The answer is: Aaron's rod swallowed them

Exo 7:8-13

In the gripping tale of Exodus, the transformation of Aaron's rod into a serpent is not just a flashy party trick—it’s packed with layers of meaning and symbolism that resonate deeply throughout the narrative. When Aaron’s serpent swallows those of the Pharaoh’s magicians, it's a significant display of divine might overpowering the Egyptian sorcerers' tricks. This impressive and perhaps chilling encounter vividly illustrates that no earthly authority or magical power can rival the unprecedented power of the divine.

What’s quite interesting is that while Pharaoh’s magicians manage to mimic this sign, it reveals a larger truth: the illusion of power that manifests from worldly sources is ultimately no match for genuine divine authority. This reflects a recurring theme throughout many scriptures: the contrast between human hubris and divine sovereignty.

Moreover, Aaron's rod biting the dust—in a colorful metaphor—echoes stories further down the literary timeline of the Bible where lesser powers are ultimately swallowed up by God's purpose. This biting-in revelation of power continues to inform narratives where belief and trust come into play.

Another curious note: in ancient Egyptian mythology, serpents were often symbols of royalty and protectorate deities. Thus, there’s a clever subtext juxtaposing God's authority with what the rulers believed symbolized theirs—what a brilliant narrative tactic! In this way, the story encourages deep reflection on where true strength lies, and pushes us to probe the surfaces of perceived power versus this underlying truth representatively drawn in the serpents' match-up.