Daily PresenceSample

The plagues of Egypt are obviously one of the most memorable portions of the Bible. Countless books, movies, and even songs make reference to these events. Undoubtedly these events are immense evidence of God’s power, but as I reflected upon these chapters there was something other than the plagues themselves that stuck out to me: the magicians.

When we think of magicians, we think of people in tuxedos doing sleight-of-hand tricks at kid’s parties or corporate events. However, in Moses’ day, magicians were semi-religious figures who conjured strange powers to illustrate the power of the Egyptians' many Gods. Even during the first two plagues of Egypt, Pharaoh's magicians are able to mimic God’s plagues through “secret arts”.

As I read about the magicians mimicking God’s plagues, it got me thinking: “Why would they do this?” If turning the water into blood killed all of the fish and made the water undrinkable, why would you do it? If frogs swarmed your lands and invaded your houses, beds, and kitchens, why would you do the same? The answer lies in a phrase we see over and over again in Exodus: pharaoh hardened his heart. What did this mean exactly? Well, the Egyptians worshiped many Gods with many different powers. So, by Pharaoh witnessing God’s power, it forced him to question everything he believed. He could have come to faith in God, but he chose to “harden his heart” against the conviction that God may actually be powerful and in control and instead trusted in the illusions of his magicians.

However, as the plagues continued, the magicians were unable to mimic God’s plagues. This angered Pharaoh, but he was already too far down the road of doubt to stop now. So, he continued to deny God’s power in his heart, and held fast to his anger and resentment. Ultimately, this led to his death at the crossing of the Red Sea.

In our society, there are many “magicians” attempting to grab our attention away from the power of God, but we cannot let ourselves be deceived by the world. We cannot let ourselves harden our hearts against the power and promises God has set before us. Even as Moses feared the commands of God, his obedience brought him out of slavery in Egypt and he was able to lead his people through the wilderness and towards the promised land. Do not be deceived: God is in control.