New International Reader's Version

Exodus 7:3-15 New International Reader's Version (NIRV)

3. "But I will make Pharaoh's heart stubborn. I will multiply my miraculous signs and wonders in Egypt.

4. In spite of that, he will not listen to you. So I will use my powerful hand against Egypt. When I judge them with mighty acts, I will bring my people Israel out like an army on the march.

5. "Then the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord. I will reach out my powerful hand against Egypt. I will bring the people of Israel out of it."

6. Moses and Aaron did exactly as the Lord had commanded them.

7. Moses was 80 years old and Aaron was 83 when they spoke to Pharaoh.

8. The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron.

9. He said, "Pharaoh will say to you, 'Do a miracle.' When he does, speak to Aaron. Tell him, 'Take your wooden staff and throw it down in front of Pharaoh.' It will turn into a snake."

10. So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh. They did exactly as the Lord had commanded them. Aaron threw his staff down in front of Pharaoh and his officials. It turned into a snake.

11. Then Pharaoh sent for wise men and those who do evil magic. By doing their magic tricks, the Egyptian magicians did the same things Aaron had done.

12. Each one threw his staff down. Each staff turned into a snake. But Aaron's staff swallowed theirs up.

13. In spite of that, Pharaoh's heart became stubborn. He wouldn't listen to them, just as the Lord had said.

14. Then the Lord said to Moses, "Pharaoh's heart is very stubborn. He refuses to let the people go.

15. In the morning Pharaoh will go down to the water. Go and wait on the bank of the Nile River to meet him. Take in your hand the wooden staff that turned into a snake.