Commentators widely agree that the Egyptian magicians were not performing real miracles but were skilled illusionists. Scholars note they used "secret tricks," "sleight-of-hand," and "juggler's tricks" to create a deceptive appearance. Their goal was to imitate God's power, suggesting Moses and Aaron were merely superior magicians, not messengers of the one true God. This highlights that opposition to God often relies on imitation and deception, not equal power.