Why does God use signs in Exodus 4:9 to confirm His message? Setting the Scene Exodus 3–4 records God commissioning Moses. Three miraculous proofs are provided: 1. Staff becomes a serpent (4:3–4). 2. Hand turns leprous, then whole (4:6–7). 3. Nile water turns to blood on dry ground (4:9). Verse 9 zeroes in on the third sign: “ And if they do not believe even these two signs or listen to your voice, take some water from the Nile and pour it on the dry ground. The water you take from the river will turn to blood on the ground.” Key Observations from Exodus 4:9 • God anticipates resistance: “if they do not believe.” • The sign is public and unmistakable—water becomes blood only after it touches the ground, removing any claim of trickery. • The Nile, Egypt’s life-source and chief deity, is struck first, previewing the coming plagues (Exodus 7:17). • The miracle is performed through Moses’ obedience, underscoring his role as God’s chosen spokesman. Why God Uses Signs to Confirm His Message • To validate His messenger – Hebrews 2:3-4: God “testified to it by signs, wonders, and various miracles.” – When Moses acts, the people can distinguish divine authority from human rhetoric. • To reveal His unmatched power – 1 Kings 18:36-39 shows a similar pattern: the fire on Elijah’s altar silences doubt. – God’s signs expose every rival deity, beginning with the Nile and culminating in the Red Sea. • To build faith in His people – Exodus 4:31 reports that “the people believed” after witnessing the signs. – Tangible evidence strengthens hearts for the hardships ahead (Exodus 5–6). • To preview coming judgment and redemption – The blood on the ground foreshadows the first plague (Exodus 7:20-24) and points to the Passover lamb (Exodus 12:13), ultimately fulfilled in Christ’s blood (1 Peter 1:18-19). • To display patience and grace – Rather than condemning disbelief outright, God supplies additional proof (Isaiah 7:11). – Signs are mercy for doubters, not mere spectacle. • To establish a biblical pattern – In John 20:30-31, signs are written “so that you may believe.” – Mark 16:20 notes that the Lord “confirmed the message by the signs that accompanied it,” echoing Exodus. Takeaways for Today • God still confirms His Word; Scripture itself stands as an enduring sign (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Miracles never replace faith in the message; they point to it. • The Lord graciously meets His people where they are, yet always calls them higher—to trust His Word even when no sign is requested (John 20:29). |
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