1. Read Exodus chapters 1-4
a. In Ex. 1:7, 12 and 20 we see that no matter what happened, the people kept growing. What were some of the obstacles they faced? Is it necessary to face trials to have your faith grown? Why or why not?
b. If Exodus ch. 1-2 were divided into scenes, you would have...
1) Exodus 1:1-22 as scene 1 (aerial shot, God's viewpoint)
2) Exodus 2:1-10 (ground shot, our viewpoint- Moses drawn from the river)
3) Exodus 2:11-22 (ground shot, our view- Moses drawn out of Egypt)
4) Exodus 2:23-25 (aerial shot, God's viewpoint)
Why do you think the narrator gives us both vantage points? How will this teach us?
c. In Exodus 4:24-26...don't ask.
2. Read Exodus 5-15
a. In Exodus 5, Moses does what God asks and tells Pharaoh to let the people go and Pharaoh responds very indignantly that he will not obey YHWH and asks, "Who is this YHWH that I should obey his voice and let Israel go?" In Exodus 7-15, God decides to answer that question (see Ex. 7:5, 17; 8:10, 22; 9:14-17, 29 and esp. 12:12). On the other side of the Red Sea, Moses sings a song that declares who YHWH is (in case Pharaoh was still curious). List five things based on this whole section that you learned who God is. How is this relevant to what you face each day at work, with your spouse, with circumstances, parenting, finances, etc...?
b. Did Pharaoh get a raw deal since God was "hardening his heart"? Explain.
3. Read Exodus 19-23
a. Finally, at Mount Sinai, God presents his plan to the people in Ex. 19:4-6. What's God's new thing, His "kingdom" all about at least this far into the story?
4. Read Exodus 24
a. When Moses ratifies the covenant with Israel, he, Aaron, Nadab and Abihu and 70 elders go up Mount Sinai to meet with God. What happens in vv. 10-11? Does it seem odd that they would have a meal after seeing God and God not destroying them? What is the contrast between NOT destroying and having a meal?
5. To ponder...
a. In Exodus 25-31, we see multiple allusions to the creation/garden when God gives instructions for the building of the Tabernacle, the place where his presence will rest most tangibly and permanently up to this point. Here are a few:
* There are seven "And the LORD spoke to Moses..." statements (25:1; 30:11, 17, 22, 34; 31:1; 31:12 and then a reminder of the Sabbath. Hmmm. Does that remind anyone of the days of creation and the subsequent rest?
* The Spirit of God is superintending the project (Ex. 28:3; 31:3; 35:21, 30-31). Hmmm. Does this remind anyone of Gen. 1:2?
* The lampstand in the Tabernacle looks like a tree (Ex. 25:31-40). Hmmm. Does this remind anyone of the Tree of Life?
* The veil guarding the Holy of holies has embroidered Cherubim standing guard (Ex. 26:1). Hmmm. Does this remind anyone of how we last saw the garden in Gen. 3:24?
* At the finish, it says Moses saw it was done and blessed the work (Ex. 39:43). Hmmm. Sounds like how God finished creation, doesn't it (Gen. 2:1-3)?
b. Is God then trying to tell us that the main aspect of his unfolding plan is to re-establish the conditions of paradise and communion with his presence? Talk about leading the witness with a question!
Enjoy! Try to get a jump on these questions. The reading chunks are big, but it is an important discipline (and privilege) to read our Bibles!!