Exodus 8:7

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Commentary on Exodus 8:7 (KJV)

Exodus 8:7 is part of the narrative of the Plagues of Egypt, specifically detailing the second plague: frogs. This verse highlights the immediate response of Pharaoh's court magicians to the miracle performed by Moses and Aaron. After Aaron stretched out his hand and brought up an abundance of frogs across Egypt (Exodus 8:6), the Egyptian magicians attempted to replicate this feat using their own mystical arts.

Historical and Cultural Context

Ancient Egypt was a civilization deeply steeped in polytheism, magic, and divination. Pharaoh was considered a divine king, and his court included skilled magicians and sorcerers who served as advisors and wielders of occult power. These individuals, often referred to as chartummim (Χ—Χ¨Χ˜ΧžΧ™Χ in Hebrew), were believed to possess secret knowledge and abilities to manipulate natural forces or interpret divine will. Their ability to imitate the first plague (blood) in Exodus 7:22, and now the plague of frogs, was seen as a validation of their own gods' power and a direct challenge to the God of Israel. This context sets the stage for a dramatic contest between the true divine power of Yahweh and the perceived power of Egyptian deities and magic.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Contest of Divine Power: This verse underscores the ongoing spiritual battle between the God of Israel and the gods of Egypt, represented by the magicians' abilities. While they could imitate, their power was derived and limited, contrasting sharply with God's original creative and destructive power.
  • Imitation vs. Origination: The magicians' success in "bringing up frogs" was an act of imitation, not origination. They could add to the existing problem but could not remove the frogs, nor could they prevent the plague from occurring in the first place. This limitation becomes critically clear when they fail to replicate the plague of lice.
  • Pharaoh's Hardening Heart: The magicians' partial success, even if limited, might have emboldened Pharaoh's stubborn refusal to let the Israelites go, as it gave him a false sense that his own sorcerers could contend with Moses' God.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "magicians" is chartummim (Χ—Χ¨Χ˜ΧžΧ™Χ), referring to sacred scribes or diviners who practiced secret arts. The term "enchantments" is lehatim (ΧœΧ”Χ˜Χ™Χ”Χ), which can imply secret arts, illusions, or magical spells. While these terms suggest genuine occult practices, the biblical narrative consistently emphasizes that their power, though seemingly real, was ultimately inferior and allowed by God for His greater purposes. Their abilities were not on par with God's omnipotence, serving only to highlight His ultimate supremacy.

Practical Application

Exodus 8:7 serves as a powerful reminder that while deceptive powers and imitations may exist in the world, they are always subordinate to God's ultimate authority. Believers are called to discern between true divine power and mere human or demonic imitation. In a world with various spiritual claims, this verse encourages us to trust in the unique and incomparable power of the Lord, who alone can bring forth and remove, create and sustain. It teaches us to rely on God's truth and not be swayed by appearances or imitations that lack the true substance of His divine will.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 7:11 (5 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:11 (2 votes)

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