Exodus 7:11

KJV

Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Pharaoh {H6547} also called {H7121} the wise men {H2450} and the sorcerers {H3784}: now the magicians {H2748} of Egypt {H4714}, they also did {H6213} in like manner {H3651} with their enchantments {H3858}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But Pharaoh in turn called for the sages and sorcerers; and they too, the magicians of Egypt, did the same thing, making use of their secret arts.

Berean Standard Bible

But Pharaoh called the wise men and sorcerers and magicians of Egypt, and they also did the same things by their magic arts.

American Standard Version

Then Pharaoh also called for the wise men and the sorcerers: and they also, the magicians of Egypt, did in like manner with their enchantments.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 7:11 marks the initial, direct confrontation between the divine power of the Lord and the perceived supernatural abilities of Pharaoh's court. As Moses and Aaron perform the miraculous sign of the rod turning into a serpent, Pharaoh immediately summons his wise men, sorcerers, and magicians, who seemingly replicate the wonder through their own secret arts. This pivotal moment sets the stage for a profound spiritual contest, revealing the limitations of human and demonic power against the unparalleled, sovereign authority of the Lord God, and initiating the dramatic series of divine interventions known as the plagues.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Aaron's performance of the first sign before Pharaoh, where his staff transforms into a serpent, as commanded by the Lord in [Exodus 7:9](/exodus/7-9 "Exodus 7:9 - The Sign of the Staff"). Pharaoh's summoning of his own practitioners is his swift counter-move, an attempt to neutralize the impact of Moses and Aaron's divine credential. The subsequent verse, [Exodus 7:12](/exodus/7-12 "Exodus 7:12 - Aaron's Rod Swallows Theirs"), reveals the immediate outcome of this magical duel, where Aaron's staff consumes those of the Egyptians, signaling God's ultimate supremacy despite the initial replication. This entire episode serves as the prelude to the ten plagues, establishing the spiritual battlefield and Pharaoh's hardened heart, a theme that will intensify throughout [Exodus 7](/exodus/7 "Exodus 7 - The First Plagues Begin") and beyond.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was a civilization deeply steeped in polytheism, magic, and divination. Pharaoh was considered a divine king, an intermediary between the gods and humanity, and his authority was often validated by the efficacy of his court's religious and magical practitioners. These individuals – including `châkâmîm` (wise men), `kashshâphîm` (sorcerers), and especially `charṭummîm` (magicians or sacred scribes) – were not mere entertainers but highly respected and powerful figures. Their practices were believed to tap into the power of the Egyptian pantheon, making their ability to replicate signs crucial for Pharaoh to dismiss Moses and Aaron's claims as mere tricks rather than genuine divine intervention from an unknown deity. This cultural reliance on magic explains Pharaoh's immediate recourse to his own experts.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 7:11 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Exodus. Primarily, it highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Supremacy**, demonstrating God's power over all earthly and spiritual forces, including the gods of Egypt and their human agents. It also introduces the theme of **Spiritual Warfare**, portraying the conflict not just as a political struggle for liberation, but as a cosmic battle between Yahweh and the Egyptian pantheon. Furthermore, it sets the stage for the theme of **Pharaoh's Hardened Heart**, as his initial ability to counter Moses's sign reinforces his defiance and refusal to acknowledge God's authority, a stubbornness that will escalate despite overwhelming evidence, as seen in [Exodus 7:13](/exodus/7-13 "Exodus 7:13 - Pharaoh's Heart Hardened"). The distinction between true **Miracle and Imitation** is also subtly introduced here, laying the groundwork for the later, undeniable manifestations of God's unique power.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wise men (Hebrew, _châkâm'_):** From H2450, meaning "wise, intelligent, skillful, or artful." These were likely the learned scholars, scribes, and advisors in Pharaoh's court, possessing a wide range of knowledge, including esoteric wisdom, astrology, and perhaps rudimentary science that could be perceived as magic. Their role was to interpret omens, advise the king, and maintain the religious and intellectual traditions of Egypt.
* **Magicians (Hebrew, _charṭôm'_):** From H2748, referring to a "horoscopist (as drawing magical lines or circles); magician." These were likely the chief practitioners of Egyptian magic, often associated with sacred scribal arts and temple rituals. They were highly skilled in the occult, divination, and the manipulation of perceived supernatural forces, often through incantations, spells, and ritualistic practices, making them the primary challengers to Moses and Aaron.
* **Enchantments (Hebrew, _lahaṭ'_):** From H3858, meaning "a blaze; also (from the idea of enwrapping) magic (as covert); flaming, enchantment." This term suggests a deceptive or concealed form of magic, possibly involving sleight of hand, illusion, or secret arts. It implies that while the outcome might have appeared similar to Aaron's miracle, the method was fundamentally different—not a direct act of divine power, but a humanly manipulated or demonically assisted trick, perhaps involving a "blaze" of activity or a "covert" (hidden) technique.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers:"** Immediately after witnessing Aaron's staff turn into a serpent, Pharaoh, unwilling to acknowledge the power of Yahweh, responds by summoning his own experts in the occult. This action underscores his reliance on the established religious and magical infrastructure of Egypt, reflecting his determination to counter any perceived threat to his authority or the supremacy of his gods. The "wise men" and "sorcerers" represent different facets of Egyptian esoteric knowledge and practice, indicating a comprehensive mobilization of his spiritual defenses.
* **"now the magicians of Egypt,"** This phrase further specifies the group, highlighting the "magicians" (charṭummîm) as the primary agents of Pharaoh's counter-demonstration. These were the elite practitioners of Egyptian magic, often associated with the most potent forms of occult power and divination. Their inclusion emphasizes that Pharaoh was bringing forth his most skilled and trusted spiritual advisors to confront Moses and Aaron, setting up a direct contest between the God of Israel and the gods of Egypt as channeled through their human representatives.
* **"they also did in like manner with their enchantments."** This crucial clause reveals the apparent success of the Egyptian practitioners. They were able to replicate the transformation of their own rods into serpents, at least initially. The phrase "in like manner" (kên) suggests a similar outcome, but the addition "with their enchantments" (lahaṭîm) implies a different source or method. This distinction is vital: while the result appeared the same, the underlying power was not. This initial replication serves to embolden Pharaoh and reinforce his skepticism, setting the stage for the escalating demonstrations of God's unique and superior power.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Contrast** and **Foreshadowing**. The **Contrast** is evident in the immediate juxtaposition of Aaron's divine miracle and the Egyptian magicians' "enchantments," highlighting the fundamental difference between genuine divine power and human/demonic imitation. This sets up the central conflict of the Exodus narrative: the Lord's absolute sovereignty against the limited, deceptive powers of Egypt. Furthermore, the verse uses **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the escalating spiritual warfare that will define the plague narrative. Pharaoh's reliance on his magicians and their initial, deceptive success **Foreshadows** his stubborn resistance and the need for increasingly overwhelming displays of God's power to break his will and demonstrate Yahweh's unparalleled supremacy. There is also an element of **Irony** in Pharaoh's attempt to use his own power to negate God's, only for God to use this very act to further demonstrate His ultimate authority, as seen in the subsequent verse where Aaron's rod swallows theirs.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage profoundly establishes the theme of divine supremacy over all competing spiritual powers. While the Egyptian magicians could seemingly replicate Aaron's initial sign, their power was inherently limited and ultimately revealed as inferior to God's, serving only to magnify the Lord's subsequent, undeniable demonstrations of authority. This episode underscores that true miracles are direct manifestations of God's unique power, authenticating His messengers and message, in stark contrast to human or demonic imitations which often aim to deceive or validate false authority.

* [Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10-12 "Descriptive Title"): Warns Israel against engaging in the very practices Pharaoh's magicians employed, emphasizing God's abhorrence of such occult arts.
* [2 Timothy 3:8-9](/2_timothy/3-8-9 "Descriptive Title"): References Jannes and Jambres, traditional names for Pharaoh's chief magicians, illustrating how those who oppose the truth will ultimately be exposed for their folly.
* [Acts 8:9-13](/acts/8-9-13 "Descriptive Title"): Describes Simon the sorcerer, who amazed people with his magic but was powerless against the genuine signs performed by Philip through the Holy Spirit, echoing the contest in Exodus.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 7:11 serves as a timeless reminder that spiritual forces exist in the world that seek to mimic, oppose, or undermine God's truth and power. This passage calls for profound spiritual discernment, urging believers to carefully distinguish between genuine divine acts and human or demonic deception. In an age where various forms of spiritualism, false teachings, and deceptive practices abound, it is critical to "test the spirits" ([1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits")) and anchor our faith solely in the revealed truth of God's Word and the undeniable power of the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, this narrative reassures us that no earthly, occult, or demonic power can stand against the omnipotence and sovereignty of the Lord. Our unwavering faith in His unique authority provides the foundation for true security and liberation, knowing that He is utterly supreme over all things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the initial success of Pharaoh's magicians challenge our understanding of divine power and human/demonic capabilities?**
* **In what ways might "enchantments" or deceptive imitations of spiritual power manifest in our world today, and how can we discern them?**
* **What does Pharaoh's immediate response to Moses's sign reveal about his heart and his reliance on worldly power structures?**
* **How does this passage encourage us to place our trust solely in God's unique and unchallengeable authority?**

### FAQ
**Did the Egyptian magicians truly possess supernatural power?**

Answer: The text indicates their ability to "do in like manner" with their enchantments, suggesting a genuine, albeit limited, capacity to replicate some of Aaron's signs. This power likely stemmed from demonic influence or highly developed occult practices, rather not mere trickery. However, their power was clearly subordinate to God's, as demonstrated by Aaron's rod swallowing theirs in [Exodus 7:12](/exodus/7-12 "Exodus 7:12 - Aaron's Rod Swallows Theirs") and their eventual inability to replicate later plagues, such as the gnats, leading to their confession, "This is the finger of God!" in [Exodus 8:19](/exodus/8-19 "Exodus 8:19 - Magicians' Confession").

**What is the significance of Aaron's rod swallowing the magicians' rods?**

Answer: The immediate consequence, found in [Exodus 7:12](/exodus/7-12 "Exodus 7:12 - Aaron's Rod Swallows Theirs"), where Aaron's rod swallows theirs, is a powerful visual demonstration of God's ultimate supremacy. It signifies that God's power is not just superior but also consumes and nullifies all opposing forces, establishing His absolute authority over all other powers, whether human or demonic. This act served as an undeniable sign to Pharaoh and his court that the God of Israel was indeed greater than all the gods of Egypt.

**Why did God allow the magicians to replicate the miracle initially?**

Answer: God allowed the initial replication for several profound reasons. Firstly, it served to further expose [Pharaoh's hardened heart](/exodus/7-13 "Exodus 7:13 - Pharaoh's Heart Hardened"), demonstrating his unwavering resistance even when confronted with partial evidence of divine power. Secondly, it highlighted the clear distinction between limited, deceptive human/demonic power and God's boundless, authentic power, setting the stage for the dramatic escalation of the plagues which the magicians could not replicate (e.g., [Exodus 8:7](/exodus/8-7 "Exodus 8:7 - Magicians Replicate Frogs") vs. [Exodus 8:18](/exodus/8-18 "Exodus 8:18 - Magicians Fail to Replicate Gnats")). This initial "success" ultimately magnified God's subsequent triumph, making His ultimate victory all the more spectacular and undeniable.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 7:11, with its depiction of a spiritual contest between divine power and occult imitation, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate triumph of Jesus Christ over all the forces of darkness. Just as Aaron's rod swallowed the magicians' rods, symbolizing God's absolute supremacy, so too did Christ, through His death and resurrection, utterly disarm and triumph over "the rulers and authorities" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Rulers and Authorities")). He is the true and ultimate manifestation of God's power, whose miracles were never mere enchantments or illusions but undeniable displays of divine authority over sickness, nature, and even death itself ([Matthew 8:26-27](/matthew/8-26-27 "Matthew 8:26-27 - Jesus Calms the Storm") and [John 11:43-44](/john/11-43-44 "John 11:43-44 - Jesus Raises Lazarus")). Christ's victory over sin, death, and all spiritual opposition offers a true and lasting liberation that no earthly or demonic power can replicate or resist ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ Destroys the Power of Death")). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, and His authority is supreme, having been given "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.

2 Timothy 3:8

Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

Exodus 8:18

And the magicians did so with their enchantments to bring forth lice, but they could not: so there were lice upon man, and upon beast.

Exodus 8:7

And the magicians did so with their enchantments, and brought up frogs upon the land of Egypt.

2 Thessalonians 2:9

[Even him], whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

Genesis 41:8

And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream; but [there was] none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh.

Daniel 2:2

Then the king commanded to call the magicians, and the astrologers, and the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans, for to shew the king his dreams. So they came and stood before the king.