Exodus 9:11

The magicians could not stand before Moses, &c.— Baffled before, and wholly conquered, the magicians, it is probable, still continued about Pharaoh, and were eye-witnesses of the several transactions recorded: but now, to reduce them to the lowest contempt, and to deprive them of even the shadow of influence, they share in the common calamity, and, afflicted with the sore disease, are unable even to shew their heads! Henceforth we hear no more of them; so complete was the triumph of Moses and Aaron.

REFLECTIONS.— To humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, is the way to avert his judgments; to harden our heart, is but to increase them. Behold another plague: that affected their cattle, this their persons; a boil, as painful as loathsome. The fire of the furnace never scorched the Israelites so much as this dust the bodies of the Egyptians. Not even the magicians could stand before it; their folly is now as manifest as their sufferings are grievous. Note; 1. God will most severely deal with those who have been most instrumental in deceiving and hardening others. 2. Though the devil delude men into sin, he cannot preserve them from suffering. Pharaoh still is hardened: he had rejected God's warnings, and now his impenitence is both his punishment and crime. Note; When men reject God, it is just that they should be rejected by him.