“So that perhaps we may follow the magicians, if they are the victors.” (40)

When the magicians came, they said to Pharaoh, “Shall we indeed have a reward if we are the victors?” (41)

He said, “Yes, and you will then certainly be among those brought near.” (42)

Moses said to them, “Cast whatever you are going to cast.” (43)

Pharaoh said to him, “Then bring it forth, for we shall not imprison you then, if you are truthful.” So he threw down his staff, and behold, it was a clear serpent. Pharaoh said, “Has he changed it?”

Moses drew forth his hand, and behold, it was shining white for all to see. Pharaoh said to the chiefs around him, “Indeed, this is a learned magician, who seeks to drive you from your land by his magic. So what do you advise?”

They said, “Delay him and his brother, and send gatherers throughout the cities to bring you every skilled magician.”

So the magicians were assembled at an appointed time on a known day—the Day of Adornment. It is reported from Ibn Abbas that this day coincided with a Saturday, the first day of the year, namely Nowruz.

And the people were told, “Will you gather?” 50/ That you may see what the two parties will do and which of them will prevail. “So that perhaps we may follow the magicians, if they are the victors”—that is, over Moses. It was also said that they said this mockingly, intending by “the magicians” Moses, Aaron, and their people.

When the magicians came, they said to Pharaoh, “Shall we indeed have a reward if we are the victors?” He said, “Yes, and you will then certainly be among those brought near.” Moses said to them, “Cast whatever you are going to cast.”