Tafsir of Ta-Ha 20:57

"He said: 'Have you come to us to drive us out...'"

It is evident from the core of his statement—"to drive us out of our land with your magic"—that his limbs were trembling with fear of what Moses (peace be upon him) had brought. This was because he knew and was certain that Moses was on the truth, and that if one who is on the truth were to command the mountains to move, they would obey. He knew that such a person would not be forsaken, that his supporters would not be few, and that he would inevitably overcome him in his kingdom.

His use of the word "with your magic" was merely an excuse and a sign of his bewilderment. Otherwise, how could it be hidden from him that a magician is incapable of driving a king like himself out of his land or overcoming him in his kingdom through magic?

"So we will surely bring you magic like it, so appoint a tryst between us and you, which we shall not fail, neither we nor you, at a central place."

"He said: 'Your tryst shall be the day of the festival, and let the people be assembled in the forenoon.' Then Pharaoh turned away, gathered his stratagem, and then came."