But 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. Then the water you take from the Nile will become blood on the ground." But if they do not believe even these two signs or listen to your voiceThis phrase highlights the skepticism Moses might face from the Israelites. The two signs refer to the previous miracles God instructed Moses to perform: turning his staff into a serpent and making his hand leprous and then healed. These signs were meant to authenticate Moses' divine commission. The Israelites' potential disbelief reflects a recurring theme of doubt and testing God, seen throughout their wilderness journey (e.g., Exodus 17:2-7). This skepticism also foreshadows the persistent unbelief that Jesus encountered during His ministry (John 12:37). take some water from the Nile and pour it on the dry ground Then the water you take from the Nile will become blood on the ground. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe central figure in this passage, chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. He is given signs to perform to convince the Israelites and Pharaoh of God's power. 2. The Nile River A significant geographical feature in Egypt, representing both life and sustenance for the Egyptians. It is used by God as a tool to demonstrate His power. 3. The Israelites The people of God who are enslaved in Egypt. They are the intended audience for the signs that Moses is to perform. 4. Pharaoh The ruler of Egypt, who is initially resistant to letting the Israelites go. The signs are also meant to challenge his authority and demonstrate God's supremacy. 5. God The ultimate authority and power behind the signs, demonstrating His sovereignty and commitment to His covenant with Israel. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Over NatureGod demonstrates His control over creation by transforming water into blood. This reminds us that He is sovereign over all aspects of the natural world. The Importance of Faith The signs given to Moses were meant to inspire belief. In our lives, we are called to trust in God's power and promises, even when circumstances seem impossible. God's Patience and Persistence Despite initial unbelief, God provides multiple signs to convince His people. This teaches us about God's patience and His desire for us to come to faith. The Consequences of Unbelief The transformation of water into blood serves as a warning of the consequences of rejecting God's message. It encourages us to heed God's word and respond in faith. The Role of Obedience in God's Plan Moses' obedience in performing the signs is crucial to God's plan. Our obedience to God's commands is similarly vital in fulfilling His purposes in our lives. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the transformation of water into blood in Exodus 4:9 foreshadow the plagues that will come upon Egypt? What does this teach us about God's warnings and judgments?2. In what ways does the Nile River's significance to Egypt enhance the impact of this sign? How can understanding cultural and historical contexts deepen our understanding of Scripture? 3. How can we apply the lesson of God's sovereignty over nature in our daily lives, especially when facing challenges that seem beyond our control? 4. What are some modern "signs" or evidences of God's power and presence that we might overlook? How can we become more attentive to these in our spiritual walk? 5. How does Moses' initial reluctance and eventual obedience in performing the signs encourage us in our own journey of faith and obedience to God's calling? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 7:17This verse describes the first plague, where the Nile is turned to blood, fulfilling the sign given in Exodus 4:9. It shows the progression from a sign to a full-scale judgment. John 2:1-11 Jesus' miracle of turning water into wine at Cana can be seen as a parallel to the transformation of water into blood, both demonstrating divine authority over creation. Revelation 16:4-6 The third bowl judgment involves water turning to blood, echoing the plagues of Egypt and highlighting God's judgment against sin.
People Aaron, Isaac, Israelites, Jacob, Jethro, Moses, Pharaoh, ZipporahPlaces Egypt, Horeb, Midian, Nile RiverTopics Believe, Blood, Credence, Dry, Ear, Faith, Ground, Hast, Hearken, Heed, Listen, Nile, Pass, Pour, Poured, River, Signs, Takest, Voice, Waters, YeaDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 4:1-95104 Moses, foreshadower of Christ Library January 13. "Thou Shalt be to Him Instead of God" (Ex. Iv. 16). "Thou shalt be to him instead of God" (Ex. iv. 16). Such was God's promise to Moses, and such the high character that Moses was to assume toward Aaron, his brother. May it not suggest a high and glorious place that each of us may occupy toward all whom we meet, instead of God? What a dignity and glory it would give our lives, could we uniformly realize this high calling! How it would lead us to act toward our fellow-men! God can always be depended upon. God is without variableness or shadow of turning. … Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth May the Eleventh but -- --! May the Twelfth Mouth and Matter A Bundle of Myrrh is My Well-Beloved unto Me; He Shall Abide Between My Breasts. Preaching (I. ). To the Saddest of the Sad The Sweet Uses of Adversity "For if Ye Live after the Flesh, Ye Shall Die; but if Ye through the Spirit do Mortify the Deeds of the Body, Ye Shall Live. The Hardening in the Sacred Scripture. The Quotation in Matt. Ii. 6. Flight into Egypt and Slaughter of the Bethlehem Children. Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes A Canticle of Love Exodus Links Exodus 4:9 NIVExodus 4:9 NLT Exodus 4:9 ESV Exodus 4:9 NASB Exodus 4:9 KJV Exodus 4:9 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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