Snakes, Superiority, and Stubbornness

The command of the Lord

Verses 8 - 9: The Lord indicates to Moses and Aaron that Pharaoh will demand proof of the His validity and power and so provides instructions for what to do. The implication, however, is that Pharaoh will not want to believe. As we have previously discussed, asking for a miracle when God has already provided ample evidence is called wicked in scripture. Nonetheless, the LORD gives the same sign that was to be given to the people, the changing of the staff into a living. Recall that the people did believe. The same is not going to be true with Pharaoh.

The obedience of Moses

Verse 10: Moses and Aaron go to see Pharaoh and deliver the message of Yahweh: Release my people to worship Me. Moses is careful to tell us he and Aaron act as instructed by the LORD. They don’t deviate nor do they waver. They have fully submitted to the will of God. We have been this point before, but since Moses is careful to reiterate, we must take note. The servants of God must do what God says when and how He says to do it, and no more and no less. This is to be the goal of every Christian. It is our spiritual worship (). The fact that the staff became a snake is significant. We have previously discussed how the symbol of the snake represented authority. The message to Pharaoh is clear: You are not sovereign, I AM.

The counterfeit of the enemy

One option is the magicians had in their hand paralyzed snakes. There was a spot where the magicians could hold on the snakes that would keep them still and looking like a staff. The other option was that it was a counterfeit miracle performed by Satanic power. The devil, the adversary, Lucifer can’t create anything but he can imitate in order to deceive (cf. ).

Verses 11 - 12a: Rather than immediately submit Pharaoh calls for the counterfeiters, the magician priests to perform the same act. Let me make a quick apologetics point. The word used for magicians, “hartumme”, is an Egyptian loanword. The writer would have to have knowledge of the Egyptian language and culture to use it. Exodus is a true account. Returning to our narrative, the question must be asked how Pharaoh magicians could duplicate this divine display of power? One option is the magicians had in their hand paralyzed snakes. There was a spot where the magicians could hold on the snakes that would keep them still and looking like a staff. The other option was that it was a counterfeit miracle performed by Satanic power. The devil, the adversary, Lucifer can’t create anything but he can imitate in order to deceive (cf. ).

This is a case where Pharaoh’s heart was hardened not by God. The sense of the word is that Pharaoh paid not attention to the sign. He was unwilling to be moved by it. He was obstinate or stubborn. He acted in the manner that warrants the LORD hardening his heart.

The superiority of Yahweh

Yet this is not the end of the story. We are told that Aaron’s staff swallowed up their staffs. Their demonstration of power is nothing compared to the power of Yahweh. It also means they can’t do it again. In Egyptian thought this was a message that the only true power is found in the God of Israel. The LORD has power over all His creation and can do as He wills. When the LORD acts, there is none who can match or thwart Him. The swallowing of the magicians staff is also a foreshadowing of the destruction of the gods of Egypt and her army (). The LORD will consume Egypt and her might and His people shall be free.

From what we have seen so far, we can acknowledge the reality of spiritual warfare. Their is a spiritual realm and a battle raging. There is no need to fear however because it is neither a level playing field or fair fight. The superior power is the God the universe and we are on His side.

The refusal to listen

Verse 13: This great act of power warranted only one response: submission and worship. Pharaoh should have acknowledged Yahweh as LORD of all the earth, fallen to his knees, and begged for mercy. As the LORD indicated however, this doesn’t happen. Pharaoh doesn’t budge. He refuses to give heed to Moses’ demands. This is a case where Pharaoh’s heart wasn’t hardened by God. The sense of the word here means Pharaoh paid no attention to the sign. He was unwilling to be moved by it. He was obstinate or stubborn. He acted in the manner that warrants the LORD’s later hardening of his heart. He doesn’t want to free Israel and this small demonstration of God’s superiority is not going to move him. In taking this action, Pharaoh is ensuring the judgment of God and unwittingly advancing the plan of God.

Practical Application

The LORD is the one true sovereign. He is the power above all powers who, by the Son, has destroyed the power of sin and death and redeemed His people to Himself. There is no power that can stand in His way. God’s love for His people is great and He will save them. Indeed, God has saved. He is saving and He will save. Blessed by the name of the Lord.

Gospel Application

God has provided enough evidence of His existence, majesty, power, and worthiness of worship. There is no need for more and no excuse not to believe. The Lord has given us His word that we may know Him. These together are called general and special revelation and the latter is a gracious gift to us. If you don’t call Christ both savior and Lord, I call you to consider your ways. Think about Pharaoh and what he will experience. Are you like him? Have you ignored His word given to you by His people. Have you acted as if you are your own god? Do you think God has to accept you into heaven. If the answer to any of these questions is yes and you realize the foolishness of these responses, I call you to repent and believe the gospel. Acknowledge and confess your sin. Ask to be received into His kingdom. Place your trust upon Him alone and you will be saved. Don’t delay and don’t harden your heart like Pharaoh. This is a matter on eternity. Repent and believe the gospel.