In the Exodus account When Moses actually got up and headed back to Egypt to do what God commanded, it says, “Moses took the rod/staff 'of God' in his hand.” Did you notice prior to the encounter with God it was the shepherd “rod/staff of Moses,” Then after it is the rod/staff of God? As Moses led the children of Israel through the desert, God performed many miracles. Some of them included the use of the rod/staff. Historian Josephus has recorded about Moses staff in the antiquities of the Jews. There was no magic in the staff/rod. It was the power of God on display. Your hypothesis is interesting but scripture and history don't support it. https://biblehub.com/library/josephus/the_antiquities_of_the_jews/chapter_12_concerning_the_burning.htm

Not trying to argue - my mind is always open to new information - I believe if my mind is closed to new ideas I’ll never learn anything further so I appreciate your input ... I was just extrapolating in information explained to me when I lived in a cave outside of Jerusalem studying the Bible in Hebrew with a Torah scholar - the caves were pretty cool - it’s where the Templar’s stayed when they were on their way to “liberate” the holy land from the “infidels” and they had painted portraits of the saints and martyrs but since then non Christian inhabitants had scratched their faces off but the bodies were still there and cool mosaics etc - it was such a great experience living in them (I lived in that valley - Lifta for 6 months or so during my 10 year stint in Jerusalem ... again not arguing just letting you know where I’m coming from... all the very best :)

Not trying to argue - my mind is always open to new information - I believe if my mind is closed to new ideas I’ll never learn anything further so I appreciate your input ... I was just extrapolating in information explained to me when I lived in a cave outside of Jerusalem studying the Bible in Hebrew with a Torah scholar - the caves were pretty cool - it’s where the Templar’s stayed when they were on their way to “liberate” the holy land from the “infidels” and they had painted portraits of the saints and martyrs but since then non Christian inhabitants had scratched their faces off but the bodies were still there and cool mosaics etc - it was such a great experience living in them (I lived in that valley - Lifta for 6 months or so during my 10 year stint in Jerusalem ... again not arguing just letting you know where I’m coming from... all the very best :)