Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, “This is God’s finger;” but Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he didn’t listen to them, as the LORD had spoken.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 19. Finger, the spirit, (Lu. 11:20 comp. Matthew 12:28,) or power of God. Isaiah 40:12. The magicians here confess, that Moses is something more than themselves. Calmet.—Thus God interferes, whenever a contest of miracles, real or apparent, might lead any sincere seeker astray. He caused the priests of Baal to be confounded; (3 Kennicott. 19,) and Simon Magus, flying in the air, was hurled down at the prayer of Saint Peter. Hegesip. Cyrola, the Arian patriarch, attempting to deceive the people, by giving sight to a man whom he bribed to feign himself blind; and Calvin, who wished to have the honour of raising a man to life, at Geneva, by the like imposition, were both deservedly covered with confusion; while, of those unhappy men who joined in the collusion, one lost his sight, and the other his life. Greg. of Tours ii. Hist. 3. Bolsec. On such occasions, we are admonished to be on our guard, and to adhere to the old religion. Deuteronomy 13. Matthew 24. Worthington.—The magicians, though fully convinced, were not still converted.