And the magicians could not stand before Moses because of the boils; for the boil was upon the magicians, and upon all the Egyptians.
11. And the magicians could not. Since the magicians were now also at hand, doubtless they were possessed by their former folly, so that they stood in readiness, as it were, in case an opportunity of contention should be offered them.
When cattle die and men do not repent, God strikes their own bodies instead. The ashes from the furnace that enslaved Israel now terrorize the Egyptians with searing boils; they read their sin written in their punishment. Sores are calls to repentance, and if lighter judgments fail, heavier ones will follow.
AI summary
Commenting on Exodus 9:8-12
And the magicians could not stand before Moses, because of the boils,.... Which were on them as on others, and which with all their art and skill they could not keep off; and which were so sore upon them, and painful to them, that they were obliged to withdraw, and could not stand their ground, confronting Moses, contesting and litigating with him; for it seems...