John Calvin Commentary Exodus 7:11

"Then Pharaoh also called for the wise men and the sorcerers: and they also, the magicians of Egypt, did in like manner with their enchantments." — Exodus 7:11 (ASV)

Then Pharaoh also called. The impiety of the tyrant, which had previously lain hidden in the recesses of his heart, now breaks forth, as he does not hesitate to challenge God. For he was sufficiently instructed in the wonderful power of God, if his iniquity had not urged him onward into desperate madness. In asking for a sign, he thought (as I said before) that he would have just cause for despising Moses. The wicked trust that they may do anything with impunity, unless God should openly appear from heaven to prohibit them. However, because inflexible perversity completely possesses their hearts, they do not hesitate to resist the manifest power of God.

Thus, the wickedness of Pharaoh blinded his eyes, so that, though seeing the light, he did not perceive it. Even though convinced, he still sought darkness to hide the light from his sight. He received, therefore, the just reward for such impious and diabolical arrogance when he was deceived by the tricks of his own magicians. This is a very useful example and well worth noting. From it, we are taught, first of all, that the wicked, whatever appearance of being teachable they may adopt, still remain inwardly rebellious and stubborn. Moreover, they are not only inclined to error but are also eagerly drawn towards it with all their heart.

This vice is not always conspicuous in every individual, but when God brings His light nearer to them, it is easily detected and betrays itself. How many today, among the Papists, are followers of wicked superstitions under the pretext of simplicity? As long as, under the guise of ignorance, they deceive themselves and others, they seem to be worthy of pity. However, as soon as the truth shines forth, they demonstrate their love for the impostures by which they perish, and their delight in falsehoods. Assuredly (as Paul says), they have received not the love of the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:10).

Are we surprised then that Pharaoh called for the magicians to suppress his awareness of God’s power? It is as if there were not many even now who hire for themselves certain impious brawlers,⁸³ by whose fascinating and fair words they may become stupefied in their errors. It is remarkable that they are honorably called “wise men” out of courtesy, although they were merely inventors of deceit and lacking sound learning. For although astronomy flourished among them, and the study of liberal arts was cultivated, it still appears from the context that they were devoted to many foolish imaginations; indeed, all their degenerate knowledge was mere vanity.

For מכשפים,⁸⁴makshephim, and חרתמים, chartumim, are the names of superstitious arts. The first term signifies jugglers, or those who deceive the eyes and the senses by their enchantments; the second is used for those who cast horoscopes, telling people’s fortunes by the horoscope and prognosticating by the aspect of the stars.

Therefore, although the Egyptian magicians had departed from genuine philosophy, they still retained the name of “wise men” so that they might obtain credit for their delusions. In the same way, the devil, to appropriate God’s glory or to change himself into an angel of light, is accustomed to concealing his falsehoods with specious titles.

Undoubtedly, Pharaoh sought, as if perplexed, to examine the matter more thoroughly by comparison, but for no other reason than to conceal his impiety under a fresh covering. The word להט,⁸⁵lahat, although properly meaning the blade of a sword, is here used for enchantment. I think, however, that those who suggest the reason for this is that they exercised their sorceries with a sword or some similar weapon are mistaken. It rather metaphorically signifies the deceptive motion by which the magicians make one thing appear as another, as it properly means “a flame.”

This severe and terrible vengeance upon Pharaoh ought to inspire us with terror, lest, in our hatred of truth, we should seek after deceptions. For this is intolerable profaneness if we intentionally desire to pervert the distinction between truth and falsehood. Therefore, it is no wonder if God plunges into the deepest darkness of error those who shut their eyes against the light presented to them, and if He hands over to be the disciples of Satan those who refuse to listen to Him as their master.

⁸³ Des caphars, et causeurs effrontez, — Fr..

⁸⁴ The explanation of those words must be understood to be rather conjectural than gathered from any knowledge of their etymology. In Daniel 2, the same words are employed to designate the sorcerers and magicians of Babylon. — , the same words are employed to designate the sorcerers and magicians of Babylon. — W..

⁸⁵ להט, C. has here said that each of two different significations is the proper one. As a verb, להט, is to burn with a flame; as a substantive it is a flame or flash; and hence the flashing of a sword; and sometimes that rapid crossing of the fingers which confuses the eye. But in ver. 22, and in 8:3-14, the same word occurs with the omission of the middle letter; and this omission will justify its being regarded as belonging to the root לוט, which signifies hiding, involving in obscurity, practising deceitful arts. — W