Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God: and Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said. (Exodus 8:19 KJV)

When God plagued Egypt to deliver Israel from bondage, the Magicians of Egypt, who often attempted to replicate the plagues, finally said to Pharoah, “this is the finger of God”. What did they mean by God’s finger?

Obviously, God does not have a physical body as we do. However, scriptures often use different body parts to describe aspects of God’s attributes—a practice theologians call anthropopatheia. For instance, we often read of the hand of God, which refers to God’s power at work to accomplish something.

The finger of God in this verse represents the work or the doing of God. As the plagues unfolded, the magicians, who had probably thought Moses was another great magician, quickly realized that the plagues were not magic like theirs but were the doing of the Almighty God. Consequently, they told Pharaoh, “these plagues are the works of the great God”. 

In the New Testament, Jesus fully explains God’s finger in Luke 11:20:

“But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.” (Luke 11:20 KJV)

The Pharisees had accused Him of casting out demons by Satan, the prince of the demons. In response, He said He cast out demons not by an evil spirit but by the finger of God—the Holy Spirit! 

So God’s finger, just as His hand or arm, is His power to work or accomplish tasks. And in Christ, He is pointing that finger against disease, demons, fear, anxiety, etc., in our lives!

Meditate

How does the finger of God compare to the hand of the Lord upon us? ( Ezekiel 3:22)

Apply the Word

Stretch and point God’s finger to unleash His power to remove whatever mountain is challenging your life.

Pray

Thank the Lord for the privilege of having His Spirit inside of us. 

Recommended

• The Finger of God
• The Hand of God
• What is the Touch of God?
• What is a Devotional?
• View All Deshen Daily Devotionals

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