Exodus 7:22

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the magicians {H2748} of Egypt {H4714} did {H6213} so with their enchantments {H3909}: and Pharaoh's {H6547} heart {H3820} was hardened {H2388}, neither did he hearken {H8085} unto them; as the LORD {H3068} had said {H1696}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But the magicians of Egypt did the same with their secret arts, so that Pharaoh was made hardhearted and didn't listen to them, as ADONAI had said would happen.

Berean Standard Bible

But the magicians of Egypt did the same things by their magic arts. So Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the LORD had said.

American Standard Version

And the magicians of Egypt did in like manner with their enchantments: and Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as Jehovah had spoken.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 7:22 vividly illustrates the limited, imitative power of the Egyptian magicians in the face of divine judgment, as they replicate the turning of water into blood. This partial success, however, only served to reinforce Pharaoh's stubborn resistance, confirming God's earlier pronouncements regarding his unyielding heart and demonstrating the certain fulfillment of divine prophecy amidst human defiance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after the first plague, where Aaron, at God's command, strikes the Nile River, turning all the water in Egypt into blood ([Exodus 7:19-21](/exodus/7-19-21 "The First Plague: Water Turns to Blood")). The plague was a direct assault on the economic and religious life of Egypt, particularly targeting the Nile, revered as a deity (Hapi) and source of life. Pharaoh's response in [Exodus 7:23](/exodus/7-23 "Pharaoh's Unresponsive Heart") indicates his dismissive attitude, retreating to his palace without giving the plague serious consideration. The magicians' imitation in [Exodus 7:11-12](/exodus/7-11-12 "The Magicians' Imitation of Aaron's Staff") and here in [Exodus 7:22](/exodus/7-22 "Magicians Imitate the Blood Plague") serves to provide Pharaoh with a false justification for his continued defiance, allowing him to rationalize away the true divine origin of the plagues.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was a polytheistic society deeply entrenched in magic, divination, and the worship of numerous gods, often associated with natural phenomena. Pharaoh was considered a divine king, a living god, and his authority was absolute. The "magicians" (Hebrew: *charṭummim*) were part of the educated elite, likely scribes, priests, or wise men who practiced various forms of occult arts, including interpreting dreams, performing rituals, and producing illusions. Their ability to "do so with their enchantments" speaks to the widespread belief in and practice of such arts in Egyptian culture. This confrontation between Yahweh and the Egyptian gods, mediated through Moses and Aaron against Pharaoh and his magicians, was understood as a cosmic battle for supremacy, where the God of Israel systematically dismantled the perceived power of Egypt's deities and its ruler.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Exodus. First, it highlights the **Sovereignty of God** over all human and demonic powers; even the limited success of the magicians ultimately serves God's plan by hardening Pharaoh's heart further, leading to a greater display of divine power. Second, it underscores the **Futility of Human Resistance** against divine will, as Pharaoh's stubbornness, despite overwhelming evidence, only brings about more severe judgment. Third, the phrase "as the LORD had said" emphasizes the **Reliability of God's Word** and the certainty of prophetic fulfillment, a theme introduced early in the narrative, such as in [Exodus 4:21](/exodus/4-21 "God's Declaration of Pharaoh's Hardening") and [Exodus 7:3](/exodus/7-3 "God's Purpose in Hardening Pharaoh's Heart"). Finally, it touches upon the **Nature of a Hardened Heart**, illustrating how persistent rebellion against truth can lead to an intensified state of spiritual insensitivity, making one impervious to divine revelation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **magicians (Hebrew, _charṭôm'_):** From the same as `cheret`, meaning a horoscopist (as drawing magical lines or circles); a magician. These were the learned men of Egypt, often associated with the priestly class, who practiced secret arts, divination, and interpretations of omens. Their role was to advise Pharaoh and validate the power of Egyptian deities.
* **enchantments (Hebrew, _lâṭ'_):** A form meaning properly, covered, i.e., secret; by implication, incantation; also secrecy or (adverb) covertly. This term suggests hidden, secret, or whispered spells, often implying illusion, trickery, or subtle, deceptive means rather than genuine creative power. It differentiates their actions from the open, public, and undeniable miracles performed by God through Moses and Aaron.
* **hardened (Hebrew, _châzaq'_):** A primitive root meaning to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restrain, conquer. In this context, it describes Pharaoh's heart becoming firm, resolute, and unyielding in its resistance to God's command. It conveys a sense of becoming rigid and unmovable in defiance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments:"** This clause describes the Egyptian sorcerers' attempt to replicate the first plague. While the text states they "did so," implying a successful imitation, it's critical to note the limitation: they produced blood from water, but they could not reverse the existing plague or provide clean water. Their method, using "enchantments," suggests a reliance on occult practices, trickery, or perhaps drawing upon existing blood, rather than genuine creative power. This partial success, however, was enough to give Pharaoh a pretext to dismiss the divine origin of the plague.
* **"and Pharaoh's heart was hardened,"** This phrase indicates Pharaoh's continued obstinacy and resistance to God's demands. The hardening of his heart is presented as both a consequence of his own willful defiance and a part of God's sovereign plan. It signifies a state of spiritual insensitivity and an unyielding resolve against the divine will, even when confronted with supernatural evidence.
* **"neither did he hearken unto them;"** This specifies the outcome of Pharaoh's hardened heart: his refusal to listen to or obey Moses and Aaron, who were speaking on behalf of the LORD. Despite the clear demonstration of God's power through the plague, Pharaoh remained defiant, unwilling to release the Israelites. This highlights his deep-seated rebellion against Yahweh.
* **"as the LORD had said."** This concluding phrase is a crucial theological statement. It serves as a powerful affirmation of God's foreknowledge and the absolute certainty of His word. From the very beginning of the narrative, God had declared that Pharaoh would be obstinate ([Exodus 4:21](/exodus/4-21 "God's Warning of Pharaoh's Hardening"), [Exodus 7:3](/exodus/7-3 "God's Purpose in Hardening Pharaoh's Heart")). This statement underscores God's complete control over events, demonstrating that even human resistance ultimately serves to fulfill His divine purposes and magnify His glory.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 7:22 employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Irony** is prominent, as the magicians' limited success in imitating the plague, rather than impressing Pharaoh with God's power, ironically reinforces his stubbornness, providing him with a false justification for his defiance. This also highlights the **contrast** between the overwhelming, pervasive nature of God's plague and the magicians' small-scale, likely deceptive "enchantments." The phrase "as the LORD had said" functions as a powerful instance of **prophetic fulfillment** and **divine sovereignty**, emphasizing that God's word is immutable and His plan will unfold exactly as declared, regardless of human opposition. This **repetition** of God's foreknowledge concerning Pharaoh's hardened heart (first mentioned in earlier chapters and reiterated here) serves to underscore the theme of God's absolute control over the narrative and His use of even human rebellion to achieve His purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 7:22 profoundly illustrates the clash between divine omnipotence and human hubris, demonstrating that even the most formidable earthly power, bolstered by occult practices, is utterly subordinate to God's sovereign will. Pharaoh's continued hardening of heart, enabled by the magicians' limited imitations, paradoxically serves God's greater purpose of displaying His glory and power to Egypt and Israel. This verse underscores the reliability of God's prophetic word, as His declared intention for Pharaoh's stubbornness comes to pass precisely as foretold. It also highlights the deceptive nature and ultimate futility of occult power when arrayed against the Creator, whose authority is absolute and whose plans cannot be thwarted.

* [Romans 9:17-18](/romans/9-17-18 "God's Purpose in Pharaoh's Hardening"): "For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: 'I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.' Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden."
* [2 Timothy 3:8-9](/2_timothy/3-8-9 "Jannes and Jambres Oppose Moses"): "Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these teachers oppose the truth—men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. But they will not get very far because their folly will be clear to everyone, just as theirs was."
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose"): "so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 7:22 serves as a timeless reminder of God's unyielding sovereignty and the ultimate futility of human resistance to His divine will. In a world often characterized by defiance, deception, and a hardening of hearts against truth, this verse encourages believers to place their unwavering trust in God's ultimate control. It teaches us that no human stubbornness, no worldly power, and no deceptive imitation can ever thwart God's eternal purposes. Furthermore, it calls us to spiritual discernment, urging us to distinguish between genuine divine power and mere imitations or occult practices, which, though seemingly impressive, are ultimately powerless against the Creator. Just as Pharaoh's heart became increasingly hardened through his persistent rejection of God's truth, so too can individuals become resistant to the Holy Spirit's promptings, leading to profound spiritual consequences. This verse compels us to cultivate a soft and receptive heart, quick to hear and obey God's voice, recognizing that His word is always true and His promises, whether of judgment or deliverance, will inevitably come to pass.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Pharaoh's response to the plague, even after the magicians' imitation, reveal the nature of a truly hardened heart?**
* **In what ways might we, in our own lives, be tempted to rationalize away clear evidence of God's work or truth, similar to Pharaoh's reaction?**
* **How does the phrase "as the LORD had said" strengthen your faith in God's ultimate control and the certainty of His promises, even amidst opposition?**

### FAQ

**Did the Egyptian magicians genuinely replicate the plague of blood?**

Answer: The text states they "did so with their enchantments," implying a successful imitation, but with significant limitations. Their power was not creative like God's; they could not reverse the plague, nor could they provide clean water for the suffering Egyptians. Their "success" likely involved occult practices, trickery, or perhaps drawing on existing pools of blood or using pre-prepared substances. It was a demonstration of limited, imitative power, designed to deceive and provide Pharaoh with a pretext to dismiss the true divine origin of the plague, rather than a genuine challenge to God's sovereign might.

**How can God harden Pharaoh's heart and still hold him accountable?**

Answer: The Bible presents the hardening of Pharaoh's heart as a complex interplay of divine sovereignty and human volition. Initially, Pharaoh hardened his own heart by repeatedly refusing to obey God's commands to let Israel go ([Exodus 8:15](/exodus/8-15 "Pharaoh Hardens His Heart"), [Exodus 8:32](/exodus/8-32 "Pharaoh Hardens His Heart Again")). God then confirmed or intensified this hardening, using Pharaoh's self-chosen stubbornness to display His power and glory to both Egypt and Israel, as stated in [Romans 9:17-18](/romans/9-17-18 "God's Purpose in Pharaoh's Hardening"). Pharaoh remained accountable because his initial and ongoing resistance was a volitional act of rebellion against known truth. God's hardening was not an imposition of evil but a confirmation of Pharaoh's self-chosen rebellion, allowing God's righteous judgment and redemptive plan to unfold.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 7:22, with its stark portrayal of Pharaoh's hardened heart and the magicians' impotent imitations, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate spiritual battle and Christ's decisive victory over sin, death, and all opposing powers. Pharaoh's stubborn resistance to God's call for liberation finds its ultimate expression in humanity's universal rebellion against God's saving grace offered in Christ ([John 3:19](/john/3-19 "Light Has Come Into the World")). Just as the magicians' enchantments were a futile shadow compared to divine power, so too are all human efforts, worldly philosophies, or demonic deceptions utterly powerless against the transformative and redemptive work of Christ. Jesus, through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, did not merely imitate life or offer temporary relief; He conquered death itself, providing true and lasting liberation from the bondage of sin and Satan ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Triumph Over Spiritual Powers"), [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Jesus Destroys the Power of Death")). His work softens hearts of stone into hearts of flesh ([Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "A New Heart and a New Spirit")), offering genuine spiritual transformation where Pharaoh experienced only increasing hardness. The "as the LORD had said" finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the prophecies concerning Christ, whose coming, life, death, and resurrection perfectly align with God's eternal plan for salvation, ensuring that no human or demonic resistance can thwart His redemptive purposes ([Luke 24:44](/luke/24-44 "Jesus Explains the Scriptures"), [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Jesus Fulfills the Law and the Prophets")).

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 7:11

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

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.

Jeremiah 27:18

But if they [be] prophets, and if the word of the LORD be with them, let them now make intercession to the LORD of hosts, that the vessels which are left in the house of the LORD, and [in] the house of the king of Judah, and at Jerusalem, go not to Babylon.

Exodus 8:7

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

Exodus 8:8

Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, Intreat the LORD, that he may take away the frogs from me, and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may do sacrifice unto the LORD.