Deception

Then the LORD said to Moses: “Tell Aaron, ‘Take your staff and raise your hand over the waters of Egypt—all its rivers, canals, ponds, and all the reservoirs. Turn all the water to blood. Everywhere in Egypt the water will turn to blood, even the water stored in wooden bowls and stone pots.’” So Moses and Aaron did just as the LORD commanded them. As Pharaoh and all of his officials watched, Aaron raised his staff and struck the water of the Nile. Suddenly, the whole river turned to blood! The fish in the river died, and the water became so foul that the Egyptians couldn’t drink it. There was blood everywhere throughout the land of Egypt. But again the magicians of Egypt used their magic, and they, too, turned water into blood. So Pharaoh’s heart remained hard. He refused to listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the LORD had predicted. [Exodus 7.19-22]

There must be some explanation for a couple of problematic facts in the passage above.

Where did the water that the magicians turned to blood come from if Moses did as the LORD  commanded and turned ALL the water in Egypt to blood?

I believe the Bible is a stand-alone book. By that, I mean that the Bible does not depend on any other book or writing to find its credence. If it did, then the support material would be just as holy, or more holy than, the Bible. So, tempting as it may be to consult the countless commentaries and support materials out there, I will refrain.

So, where did the water come from the magicians turned to blood? There are two possible scenarios. One is that Moses perhaps left something out - maybe he missed something - took the staff down too early - didn't look in every direction... However, the problem with this possible scenario is that the same dialog says Moses and Aaron "...did just as the LORD commanded them..."

Another possible explanation is that Pharaoh's magicians simply lied to Pharaoh or tricked him to believe they had done the same. They were magicians after all... masters of deceit, slight of hand, etc... I am more inclined to believe this second explanation. I personally do not believe they "actually" tuned water to blood as did Moses. I think they created the illusion of having done so.

This is so like the enemy. Everything he does is "smoke and mirrors." Jesus said the devil is a liar and the father of lies. So, we can count on this one thing from the devil, his methods will always involve deceit - it's his way, his modus operandi. Regardless how legitimate he makes it look, everything he does is based on lies. If worldly magicians can trick our eyes, the devil can too.

But this we know without doubt: God is the God of Truth and no lie or deception even comes near Him. 

Father, I feel quite scattered in my thoughts today. However, I am sure of this: Satan is a liar. I am sure that no matter how legitimate the enemy tries to make my circumstances look, Your Kingdom prevails victorious and I know for certainty that Your will for my circumstances is clearly seen in the way it is in heaven!