Exodus 4:8

And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe thee, neither hearken to the voice of the first sign, that they will believe the voice of the latter sign.

And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe {H539} thee, neither hearken {H8085} to the voice {H6963} of the first {H7223} sign {H226}, that they will believe {H539} the voice {H6963} of the latter {H314} sign {H226}.

"If they won't believe you or heed the evidence of the first sign, they will be convinced by the second.

And the LORD said, “If they refuse to believe you or heed the witness of the first sign, they may believe that of the second.

And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe thee, neither hearken to the voice of the first sign, that they will believe the voice of the latter sign.

Commentary

Context

Exodus 4:8 is part of a crucial dialogue between God and Moses at the burning bush. Moses, hesitant about his divine commission to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage, expresses concern that the people will not believe him (Exodus 4:1). In response, God equips Moses with three powerful miraculous signs to validate his authority. This verse specifically addresses the scenario where the Israelites might be unconvinced by the first sign (Moses' rod turning into a serpent) and predicts their belief upon witnessing the second sign (his hand becoming leprous and then healed, described in Exodus 4:6-7). God's provision of multiple signs demonstrates His profound understanding of human skepticism and His unwavering commitment to His plan.

Key Themes

  • Divine Validation: God provides undeniable proof of Moses' mission, demonstrating His omnipotence and active involvement in Israel's deliverance. The signs serve as credentials from the Almighty.
  • The Purpose of Signs: Miracles serve as powerful attestations to a divine message or messenger, designed to overcome human skepticism and foster faith. They are not merely displays of power but convey a specific truth.
  • God's Patience and Provision: Recognizing human doubt, God offers multiple levels of evidence, showing His willingness to meet people where they are in their understanding and provide sufficient reason to believe.
  • Overcoming Disbelief: The verse highlights the challenge of disbelief, but also God's readiness to provide sufficient reasons for faith, ensuring His message is heard and accepted.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "hearken to the voice of the first sign" is particularly insightful. It implies that the sign itself communicates a message or conveys authority. It's not merely about seeing the physical manifestation of the miracle but about understanding and accepting the divine truth and power it represents. The 'voice' suggests a deliberate communication, a silent but profound declaration from God that demands attention and belief.

Practical Application

Exodus 4:8 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • It reminds us that God often provides ample evidence for His truth and His plans, even when we, like Moses, may doubt or face skepticism from others. We are called to look for God's clear 'signs' or confirmations in our own lives, whether through circumstances, His Word, or the leading of His Spirit.
  • It teaches patience and perseverance when communicating spiritual truths; sometimes, people need more than one piece of evidence or encounter to truly believe. Our role is to faithfully present the truth, trusting God to open hearts.
  • Ultimately, the verse underscores God's commitment to equipping His servants and ensuring His purposes are achieved, often through powerful and convincing demonstrations of His presence and power. We can trust that God will provide what is necessary for His will to be done.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 4:30

    And Aaron spake all the words which the LORD had spoken unto Moses, and did the signs in the sight of the people.

  • Exodus 4:31

    And the people believed: and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.

  • Deuteronomy 32:39

    ¶ See now that I, [even] I, [am] he, and [there is] no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither [is there any] that can deliver out of my hand.

  • Isaiah 28:10

    For precept [must be] upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, [and] there a little:

  • Job 5:18

    For he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and his hands make whole.

  • 2 Kings 5:7

    And it came to pass, when the king of Israel had read the letter, that he rent his clothes, and said, [Am] I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man doth send unto me to recover a man of his leprosy? wherefore consider, I pray you, and see how he seeketh a quarrel against me.

  • John 12:37

    ¶ But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:
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