Library Theodoret Questions on Exodus
Questions on Exodus 9: The rod changed into a serpent
Why did he give as the first sign the changing of the rod into a serpent?
Because Pharaoh, though of a rational nature, used cruelty against the Hebrews and made what was godlike into something beastly, God commanded that the rod through which he scourged him be changed into a serpent—as a refutation of that man’s beastliness and a display of enmity. For to the curse of the serpent this too was added: “I will put enmity between you and the woman,” and what follows.
Greek: Theodoret of Cyrus, Quaestiones in Octateuchum / Questions on Exodus (CPG 6200.02; cf. Fernández Marcos and Sáenz-Badillos; also PG 80, cols. 225–298). English: study translation for BWAB Library—not the copyrighted Robert C. Hill (CUA Press) translation. The full Questions on Exodus (72 questions) is hosted here.