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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 9:8–12. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Observe here, concerning the plague of boils and blains,
I.When they were not wrought upon by the death of their cattle, God sent a plague that seized their own bodies, and touched them to the quick.
If less judgments do not do their work, God will send greater. Let us therefore humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, and go forth to meet him in the way of his judgments, that his anger may be turned away from us.
II.The signal by which this plague was summoned was the sprinkling of warm ashes from the furnace, towards heaven (Exo 9:8, Exo 9:10), which was to signify the heating of the air with such an infection as should produce in the bodies of the Egyptians sore boils, which would be both noisome and painful. Immediately upon the scattering of the ashes, a scalding dew came down out of the air, which blistered wherever it fell. Note, Sometimes God shows men their sin in their punishment; they had oppressed Israel in the furnaces, and now the ashes of the furnace are made as much a terror to them as ever their task-masters had been to the Israelites.
III.The plague itself was very grievous - a common eruption would be so, especially to the nice and delicate, but these eruptions were inflammations, like Job's. This is afterwards called the botch of Egypt (Deu 28:27), as if it were some new disease, never heard of before, and known ever after by that name, Note, Sores in the body are to be looked upon as the punishments of sin, and to be hearkened to as calls to repentance.
IV.The magicians themselves were struck with these boils, Exo 9:11.
1.Thus they were punished,
(1.)For helping to harden Pharaoh's heart, as Elymas for seeking to ;pervert the right ways of the Lord; God will severely reckon with those that strengthen the hands of the wicked in their wickedness.
(2.)For pretending to imitate the former plagues, and making themselves and Pharaoh sport with them. Those that would produce lice shall, against their wills, produce boils. Note, It is ill jesting with God's judgments, and more dangerous than playing with fire. Be you not mockers, lest your bands be made strong.
2.Thus they were shamed in the presence of their admirers. How weak were their enchantments, which could not so much as secure themselves! The devil can give no protection to those that are in confederacy with him.
3.Thus they were driven from the field. Their power was restrained before (Exo 8:18), but they continued to confront Moses, and confirm Pharaoh in his unbelief, till now, at length, they were forced to retreat, and could not stand before Moses, to which the apostle refers (Ti2 3:9) when he says that their folly was made manifest unto all men.
V.Pharaoh continued obstinate, for now the Lord hardened his heart, Exo 9:12.
Before, he had hardened his own heart, and resisted the grace of God; and now God justly gave him up to his own heart's lusts, to a reprobate mind, and strong delusions, permitting Satan to blind and harden him, and ordering every thing, henceforward, so as to make him more and more obstinate. Note, Wilful hardness is commonly punished with judicial hardness. If men shut their eyes against the light, it is just with God to close their eyes. Let us dread this as the sorest judgment a man can be under on this side hell.
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Summary
Exodus 9:11 serves as a profound declaration of Yahweh's absolute supremacy over all human and spiritual opposition, marking a critical turning point in the plague narrative. This verse vividly portrays the utter defeat and humiliation of Pharaoh's magicians, who, afflicted by the very boils they could neither prevent nor replicate, were rendered physically and spiritually incapable of standing before Moses. Their complete incapacitation underscores the definitive triumph of God's power over all Egyptian magic and deities, leaving no ambiguity regarding the divine source of these escalating judgments.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is strategically placed within the escalating series of the ten plagues, specifically concluding the account of the sixth plague (boils) and setting the stage for the more devastating judgments to follow. Prior to this, the Egyptian magicians had initially mimicked Moses and Aaron's signs (e.g., Exodus 7:11-12) and even replicated the first two plagues (water to blood, frogs, Exodus 7:22 and Exodus 8:7). However, their power demonstrably failed with the plague of lice, leading them to confess, "This is the finger of God" (Exodus 8:18-19). Exodus 9:11 marks the definitive and humiliating end of their participation as active opponents, as they are now not merely unable to replicate, but are themselves victims, physically incapacitated and removed from the scene. This narrative progression highlights the increasing severity and specificity of God's judgments, culminating in the complete discrediting of Egypt's spiritual protectors.
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient Egypt was deeply steeped in polytheism and magic, with a vast pantheon of gods and a powerful class of priests and magicians who served as spiritual advisors to Pharaoh and guardians of the nation's well-being. These magicians were believed to wield genuine supernatural power, often through incantations, rituals, and the manipulation of natural forces, attributed to their deities. Pharaoh himself was considered a divine king, a living embodiment of the gods, and his magicians acted as extensions of his divine authority and the power of the Egyptian gods. The plagues, therefore, were not merely natural disasters but direct confrontations with specific Egyptian deities. The plague of boils, for instance, may have targeted deities associated with health, healing, or even the protection of the land, such as Sekhmet (goddess of healing and plague) or Thoth (god of magic and medicine). The public humiliation of the magicians, who represented the pinnacle of Egyptian spiritual power, was a direct assault on the credibility of their gods and Pharaoh's divine status, profoundly shaking the very foundations of Egyptian society and religion.
Key Themes
Exodus 9:11 powerfully reinforces several overarching themes found throughout the book of Exodus. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Divine Sovereignty and Supremacy, demonstrating Yahweh's absolute power over all creation and all rival deities, including the most potent magic of Egypt. No human or demonic power can ultimately stand against His will. Secondly, it highlights the Humiliation of Idolatry, as the gods and spiritual practitioners of Egypt are exposed as utterly impotent in the face of the one true God. This is a crucial aspect of God's judgment, designed to dismantle the spiritual strongholds of Egypt and liberate Israel from both physical and spiritual bondage, as seen in the broader narrative of the Exodus account. Thirdly, the verse contributes to the theme of Progressive Judgment and Escalation, where each successive plague intensifies in severity and directly targets different aspects of Egyptian life and worship, culminating in the complete physical incapacitation of the magicians themselves. Finally, it reinforces the Vindication of God's Servant, Moses, whose authority and message are consistently affirmed by God's actions, even as his opponents are utterly defeated.
Exposition and Analysis
Exodus 9:11 provides a concise yet profound statement about the sixth plague, focusing on its devastating impact on the very individuals who had previously challenged God's power. The verse states: "And the magicians could not stand before Moses because of the boils; for the boil was upon the magicians, and upon all the Egyptians."
Key Word Analysis
From the same as חֶרֶט; a horoscopist (as drawing magical lines or circles); magician. These were the elite occult practitioners in Pharaoh's court, skilled in divination, sorcery, and interpreting omens. Their inability to stand signifies not only physical weakness but also the complete collapse of their spiritual authority and the futility of their magical arts against the power of Yahweh.
A primitive root; to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might); be able, any at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure, might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer. The use of this verb, negated ("could not"), emphasizes a total lack of capacity—they were utterly powerless, physically and spiritually, to fulfill their role or offer any resistance.
A primitive root; to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive); abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. In this context, "stand before" implies not only physical uprightness but also the ability to present oneself, to contend, to offer counsel, or to maintain one's position of authority in the royal court. Their inability to stand is a public declaration of their utter defeat and the impotence of their gods and magic.
Verse Breakdown
"And the magicians could not stand before Moses"
This clause highlights the immediate and profound consequence of the plague on the key antagonists to Moses. "To stand before" someone in an ancient court context implied the ability to present oneself, to offer counsel, to contend, or to maintain a position of authority. Their physical inability to stand due to the debilitating boils also symbolizes their complete loss of spiritual authority, credibility, and the very ground they stood on in opposition to God's servant. It is a public, humiliating declaration of their utter defeat and the impotence of their gods and magic.
"because of the boils"
This phrase directly attributes their incapacitation to the divine judgment. The "boils" (Hebrew: shᵉchîyn) were a severe, painful, and visible skin affliction, often associated with ulcers or carbuncles, as seen in the affliction of Job (Job 2:7). This specific affliction was not merely an inconvenience but a debilitating and humiliating disease that stripped the magicians of their dignity and their capacity to function, making their defeat undeniable and visually manifest.
"for the boil was upon the magicians, and upon all the Egyptians"
This concluding clause provides the reason for their inability to stand, emphasizing the direct and universal impact of the plague. While the plague affected "all the Egyptians," the specific mention of the magicians underscores their personal suffering as the spiritual leaders of Egypt. Unlike previous plagues where they might have offered counter-magic or advice, here they are the direct recipients of God's judgment, serving as a direct indictment of the Egyptian religious system and its inability to protect even its most devoted practitioners. This personal affliction signifies the progressive and inescapable nature of God's judgment, moving from external afflictions to direct bodily suffering, even upon those who claimed divine power.
Literary Devices
Exodus 9:11 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. Irony is prominent, as the very magicians who claimed to wield supernatural power and protect Egypt are themselves rendered utterly powerless and incapacitated by a divine judgment they cannot counteract. Their inability to stand, a symbol of authority and readiness to contend, becomes a stark visual of their defeat. Hyperbole is also present in the phrase "upon all the Egyptians," which, while not necessarily meaning every single individual, emphasizes the widespread and pervasive nature of the plague, ensuring that its impact was felt across the populace, including the most influential figures. The verse also uses Metonymy, where "the boils" stand in for the entire divine judgment and its overwhelming power, causing the physical and symbolic collapse of Egyptian opposition. The scene functions as a powerful climax for the magicians' involvement, marking their definitive removal from the narrative as a force of opposition.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Exodus 9:11 serves as a profound theological statement, asserting the absolute sovereignty and unrivaled power of Yahweh over all creation and all human or spiritual opposition. The complete incapacitation of the Egyptian magicians, who represented the pinnacle of occult power and the spiritual bulwark of Pharaoh's regime, unequivocally demonstrates that no force can ultimately stand against the Lord's will. This event not only discredits the Egyptian gods and their practitioners but also validates Moses's divine commission, proving that his power comes directly from the Almighty, unlike the limited and failing magic of Egypt. It underscores the futility of human resistance to divine purpose and highlights God's strategic dismantling of the spiritual foundations of a nation that oppressed His people.
Reflection and Application
Exodus 9:11 offers a timeless and powerful lesson for believers today: all earthly power, human wisdom, and false spiritual claims are ultimately subordinate to the sovereign power of God. In a world that often trusts in human ingenuity, technological advancement, or even spiritual counterfeits, this verse provides a stark reminder of where true power resides. For the follower of Christ, it reinforces unwavering trust in God's ability to overcome any obstacle, adversary, or seemingly insurmountable challenge, no matter how formidable they may appear. It encourages us to place our reliance not on our own strength, worldly systems, or deceptive spiritual supports, but solely on the Almighty, who cannot be resisted. For those who might rely on worldly solutions, oppose divine will, or dabble in spiritual practices outside of God's truth, it stands as a solemn warning of the futility and ultimate defeat of resisting the Creator. The narrative consistently demonstrates that when God acts decisively, no one, no system, and no spiritual entity can stand against Him, urging humility before His majesty and complete dependence on His divine strength.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What was the significance of the boils affecting the magicians directly?
The direct affliction of the magicians was profoundly significant because they were the spiritual and occult representatives of Egypt's gods and their power. By being personally struck down by the plague, they were publicly exposed as powerless, unable to protect themselves or replicate God's work. This discredited the entire Egyptian religious system and its deities, demonstrating Yahweh's absolute supremacy. Their physical inability to "stand before Moses" (Exodus 9:11) was a vivid, undeniable symbol of their complete spiritual and authoritative defeat.
Why did God use physical plagues to demonstrate His power?
God used physical plagues as a tangible, undeniable demonstration of His power over creation and over the false gods of Egypt. Each plague was often a direct assault on a specific Egyptian deity or aspect of their life, designed to show that Yahweh alone is the true God, as seen in the progression from the Nile (Hapi) to the sun (Ra). The physical suffering and destruction served multiple purposes: to break Pharaoh's stubborn will and compel him to release Israel (Exodus 7:1-5), to educate both the Egyptians and the Israelites about God's might and justice, and to prepare Israel to worship and obey the God who had delivered them with such mighty acts.
What does "could not stand before Moses" literally and figuratively imply?
Literally, it implies a physical inability to remain upright due to the debilitating nature of the boils. The pain and inflammation were so severe that they were physically incapacitated. Figuratively, it signifies a complete loss of authority, credibility, and the capacity to contend or oppose. In ancient courts, to "stand before" someone was to be able to present oneself as an equal, a counsel, or an opponent. The magicians' inability to stand before Moses publicly declared their utter defeat, their spiritual impotence, and the overwhelming superiority of God's power working through His chosen servant, Moses. It was a public humiliation that stripped them of all pretense of power or influence, marking the end of their opposition in the narrative.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The decisive defeat of the Egyptian magicians in Exodus 9:11 powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and comprehensive victory of Jesus Christ over all spiritual opposition and the forces of darkness. Just as the magicians, representing the pinnacle of worldly and demonic power, could not stand before God's chosen servant, Moses, so too are all principalities and powers rendered utterly impotent before the majesty and authority of Jesus Christ. His life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection represent the definitive triumph over sin, death, and the devil, disarming all spiritual adversaries and making a public spectacle of them on the cross (Colossians 2:15). Christ is the ultimate demonstration of God's power, before whom every knee will bow and every tongue confess His Lordship (Philippians 2:9-11), fulfilling the ultimate inability of any to "stand" against God's sovereign will and redemptive plan for humanity. He is the true and greater deliverer, who has overcome the world and its spiritual rulers (John 16:33), ensuring that no one can snatch His sheep out of His hand (John 10:28-29).