The term "leprous hand" refers to a miraculous sign given by God to Moses as recorded in the Book of Exodus. This event is significant in demonstrating God's power and authority, as well as His ability to perform signs and wonders to validate His messengers.

Biblical Account:

The account of the leprous hand is found in Exodus 4:6-7. God is speaking to Moses from the burning bush, commissioning him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses expresses doubt about whether the Israelites will believe that God has sent him. In response, God provides Moses with signs to authenticate his divine mission. One of these signs involves Moses' hand:

"Furthermore, the LORD said to him, 'Now put your hand inside your cloak.' So Moses put his hand inside his cloak, and when he took it out, his hand was leprous, white as snow. 'Now put your hand back inside your cloak,' said the LORD. So Moses put his hand back inside his cloak, and when he took it out, it was restored, like the rest of his skin." (Exodus 4:6-7)

Theological Significance:

1. Divine Authority: The transformation of Moses' hand into a leprous state and its subsequent healing served as a powerful demonstration of God's authority over physical ailments and His control over creation. This sign was intended to convince the Israelites of Moses' divine appointment and to assure Moses of God's presence and power.

2. Symbolism of Leprosy: In biblical times, leprosy was considered a severe and often incurable disease, symbolizing sin and impurity. The sudden appearance and disappearance of leprosy on Moses' hand illustrated God's ability to cleanse and purify, reinforcing His holiness and the seriousness of sin.

3. Foreshadowing of Christ's Ministry: The miraculous healing of the leprous hand can be seen as a foreshadowing of the healing ministry of Jesus Christ, who healed lepers and demonstrated His divine authority over sickness and sin. This connection underscores the continuity of God's redemptive work throughout Scripture.

4. Faith and Obedience: Moses' willingness to follow God's instructions, despite his initial reluctance, highlights the importance of faith and obedience in the believer's life. The leprous hand serves as a reminder that God equips those He calls, providing them with the necessary signs and wonders to fulfill His purposes.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In the ancient Near East, leprosy was a feared disease, often leading to social isolation and ritual impurity. The miraculous nature of the leprous hand sign would have been particularly striking to the Israelites, who understood the gravity of leprosy and the implications of its sudden appearance and healing.

Conclusion:

The leprous hand is a testament to God's power and a pivotal moment in Moses' life, marking the beginning of his journey as the leader of the Israelites. This sign, along with others, served to establish Moses' credibility and to assure the people of Israel that God was with them, guiding them towards freedom and fulfillment of His promises.