Definition: And the LORD said furthermore unto him, Put now thine hand into thy bosom. And he put his hand into his bosom: and when he took it out, behold, his hand [was] leprous as snow.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Exodus 4:6. It's a really strange and significant story! Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Story: God is incredibly frustrated with Pharaoh, the leader of Egypt. He's repeatedly asked him to release the Israelites out of slavery, but Pharaoh refuses. God decides to intervene directly. He uses a miracle – he makes Pharaoh’s hand leprous! Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And the LORD said furthermore unto him…” : This is a command from God. He’s giving instructions. “…Put now thine hand into thy bosom.” : This is a very unusual instruction. God wants Pharaoh to hold his hand in his chest. It's like a symbolic gesture of surrender. “And he put his hand into his bosom: and when he took it out, behold, his hand [was] leprous as snow.” : This is the key part! When Pharaoh’s hand comes out of his chest, it’s not normal. It's a deep, reddish color – like snow! What does this mean? This is often interpreted as a symbol of God’s overwhelming power and displeasure with Pharaoh’s stubbornness. Here are a few possible interpretations: God’s Wrath: The leprous hand represents God’s anger and punishment. A Test of Faith: It's also seen as a test of Egypt's faith in their leader. If they refuse to obey, God will show His power in a dramatic way. The Beginning of the Exodus: Some believe this event marks the beginning of the Israelites’ journey out of slavery and into a new life with God. Important Note: This is one of the most debated passages in the Bible! Different people have different ideas about what it represents. It's a powerful image that encourages us to stand firm in our faith, even when things are difficult. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this passage? Discuss the symbolism behind this story? Answer any specific questions you have about it?