they became serpents] The word here is the same which is verse 10. this change was either in appearance onely, (for neither the Devil, nor his Agents, can make any creature, or change their nature) or else, (by the helpe of the Devil) Serpents or Dragons might be brought into the place of the Rods, and the Rods removed them also out of sight. swallowed up] That is, the Serpent, or Dragon, into which Moses his Rod was turned, swallowed up the Serpents, into which their rods were turned, or for which, they were changed, by the inchantment, and art of the Devil, not making, but bringing true Serpents in their places.