“And the LORD said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet.”
Or, a God to Pharaoh. I have given thee power and authority to speak in my name and to execute my judgments upon him. Or, shall speak for thee (before Pharaoh.)
“But Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you, that I may lay my hand upon Egypt, and bring forth mine armies, and my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great judgments.”
To strengthen Moses’ faith, God promiseth again to punish most sharply the oppression of his Church.
“And Moses was fourscore years old, and Aaron fourscore and three years old, when they spake unto Pharaoh.”
Moses lived in affliction and banishment forty years before he enjoined his office to deliver God’s people.
“Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments.”
It seemeth that these were Jannes and Jambres: read 2 Tim. 3:8 , so ever the wicked maliciously resist the truth of God.
“And the fish that is in the river shall die, and the river shall stink; and the Egyptians shall lothe to drink of the water of the river.”
Or, they shall be weary, and abhor to drink.
“And Moses and Aaron did so, as the LORD commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood.”
Cross references: : Exod. 17:5 Ps. 78:44
“And the fish that was in the river died; and the river stank, and the Egyptians could not drink of the water of the river; and there was blood throughout all the land of Egypt.”
To signify that it was a true miracle, and that God plagued them in that which was most necessary for the preservation of life.
“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.”
Hebrew, was made strong . In outward appearance, and after that the seven days were ended.
“And Pharaoh turned and went into his house, neither did he set his heart to this also.”
Hebrew, he set not his heart at all thereunto .