Matthew Henry on Exodus 7:8-13

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

What men dislike, because it opposes their pride and lusts, they will not be convinced of; but it is easy to cause them to believe things they wish to be true. God always sends with his word full proofs of its Divine authority; but when men are bent to disobey, and willing to object, he often permits a snare to be laid wherein they are entangled.

The magicians were cheats, trying to copy the real miracles of Moses by secret sleights or jugglings, which to a small extent they succeeded in doing, so as to deceive the bystanders, but they were at length obliged to confess they could not any longer imitate the effects of Divine power.

None assist more in the destruction of sinners, than such as resist the truth by amusing men with a counterfeit resemblance of it. Satan is most to be dreaded when transformed into an angel of light.

More for Exodus 7:8-13

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 7:1-9EXPOSITIONJoseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 7:1-9Once more God made allowance for the weakness and self-distrust of Moses, severely tried as he had been by his former failure to persuade Pharaoh (Exodus 5:1-5) and his recent rejection by the people of Israel (Exodus 6…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 7:1-8A god to Pharaoh. Moses was in the trying position of being sent out anew upon a mission in which hitherto he had not had the slightest particle of success. His discouragement was natural. Pharaoh, on a previous occasio…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryMagicians of Egypt. (b. c. 1491.)MAGICIANS OF EGYPT. (B. C. 1491.) The first time that Moses made his application to Pharaoh, he produced his instructions only; now he is directed to produce his credentials, and does accordingly. 1. It is taken for gra…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 7:8-14The rod turned into a serpent. On this sign, notice— I. ITS SIGNIFICANCE. 1. Its distinctness from the similar sign wrought for the conviction of the Israelites. On the meaning of the latter, see Exodus 4:1-6. There the…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 7:8-13The first sign to Pharaoh: the rod becomes a serpent. I. NOTICE THE REMARKABLE REQUEST WHICH JEHOVAH INDICATES THAT PHARAOH MAY MAKE. Perhaps we might even say, will make. "When Pharaoh shall speak unto you, saying, She…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 7:8-13The credentials of God's ambassadors to the froward. I. THE DEMANDS OF GOD, THOUGH REJECTED, CANNOT BE BANISHED. The rod which Pharaoh refuses to be shepherded by, cast down before him, springs into life. To those who r…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 7:9When Pharaoh shall speak to you, saying, Shew a miracle. It is obvious that there would have been an impropriety in Moses and Aaron offering a sign to Pharaoh until he asked for one. They claimed to be ambassadors of Je…Joseph S. Exell and contributors