Parshah Va'eira - Exodus 6:2-9:35

Aaron threw down his rod before Pharaoh and it turned into a snake. Pharaoh summoned the wise men and sorcerers of Egypt... each cast his rod, and they turned into snakes; and Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods (Exodus 7:10-12)

Why did Aaron's rod swallowed the Egyptians' rods/serpents only after it had reverted back to its original form, rather than as a serpent itself?

This is to teach us that even when he wages war, the Jew is not a warrior. Even when he must destroy the serpents of the enemy, he is not a serpent himself, spewing poison and hate. His instrument of vengeance is as devoid of vengeful feeling as a lifeless stick.

(From the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe)
Any Thoughts?

I see the Rebbe's thoughts are centered upon the Jew, and not the G-d of the Jews. Remember that Moshe represented G-d to Pharoah and G-d is a warrior, and always wins.

Did he say what translation into english he was using? I think we had some discrepancy on the different translations of that.

You can see the different translations here at Blue letter bible
http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/Exd/Exd007.html#10

just click on the letters next to verse 12, letter 'C' will show the Hebrew and clicking on letter 'V' will show you all the translations

I guess I am having trouble with the definer there in that sentence to me, 'swallowed' would only be able to be used of something with a mouth, no?