John Calvin Commentary Exodus 7:22

"And the magicians of Egypt did in like manner with their enchantments: and Pharaoh`s heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as Jehovah had spoken." — Exodus 7:22 (ASV)

And the magicians of Egypt did so. A question arises as to how the magicians could imitate Moses when the material to work with no longer remained; for, if there was no water left in Egypt, its transformation was impossible. But I have no doubt that, for the purpose of their illusion, pure and clear waters appeared for a little while, and then were changed into blood. For, since the time for concluding the contests had not yet arrived, doubtless God opened a way for Himself until they reached their end.

Augustine's supposition⁸⁹ that the magicians took the water which remained pure and unaltered among the habitations of the Israelites is a strained one. I would more willingly accept what he says: that perhaps the waters were struck by them at the same instant, so that in one place the power of God shone forth, while in another their deception prevailed—although the solution I have given is quite sufficient.

Whether the change was true or imaginary, I dare not decide, except that it is more in keeping with the delusions of Satan that the eyes of the wicked were deceived. Nor is there any need to philosophize more subtly with Augustine⁹⁰ that there is a seminal principle infused into all created things, so that one species may generate another.

We should rather take our stand on Paul's teaching that God sends strong delusion to ensnare the unbelievers with lies, because they refuse to embrace the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:11). And I have already shown from another passage of Moses that, by the just judgment of God, false prophets perform signs and wonders.

Moses, however, seems to hint that it was only an illusion when he adds, the magicians did so with their enchantments; as if flashes, like lightning, dazzled the eyes of the spectators; for I have shown this to be the meaning of the word.

Yet I do not doubt that God entirely preserved His people from this calamity, so that these guests and strangers were supplied with the water of Egypt, while not a drop was left for the natives of the land. Thus the king was convicted of obstinacy because he was not more attentive to observe this distinction. Indeed, he must have been doubly mad and foolish, to his own destruction and that of his kingdom, to set the magicians' delusion against the power of God.

But this often happens to the reprobate: they rush eagerly, as it were, to their own destruction, while they are carried away by satanic impulse in opposition to God. Yet this was no small temptation to God’s servants, to see the ministers of Satan almost rivaling them.

For, if God chose to bear witness to their deliverance by miracles—when they saw their enemies endowed with a similar power, how could their own calling be confirmed and sure? And indeed, it is probable that their faith was shaken by these machinations; yet I consider it certain that it did not yield or give way. For, if Moses had been overcome by doubt, he would have confessed it, as was his custom.

But God opened their eyes so that they would regard with contempt the tricks and deceptions of the magicians. Besides, the divine vision had shone upon them along with the word, so that it was no wonder that, thus supported, they would repel or withstand every assault with firmness.

⁸⁹ Tom. 3., pars prima, p. 428; Quaestiones in Exodum, 23; and tom. 2., p. 463; , p. 428; Quaestiones in Exodum, 23; and tom. 2., p. 463; Ep. 143., in Marcellum, where he offers another explanation also, viz., that their miracle might have been wrought upon salt water.., in Marcellum, where he offers another explanation also, viz., that their miracle might have been wrought upon salt water.

⁹⁰ Vol. 3, pt. 1, p. 427, quaes. 21. “Insunt enim corporeis rebus per omnia elementa mundi quaedam occultae seminariae rationes, quibus, eum data fuerit opportunitas temporalis, atque causalis, prorumpunt in species debitas suis modis, et finibus.”