God's return

Where the concrete reality cannot dislodge the supreme authority of the rabbinic leadership, where the leaders become inured to the sufferings of their people, there God has to step in and eliminate that leadership. 

The three signs YHWH gives Moshe to demonstrate to the Israelite's leadership about Moshe's authenticity were: 

1. The shepherd's staff that turns into a cunning nachash when released, only to return to orderly leadership once the tail, the masses, are taken in hand; 
2. The loss and return of soul of Moshe himself in the placement of the hand on his chest once and twice; and 
3. The agency of God in his ability to turn water to blood. 

Moshe was a revolutionary who was bringing word to the marginal Hebrews of a new supreme authority Who will become sensitive to the people's condition. 

Uncritical acceptance of rabbinic rule will inevitably result in God's return to fulfill His obligation.