Exodus 4:7 - Verse Context and Meaning

The verse Exodus 4:7 states: “Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Put your hand back inside your cloak.’ So he put his hand back inside his cloak, and when he took it out, it was restored like the rest of his flesh.”

This verse is part of the narrative where God demonstrates His power to Moses, who is reluctant to accept the mission of leading the Israelites out of Egypt. In this context, the restoring of Moses' hand serves as a divine sign of God's authority and capability to perform miracles, further establishing Moses' role as His chosen servant.

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry emphasizes that this miracle is not just about the physical transformation, but it signifies the power of God to both judge and heal. The changing of Moses' hand is a foreshadowing of how God can bring restoration and transformation not only to individuals but to the nation of Israel.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes highlights that the act of Moses putting his hand back into his cloak symbolizes a return to the source of life and healing. It welcomes the manifestation of God’s power within the life of a believer and aids in underscoring the seriousness of Moses’ appointed task.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke notes that the resurrection of Moses’ hand serves to build faith not only in Moses but also in the people he will lead. This signs act enhances the credibility of Moses as a leader, tasked with delivering the Israelites from bondage, showcasing the miraculous works of God through him.

Exodus 4:7 connects various themes across scripture, particularly regarding God’s power to heal and transform. Similar Biblical texts that serve as cross-references include:

• Matthew 10:1: Jesus gives His disciples authority to heal and cast out unclean spirits.
• Mark 16:18: Believers will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover, emphasizing God’s healing power.
• John 11:44: Lazarus is raised from the dead, reinforcing the narrative of divine authority over life and health.
• James 5:15: The prayer of faith will save the sick, highlighting spiritual authority in healing.
• 2 Peter 1:4: Believers are partakers of the divine nature, representing transformation in Christ.
• Isaiah 53:5: By His stripes, we are healed, foreshadowing Christ’s sacrificial healing.
• 1 Corinthians 12:9: Gifts of healing, showcasing the continuing power of God through the Holy Spirit.

• Transformation: Both physical and spiritual transformation is a recurring theme, shown in various other verses which emphasize renewal and healing.
• Authority of God: Cross-referencing multiple scriptures demonstrates God’s ultimate authority over all creation, which includes miraculous acts and healing.
• Faith and Obedience: Many of the surrounding verses indicate the necessity of faith in adhering to God’s call, depicting the importance of obedience in witnessing God’s miraculous works in our lives.

To enhance understanding, various tools can assist in cross-referencing:

• Using a Bible concordance allows individuals to find thematic connections between verses.
• A Bible cross-reference guide aids in identifying verses that support one another contextually.
• Engaging in cross-reference Bible study methods can unveil deeper spiritual meanings.
• Utilizing Bible reference resources can provide comprehensive insights into scriptural conjunctions.

The insights from Exodus 4:7, bolstered by the commentaries of respected theologians, present a layered understanding of God’s interactions with Moses and through him with His people. Through careful cross-referencing biblical texts and studying related verses, believers are encouraged to recognize the significance of God's transformative power, not only in Moses’ life but in their own.