The account of the leprous hand is a significant event in the life of Moses, serving as a divine sign of God's power and authority. This miraculous occurrence is recorded in the Book of Exodus, specifically in Exodus 4:6-7. It is one of the signs given to Moses to authenticate his divine commission to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage.

Biblical Account

In Exodus 4:6-7 , the Lord instructs Moses: "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 flesh.

This miraculous transformation of Moses' hand into a leprous state and its subsequent restoration served as a powerful sign to both Moses and the Israelites. It demonstrated God's control over health and disease, symbolizing His ability to afflict and heal according to His sovereign will.

Theological Significance

The leprous hand is rich in theological meaning. Leprosy, in biblical times, was a dreaded disease, often seen as a symbol of sin and impurity. By turning Moses' hand leprous and then healing it, God illustrated His power over physical ailments and His authority to cleanse and restore. This act foreshadowed the greater spiritual cleansing that God would provide through His covenant relationship with Israel and ultimately through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.

Symbolism and Typology

The leprous hand can be seen as a typology of sin and redemption. Just as Moses' hand was made leprous and then healed, humanity is afflicted by sin but can be restored through divine intervention. This sign pointed to the need for faith in God's power to deliver and purify His people.

Contextual Importance

In the context of Moses' mission, the leprous hand was one of three signs given to convince the Israelites and Pharaoh of God's presence and power. Alongside the transformation of Moses' staff into a serpent and the turning of water from the Nile into blood, the leprous hand underscored the authenticity of Moses' prophetic role and the seriousness of God's call to liberate His people.

Application for Believers

For contemporary believers, the account of the leprous hand serves as a reminder of God's omnipotence and His ability to intervene in human affairs. It encourages faith in God's promises and His power to heal and restore. The narrative also calls believers to recognize the seriousness of sin and the necessity of seeking God's cleansing and redemption through Jesus Christ.

In summary, the leprous hand is a profound biblical sign that illustrates God's power, the reality of sin, and the hope of restoration. It remains a testament to God's faithfulness and His desire to deliver His people from both physical and spiritual bondage.