Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Exodus 4:8. It’s a really important and slightly dramatic verse in the story of Moses! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about the importance of faith – believing in God – and how that belief will ultimately determine the outcome of things. It sets up a crucial point in the story where Moses is facing a challenge to convince Pharaoh to let the Israelites go. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And it shall come to pass…” : This part acknowledges that something will happen – a significant shift in history. It's not just a prediction; it's a statement of what is going to occur. “…if they will not believe thee, neither hearken to the voice of the first sign…” : This is the core of the verse. “Believe thee” means believing in God and trusting in Him. "Hearken to the voice" refers to listening to God’s guidance or message through signs – things that happen to show His presence. “…that they will believe the voice of the latter sign.” : This is the crucial part. It means if they don't believe, then they will be led by a second sign – a bigger, more significant event – to finally accept God’s truth. So, what does it all mean? Basically, Moses is saying that if people refuse to believe in God and listen to His guidance (through signs), the consequences will be severe. The second sign is a final warning or confirmation that faith is required for salvation and a positive outcome. Why is this important? This verse is often seen as a foreshadowing of the story of the Israelites' escape from Egypt, and ultimately, their journey to enter the Promised Land. It highlights that God doesn’t just tell us what to do; He also reveals His will through events – and those events are dependent on our willingness to trust Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you a related story or example?