92. Faced with utter failure Pharaoh finally resorted to branding the whole
magic tournament as a conspiracy concocted by Moses and his accomplice sorcerers.
Under threat of death and physical torture he asked the sorcerers to confess
that they had acted in collusion with Moses. This last move by Pharaoh was ineffectual.
For the sorcerers readily agreed to endure every torture, clearly proving thereby
that their decision to accept Moses' message reflected their sincere conviction
and that no conspiracy was involved. Pharaoh was hardly left with any choice.
He, therefore, gave up all pretence to follow truth and justice, and brazenly
resorted to persecution instead.
The tremendous and instantaneous change which took place in the characters of
the sorcerers is also of significance. The sorcerers had come all the way from
their homes with the purpose of vindicating their ancestral faith and receiving
pecuniary reward from Pharaoh for overcoming Moses. However, the moment true
faith illumined their hearts, they displayed such resoluteness of will and love
for the truth that they contemptuously turned down Pharaoh's offer, and demonstrated
their full readiness to endure even the worst punishments for the sake of the
truth that had dawned upon them.