Exodus 4:8

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Exodus 4:8 reveals God's strategic and patient provision of escalating miraculous signs to Moses, anticipating the Israelites' inherent skepticism and doubt. This verse specifically states that if the people remain unconvinced by the initial sign—Moses' staff transforming into a serpent—they will undoubtedly be persuaded and believe upon witnessing the subsequent, more dramatic sign of his hand becoming leprous and then instantly healed. This divine contingency plan underscores God's profound understanding of human nature, His unwavering commitment to validating His chosen messenger, and His steadfast determination to ensure His redemptive message is received and believed, thereby setting the stage for Israel's deliverance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the pivotal encounter between God and Moses at the [burning bush](/exodus/3-2 "Exodus 3:2 - The Burning Bush"). Following God's monumental commission for Moses to lead Israel out of Egyptian bondage ([Exodus 3:10](/exodus/3-10 "Exodus 3:10 - Moses' Commission")), Moses expresses profound hesitation and doubt regarding the Israelites' willingness to believe his divine mandate. His primary concern, articulated in [Exodus 4:1](/exodus/4-1 "Exodus 4:1 - Moses' Doubt and God's Response"), is: "But, behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice: for they will say, The LORD hath not appeared unto thee." In direct response to this anticipated skepticism, God immediately equips Moses with three powerful, undeniable miraculous signs. [Exodus 4:8](/exodus/4-8 "Exodus 4:8 - The Second Sign's Purpose") specifically addresses the contingency where the first sign (the rod becoming a serpent, described in [Exodus 4:2-5](/exodus/4-2-5 "Exodus 4:2-5 - The First Sign: Rod to Serpent")) might not be sufficient, confidently predicting that the second sign (his hand becoming leprous and then healed, detailed in [Exodus 4:6-7](/exodus/4-6-7 "Exodus 4:6-7 - The Second Sign: Hand to Leprosy and Healing")) will compel their belief. The subsequent verse, [Exodus 4:9](/exodus/4-9 "Exodus 4:9 - The Third Sign: Water to Blood"), introduces a third, even more potent sign, revealing God's exhaustive provision for overcoming disbelief.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the authority of a messenger, especially one claiming divine commission, was often validated by accompanying signs or wonders. People were accustomed to prophets and leaders demonstrating supernatural power as proof of their connection to the divine realm. The Israelites, having endured centuries of brutal slavery in Egypt, were likely a deeply demoralized and skeptical people. Their faith in God, if not entirely lost, was certainly severely tested. They had witnessed the power of Egyptian gods and Pharaoh's authority. Therefore, for Moses to gain their trust and convince them that the God of their ancestors was truly acting on their behalf, tangible, undeniable proof was essential. The chosen signs—a rod becoming a serpent (a symbol of power in Egypt), and a hand becoming leprous and then healed (a direct intervention in the human body, often seen as a divine curse or blessing)—were not arbitrary but potent demonstrations of Yahweh's supreme power over nature and life itself, directly challenging the perceived authority of Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt.
* **Key Themes:** This passage significantly contributes to several overarching themes in Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. It highlights the theme of **Divine Authentication**, where God provides irrefutable evidence to validate His chosen servants and their messages. It underscores **God's Sovereignty and Foreknowledge**, as He anticipates human doubt and prepares for it. The provision of multiple signs speaks to **God's Patience and Grace**, demonstrating His willingness to meet human skepticism with abundant proof. Furthermore, it introduces the theme of **Belief and Obedience**, as the signs are not merely spectacles but calls to trust and follow God's commands. The recurring phrase "hearken to the voice of the sign" emphasizes that these miracles are a form of divine communication, demanding not just observation but a response of faith, a theme echoed throughout the journey from [Exodus 5](/exodus/5 "Exodus 5 - Pharaoh's Resistance") to the giving of the [Law at Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Giving of the Law at Sinai").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 4:8 lays out a divine contingency, revealing God's profound understanding of human doubt and His strategic provision of evidence. The verse outlines a progression of miraculous attestation designed to overcome anticipated skepticism among the Israelites.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **believe (Hebrew, _ʼâman'_):** (H539) This primitive root signifies more than mere intellectual assent; it means "to build up or support," "to foster," "to render (or be) firm or faithful," "to trust or believe," and "to be permanent or quiet." When applied to belief, it implies a deep-seated trust, reliance, and assurance that leads to stability and faithfulness. For the Israelites, it meant not just acknowledging Moses' words but placing their full confidence in his divine commission and, by extension, in the God who sent him.
* **hearken (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** (H8085) This word means "to hear intelligently," often carrying the strong implication of "attention, obedience, etc." It's not just passive hearing but active listening, discerning, and responding in submission. To "hearken to the voice of the sign" means to understand the message the miracle conveys, to perceive its divine origin, and to obey the implications of that revelation. It demands a response of the will, not just the ear.
* **sign (Hebrew, _ʼôwth'_):** (H226) Derived from a root meaning "to appear," this term refers to a "signal," "mark," "token," "omen," "prodigy," or "evidence." In this context, it denotes a supernatural phenomenon that serves as a divine credential, a visible manifestation of God's power and presence, designed to authenticate His messenger and His message. These signs are not arbitrary displays but purposeful communications, serving as undeniable proof of divine authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall come to pass,"**: This opening phrase introduces a divine declaration of what is certain to occur, emphasizing the predetermined nature of God's plan and His foreknowledge of human responses. It sets the stage for a conditional prophecy that God already knows the outcome of.
* **"if they will not believe thee,"**: This clause acknowledges the real possibility of initial human skepticism and resistance to Moses' message and authority. Despite the power of the first sign, God anticipates that some, or even many, may still harbor doubt or be unwilling to trust Moses as His appointed representative.
* **"neither hearken to the voice of the first sign,"**: This expands on the nature of their disbelief. It's not just a lack of intellectual belief in Moses, but a refusal to actively listen to, comprehend, and respond obediently to the divine message communicated through the initial miracle (the rod becoming a serpent). The "voice" of the sign implies its communicative power, speaking of God's authority and Moses' legitimacy.
* **"that they will believe the voice of the latter sign."**: This final clause expresses God's confident assurance that the second sign (the hand becoming leprous and then healed) will be sufficient to overcome their disbelief. The repetition of "believe" and "voice of the sign" highlights the escalating nature of the divine evidence and God's unwavering commitment to ensuring His message is ultimately received and trusted. It's a divine guarantee of the efficacy of the second miracle.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Conditional Clause** ("if... then...") structures the divine promise, anticipating human response and God's counter-response. This highlights God's strategic planning and His interaction with human free will. **Repetition** of key terms like "believe" (H539) and "voice of the sign" (H6963, H226) emphasizes the central themes of faith and divine communication through miracles. The phrase "voice of the sign" is a form of **Personification**, attributing the ability to speak to an inanimate miracle, underscoring its communicative purpose and the fact that it carries a divine message. Finally, the verse functions as **Foreshadowing**, not only of the subsequent events in Exodus where Moses performs these signs, but also of a broader biblical pattern where God provides sufficient evidence to validate His messengers and His truth, culminating in the ultimate sign of Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 4:8 profoundly illuminates God's character as one who not only initiates a redemptive plan but also meticulously ensures its reception, even in the face of human skepticism. It reveals a God who is both omniscient, anticipating doubt, and patient, providing escalating evidence to lead His people to faith. The signs are not mere spectacles but divine credentials, serving as undeniable proof of Moses' divine commission and the authenticity of God's message. This passage establishes a foundational principle: God desires belief, and He will provide sufficient reason for it, demonstrating His commitment to overcoming barriers to faith and ensuring His sovereign purposes are accomplished through clear, supernatural attestation.

* [Deuteronomy 18:21-22](/deuteronomy/18-21-22 "Deuteronomy 18:21-22 - Testing a Prophet")
* [John 20:30-31](/john/20-30-31 "John 20:30-31 - The Purpose of Jesus' Signs")
* [Hebrews 2:3-4](/hebrews/2-3-4 "Hebrews 2:3-4 - God's Witness through Signs")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 4:8 offers profound lessons for believers today, reminding 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 discern God's clear "signs" or confirmations in our own lives, whether through the consistent witness of His Word, the leading of His Spirit, or providential circumstances. This verse also teaches patience and perseverance when communicating spiritual truths, recognizing that people often need more than one encounter or piece of evidence to truly believe. Our role is to faithfully present the truth with grace and conviction, trusting that God will ultimately open hearts and minds to receive it. Ultimately, this passage underscores God's unwavering commitment to equipping His servants and ensuring His purposes are achieved, often through powerful and convincing demonstrations of His presence and power, assuring us that He will provide what is necessary for His will to be done. It challenges us to consider what "signs" God has given us, both personally and corporately, to strengthen our faith and empower our witness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "signs" or evidences of God's presence and work have you observed in your own life or in the world around you?**
* **How does God's patience in providing multiple signs encourage you when facing doubt, either your own or that of others?**
* **In what ways can we, as believers, effectively "hearken to the voice" of God's revealed truth, moving beyond mere intellectual acknowledgment to active obedience?**
* **How might this passage inform our approach to sharing the Gospel with those who are skeptical or resistant?**

### FAQ
**Why did God provide Moses with multiple signs instead of just one?**

Answer: God provided Moses with multiple signs because He understood the depth of human skepticism and the magnitude of the task ahead. The first sign (the rod transforming into a serpent, as seen in [Exodus 4:2-5](/exodus/4-2-5 "Exodus 4:2-5 - The First Sign")) was powerful, but the second (Moses' hand becoming leprous and then instantly healed, described in [Exodus 4:6-7](/exodus/4-6-7 "Exodus 4:6-7 - The Second Sign")) was even more personal and dramatic, designed to leave no doubt about the divine origin of Moses' authority and message. This layered, escalating approach demonstrates God's profound patience, His commitment to providing sufficient, undeniable evidence to overcome deep-seated disbelief, and His desire to ensure His message was received by a people who had long endured oppression and might be slow to trust any new deliverer. It reveals God's strategic wisdom in dealing with human doubt.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 4:8, in its emphasis on divine validation through signs, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate and supreme validation found in Jesus Christ. Just as God provided Moses with irrefutable signs to authenticate his mission as a deliverer, Jesus' entire earthly ministry was marked by unparalleled signs and wonders—miracles of healing, casting out demons, calming storms, and raising the dead—all serving as undeniable proof of His divine authority and identity as the Son of God and the promised Messiah ([John 10:37-38](/john/10-37-38 "John 10:37-38 - Jesus' Works as Proof")). He is the ultimate "sign" given by God to humanity ([Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - The Sign of Immanuel") and [Matthew 12:39-40](/matthew/12-39-40 "Matthew 12:39-40 - The Sign of Jonah")). Furthermore, Jesus Himself is the very "voice" of God, the living Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), whose teachings and very presence communicate divine truth with ultimate authority. While many "hearkened to the voice" of His signs and believed ([John 2:23](/john/2-23 "John 2:23 - Many Believed in His Name")), others, like some in Moses' day, required further evidence or remained hardened in their unbelief ([John 12:37](/john/12-37 "John 12:37 - Despite Many Signs, They Did Not Believe")). Ultimately, the resurrection of Christ stands as the supreme and final sign, the irrefutable evidence that validates His claims, His message, and God's entire redemptive plan ([Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Declared Son of God by Resurrection")), ensuring that all who truly "hearken" to its powerful voice will believe and find eternal life.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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: