The miracles associated with Moses are numerous and significant, serving as divine signs to authenticate his leadership and God's power. Among these miracles is the temporary affliction and healing of Moses' hand with leprosy, a pivotal event that occurs during God's commissioning of Moses at the burning bush. This miracle is recorded in the Book of Exodus and serves as a sign to both Moses and the Israelites of God's sovereign power and His choice of Moses as the leader to deliver His people from Egyptian bondage.

Biblical Account

The account of Moses' leprous hand is found in Exodus 4:6-7. As Moses expresses doubt about his ability to convince the Israelites of his divine mission, God provides him with miraculous signs. The Berean Standard Bible records:

"Furthermore, the LORD said to him, 'Put your hand inside your cloak.' So Moses put his hand inside his cloak, and when he took it out, his hand was leprous, like 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."

Significance of the Miracle

1. Divine Authentication: This miracle serves as a divine authentication of Moses' prophetic calling. By transforming Moses' hand and then restoring it, God demonstrates His control over health and disease, underscoring His authority and the legitimacy of Moses' mission.

2. Symbolism of Leprosy: In biblical times, leprosy was a feared and isolating disease, often seen as a symbol of sin and impurity. The instantaneous appearance and disappearance of leprosy on Moses' hand symbolize God's power to purify and heal, reinforcing His ability to cleanse and redeem His people.

3. Foreshadowing Deliverance: The miracle foreshadows the deliverance of Israel from Egypt. Just as Moses' hand was temporarily afflicted and then healed, the Israelites would experience suffering in Egypt but would ultimately be delivered and restored by God's mighty hand.

4. Encouragement to Moses: This sign serves as a personal encouragement to Moses, addressing his insecurities and doubts. By witnessing God's power firsthand, Moses is reassured of God's presence and support as he undertakes the daunting task of leading the Israelites out of slavery.

Theological Implications

The miracle of Moses' leprous hand highlights several theological themes central to the narrative of Exodus and the broader biblical message:

· God's Sovereignty: The miracle underscores God's sovereignty over creation, health, and human affairs. It affirms that God is in control and can intervene in the natural order to accomplish His purposes.

· Faith and Obedience: Moses' response to God's command to place his hand inside his cloak demonstrates faith and obedience. This act of trust is essential for those called to serve God, illustrating the importance of reliance on divine power rather than human ability.

· Redemption and Restoration: The healing of Moses' hand serves as a microcosm of God's redemptive work. It points to the ultimate restoration and healing that God offers to His people, both physically and spiritually.

In summary, the miracle of Moses' leprous hand is a powerful testament to God's authority, a reassurance to His chosen leader, and a foreshadowing of the deliverance and redemption that He would bring to the Israelites. This event, like other miracles in Moses' life, serves to glorify God and affirm His covenantal promises to His people.Exodus 4:6,7,30
And the LORD said furthermore to him, Put now your hand into your bosom. And he put his hand into his bosom: and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous as snow.
Nave's Topical Index

Second Journey through Galilee - the Healing of the Leper.
... that He was not merely a worker of miracles, but that He ... kinds of disease, leprosy
is not included in the catalogue. ... for it: not in the case of Moses, nor even ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xv second journey through.htm

Penitence, as Explained in the Sophistical Jargon of the Schoolmen ...
... and offer for thy cleansing according as Moses commanded for ... are forced to become
witnesses to the miracles of Christ ... not sit down to make a catalogue, but from ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 4 penitence as explained.htm

The Jerusalem Sinner Saved;
... taint of sin, and its awfully developed leprosy, is given ... not only despised his person,
doctrine, and miracles, but that ... Why have we not a catalogue of some holy ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the jerusalem sinner saved.htm

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Does God still perform miracles? | GotQuestions.org

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