Exo 4:1-9 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Exod 4:1-9: 4:1-9 Moses’ third protest was that he lacked power. God answered in a very convincing demonstration of divine power by instantaneous creation of a snake and of a severe skin disease .

‏ Exodus 4:1-9

Summary for Exod 4:1-9: 4:1-9 ^a Moses’ third protest was that he lacked power. God answered in a very convincing demonstration of divine power by instantaneous creation of a snake and of a severe skin disease.
4:3 ^b Across the ancient Near East, the snake was a symbol of both death and healing. The person who demonstrated power in these areas was powerful indeed.
4:6 ^c severe skin disease: The Hebrew word underlying this phrase has traditionally been translated “leprosy.” However, the symptoms of this condition as described in the Bible are not those of the disease we know as leprosy (Hansen’s disease). The biblical term seems to describe several kinds of highly contagious inflammations and skin lesions.
4:9 ^d As with the previous two signs, the fact that the water from the Nile will turn to blood also demonstrated God’s power over life and death.