Midrash for Exodus 4:2

Another interpretation (of Is. 46:10): DECLARING THE END FROM THE BEGINNING. The Holy One made known to Moses, while he was at the bush, what Pharaoh was going to do. He said to him (in Exod. 4:2–4): MOSES, WHAT IS THIS IN YOUR HAND? AND HE SAID: A ROD. THEN HE SAID: CAST IT TO THE GROUND, SO HE CAST IT TO THE GROUND AND IT BECAME A SNAKE…. THEN THE LORD SAID UNTO MOSES: PUT OUT YOUR HAND AND GRASP IT BY THE TAIL…. So it reverted and became a rod. The Holy One said to him: Moses, just as the snake bends itself, so Pharaoh is going to bend himself because of you. Ergo (in Is. 46:10): DECLARING THE END FROM THE BEGINNING. When he comes and says (in Exod. 7:9): PRODUCE YOUR MIRACLE, simply do for him just as I have done.

The Holy One said to him (in Exod. 4:2–3): WHAT IS THIS IN YOUR HAND?… THEN HE SAID: CAST IT TO THE GROUND….