Then the LORD said to Moses and Aaron,
Moses repeats himself because he writes for dull minds, yet we ought to be ashamed at how little we strain ourselves to examine God's works carefully. Pharaoh had seen this very miracle before in Midian and Egypt, so his stubborn rejection of God's plain power is inexcusable; unbelievers always find pretexts to evade what they have been shown.
AI summary
Pharaoh demands a miracle not to be convinced but hoping none will come, so he can cloak his unbelief. The rod becomes a serpent to strike terror into him, for God deals with sinners gradually, making them fear before they feel. Yet the magicians' imitation dulls the force of what should have broken his heart.
AI summary
Commenting on Exodus 7:8-13
And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron,.... After he had given them their commission, and instructions to go to Pharaoh, and a little before they went in to him: saying, as follows.