“Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God: and Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the Lord had said.”
Context:The book of Exodus recounts the story of the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt. In this particular verse, Moses and Aaron have been performing various signs and wonders before Pharaoh to demonstrate God’s power and demand the release of the Israelites. Here, the magicians, who were initially able to replicate some of the miracles, acknowledge the superiority of God’s power.
The Finger of God:When the magicians declare, “This is the finger of God,” they acknowledge that the plagues Moses and Aaron bring upon Egypt are not the result of mere human magic or tricks. Instead, they attribute these supernatural occurrences to the direct intervention of God. This confession signifies a significant turning point in the narrative, as even the magicians recognize the divine origin of the miracles.
Pharaoh’s Hardened Heart:The verse mentions that Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he did not listen to the magicians. Throughout the narrative, we see a pattern of Pharaoh’s heart being hardened, which means he stubbornly refuses to heed the warnings and demands of Moses and Aaron. This hardening is both a result of Pharaoh’s own stubbornness and a divine act of God. It signifies the ongoing conflict between Pharaoh’s pride and God’s sovereignty.
Fulfillment of God’s Word:The verse concludes by stating that Pharaoh did not listen to the magicians, “as the Lord had said.” This highlights the fulfillment of God’s foretelling of Pharaoh’s response. God had informed Moses earlier that He would harden Pharaoh’s heart, making it difficult for him to release the Israelites (Exodus 4:21). The hardening of Pharaoh’s heart serves a larger purpose in demonstrating God’s power and bringing about His ultimate plan for deliverance.
Application:Exodus 8:19 reminds us of the sovereignty and power of God. It emphasizes the futility of human attempts to rival or resist God’s authority. It also serves as a reminder to us to be attentive to God’s signs and messages, acknowledging His hand at work in our lives. Moreover, it warns against a hardened heart, urging us to remain open and receptive to God’s word and guidance.
In summary, Exodus 8:19 highlights the acknowledgment of God’s power by the magicians, Pharaoh’s hardened heart, and the fulfillment of God’s word. This verse emphasizes God’s sovereignty, warns against a hardened heart, and encourages us to be attentive to His signs and leading in our lives.
