How does Exodus 9:11 demonstrate God's power over Egyptian magicians and their gods? Text of Exodus 9:11 “The magicians could not stand before Moses, because the boils were on them and on all the Egyptians.” Setting the Stage: The Plague of Boils - Sixth plague in the series (Exodus 9:8–12). - Soot tossed heavenward turns to festering boils on “man and beast.” - First plague directly striking the bodies of the magicians themselves. Observations Straight from the Verse - “Could not stand”: physical collapse and spiritual defeat. - “Before Moses”: the man of God remains unharmed and authoritative. - “Boils were on them”: the very agents of Egypt’s religious power share the nation’s misery. - “And on all the Egyptians”: no partiality—Yahweh’s judgment bypasses no idol worshiper. God’s Triumph over the Magicians - Their imitation of earlier signs (rods to serpents, water to blood, frogs) is now impossible (cf. Exodus 7:11–12; 8:7). - They already confessed, “This is the finger of God” (Exodus 8:19); now the same finger silences them. - Incapacitated bodies mean no more secret arts, no more competition. - Their inability underscores Yahweh’s limitless power versus human sorcery (Isaiah 44:24–25). God’s Triumph over Egypt’s Deities - Sekhmet (goddess of healing), Imhotep (patron of medicine), and Thoth (god of magic) prove powerless to protect their own priests. - Yahweh alone wounds and heals (Deuteronomy 32:39). - Affliction of “man and beast” exposes the impotence of animal-headed gods often worshiped for health and protection. - By striking bodies, the Lord attacks the very realm where these deities were thought strongest. A Pattern of Diminishing Opposition 1. Plagues 1–2: magicians replicate. 2. Plague 3: magicians fail (Exodus 8:18). 3. Plague 6: magicians cannot even appear. - Each step widens the gap between counterfeit power and true sovereignty. Related Scriptures Reinforcing the Point - Exodus 14:27–31 – final defeat at the Red Sea. - 1 Samuel 5:2–4 – Dagon falls before the ark. - Psalm 135:5–6 – “The LORD is great… He does whatever pleases Him.” - Jeremiah 10:10–11 – idols perish; the LORD lives forever. - Colossians 2:15 – Christ disarms rulers and authorities, echoing the Exodus pattern. Takeaways for Believers - God alone commands nature, health, and destiny. - No occult practice, false religion, or cultural idol can stand against Him. - Affliction that humbles the proud often elevates His servants. - The same Savior who struck Egypt stands ready to redeem and protect all who trust Him. |
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