Definition: And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe also these two signs, neither hearken unto thy voice, that thou shalt take of the water of the river, and pour [it] upon the dry [land]: and the water which thou takest out of the river shall become blood upon the dry [land].

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible passage together. It’s a really powerful and dramatic verse from Exodus 4:9, and it speaks about God’s plan to bring about a terrible outcome for those who refuse to obey him. Here's an explanation in simpler terms: What's Happening? Imagine a situation where a group of Israelites, led by Moses, are fleeing Egypt into the wilderness. They're desperate and facing hardship. God decides to test their faith and obedience. He tells them to walk through the Red Sea – a physical barrier – and cross it safely. The Promise & The Threat: God promises that if they don’t believe in him and follow his instructions, then something terrible will happen. This isn't just about a natural disaster; it's about a spiritual consequence. What Will Happen? The verse says: “If they will not believe also these two signs, neither hearken unto thy voice…” This means if the Israelites refuse to listen to God’s commands – whether through prayer, obedience, or simply trusting in him – then … “…that thou shalt take of the water of the river, and pour [it] upon the dry land.” This is where it gets serious. It describes a flood! The “water of the river” refers to a large body of water – likely the Jordan River. God intends to unleash this floodwaters onto the land, turning it into a barren wasteland (a place with little soil and no life). “And the water which thou takest out of the river shall become blood upon the dry [land].” This is the crucial part. The flood isn’t just about destruction; it’s about a consequence. God promises that if they refuse to believe, the water (which is essentially a cleansing force) will transform into blood – a symbolic representation of death and devastation. This symbolizes a complete loss of life and a permanent wasteland. Overall Meaning: This verse is a warning about the dangers of rejecting God's guidance. It’s a demonstration of God’s power, his judgment, and the potential for devastating consequences when we choose to ignore him. It highlights that obedience and trust in God are absolutely vital for survival and prosperity. Important Note: This passage isn't meant to be interpreted literally as a prediction of a literal flood. It speaks to a deeper spiritual truth about the importance of faith, obedience, and trusting in God’s plan. --- Do you want me to delve into any specific aspect of this verse? For example, we could: Discuss the symbolism behind the "water" and "blood"? Explore the context within the larger story of the Exodus? Explain what "hearken unto thy voice" means in this context?