FBC Gridley

Moses tried to persuade Pharaoh to release the Israelite slaves by performing a series of miracles. Each miracle was designed to demonstrate the superiority of Jehovah over the gods of Egypt. Each miracle substantiated Moses' authority.

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But Pharaoh summoned some court magicians, and they were able to imitate the first few signs of Moses.

 

In verse 10, we read that Aaron threw the staff down, and it became a snake.

 

The snake was a symbol of divine authority to the Egyptians. But verse 11 reads that Pharaoh summoned the magicians, and they did the same thing by the use of their magic arts.

 

Moses' snake devoured theirs, once again demonstrating God's superiority. But Pharaoh's heart became hard, and he would not listen to Moses. To him it all seemed like so much hocus-pocus.

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Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.    
Ephesians 6:11-12