Moses Questions
Question
Dear Rabbi, I have some questions about Moses' miracles when God called him. 1. Why did God show him only these three specific miracles: turning the staff into a serpent, his hand becoming leprous, and turning water into blood? 2. What is the biblical background or significance of these three miracles? 3. Are there any spiritual meanings associated with them? Thank you.
Answer
Shalom!
Thank you for your questions.
Regarding the miracles and wonders that G-d showed Moses at the burning bush, Rashi says that the sign of the snake and the leprous hand was a message of rebuke to Moses for having spoken badly of the Jewish people (when he said “They will not believe me”).
Regarding the turning water into blood, Rashi says, “He hinted to them that with the first plague He will exact retribution upon their g-ds….the Egyptians worshipped the Nile…so he turned it into blood.”
These were the three signs that G-d chose to introduce Moses into being the leader of the Jewish people and to the performing of many more miracles in his near future.