How did Pharaoh's magicians replicate the miracle in Exodus 7:22, and why? Setting the Scene “ But the magicians of Egypt did the same by their secret arts, and Pharaoh’s heart was hardened; he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said.” (Exodus 7:22) What Did the Magicians Actually Do? • They turned some accessible water supply—likely jars or basins—into blood in open imitation of Moses and Aaron. • Scripture presents this as a real, observable change, not a stage trick; Pharaoh took it seriously enough to harden his heart. How Could They Replicate the Miracle? 1. Supernatural Empowerment • Scripture elsewhere recognizes occult power: Deuteronomy 13:1-2; Acts 8:9-11. • Demonic forces can perform limited signs when God permits (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10). 2. Divine Permission and Restraint • God is sovereign over even His enemies (Job 1:12; Luke 22:31). • The magicians’ power was real yet strictly confined—only within the range God allowed. Why Did God Allow the Imitation? • To Expose the Futility of Egypt’s False Religion – Isaiah 19:3 foretells the collapse of Egyptian “spiritists.” • To Harden Pharaoh’s Heart in Judgment – Exodus 9:12 shows the continued hardening process. • To Set the Stage for Greater Displays of God’s Supremacy – By plague three the magicians confess, “This is the finger of God” (Exodus 8:19). • To Teach Israel—and Us—Discernment – Deuteronomy 18:10-14 warns against occult practices; God’s people must recognize counterfeit power. The Limits of Satanic Imitation • The magicians could not reverse the plague or produce genuine life (Exodus 8:18). • Only God turned water back to normal (Exodus 7:25-8:1). • Their power ended in boils they could not heal (Exodus 9:11). Key Takeaways • Real but restricted demonic power can mimic divine works, yet always serves God’s larger purpose. • External signs are not ultimate proof of truth; allegiance to the LORD and His Word is. • God’s superiority becomes undeniable as counterfeit power fails. |
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