and it became a rod] The rd, and serpent, might signifie the different condition of the Israelites, and Egyptians: a rod to correct those as children, a serpent to sting, and kill these as enemies: In this change, Moses his faith overcometh his feare: and by faith the greatest evils change their natures, and become not serpents to kill, but rods, or staves (as Psalms 23:4.) to comfort, and support. Or the rod and serpent may note the different condition of the Israelites onely, as first, under Josephs rod of government: secondly, under Egypts Scorpion of persecution, which was the rod converted to a serpent: thirdly, that serpent turned into a rod againe, might intimate their state and condition under the government of Moses. take it by the taile] Some curiously note, that he was bidden to take the serpent by the Taile, not by the head: because that part was reserved to be bruised by Moses his Master, Genesis 3:15. became a rod] The serpent being the embleme, or figure of the devill, this power over the rod and serpent by alternate change is thought (by some) to typifie the prevailing of Christ over the devill, in the working of wonders, by changing the nature of the creatures, as well as otherwise.