Definition: And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments: and Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, neither did he hearken unto them; as the LORD had said.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 7:22. It's a really important passage about God’s power and a shift in Egypt’s situation. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: The Problem: The Egyptians were having a huge problem with the Israelites. They were constantly trying to make things seem like magic or miracles – like creating illusions or making people believe they could do impossible things. The Magicians: These weren't just any magicians. They were the priests of Amun, who were powerful and influential figures in Egypt. They were obsessed with trying to influence Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, to let the Israelites go free. Their Attempt: They used spells, rituals, and illusions to try and make Pharaoh believe they could help the Israelites. They wanted to trick him into giving them freedom. Pharaoh's Reaction: Pharaoh, who was already a bit stubborn and focused on his own power, really didn’t listen to these magical attempts. He refused to cooperate with the magicians. What Happens Next? God Intervenes: God saw their efforts and decided to intervene directly. The Lord's Word: The LORD (God) spoke to Pharaoh, telling him that He had spoken to the priests of Amun and that they were not in control. He told Pharaoh that the Israelites would be free. In short, this verse tells us God is powerful enough to overcome even the most clever and persistent attempts at manipulation. It highlights God’s ability to work through seemingly impossible situations and ultimately bring about a positive outcome for His people. Think of it like this: It's like when you try to convince someone with a really elaborate lie, and they just refuse to believe you. God is like the truth – he always wins in the end! --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the significance of this passage in more detail?