assault on the very foundations of Egyptian religious and political power.
What was the primary purpose of this initial sign?
The primary purpose of this sign was multifaceted: primarily, to authenticate Moses and Aaron as God's true messengers before Pharaoh and his court, thereby validating their divine commission. Secondly, it served as a powerful demonstration of the LORD's supreme power and authority over all creation and earthly rulers, directly challenging Pharaoh's stubborn will and the perceived might of Egypt's gods. It was the opening move in God's plan to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites, initiating a series of escalating judgments designed to reveal God's glory and unique identity to both Egyptians and Israelites, proving that He alone is the true God.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The dramatic transformation of Aaron's rod into a formidable serpent, symbolizing God's power overcoming earthly and demonic authority, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of God's absolute power and authority, not merely over human rulers and their symbols, but over sin, death, and the spiritual forces of darkness, which are often symbolized by serpents in biblical narrative (e.g., the ancient serpent in Genesis 3:15 and Revelation 12:9). Christ's miracles, His victory on the cross, and His glorious resurrection are the definitive demonstrations of God's sovereignty, achieving the ultimate deliverance for humanity from the bondage of sin and death, far surpassing Israel's physical liberation from Egypt. He is the true and greater Moses, as highlighted in Hebrews 3:1-6, wielding all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18) to lead His people to eternal freedom and a new covenant relationship with God (Romans 6:22).