Exodus 8:7

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And the magicians {H2748} did {H6213} so with their enchantments {H3909}, and brought up {H5927} frogs {H6854} upon the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But the magicians did the same with their secret arts and brought up frogs onto the land of Egypt.

Berean Standard Bible

But the magicians did the same thing by their magic arts, and they also brought frogs up onto the land of Egypt.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 8:7 describes the Egyptian magicians' successful, albeit limited, replication of the plague of frogs. Following Aaron's miraculous act, Pharaoh's sorcerers, employing their secret arts, also brought forth frogs, thereby intensifying the existing plague. This event served to initially bolster Pharaoh's resistance, setting the stage for a dramatic contest of power between Yahweh, the God of Israel, and the perceived might of Egypt's deities and their practitioners of magic.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 8:7 is situated within the escalating narrative of the Plagues of Egypt, specifically the second plague. Immediately preceding this verse, Aaron, at Yahweh's command, stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt, causing an overwhelming multitude of frogs to cover the land ([Exodus 8:6](/exodus/8-6 "Aaron Brings the Plague of Frogs")). The magicians' actions in verse 7 represent Pharaoh's attempt to counter Yahweh's power, mirroring their earlier, partial success in imitating the first plague of blood ([Exodus 7:22](/exodus/7-22 "Magicians Imitate the Plague of Blood")). This continuous back-and-forth establishes a clear theological contest, where each plague and the subsequent response from Pharaoh and his magicians serve to progressively reveal Yahweh's absolute sovereignty over all creation and all other powers.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was a civilization deeply immersed in polytheism, magic, and divination. Pharaoh was revered as a divine king, and his court included a powerful class of "magicians" or "sacred scribes" (*chartummim* in Hebrew), who were considered experts in secret knowledge, occult practices, and interpreting divine will. These individuals were integral to the religious and political fabric of Egypt, serving as advisors and wielders of perceived supernatural abilities. Their ability to imitate the plagues was seen not merely as a trick but as a genuine manifestation of power, validating the strength of their gods and challenging the God of Israel. This cultural backdrop highlights the profound spiritual conflict unfolding, where the God of Israel directly confronts the pantheon of Egyptian deities and their earthly representatives.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader narrative of the [Plagues of Egypt](/exodus/7-14 "The Beginning of the Plagues of Egypt"). Primarily, it underscores the **Contest of Divine Power**, pitting Yahweh against the gods of Egypt and their human agents. It vividly illustrates the theme of **Imitation vs. Origination**, as the magicians could only add to an existing plague, unable to initiate or reverse it, foreshadowing their ultimate failure in later plagues such as the [plague of lice](/exodus/8-18 "Magicians' Failure at the Plague of Lice"). Furthermore, the magicians' partial success, even if limited, plays a role in the theme of **Pharaoh's Hardening Heart**, as it provided him with a false sense of validation and encouraged his continued defiance against God's command to "Let my people go" ([Exodus 8:15](/exodus/8-15 "Pharaoh Hardens His Heart")). Ultimately, the narrative reinforces **God's Sovereignty**, demonstrating that even the powers of darkness are ultimately subservient to His divine plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 8:7 describes the Egyptian magicians' immediate and alarming response to the second plague, the plague of frogs. After Aaron, at God's command, brought forth an overwhelming multitude of frogs upon Egypt, the sorcerers in Pharaoh's court sought to demonstrate their own power and validate the strength of their deities. They succeeded in replicating this feat, adding even more frogs to the already overwhelmed land.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **magicians (Hebrew, _charṭôm'_):** From H2748, this term refers to a "horoscopist (as drawing magical lines or circles)" or a "magician." These were not mere tricksters but individuals believed to possess genuine occult knowledge and power, often associated with sacred scribes or diviners in the Egyptian court. Their involvement underscores the spiritual nature of the conflict.
* **enchantments (Hebrew, _lâṭ'_):** From H3909, this word signifies something "covered" or "secret," and by implication, "incantation" or "secret arts." It suggests that the magicians' actions were achieved through hidden, esoteric knowledge or spells, rather than divine power. The term highlights the deceptive and manipulative nature of their craft, distinct from the open, declarative power of Yahweh.
* **brought up (Hebrew, _ʻâlâh'_):** From H5927, a primitive root meaning "to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount)." In this context, it describes the action of causing the frogs to "come up" or "arise" upon the land. The use of this verb for both Aaron's and the magicians' actions emphasizes the *result* of their power, though the *source* and *nature* of that power are fundamentally different.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the magicians did so with their enchantments":** This clause reveals the *agency* and *method* of Pharaoh's court. The "magicians" (חרטמים, *chartummim*) are the same individuals who attempted to replicate the first plague. Their action, "did so," indicates a direct imitation of Aaron's feat. The phrase "with their enchantments" (בלטיהם, *belaṭêhem*) specifies the means by which they accomplished this, pointing to their secret arts, incantations, or perhaps even demonic power. This highlights the deceptive and imitative nature of their abilities, which were rooted in human or demonic wisdom, not divine authority.
* **"and brought up frogs upon the land of Egypt":** This second clause describes the *outcome* of the magicians' efforts. They successfully "brought up" (ויעלו, *wayyaʿălû*) frogs, adding to the already overwhelming number. This partial success, though seemingly impressive, was critically limited: they could only *add* to the existing plague, not remove it or prevent it. Their power was derivative and subordinate, allowed by God to further demonstrate His ultimate supremacy when their abilities eventually failed. This act intensified the suffering of Egypt, ironically contributing to the very plague they sought to counter.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its meaning. **Contrast** is central, highlighting the difference between Yahweh's original, creative power (manifested through Aaron) and the magicians' imitative, limited abilities. While both "brought up frogs," the narrative implicitly contrasts the divine source of the former with the occult or demonic source of the latter. There is also an element of **Irony** at play; the magicians, by replicating the plague, inadvertently worsen the suffering of their own people and land, thereby contributing to the very judgment Yahweh is bringing upon Egypt. Furthermore, the frogs themselves, as a symbol of impurity and chaos in Egyptian culture, serve as **Symbolism** of the unraveling of Egypt's cosmic order and the impotence of its gods in the face of Yahweh's might.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 8:7 serves as a pivotal moment in the unfolding narrative of the plagues, powerfully illustrating the profound theological contest between Yahweh and the gods of Egypt. While the magicians' ability to replicate the plague of frogs initially appears to be a demonstration of their own power, it ultimately underscores the qualitative difference between divine origination and human/demonic imitation. Their success was limited to *adding* to the existing problem, incapable of reversing the plague or preventing its onset, thereby highlighting their inherent impotence in the face of Yahweh's absolute sovereignty. This partial success, however, would have emboldened Pharaoh, giving him a false sense of security and further hardening his heart against God's command. Yet, even this limited allowance of power was under God's sovereign control, designed to magnify His glory when the magicians' abilities eventually failed, proving that only Yahweh possesses true, unchallengeable authority over creation and all spiritual forces.

* [Exodus 8:18](/exodus/8-18 "Magicians' Failure at the Plague of Lice") – The magicians confess their inability to replicate the plague of lice, acknowledging, "This is the finger of God."
* [Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10-12 "Prohibition of Occult Practices") – God's strong prohibition against divination, sorcery, and other occult practices, underscoring the illegitimacy of the magicians' power.
* [2 Timothy 3:8](/2_timothy/3-8 "Jannes and Jambres Oppose Moses") – The New Testament explicitly names Jannes and Jambres as those who "opposed Moses," serving as a historical and theological parallel to those who resist God's truth.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 8:7 offers profound insights for believers today, serving as a powerful reminder that while deceptive powers and imitations may exist in the world, they are always subordinate to God's ultimate authority. In a world saturated with competing spiritual claims, false teachings, and various forms of occultism, this verse calls us to cultivate spiritual discernment. We are encouraged to recognize that true divine power is unique, originating solely from God, and cannot be genuinely replicated by human or demonic means. Our trust must be placed in the Lord alone, who not only initiates but also controls and resolves all things. This passage challenges us to rely on God's truth and not be swayed by superficial appearances, impressive imitations, or any power that lacks the true substance of His divine will and character. It reminds us that God's power is always for His glory and the good of His people, ultimately leading to liberation and true freedom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the magicians' ability to imitate, but not originate or reverse, the plague inform your understanding of true spiritual power versus deceptive counterfeits in the world today?**
* **In what ways might we, like Pharaoh, be tempted to rely on lesser powers or false assurances rather than fully submitting to God's sovereign will?**
* **How can the story of the plagues, particularly the magicians' limited success, strengthen your faith in God's absolute control over all circumstances, even those that seem overwhelming or chaotic?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate greater spiritual discernment in your own life and avoid being misled by imitations of truth or power?**

### FAQ
**Did the magicians truly create frogs, or was it an illusion?**

Answer: The biblical text states that the magicians "brought up frogs," implying a genuine, though limited, manifestation rather than a mere illusion. While the exact mechanism of their power is not fully explained, it was understood to be a real, albeit secondary and derivative, act. This power was likely demonic in origin, permitted by God to intensify the contest and ultimately showcase His absolute supremacy when the magicians' abilities proved insufficient to remove the plague or perform true creative acts.

**Why would God allow the magicians to replicate His miracles?**

Answer: God permitted the magicians' partial success for several strategic and theological reasons. Firstly, it served to intensify the spiritual contest, demonstrating that even the most potent human or demonic power was ultimately no match for His absolute sovereignty. Secondly, their ability to *add* to the plague, but not remove it, highlighted their inherent impotence and underscored the qualitative difference between divine origination and mere imitation. This distinction magnified God's glory when He alone could bring relief. Thirdly, it served to harden Pharaoh's heart further, as he was falsely encouraged by his sorcerers' abilities, thereby fulfilling God's prophetic declaration regarding Pharaoh's stubbornness and ensuring that God's glory would be fully displayed through the subsequent, undeniable plagues.

**What does this say about spiritual power today?**

Answer: This event serves as a foundational biblical precedent that deceptive powers and imitations can and do exist in the world, but they are always subordinate to God's ultimate authority. It teaches believers the critical importance of spiritual discernment, urging us to distinguish between true divine power, which originates from God and aligns with His character and Word, and any human or demonic imitation. We are called to trust only in the unique and incomparable power of the Lord, recognizing that while evil forces may exert influence, they are ultimately limited and will be overcome by God's sovereign will, as demonstrated by the magicians' eventual failure and God's ultimate triumph over Egypt.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 8:7, with its depiction of a contest between divine power and lesser, imitative forces, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate supremacy of Christ over all spiritual and earthly powers. Just as Yahweh's power utterly eclipsed the magicians' enchantments, so too does Christ's authority triumph over sin, death, and all demonic influence. His miracles were not imitations or additions to existing problems, but original acts of creation, healing, and liberation, demonstrating His inherent divinity and unique power over all things, for "all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made" ([John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Created Through Christ")). The inability of the magicians to undo the plague, contrasted with God's ultimate control over both judgment and deliverance, points to Christ as the one who not only brings judgment upon sin but also offers true liberation and new creation, a power that no earthly or demonic force can replicate or resist. Through His crucifixion and resurrection, Christ disarmed and triumphed over all the "rulers and authorities" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")), ultimately destroying the one who has the power of death ([Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Christ's Victory Over Death")), thereby fulfilling the ultimate victory of God over all opposing forces.

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.

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.

Matthew 24:24

For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if [it were] possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

Revelation 13:14

And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by [the means of] those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.

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.

2 Thessalonians 2:9

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

2 Thessalonians 2:11

And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: