Exodus 7:11

The wise men. The “wise men” were educated in science and the art of writing. The “sorcerers” were charmers, who professed to be able to produce magic spells. The word translated “magicians” is the Egyptian equivalent of the Hebrew word translated “sorcerers.” Magic was the object of much attention and study in Egypt, as extant texts on magic show. It consisted to a large extent in charms that were thought to have power over beasts, especially over reptiles. That these men must have experienced actual results in their practice of magic is obvious from the fact that they were held in such high esteem through the centuries. It must therefore be assumed that they performed at least some of their wonders by the power of evil spirits, though many were no doubt only trickery (see Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 264).

They also. The rods of the magicians did not actually become serpents, as did the rod of Aaron. Neither the magicians nor Satan himself could create life. Through the power of evil magic, their rods were made to appear to be serpents (see Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 264). As in Exodus 8:18, they went through the motions, but did not achieve the same results.