Exodus 9:11
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 9:11
11 And the magicians could not stand before Moses because of the boils; for the boil was upon the magicians, and upon all the Egyptians.
Chapter Context
Exodus 9 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of prayer, creation, worship. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-35: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 9:11
11 And the magicians could not stand before Moses because of the boils; for the boil was upon the magicians, and upon all the Egyptians.
Analysis
Verse 11 introduces the plague of boils (שְׁחִין, shechin—inflamed sores), targeting Sekhmet (goddess of healing) and Imhotep (god of medicine). The magicians themselves are afflicted and cannot stand before Moses. This plague physically marks Egypt's defeat.
Historical Context
Sekhmet was lioness goddess who both caused and healed disease. Imhotep, deified architect, became god of healing. Their inability to prevent or cure boils demonstrates YHWH's supremacy over health and disease.
Reflection
- What does the magicians' personal affliction teach about false religion's impotence?
- How does physical suffering sometimes reveal spiritual realities?