Exodus 7:11-12

EXODUS—NOTE ON Exodus 7:11 This is the first of three times where the magicians of Egypt see the sign that Aaron performs and then do the same by their secret arts (also v. Exodus 7:22; Exodus 8:7). “Magician” likely refers to men who saw themselves as using their magic arts to serve Egypt’s gods but who also were considered teachers of wisdom. Exodus 1:1 does not provide any further explanation of how the magicians performed these signs. Although the magicians were able to perform each sign, they did not control the situation completely, as when Aaron’s staff swallowed up their staffs.