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EXODUS
Miami International Seminary
Rev. Donald F. Ritsman, Th.M.
AQUAINTING THE STUDENTS WITH THE COURSE AND
WHAT WILL BE EXPECTED OF THEM
A. SYLLABUS
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is designed as an expository study of the Book of Exodus, taking th e student through major portions
of this Old Testament book with cross-references to other portions of Scripture. This course is composed of
eight lessons.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Goals
1. The student will gain a greater comprehension of the biblical teachi ng contained in the Book of Exodus.
2. The student will come to greater appreciation for the message that God communicates to us in the Book of
Exodus.
3. The student will apply the teaching gained from the Book of Exodus to his own life for spiritual d evelopment.
Objectives
1. By means of the questions following the lessons, the student will identify the key teachings found in the
Book of Exodus.
2. By means of the reading assignments, the student will gain a greater appreciation for the teaching of t he
Book of Exodus.
3. By means of the written essay, the student will express how the teaching of Exodus has a practical impact on
his life and the life of the church.
CREDIT
This course may be taken for credit towards either a Bachelor or Masters degree. The assignments will vary
according to each program as explained below.
DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNMENTS
For credit toward a Bachelors Degree
1. Studying the Scripture text and the accompanying commentary:
The student will study a portion of the Book of Exodus, guided by an expositional commentary on the text.
The student will then be required to answer questions based on his study of the expository notes.
2. Extra reading:
The student will read an additional 300 pages, which he can choose from the list of suggested resources
found below in the section entitled, "B. Reading Resources." He will write a report on each book or
article, using the form, Guidelines for Writing a Book Report, provided by the facilitator.
3. Essay*:
The student will write an 8-10 page essay in which he discusses the Old Testament Passover and its
relationship to the cross of Calvary.
*See “Guidelines for Writing an Essay," to be distributed by the facilitator.
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For credit toward a Masters Degree
1. Studying the Scripture text and the accompanying commentary:
The student will study a portion of the Book of Exodus, guided by an expositional commentary on the text.
The student will then be required to answer questions based on his study of the expository notes.
2. Extra reading:
The student will read an additional 600 pages, which he can choose from the list of suggested resources
found below in the section entitled, "B. Reading Resources." He will write a report on each book or
article, using the form, Guidelines for Writing a Book Report, provided by the facilitator.
3.Essay*:
The student will write a 15-20 page essay in which he discusses the issue of God’s sovereignty and human
responsibility as that subject is highlighted in the Lord’s interaction with Pharaoh (Exodus 4:18 -14:31.) The
student may also consider the New Testament reference to this interaction between God and Pharaoh as it
is presented in Romans 9:14-ff.
*See “Guidelines for Writing an Essay," to be distributed by the facilitator.
WITHOUT CREDIT
The student will study a portion of the Book of Exodus, guided by an expositional commentary on the text.
The student may answer the questions that follow each lesson and take the final exam (to be administered
by the facilitator) based on his study of the expository notes.
FINAL GRADE
For Bachelors or Masters credit:
If the student is taking the course for credit, we recommend the following percentages for the final grade.
However, the MINTS center or institution that is giving credit for this course may modify these requir ements.
60% Quizzes ("Evaluating Your Comprehension") and Final Exam
10% Report on additional reading
30% Essay
100% Total
Without credit:
The final grade for taking this course without credit will be calculated in the following manner:
80% Quizzes ("Evaluating Your Comprehension")
20% Final exam
100% Total
B. READING RESOURCES
INTERNET RESOURCES
An Introduction to the Book of Exodus; Bible.org
http://bible.org/article/introduction-book-exodus
Resources on the Book of Exodus; Tabor College, Victoria
(this site has an abundance of books and articles on Exodus)
http://www.otgateway.com/exodus.htm
Book of Exodus Bible Study Series; Jesus Plus Nothing
(you need to scroll down the listing of Bible study resources to get to the studies on Exodus)
http://www.jesusplusnothing.com/studies/index.htm
Exodus Talks; Steve Rodeheaver
http://www.crivoice.org/biblestudy/exodus/bbex.html
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Why Did God Harden Pharaoh’s Heart? Christian Answers.net
http://www.christiananswers.net/q-aiia/aiia-pharaoh.html
Who Hardened Pharaoh’s Heart? Apologetics Press.org
http://www.apologeticspress.org/articles/2259
Wasn’t God Unfair in Hardening Pharaoh’s Heart?
http://www.apocalipsis.org/difficulties/Pharaoh.htm
Why Did God Harden Pharaoh’s Heart? Got Questions.org
http://www.gotquestions.org/God-harden-Pharaoh-heart.html
BOOKS
Archer, Gleason L. Jr.; A Survey of Old Testament Introduction; Moody Press, Chicago, 1964 (Sixth Printing, 1970.)
Connell, J.C.; “Exodus,” The New Bible Commentary, Edited by Prof. F. Davidson; The Inter-Varsity Fellowship,
London, 1953 (Reprinted, October 1967.)
Dillard, Raymond and Tremper Longman III; An Introduction to the Old Testament; Zondervan Publishing House, Grand
Rapids MI, 1994.
Elwell, Walter A.; “The Pentateuch,” Evangelical Commentary on the Bible, Edited by W.A. Elwell; Baker Book House,
Grand Rapids MI, 1989.
Enns, Peter P.; “Exodus,” NIV Application Commentary; Zondervan Publishing House, 2000.
Harrison, R.K.; Introduction to the Old Testament; Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., Grand Rapids MI, 1969 (Fifth
printing, November 1975.)
Hoffmeier, James K.; “Exodus,” Evangelical Commentary on the Bible, Edited by W.A. Elwell; Baker Book House, Grand
Rapids MI, 1989.
Kaiser, Walter C. “Exodus,” Revised Expositor’s Bible Commentary; Zondervan Publishing House, 2008.
Keil, C.F.; “General Introduction to the Five Books of Moses,” Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament Vol. 1; Wm.
B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., Grand Rapids MI, Reprinted, February 1971.
Keil, C.F.; “The Second Book of Moses (Exodus),” Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament Vol. 1; Wm. B. Eerdmans
Publishing Co., Grand Rapids MI, Reprinted, February 1971.
Motyer, J. Alec; The Message of Exodus, Intervarsity Press, 2005.
Stuart, Douglas; “Exodus,” New American Commentary; Broadman Holman, 2006.
Young, Edward J.; An Introduction to the Old Testament; Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., Grand Rapids MI, 1949
(Fourth Printing, June 1969.)
Note: The student may also consult the Ligonier Ministry website
(http://www.bestcommentaries.com/reviewer/ligonier-ministries-keith-mathison/) for a listing of useful
commentaries on the Book of Exodus.
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WELCOME TO THE COURSE ON
THE BOOK OF EXODUS
LESSON ONE: INTRODUCTION TO EXODUS
Assignments:
1.
2.
The student will read the article entitled, "Background Information on Exodus," and be prepared to answer
the questions that appear at the conclusion of the article.
Extra Reading: For Bachelor's credit, the student should do at least 100 pages of additional re ading
(see "B. Reading Resources" listed in the Syllabus for suggested reading material.) For Master's
credit, the student should do at least 200 pages of additional reading.
Background Information on Exodus
A BRIEF REVIEW OF THE PENTATEUCH
“The Pentateuch” is the Greek name given to the first five books of the Old Testament, the books that the ancient
Hebrews called “The Law” (or, “The Torah.”) The Hebrew word “Torah” means “instruction,” a term well suited to
describe these five books since they contain both the historical as well as the legal foundation of the Old Testament
covenant.
The first of the five books, Genesis, deals with the creation of the world and man’s God-given place in it, the primeval
history of the human race, and then focuses on the history of the Old Testament patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Genesis records God’s call to Abram to leave his homeland, Ur of the Chaldeans, and journey to the Promised Land of
Canaan, and the divine promise that Abram will become the father of a great nation—a nation that will live in covenant
with God, dwelling in His land and being His unique possession. As a token and assurance of the Lord’s commitment to
His promise, He give to Abram the new name, “Abraham,” a name meaning, “father of a multitude” (Genesis 17:5.)
The book of Genesis concludes with the embryonic covenant nation (consisting of Jacob, who has been re-named
“Israel,” and his twelve sons together with their families) journeying down into Egypt.
As the book of Exodus opens we find that the embryonic covenant nation, by the blessing of the Lord, has grown into a
great multitude, so much so that it has become a threat to the world-power of that day, the empire of Egypt (Ex. 1:710.) As its title suggests, the book of Exodus records the Lord’s miraculous deliverance of His people from their
Egyptian oppressors via their safe passage through the parted waters of the Red Sea. Under the leadership of their
divinely appointed redeemer, Moses, and by means of the Lord’s own visible presence (in the pillar of cloud and fire),
the Israelites are brought to Mt. Sinai, the mountain of God. There the Lord, true to His original covenant with
Abraham (Gen. 15), enters into covenant with the nation of Israel, claiming them as His own possession and pledging to
be their God. The book of Exodus climaxes with the covenant nation dwelling in the presence of the Lord at the foot of
Mt. Sinai with the Lord’s very throne in their midst (in the form of the sacred ark of the covenant housed in the
tabernacle, Ex. 40:34.) But the divine promise made to Abraham that his descendants would possess the Promised Land
of Canaan was yet to be fulfilled. Hence, the book of Exodus concludes with the testimony that, by means of the pillar
of cloud and fire, the Lord led His people “through all their journeys” (Ex. 40:38.)
The journey from Mt. Sinai, through the wilderness, to the border of Canaan is narrated in the fourth book of the
Pentateuch, the book of Numbers. Inserted between Exodus and Numbers is the book of Leviticus. This third book of
the Pentateuch contains the detailed prescriptions for the nation’s worship of the Lord and fellowship with Him by
means of the various sacrifices He ordained. The book also contains sundry laws and regulations to govern the nation’s
conduct as the redeemed people lived in community with their God and with one another. As the nation stands at the
brink of the Jordan River and prepares to enter the Promised Land of Canaan, the faithfulness of the Lord their God is
re-iterated and the covenant is formally renewed in the fifth book of the Pentateuch, the book of Deuteronomy.
Thus, in the words of W.A. Elwell (p. 3), “The Pentateuch forms the historical, religious, and theological basis for the
entire course of Hebrew history.” The human authorship of these five books down through the ages has been attributed
to none other than the divinely appointed redeemer of God’s Old Testament people, Moses. By way of example, the
Rabbis understood the words of Deuteronomy 31:9 (“And Moses wrote this law”) and 31:24 as referring to the whole
Torah (Gen. 1:1 through Deut. 34:12.) They only differed in opinion as to whether Moses wrote the whole work at once
after his last address, or whether he composed the earlier books gradually, and then completed the whole by writing
Deuteronomy and appending it to the previous four books (C.F. Keil, pp. 25-26.) Keil’s reference to the opinion of the
Rabbis shows their belief in the Mosaic authorship of the entire Pentateuch; however, Deuteronomy 31:9 and 24 seem
to be referring explicitly to the renewal of the covenant as contained in that fifth book of the Pentateuch.
Nevertheless, the tradition of the Mosaic authorship of the entire Torah (“The Book of the Law”) is affirmed by the
New Testament (note, for example, Lk. 24:44; Jn. 1:45; 7:19; Acts 15:21.)
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THE BOOK OF EXODUS
Authorship/Content/Theme
Moses was especially suited to write the book of Exodus, (as well as all the rest of the Pentateuch.) Scripture asserts
that Moses was raised by one of Pharaoh’s daughters (Ex. 2:10.) According to R.K. Harrison (p. 575), has been
discovered that in the New Kingdom period of Egyptian history there were numerous royal residences and harims in
various parts of Egypt, including the eastern Delta region in the vicinity of Goshen, where ladies of noble birth resided
along with royal concubines. Children of the harim, especially male princes, were frequently educated under the
supervision of the harim overseer. At a later stage the princes were placed in the care of tutors who saw to it that
their charges were educated by the priestly caste in reading and writing. (Note: In light of what Acts 7:22 tells us about
Moses’ education, what Harrison informs us about the New Kingdom age of Egyptian history was in some way also the
practice at the time of Moses’ youth which seems to have been at an earlier period of Egyptian history.)
The name of this second book of the Pentateuch, “Exodus,” is the name by which it was designated in the Septuagint
(the Greek translation of the Old Testament.) The name, of course, is highlighting that great event in the book by
which the Lord miraculously brought His people out of their Egyptian bondage in order to bring them into covenant
with Himself as His own holy possession. The very first verse of Exodus (“And these are the names of the sons of Israel
who came into Egypt”) serves to connect this book with the first book of the Pentateuch. This is evident from the use
of the conjunction “and.” Furthermore, this opening verse of Exodus is repeating the statement made in Genesis 46:8.
The concluding episode in Genesis (50:22-26) also highlights the connection between these two books: At the time of
his death, Joseph requested that his bones be carried up from Egypt. When Israel finally left Egypt, the text (Ex. 13:19)
makes mention that Moses took the bones of Joseph (R. Dillard and T. Longman, p. 57.)
The content of the book may be outlined according to a number of differing schemes suggested by a variety of
commentators; but perhaps that suggested by C.F. Keil most faithfully represents the overarching theme of the book.
Keil reminds us that the 430 years of the sojourn of the Israelites in Egypt was a the period during which the immigrant
family was to increase and multiply under the blessing of God until it had grown into a nation and was ripe for the
covenant the Lord had initially made with Abraham. Now, after this interval of some 400 years, the next stage in the
execution of the divine plan of salvation is about to commence with the call of Moses and the establishing of the
kingdom of God in Israel. To this end (1) Israel was liberated from the power of Egypt and (2) was brought into
covenant with the Lord to be the people of His possession. According to Keil, these two great facts form the kernel and
essential substance of the book (C.F. Keil, Vol. 1, p. 416.)
Operating from this perspective, Keil sees the book of Exodus as being divided into two distinct parts, each consisting
of seven sections. The first part (chapters 1:1 through 15:21), is composed of the following sections: (i) the preparation
for the saving work of God through the multiplication of Israel into a great people, their oppression in Egypt
(stimulating their desire for deliverance), and the birth of their liberator (chap. 1-2); (ii) the call and training of Moses
to be the deliverer and leader of Israel (chap. 3-4); (iii) the mission of Moses to Pharaoh (chap. 5:1-7:7); (iv) the
negotiations between Moses and Pharaoh concerning the emancipation of Israel (chap. 7:8-11); (v) the consecration of
Israel as the covenant nation through the institution of the Passover (chap. 12:1-28); (vi) the Exodus brought about as a
result of the tenth plague, the slaying of all the Egyptian first born (chap. 12:29-13:16); and (vii) the passage of Israel
through the miraculously parted waters of the Red Sea, the destruction of Pharaoh’s army, and the subsequent song of
triumph (chap. 13:17-15:21.) The second part of the book (chapters 15:22 through 40:38), according to Keil, is
composed of the following sections: (i) Israel’s march to the mountain of God (chap. 15:22-17:7); (ii) the attitude of
the Gentile world toward Israel as seen in the hostility of Amalek on the one hand and the testimony of faith made by
Jethro the Midianite on the other (chap. 17:8-18:27); (iii) the establishment of the covenant at Sinai, with all of its
promises and requirements (chap. 19:1-24:11); (iv) the divine directions with regard to the erection and arrangement
of the Lord’s earthly dwelling place (chap. 24:12-31:18); (v) Israel’s apostasy in the form of making the golden calf and
their subsequent restoration through the intercessory work of Moses (chap. 32-34); (vi) the construction of the
tabernacle in preparation for the Lord’s coming to dwell in the midst of His people (chap. 35-39); and (vii) the setting
up of the tabernacle, its solemn dedication, and the coming of the Lord to dwell among His people (chap. 40) (C.F.
Keil, Vol. 1, pp. 416-417.)
The Date of the Exodus
The “early” date for the Exodus would place the event in the fifteenth century B.C. and see Moses leading the people
out of Egypt during the reign of Amenhotep II (1447-1420 B.C.) The Scripture passage of 1 Kings 6:1 seems to support
this “early” date. That passage states, “In the four hundred and eightieth year after the Israelites had come out of
Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel…he began to build the temple of the Lord.” With relative
certainty, scholars are able to identify the year 967 B.C. as the fourth year of Solomon’s reign. Going back 480 years
prior to this date would place the Exodus in the year 1447 B.C. (or thereabout, allowing for the possibility that 480 is a
rounded-off number.) As stated above, this would mean that the Exodus occurred during the reign of Amenhotep II
(1447-1420 B.C.)
However, those scholars who support a “later” date (thirteenth century B.C.) for the Exodus rest their theories in part
upon the reference in Exodus 1:11. That passage implies that the Hebrews were in bondage when the store cities of
Pithom and Ramses were being rebuilt, thus making Seti I (1308-1290 B.C.) and Ramses II (1290-1224 B.C.) the Pharaohs
of the oppression and the Exodus respectively.
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Excavations at the site of Tanis-Avaris revealed the reconstruction of the city under Seti I. (Note: Tanis-Avaris, the old
Hyksos capitol in the Nile Delta, was renamed the “House of Ramses” and bore this designation from ca. 1300-1100
B.C., R.K. Harrison, p. 322.) Furthermore, stelae (statues) and other artifacts bearing the names of Ramses II and his
successors were also found at this site. According to R.K. Harrison (p. 322), another ancient site, Tell el-Retabeh, is
now known to have been Pithom. Work at this site has uncovered some of the massive brickwork erected in the time of
Ramses II. Since no trace of Eighteenth Dynasty (the fifteenth century B.C. Pharaohs Thutmose III and Amenhotep II
ruled during the Eighteenth Dynasty) construction is evident at the site, it appears that the Exodus tradition of Hebrew
forced labor is referring to the days of Ramses II.
Those scholars who hold to the “early” (fifteenth century B.C.) date for the Exodus dispute the identification of
Ramses with Tanis-Avaris. J.J. Bimson (quoted by R. Dillard and T. Longman, p. 60) states that contemporary
scholarship substantially favors Qantir as the site of the ancient store city of Ramses; and Qantir, unlike Tanis-Avaris,
does show evidence of earlier occupation that allows for a fifteenth century B.C. date for the site. Bimson concedes
that Pithom may be identified with Tell el-Retebah; but, then again, it may be identified with Heliopolis. In either
case, in contradistinction to Harrison, Bimson maintains that both these sites show signs of having a history that goes
back earlier than the thirteenth century B.C. (R. Dillard and T. Longman, p. 60.) (Note: One might inquire why Exodus
identifies these cities by the names Pithom and Ramses, if indeed, they were not called by these names until well after
the Exodus. Dillard (p. 60) replies to this by suggesting that the names could be the result of a later textual updating.
By way of a more contemporary example, in speaking of American history, we may refer to the Dutch colonizing New
York, when in fact they called it “New Amsterdam;” it was only when the British took over that it was renamed “New
York.”)
All these scholars note the tentative nature of the conclusions to be drawn from archaeological discoveries. In the
words of Dillard and Longman: The archaeological arguments that some take to lead inexorably toward a late
(thirteenth century B.C.) date of the Exodus are questionable or wrong… archaeological results…are not brute facts
with which the biblical material must conform and that can prove or disprove the Bible. Archaeology rather produces
evidence that, like the Bible, must be interpreted (p. 61.)
When we consider all the data, the weight of the evidence seems to be in favor of the “early” date for the Exodus. G.
Archer contends that no other known Pharaoh besides Thutmose III (1501-1447 B.C.) fills all the specifications for being
the Pharaoh of the oppression (with his son, Amenotep II, being the Pharaoh at the time of the Exodus.) Thutmose III
alone was on the throne long enough to have been reigning at the time of Moses’ flight from Egypt, and to have died
not long before Moses’ call at the burning bush. He was ambitious and energetic, and engaged in numerous building
projects for which he used a large slave-labor taskforce. His son, Amenotep II, seems to have suffered some serious
reverse in his military resources, for he was unable to carry out any invasions or extensive military operations for some
time after his fifth year of reign (1445 B.C.) This relative feebleness of his war effort (by comparison with that of his
father) would well accord with a catastrophic loss of his chariotry in the waters of the Red Sea (G. Archer, pp. 217218.)
Finally, in further confirmation of Amenhotep II as the “Pharaoh of the Exodus,” there is the “Dream Stela” of
Thutmose IV (1421-1412 B.C.) In the text on this stela the god Horus appears to young Thutmose in a dream and
promises him the throne of Egypt if he will remove the sand from the Sphinx. If Thutmose IV had been the oldest son of
Amenhotep II, there would have been no reason for a divine promise that he would become king. He would naturally
have succeeded his father to the throne. It is a necessary inference, therefore, that the oldest son of Amenhotep II
must have preceded his father in death. This well accords with the record in Exodus 12:29 that the eldest son of
Pharaoh died at the time of the tenth plague (G. Archer, p. 218.)
BIBLIOGRAPHY (continued on next page)
Archer, Gleason L. Jr.; A Survey of Old Testament Introduction; Moody Press, Chicago, 1964 (Sixth Printing, 1970.)
Connell, J.C.; “Exodus,” The New Bible Commentary, Edited by Prof. F. Davidson; The Inter-Varsity Fellowship,
London, 1953 (Reprinted, October 1967.)
Dillard, Raymond and Tremper Longman III; An Introduction to the Old Testament; Zondervan Publishing House, Grand
Rapids MI, 1994.
Elwell, Walter A.; “The Pentateuch,” Evangelical Commentary on the Bible, Edited by W.A. Elwell; Baker Book House,
Grand Rapids MI, 1989.
Harrison, R.K.; Introduction to the Old Testament; Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., Grand Rapids MI, 1969 (Fifth
printing, November 1975.)
Hoffmeier, James K.; “Exodus,” Evangelical Commentary on the Bible, Edited by W.A. Elwell; Baker Book House, Grand
Rapids MI, 1989.
Keil, C.F.; “General Introduction to the Five Books of Moses,” Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament Vol. 1; Wm.
B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., Grand Rapids MI, Reprinted, February 1971.
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Keil, C.F.; “The Second Book of Moses (Exodus),” Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament Vol. 1; Wm. B. Eerdmans
Publishing Co., Grand Rapids MI, Reprinted, February 1971.
Young, Edward J.; An Introduction to the Old Testament; Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., Grand Rapids MI, 1949
(Fourth Printing, June 1969.)
Questions on the Background Information on Exodus
1.
Complete the following sentences that discuss the various names given to the first five books of the Bible.
a.
b.
c.
d.
The Greek name given to the first five books of Scripture is ___.
The ancient Hebrews called the first five books of Scripture ___.
This book derives its name from one of the central events it narrates. ___
This book derives its name from the event recorded in its first chapter. ___
1.
2.
3.
4.
2.
Numbers
The Torah
Exodus
The Pentateuch
According to C.F. Keil, what two facts form the essential substance of the book of Exodus?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Israel’s reception of the Law.
Israel’s liberation from Egypt.
Israel’s covenant with the Lord.
Israel’s erection of the Tabernacle.
3.
When we consider all the data, the weight of the evidence seems to be in favor of the Exodus having
occurred during the reign of Ramses II. True or False
4.
How was Moses especially suited to write the Book of Exodus, as well as the rest of the Pentateuch?
a.
b.
c.
5.
As an adopted son of an Egyptian princess, Moses would have received a quality education, enabling him
to become highly literate.
As the son of a Hebrew from the tribe of Levi, Moses would have received a thorough knowledge of the
Levitical laws.
Both of the above
Put into the correct sequence the events listed below that comprise the second half (chapters 15-40) of the
Exodus narrative. (Answers are listed on the next page.)
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
___
___
___
___
___
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
The construction of the Tabernacle.
The establishment of the covenant at Sinai.
The Lord’s coming in glory to dwell with His people.
Israel’s march to the mountain of God.
Israel’s apostasy in making the golden calf.
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LESSON TWO : EXODUS 1:1-3:12
The student should prepare for his study by asking the Holy Spirit to enlighten his mind and open his heart to
receive not only the teaching of Scripture but Christ Himself as He is presented in the Scriptures.
Assignments:
1. Bible Study: The student will explore 4 portions of the Book of Exodus, guided by an expositional commentary
on the text. The student will then answer the questions found at the end of the expository notes.
2. Extra Reading: For Bachelor's credit, the student should do at least 100 pages of additional reading (see " B.
Reading Resources" listed in the Syllabus for suggested reading material.) For Master's credit, the student
should do at least 200 pages of additional reading. (In preparing his Book Report, the student should follow the
instructions given in Guidelines for Writing a Book Report, provided by the facilitator.)
Note: All Scripture texts will appear in Chalkboard font; all extended quotations from other authors will
appear in Rockwell font.
THE THREAT OF VITAL CHRISTIANITY
EXODUS 1:1-22
1 Now these are the names of the sons of Israel who went to Egypt with Jacob, (each one came with his
family): 2Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah; 3Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin; 4Dan and Naphtali; Gad and
Asher. 5All the descendants of Jacob were seventy in number—now Joseph was already in Egypt. 6Joseph
died, together with all his brothers and that whole generation. 7But the children of Israel were fruitful and
increased greatly and multiplied and became exceedingly numerous, so that the land was filled with them.
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Now a new king came to power in Egypt, one who did not know Joseph. 9He said to his people, “Look,
the people of Israel have become more numerous and mightier than us! 10Come, we must deal wisely with them
or else they will continue to multiply and, if a war breaks out, they will align themselves with our enemies, fight
against us, and leave the country.” 11Therefore the Egyptians appointed taskmasters over them to oppress
them with forced labor—they built Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh. 12But the more the
Egyptians oppressed them, the more the Israelites multiplied and spread throughout the land. So the
Egyptians came to dread the children of Israel. 13The Egyptians subjected the children of Israel to rigorous
labor; 14they made their lives bitter with hard labor in brick and mortar and with all kinds of field work. In all
their hard labor the Egyptians ruthlessly exploited them.
15
The king of Egypt spoke to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah and the other was
named Puah. 16He said to them, “When you are helping the Hebrew women in childbirth and observe them on
the delivery stool, if they deliver a boy, kill him; but if it is a girl, let her live.” 17But the midwives feared God,
so they did not do what the king of Egypt commanded them; they let the boys live. 18Then the king of Egypt
summoned the midwives and asked them, “Why have you done this? Why have you let the boys live?” 19The
midwives answered Pharaoh, “The Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women; they are robust and
deliver their babies before the midwife arrives. 20God was good to the midwives, and the people of Israel
continued to multiply and became even more numerous. 21Because the midwives feared God, he gave them
families of their own. 22Then Pharaoh commanded all his people, “Every boy that is born to the Hebrews you
must throw into the River, but you must let every girl live.”
A note on the Scripture text that accompanies each individual message: The American Standard Version and the New
International Version, along with the original Greek and Hebrew, have been used in an effort to achieve the greatest
degree of accuracy and clarity. Where words or phrases have been added to the original text in an effort to better
express its meaning, those words or phrases have usually been indicated by means of italics.
THEME: Vital Christianity is a threat to the world, and the world will react by seeking to suppress it or even extinguish
it.
PURPOSE: To warn the students to expect the world to react by taking measures against us, because the world is
threatened by the vitality of our Christian faith.
OUTLINE: I. Expect Opposition to Your Living Faith,
…Especially When the “Christian Connection” is Gone (Exodus 1:6-10)
II. Expect Opposition to Your Living Faith,
…Ranging from the Subtle to the Overt (Exodus 1:11-22)
9
III. Expect Opposition to Your Living Faith,
…But Look to Christ and Do Right (Exodus 1:15-22,1-5)
Introduction
1.
One afternoon several police cars were observed patrolling your neighborhood.
2.
At 6 p.m. that evening two police cruisers with lights flashing pulled over to the curb, the officers got out and
went to the front door of one of the houses in your neighborhood.
3.
The officers had their guns drawn, they were accompanied by police dogs: the suspect was removed from his
home, he was searched, he was then handcuffed and placed in the back seat of one of the police cruisers, and off
they went into the night.
4.
Who did the police apprehend? They apprehended you!
5.
Why? Because you exhibited illegal and threatening expressions of vital Christianity.
6.
You would have your day in court:
a.
after a thorough search of your home the evidence was found: a Bible, one that showed signs of frequent
use!
b.
the charges were read at your trial:
c.
7.

you were seen in the company of other suspicious characters entering a church for the purpose of
worshipping the Lord

you spoke the name of Jesus in a non-blasphemous manner in a public place; that is to say, you prayed
before eating your lunch in a public restaurant
the judge let you off easy this time: a $10,000 fine and a warning to cease from all further public expressions
of vital Christianity
To prevent the further outbreak of such incidents, the Ministry of Defense and Public Safety decided to beef up
it’s preventive measures:
a.
b.
c.
Step up the present social campaign:

Encourage all loyal citizens to mock and ridicule any public expression of vital Christianity that they may
happen to witness.

Encourage all loyal citizens to exhibit a self-righteous and indignant attitude against any form of
Christian conviction.
Step up the publicity campaign:

Take every opportunity to slanderously misrepresent Christian history and teaching in the media.

Label the proponents of Christianity as being close-minded, out-dated, superstitious, puritanical bigots.
Look into further legal restraints to curb the public expression of Christianity before it gets totally out of
hand.
8.
Vital Christianity is a threat to the world; and the world will react by seeking to suppress it or even extinguish it.
9.
It was when the king of Egypt felt threatened by the presence of Israel—the vital, growing, thriving presence of
Israel—that he began to initiate a policy of opposition against them.
10. What was true of Old Testament Israel physically, is also true spiritually of Christianity: vital Christianity is a
threat to the world (a threat to its peace of mind and a threat to its humanistic program); …and we can expect
the world to react by seeking to suppress and even extinguish such Christianity.
11. Because the world is threatened by the vitality of our Christian faith, we can expect it to react by taking
measures against us.
10
I. Expect Opposition to Your Living Faith,
…Especially When the “Christian Connection” is Gone (Exodus 1:6-10)
1.
In the opening verses of Exodus we are told that Joseph died (verse 6)…that representative of Israel whom
the Lord raised up to a most high and prominent position in Egypt, second in command over all of Egypt (note
Genesis 41:39-41)
Pharaoh said to Joseph, … 40You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to
your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you. 41So Pharaoh said to Joseph, I
hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt.(Genesis 41:39-41)
2.
A few verses later we read that a new king came to power in Egypt, one who did not know Joseph. (verse
8)
a.
a new king signifies one who follows different principles and policies from those of his predecessors
(Commentaries on the Old Testament, The Pentateuch, Vol. 1, Keil and Delitzsch, p.419)
b.
the statement, he did not know Joseph, means that he did not acknowledge Joseph’s contributions to
Egypt (Keil and Delitzsch, pp.419-420)
c.
note: at the time of Joseph, it appears that Egypt was ruled by the Hyksos (a Semitic race of conquerors
akin to the Hebrews); under the Hyksos the Hebrews were favored; but eventually the Hyksos were driven
out and the Egyptian rulers once again assumed the throne (Halley’s Bible Handbook, p.111)
3.
This new king views Israel as a foreign element and a threat to the security of Egypt: Israel had become a
very large population in the midst of Egypt, and there was the fear that they would ally themselves with an
invading enemy and depart from the land (verses 9-10)
4.
Because he views Israel as a foreign element—a people not assimilated into the Egyptian culture, one holding
onto a unique religion and identity—and a threat, this new king institutes official measures against Israel
5.
As we consider the circumstances described in the opening chapter of Exodus, the first lesson we can derive is
this: you may expect opposition to your living Christian faith—especially when the “Christian Connection” is
gone
a.
by way of example, consider the religious climate that once prevailed in the United States and at least a
remnant of which was still respected up through the 1950’s…

James Madison, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States Constitution, wrote: We have
staked the whole future of American civilization, not upon the power of government, far from it. We
have staked the future of all of our political institutions upon the capacity of each and all of us to
govern ourselves, to control ourselves, to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments
of God. (Five Lies of the Century, p.28)

all students entering the American system of schools from 1690 to very near 1900 began learning to
read and write by using The New England Primer. The Primer taught children the alphabet and how
to form and connect syllables into words. Most interesting are the exercises presented to help
children apply what they had learned. In the Primer each letter of the alphabet introduced a
sentence for the child to read, and each of these sentences was a verse of Scripture. (For example,
C: Come to Christ, all you who labor and have heavy burdens, and He will give you rest. E: Except a
man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.) The New England Primer was probably the
most important textbook in the American school system for more than 200 years.

in 1840 the French observer of American society, Alexis de Tocqueville, wrote: Christianity has
retained a strong hold on the public mind in America; its sway is…that of a religion which is
believed without discussion. …In the United States, Christianity itself is an established and
irresistible fact, … (Vital Signs, pp.84-85)

nearly 120 years after the birth of the nation, the Supreme Court reaffirmed the fact that America
was a Christian nation. In the case of Holy Trinity v. United States (1892) the unanimous decision of
the court stated: Our laws and our institutions must necessarily be based upon and embody the
11
teaching of The Redeemer of mankind. … and in this sense and to this extent our civilization and
our institutions are emphatically Christian… . … this is a Christian nation. (Five Lies of the
Century, p.19)

b.
c.
even as late as 1931, the Court continued to affirm America as a Christian nation. In the U.S. v.
Macintosh, the Court ruled, We are a Christian people, …acknowledging with reverence the duty
of obedience to the will of God. (Five Lies of the Century, p.22)
now consider the present anti-Christian climate that has descended upon the nation:

in 1947 the U.S. Supreme Court made a 180 degree turn. Without citing a single precedent, and
ignoring 175 years of historically consistent rulings, the Court claimed, The wall of separation
between church and state must be kept high and impregnable. Everson v. Board of Education.
(Five Lies of the Century, p.25)

in 1962, the seeds of the Everson case burst into full bloom and became the controlling precedent
for Engle v. Vitale—the case that removed prayer in public education by ruling voluntary and
denominationally neutral prayer to be unconstitutional. …Tragically, Engle v. Vitale started a
domino effect of court rulings that removed our religious heritage from the public arena, especially
from education. (Five Lies of the Century, p.26)

in the 1963 decision of Abington v. Schempp, the Court removed Bible reading from public
education. The Court’s justification? If portions of the New Testament were read without
explanation, they could be and have been psychologically harmful to a child. (Five Lies of the
Century, p.26)

by 1980 an incredibly twisted approach made it unconstitutional to post the Ten Commandments on
school walls. According to Stone v. Graham, If the posted copies of the Ten Commandments are to
have any effect at all it will be to induce the school children to read, meditate upon, perhaps
venerate and obey the commandments; this is not a permissible objective. (Five Lies of the
Century, pp.27-28)
In present day Western culture (the United States as well as Western Europe), the “religious” outlook of
secularism has replaced that of biblical Christianity; the outlook of secularism consists of such features
as:

The Secular Mind: There is no longer a Christian mind. It is a commonplace fact that the mind of
modern man has been secularized. …it has been deprived of any orientation towards the
supernatural. …rejected is the view which sets all earthly issues within the context of the eternal,
the view which relates all human problems—social, political, cultural—to the doctrinal foundations
of the Christian Faith, the view which sees all things here below in terms of God’s supremacy and
earth’s transitoriness, in terms of Heaven and Hell. (The Christian Mind, pp.3-4), the author is
describing secularism as it manifested itself in English society in the 1960’s

The Secular View of Freedom: it is a concept of freedom whose roots are deep in pagan naturalism.
The Christian concept of freedom, rooted as it is in the notion of total self-surrender within the
family of God, and accompanied as it is by a code of disciplines rigorous in their check upon selfindulgence or self-assertive individualism, is a virtually contradictory concept to that humanist
notion of freedom as residing in an unfettered autonomous individualism … We sense deeply the
chasm between the church and the secular world when those secularists who speak idealistically of
freedom reveal that they have in mind, not just the renunciation of dictatorships and other
repressive agencies, but also the rejection of bonds and obligations such as those constituted by
marriage, the family, and all social hierarchies. (The Christian Mind, pp.12-13)

The Secular View of Truth: Secularism asserts the opinionated self as the only judge of truth.
Christianity imposes the given divine revelation as the final touchstone of truth. The marks of truth
as Christianly conceived (in distinction from secularly conceived) are: that truth is supernaturally
grounded, not developed within nature; that it is objective and not subjective; that it is a revelation
and not a construction; that it is discovered by inquiry and not elected by majority vote; that it is
authoritative and not a matter of personal choice. (The Christian Mind, p.107)
12
II. Expect Opposition to Your Living Faith,
…Ranging from the Subtle to the Overt (Exodus 1:11-22)
1.
2.
3.
4.
The first policy instituted to contain and control the growing Hebrew nation was to subject it to taskmasters
(verses 11-14)
a.
the Egyptians’ purpose was to oppress them with forced labor; i.e., to make them serfs (Keil and
Delitzsch, p.422)
b.
the goal was not only to break down their physical strength, but to convey (and reinforce) the notion that
they were subservient aliens living under the dominant Egyptian culture—i.e.; to designate them as
“second class citizens” without rights and whose very existence was for the benefit of the State
A second intensified policy instituted against Israel was that of official government-ordered infanticide (verses
15-21)
a.
the mid-wives were privately instructed to kill the newborn Hebrew male infants
b.
the goal was that the Hebrew females would eventually have to marry Egyptians and thus the Hebrew
nation would lose its identity by becoming assimilated into the Egyptian race and culture
The third policy instituted against Israel by the Egyptian government was one of all-out persecution (verse 22)
a.
now every Egyptian citizen was enlisted in the campaign to exterminate the future generation of Hebrew
males (who would be potential leaders and propagators of the race)
b.
it now became a public responsibility to report the birth of a Hebrew male and a civic duty to kill such
infants
As we consider this opening chapter of Exodus, here is a second lesson to be learned: Expect opposition to
your living faith, …ranging from the subtle to the overt
a.
some subtle means of attacking and confining the influence of vital Christianity are as follows:
i.
Regulate the Christian religion to the realm of the private and the personal
…one may secularize a community, not by officially denying its religion, but by so
departmentalizing it that it is deprived of any overt influence upon the community’s conscious
purpose and activities. Christianity is emasculated of its intellectual relevance. It remains a
vehicle of spirituality and moral guidance at the individual level perhaps; but at the communal
level it is little more than an expression of sentimentalized togetherness. (The Christian Mind,
p.16)

ii.
an example of silencing the public influence of vital Christianity: In a criminal justice
class, the usual debate over heredity versus environment as the cause of evil was
interrupted by a young couple who felt the discussion should move forward to explore
the solution. When they said the answer was having a personal relationship with God
through Jesus Christ, a fellow student exploded, “Why don’t you just shut up and sit
down! Save that for your religion class! That’s not what this course is all about.” The
class applauded and the couple sat down. (POWER, 6/21/92, p.6)
Promote the dogma of relativism and label as dangerous those people who claim to possess the
absolute truth that has come via divine revelation
There is one thing a professor can be absolutely certain of: almost every student entering the
university believes, or says he believes, that truth is relative. If this belief is put to the test,
one can count on the students’ reaction: they will be uncomprehending. That anyone should
regard the proposition that truth is relative as not self-evident astonishes them… These are
things you don’t think about. The student’s backgrounds are as various as America can
provide. …They are unified only in their relativism and in their allegiance to equality. …They
have all been equipped with this framework early on … The danger they have been taught to
fear from absolutism is not error but intolerance. Relativism is necessary to openness; and this
is the virtue, the only virtue, which all primary education for more than fifty years has
dedicated itself to inculcating. Openness—is the great insight of our times. The true believer
is the real danger…The students, of course, cannot defend their opinion. It is something with
which they have been indoctrinated. (The Closing of the American Mind, pp.25-26)
13
iii.
Piously accuse religion (especially the Christian religion) of being the chief cause of all war
and human misery perpetrated upon the world.

but in so doing, conveniently omit the religion of Secular Humanism, which by its
“denomination” of Communism alone has accounted for an overwhelming number of
deaths and human misery:
Our century is noted for its bloody wars. World War I saw nine million people killed in
battle, an incredible record that was surpassed within a few decades by the 15 million
battle deaths of World War II. Even the numbers killed in the 20th-century revolutions
and civil wars have set historical records. In total, about 35,654,000 people have died in
this century’s international and domestic wars, revolutions and violent conflicts. Yet,
even more unbelievable than these vast numbers killed in war is a shocking fact. The
number of people killed by totalitarian or extreme authoritarian governments already far
exceeds that for all wars, civil and international. Indeed, this number already
approximates the number that might be killed in a nuclear war. (R.J. Rummel, Prof. of
Political Science at the University of Hawaii at Manoa; whose two-part article first
appeared in The Wall Street Journal and is here quoted as it appeared in The Brookings
Register, Brookings, SD, May 14, 1987)
…both world wars cost 24 million battle deaths. But from 1918 to 1953, the Soviet
government executed, slaughtered, starved, beat or tortured to death or otherwise killed
some 39.5 million of its own people (estimates vary from between 20 million and 83
million). In China under Mao Tse-tung, the communist government eliminated, as an
average figure between estimates, 45 million people. The number killed in just these two
nations is about 84.5 million, or a lethality of 252 percent more than both world wars
together. (R.J. Rummel, The Brookings Register, May 15, 1987)
b.
some of the more overt forms of attacking and confining the influence of Christianity in American culture
can be seen in a number of the U.S. Supreme Court decisions referred to earlier, especially such decisions
as:

Engle v. Vitale, 1962; removing prayer from public education

Abington v. Schempp, 1963; removing Bible reading from public education

Stone v. Graham, 1980; ruling it unconstitutional to post the Ten Commandments on school
walls
III. Expect Opposition to Your Living Faith,
…But Look to Christ and Do Right (Exodus 1:15-22,1-5)
1.
When the Hebrew midwives (i.e., the chief midwives assigned to help deliver Hebrew babies) were
instructed by the king to kill the Hebrew male infants, they did not carry out his order.
2.
The reason given for their non-compliance was the fact that they feared God (verse 17)

3.
4.
their fear of God caused them to take a moral stand: to refuse to carry out an official command which
was contrary to the law of God and would cause them to violate that divine and moral law
Note that Scripture indicates God blessed the midwives because of their godly fear (verse 21)—but Scripture
does not condone their deceit
a.
their obedience, even though it was less than perfect, was rewarded
b.
though they are an example of Christian conduct (in standing in opposition to ungodly demands), they
are a less than perfect example (as seen by the fact that they resorted to deceit in an effort to conceal
the true reason for their non-compliance with the king’s command)
As we consider this opening chapter of Exodus, a third lesson we ought to learn is this: Expect opposition to
your living Christian faith, …but look to Christ for His grace and do what is right—i.e.; do not let the
opposition stifle the “living” out of your living Christian faith
a.
we are expected by Christ and required by Christ to lead a consistent and public Christian life (note
Romans 10:9 and Matthew 10:32-33)
14
…if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised
him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9)
Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven.
33
But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven. (Matthew
10:32-33)
b.
a consistent and public Christian life consists in the refusal to comply with man-made laws that require
disobedience to the law of God and the refusal to cease from proclaiming the truth of God (note Acts
5:27-29)
Having brought the apostles, they made them appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by
the high priest. 28We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, he said. Yet you have
filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.
29
Peter and the other apostles replied, We must obey God rather than men. (Acts 5:27-29)
c.
a consistent and public Christian life consists in standing up for what is right and godly, especially
when it means standing in opposition to ungodly government demands

note the reply of the three Hebrew youths who refused to acquiesce to King Nebuchadnezzar’s
demand that they bow down in worship to the image he had erected:
… let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods, nor will we worship the
golden statue that you have erected. (Daniel 3:18)
Conclusion
1.
It was when the king of Egypt felt threatened by the presence of Israel—the vital, growing, thriving presence of
Israel—that he began to initiate a policy of opposition against them.
2.
What was true of Old Testament Israel physically, is also true spiritually of Christianity: vital Christianity is a
threat to the world (a threat to its peace of mind and a threat to its humanistic program); …and we can expect
the world to react by seeking to suppress and even extinguish such Christianity.
3.
Charles Colson’s counsel is this:
The first law of survival for the church under pressure from secular authorities: Do not succumb to either their
enticements or their threats. Be faithful to God alone. (Kingdoms in Conflict, p.202)
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Commentaries on the Old Testament, The Pentateuch, Vol.1, Keil and Delitzsch, Wm. B. Eerdmans Pubish. Co., Grand
Rapids, MI. reprint, 1971.
Five Lies of the Century, David T. Moore, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton IL, 1995.
Halley’s Bible Handbook, Henry H. Halley, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids MI. Twenty-Fourth Edition, 1965.
Kingdoms in Conflict, Charles Colson, Wm. Morrow/Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, MI., 1987.
The Christian Mind, Harry Blamires, Servant Books, Ann Arbor, MI. First American Edition, 1978.
The Closing of the American Mind, Allan Bloom, Simon and Schuster, New York, 1987.
Vital Signs, George Barna and Wm. Paul McKay, Crossway Books, Westchester, IL. 1984.
Questions on Exodus 1:1-22
1. When a new king ascends the throne of Egypt, how does he view the people of Israel? See Exodus 1:8-10 (printed
below)
Now a new king came to power in Egypt, one who did not know Joseph. (9) He said to his people, Look, the
people of Israel have become more numerous and mightier than us! (10) Come, we must deal wisely with them
or else they will continue to multiply and, if a war breaks out, they will align themselves with our enemies, fight
against us, and leave the country. (Exodus 1:8-10)
15
2. What measure does the new king institute to combat the threat that Israel posed? See Exodus 1:11-14 (printed
below)
Therefore the Egyptians appointed taskmasters over them to oppress them with forced labor—they built
Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh. (12) But the more the Egyptians oppressed them, the more
the Israelites multiplied and spread throughout the land. So the Egyptians came to dread the children of
Israel. (13) The Egyptians subjected the children of Israel to rigorous labor; (14) they made their lives bitter
with hard labor in brick and mortar and with all kinds of field work. In all their hard labor the Egyptians
ruthlessly exploited them. (Exodus 1:11-14)
3. When the initial measure taken against the Israelites failed, what was the next measure instituted by the Egyptian
government? See Exodus 1:15-16 (printed below)
The king of Egypt spoke to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah and the other was named
Puah. (16) He said to them, When you are helping the Hebrew women in childbirth and observe them on the
delivery stool, if they deliver a boy, kill him; but if it is a girl, let her live. (Exodus 1:15-16)
4. How did the Hebrew midwives (i.e.; the Egyptian women assigned to help deliver Hebrew babies) respond to
Pharaoh's order? Why? What happened to them? See Exodus 1:17-21 (printed below)
But the midwives feared God, so they did not do what the king of Egypt commanded them; they let the boys
live. (18) Then the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, Why have you done this? Why have
you let the boys live? (19) The midwives answered Pharaoh, The Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian
women; they are robust and deliver their babies before the midwife arrives. (20) God was good to the
midwives, and the people of Israel continued to multiply and became even more numerous. (21) Because the
midwives feared God, he gave them families of their own. (Exodus 1:17-21)
5. When this second measure also fails, what does the Egyptian government do? See Exodus 1:22 (printed below)
Then Pharaoh commanded all his people, Every boy that is born to the Hebrews you must throw into the
River, but you must let every girl live. (Exodus 1:22)
6. The world may be indifferent towards dead orthodoxy and it may sneer at hypocrisy, but it feels threatened by
________ Christianity. Fill in the blank
7. According to the commentary, we may expect to encounter opposition to our vibrant Christian faith, especially when
a society has departed from its Christian roots. Complete the sentences listed below that describe the features of
secularism that have replaced biblical Christianity as the predominant religious outlook of the modern Western World.
a.
b.
c.
This view does not take into account God’s supremacy and the matter of eternity; rather, it merely
confines its perspective to this present world and human history. This is ___
Those who hold to this view not only renounce dictatorships and other repressive government agencies,
but also reject all other bonds and obligations, such as those relating to marriage, the family, and all
social hierarchies. This is ___
Those who hold to this view accept one’s own personal opinion and the will of the majority as their
standard, instead of the written Word of God. This is ___ the Secular View of Truth
1. the Secular View of Freedom
2. the Secular Mind
3. the Secular View of Truth
8. At first, the Egyptian government carried out a subtle rather than overt form of opposition against the Israelite
community. According to the commentary, what are some subtle means of attacking vital Christianity that are
practiced in contemporary Western society?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Regulate the Christian religion to the realm of the private and the personal, and do not allow it to voice
its views in the realm of public decision-making.
Enact laws making it illegal to conduct Christian evangelism and impose stiff penalties on anyone for
converting to Christianity.
Promote the dogma of relativism and label as dangerous those people who claim to possess absolute
truth that has come via divine revelation.
Piously accuse religion (especially the Christian religion) of being the chief cause of all war and human
misery in the world.
16
9. From the action taken by the Hebrew midwives we learn that it is legitimate for a Christian to refuse to obey a law
that is contrary to the commandments of God and, when necessary, to resort to deceit in an effort to avoid punishment
for non-compliance with such a law. True or False
10. As we study the opening chapter of Exodus, we learn that we may expect to encounter opposition to vital
Christianity, but we must not allow that opposition to stifle and silence our Christian witness or conduct. Match the
passages of Scripture listed below with the lessons they teach on this subject. (Answers listed on next page)
a.
b.
c.
Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. 33But
whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven. (Matthew 10:32-33) ___
Having brought the apostles, they made them appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high
priest. 28We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, he said. Yet you have filled Jerusalem with
your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood. 29Peter and the other apostles
replied, We must obey God rather than men. (Acts 5:27-29) ___
Let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods, nor will we worship the golden statue
that you have erected. (Daniel 3:18) ___
1. We must lead a public Christian life.
2. We must not submit to laws that violate God’s law.
3. We must not allow our Christian witness to be silenced.
A ROLE MODEL FOR CHRISTIAN PARENTS
EXODUS 2:1-10; HEBREWS 11:23-27
Exodus 2:1-10
2Now a man from the house of Levi went and married a daughter of Levi. 2The woman conceived and gave
birth to a son. When she saw that he was a beautiful child, she hid him for three months. 3When she could no
longer hide him, she got an “ark” made of bulrushes for him and coated it with tar and pitch. She placed the
child in it and set it among the reeds by the bank of the River. 4His sister stood at a distance to see what
would happen to him.
5
Pharaoh’s daughter came down to bathe in the River, and her attendants were walking along the river
bank. She saw the “ark” among the reeds and sent her servant to retrieve it. 6She opened it and saw the child;
the baby was crying and she had compassion on him. She said, “This is one of the Hebrews’ children.” 7Then his
sister asked Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and call a nurse for you from among the Hebrew women so that
she might nurse the child for you?” 8Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Go and do so.” So the girl went and
called the child’s mother. 9Then Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this child away and nurse him for me
and I will give you your wages.” So the woman took the child and nursed it. 10The child grew, and she brought
him to Pharaoh’s daughter and he became her son. She named him Moses, saying, “I give him this name
because I drew him out of the water.”
Hebrews 11:23-27
1123By faith, Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw he was
no ordinary child, and they did not fear the king’s edict. 24By faith, Moses, when he had grown up, refused to
be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. 25He chose to share mistreatment together with the people of
God, rather than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. 26He regarded sharing in the reproach of Christ
to be of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he looked forward to the reward. 27By faith he
forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king—and he survived, almost seeing him who is invisible.
THEME: Christian parents who consistently live by their faith can have a profound spiritual impact on their children.
PURPOSE: To exhort the students to live out a consistent Christian life, so that they may have a positive spiritual
influence in the lives of their children.
OUTLINE: I. Live a Consistent Christian Life,
…by Exercising Spiritual Insight
II. Live a Consistent Christian Life,
…by Exhibiting Christian Courage
Introduction
17
1.
Let me read to you some excerpts from a letter written by a grown child to his parents:
I am writing this letter to tell you something you already know. But it helps me to be able to say it. …I want you
to know how much I appreciated the Christian home you both provided for me.
Because you loved God’s Word, I learned to love it too. …you always felt the presence of Jesus. You talked
to Him all the time.
I want to thank you not only for giving me life, but for being a special part of my life.
Your loving son,
Moses
2.
Actually, this letter was not written by Moses to his parents—it was written by a young woman named Marlene,
expressing her love and appreciation for her Christian home. (POWER, 5/9/93, pp.4-5)
3.
But it could have been written by Moses, because he, too, had a godly home with dedicated Christian parents, just
like the home described by Marlene in her letter.
4.
As we consider the second chapter of Exodus, let us turn our attention to Moses’ parents and the powerful role
they played in the life of their son.
5.
Moses’ parents made a profound spiritual impact on the life of their son, an impact that survived and thrived
despite the seductive allurements of Egypt.
6.
Christian parents, consistently live out your faith, so that you may have a profound spiritual impact on your
children.
I. Live a Consistent Christian Life,
…by Exercising Spiritual Insight
1.
Hebrews 11:23 informs us that Moses was hidden for three months because his parents saw that he was no
ordinary child

2.
Moses’ parents possessed spiritual insight and acted upon it
At the time of his birth, Moses’ parents, especially his mother (note Exodus 2:2), noticed the uniqueness of
their child…

in Acts 7:20 Stephen describes the infant Moses as being pleasing to God (i.e., as being the special
object of God’s favor and purpose); or, literally, beautiful (asteioV) to God; the word used here to
describe the infant Moses means an attractiveness or physical beauty that is striking

in the case of the infant Moses, God chose to use the striking beauty of this infant to call attention to His
unique purpose for this child—and Moses’ parents had the spiritual insight to recognize this


3.
they recognized that Moses was beautiful to God; beyond this physical attractiveness, or actually by
means of it, Moses’ parents discerned that God had a special purpose for this child
note: God could have accomplished this same purpose by giving to the infant Moses an unusual amount of
physical strength, or a unique measure of alertness and perception; …but in this particular case the Lord
chose to accomplish His purpose by giving to the infant Moses an abundant measure of physical beauty
Recognizing the uniqueness of this child the parents made every effort to preserve his life (once again, it is
Moses’ mother who takes the lead):

she hid him for three months

she built him an “ark,” placed him in it, and set it among the reeds of the Nile; note: in building an “ark”
(hb2T4), Moses’ mother is recalling how the Lord spared Noah from the flood waters of death (cp. Genesis
6:13-14a) and she is requesting that the Lord would do the same for her infant son, Moses
Then God said to Noah, I have determined to bring all mankind to an end, for the earth is filled
with violence because of them; surely, I will destroy them together with the earth. 14Therefore
make an ark (hb2T4) (Genesis 6:13-14a)
18

4.
Moses’ parents (especially his mother) possessed spiritual insight and acted upon it: they recognized that their
child was uniquely set apart by God and that God had a special purpose for his life

5.
she stationed her daughter, Miriam, to watch over the “ark,” and then instructed Miriam to offer her
mother’s services as nurse to the child when he was retrieved from the river by the Egyptian princess
note: as Christian parents we should likewise recognize that each one of our children, as covenant
children, is uniquely set apart for God (cp. 1 Corinthians 7:14; your children … are holy.)
Now consider the profound impact their exercise of Christian insight had upon their son:
By faith, Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. 25He
chose to share mistreatment together with the people of God, rather than enjoy the pleasures of sin
for a short time. 26He regarded sharing in the reproach of Christ to be of greater value than the
treasures of Egypt, because he looked forward to the reward. (Hebrews 11:24-26)
6.
When he had grown up, Moses came to exhibit the same spiritual insight that had been characteristic of his
parents:
a.
b.
c.
he… refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.
together with the people of God
25
He chose to share mistreatment

he willfully renounced the privileges of Egyptian royalty

he willingly chose to identify himself with Christ and His people, even though it meant hardship,
deprivation, ostracism, and persecution
Why did Moses make such a choice?

because he recognized that the pleasures of sin are only for a short time—i.e.; they are only
temporary and fleeting

because he looked to eternity and the reward God promises to those who love Him and serve Him
Moses possessed true spiritual perception—discerning the true nature of things, appreciating what is of
true value, taking into account the long range view of eternity—and he acted upon it; he chose allegiance
to Christ instead of following the course of this present world (note 1 John 2:15-17)
Do not love the world … 16for everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his
eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world.
17
The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. (1 John
2:15a, 16-17).
7.
May you live a consistent Christian life, …by exercising spiritual insight
a.
May God grant you the ability to distinguish between right and wrong; …the ability to distinguish between
truth and error; …the ability to distinguish between the superficial and the profound; …the ability to
distinguish between the holy and the unclean.
b.
What are the means by which you gain and grow in spiritual insight?

Prayer:
Give your servant a discerning heart…so that I may distinguish between good and evil (1 Kings
3:9), this was Solomon’s prayer
the apostle Paul’s prayer for the church should also be our own prayer: I pray that your love (for
Christ) may abound more and more in knowledge and all insight, 10so that you may discern the
things that are worthy, in order that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ—
11
being filled with the fruit of righteousness which is through Jesus Christ to the glory and
praise of God. (Philippians 1:9-11)

Probing into the Word of God:
I have more insight than all my teachers, because I meditate on your statutes. (Psalm 119:99)
19

Practicing what we learn from God’s Word:
I have more understanding than the aged, because I obey your precepts. (Psalm 119:100)
…spiritually mature men …by means of use have their senses exercised to distinguish good
and evil (Hebrews 5:14)
c.
May your choices, your outlook, your lifestyle, be consciously fashioned by the exercise of godly spiritual
insight.
II. Live a Consistently Christian Life,
…by Exhibiting Christian Courage
1.
Hebrews 11:23 further informs us that Moses’ parents took the action they did because they did not fear the
king’s edict
2.
At the time of Moses’ birth, there was in force a royal edict that stipulated that all sons born to the Hebrews
must be thrown into the Nile River (Exodus 1:22)
Then Pharaoh commanded all his people, “Every boy that is born to the Hebrews you must throw into
the River, but you must let every girl live.” (Exodus 1:22)
a.
Moses’ mother took a great risk in hiding her infant son for three months: she could have lost her life and
she was putting her whole family in jeopardy

b.
she took an apparently foolish risk: there would come a time when the child could no longer remain
hidden, then what would they do?

3.
sometimes we must take an act of obedience and leave to God the ordering of future events
Moses’ parents, (especially his mother), lived a bold Christian life

4.
sometimes we must sacrifice our safety and security for the sake of obedience to Christ
they not only possessed spiritual insight and discernment, they also exhibited the courage to act upon
that insight
Now consider the profound impact their life of Christian courage had upon their son:
By faith, Moses, when he had grown up, …27…forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king—and
he survived, almost seeing him who is invisible. (Hebrews 11:24,27)
5.
When he had grown up, Moses came to exhibit the same spiritual boldness that had been characteristic of
his parents: he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king

here is a reference to his flight into the wilderness of Midian, following his killing of the Egyptian
taskmaster (see Exodus 2:11-15)
Now it came about in those days, when Moses had grown up, that he went out to see his
brothers and he observed their hard labors. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of Moses’
brothers. 12He looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no one else present,
he killed the Egyptian and hid his body in the sand. 13And he went out the next day, and he saw
two Hebrews fighting with each other. He said to the offender, “Why are you hitting your fellow
Hebrew?” 14The man replied, “Who made you a ruler and judge over us? Do you plan to kill me like
you killed the Egyptian?” Then Moses became afraid and thought, “Surely, what I have done has
become known.” 15When Pharaoh heard about this, he tried to kill Moses. But Moses fled from
Pharaoh’s presence and went to live in the land of Midian, where he sat down beside a well.
(Exodus 2:11-15)

note: rather than viewing his flight into Midian as an act of fear, Scripture presents it as an act of
boldness; the reason for this is found in such a passage as Ecclesiastes 10:4;
20
If a ruler’s anger rises against you, do not leave your post; meekness can moderate great
offences. (Ecclesiastes 10:4), i.e., to flee from a king indicates to him that you are both guilty of
offense and a potential threat to lead rebellion against his rule; to refrain from fleeing indicates that
you desire to be under his jurisdiction and that you seek his mercy; when one exhibits a meek spirit it
makes it easier for the king to tolerate and forgive great offenses
6.
Like his parents before him, Moses’ courage stemmed from his faith in Christ: By faith he forsook Egypt, not
fearing the wrath of the king. (Hebrews 11:27)
a.
it was his relationship with Christ that enabled him to display godly courage—and it was his commitment
to Christ that caused him to display such courage
b.
displaying a godly courage which stemmed from his faith in Christ, he survived

God upheld him, provided for him, and did not let him perish (cp. Hebrews 13:5b-6a)
…the Lord himself has said, I will by no means fail you, neither will I in any way forsake you.
6
So, with sure confidence we say, The Lord is my helper; I will not fear (Hebrews 13:5b-6a)

7.
his relationship with God actually became deeper, more personal and more real; this seems to be
expressed by the statement, he survived, almost seeing him who is invisible
Live a consistently Christian life, …by exhibiting Christian courage
a.
May God not only grant you the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, but the courage to do
right; …not only the ability to distinguish between truth and error, but the courage to live the truth;
…not only the ability to distinguish between the superficial and the profound, but the courage to
embrace the profound; …not only the ability to distinguish between the holy and the unclean, but the
courage to choose the holy.
b.
What are the means by which you gain and grow in spiritual courage?

Rely upon Christ to supply the strength needed to exercise Christian courage:
I am able to do all things by him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13)
You then, my son, be strong with the grace that is in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 2:1)

Recognize that Christ commands us to exercise Christian courage:
In the world you have tribulation. But have courage; I have conquered the world. (John
16:33b)
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; for Jehovah
your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)
Live your life only in a way that is worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that if I come and see
you—or if I remain absent what I will hear about you is that you are standing firm in one
spirit, and with one soul are contending for the faith of the gospel, 28and that you are in no
way being intimidated by those who oppose you. (Philippians 1:27-28a)
c.
May your decisions, outlook, lifestyle, be informed and fashioned by true spiritual insight—being lived out
by the exercise of godly courage; …and may it be a life that has a profoundly Christian impact on your
sons and daughters.
Conclusion
1.
As we read the Scriptures carefully, we discover that Moses’ parents were used by God to make a profound
spiritual impact on the life of their son, …an impact that survived and thrived despite the powerful allurements of
the world.
2.
Like Moses’ parents, may we also have a profound spiritual impact on our sons and daughters; …like Moses’
parents, may we, too, by the grace of God, live a consistently Christian life.
Questions on Exodus 2:1-10
21
1. According to Hebrews 11:23 (printed below), why did Moses' parents make a special effort to spare their son? What
was there about Moses that showed his uniqueness? See Exodus 2:2 and Acts 7:20 (printed below)
By faith, Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw he was no
ordinary child, and they did not fear the king's edict. (Hebrews 11:23)
The woman conceived and gave birth to a son. When she saw that he was a beautiful child, she hid him for
three months. (Exodus 2:2)
At that time Moses was born, and he was beautiful to God. For three months he was cared for in his father's
house. (Acts 7:20)
2. What measures does Moses' mother take to spare her son? See Exodus 2:2-4 (printed below)
The woman conceived and gave birth to a son. When she saw that he was a beautiful child, she hid him for
three months. (3) When she could no longer hide him, she got an "ark" made of bulrushes for him and coated it
with tar and pitch. She placed the child in it and set it among the reeds by the bank of the River. (4) His sister
stood at a distance to see what would happen to him. (Exodus 2:2-4)
3. What is significant about the fact that the basket into which Moses' mother placed her son is identified as "an ark?"
4. During the first three months of his life, what risk was Moses' mother taking?
5. When he was grown up, in what ways did Moses resemble his parents? Compare Exodus 2:1-10 (printed below) with
the account of Moses given in Hebrews 11:23-27 (printed below).
Now a man from the house of Levi went and married a daughter of Levi. (2) The woman conceived and gave
birth to a son. When she saw that he was a beautiful child, she hid him for three months. (3) When she could
no longer hide him, she got an "ark" made of bulrushes for him and coated it with tar and pitch. She placed
the child in it and set it among the reeds by the bank of the River. (4) His sister stood at a distance to see
what would happen to him. (Exodus 2:1-4)
By faith, Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw he was no
ordinary child, and they did not fear the king's edict. (24) By faith, Moses, when he had grown up, refused to
be known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter. (25) He chose to share mistreatment together with the people of
God, rather than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. (26) He regarded sharing in the reproach of
Christ to be of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he looked forward to the reward. (27) By
faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king—and he survived, almost seeing him who is invisible.
(Hebrews 11:23-27)
6. According to the commentary, in what ways does Moses’ parents serve as role models for Christian parents?
a.
b.
c.
Moses’ parents possessed spiritual insight; they recognized that their child was uniquely set apart by
God and that God had a special purpose for his life.
Moses’ parents lived a bold Christian life; they not only possessed spiritual insight, they also exhibited
the courage to act upon that insight.
Moses’ parents prayed that they would bear the child who would be Israel’s great deliverer, and God
graciously answered their prayer.
7. The Lord could have called attention to His unique purpose for Moses by bestowing upon the infant an unusual
amount of physical strength or an abundant measure of intellectual alertness, but He chose to do so by bestowing upon
the infant Moses an extraordinary amount of physical _______. Fill in the blank
8. As Christian parents we should recognize that our sons/daughters are unique…
a.
b.
c.
d.
if their birth has been a miraculous answer to prayer
when they make a public profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ
after they have dedicated themselves to serving the Lord in fulltime ministry
because they are covenant children set apart from the world
9. According to the commentary, what are the means by which we can gain and grow in spiritual insight? Match the
passages listed below with the statements that describe the lessons derived from them.
a.
b.
c.
Give your servant a discerning heart…so that I may distinguish between good and evil (1 Kings 3:9) ___
I have more insight than all my teachers, because I meditate on your statutes. (Psalm 119:99) ___
I have more understanding than the aged, because I obey your precepts. (Psalm 119:100) ___
22
1. We grow in spiritual insight by obeying God’s Word.
2. We can pray for spiritual insight.
3. We gain spiritual insight by studying God’s Word.
10. From the example of Moses’ parents we learn that we as Christian parents (and as Christian people) must not only
gain spiritual insight, we must also exhibit Christian _______ by acting upon that insight and thereby living consistent
Christian lives unto the glory of God. Fill in the blank
CAN GOD USE ME?
EXODUS 2:11-22; EXODUS 3:1-7A, 3:10-4:17
Exodus 2:11-22
2 11Now it came about in those days, when Moses had grown up, that he went out to see his brothers and he
observed their hard labors. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of Moses’ brothers. 12He looked this
way and that way, and when he saw that there was no one else present, he killed the Egyptian and hid his body
in the sand. 13And he went out the next day, and he saw two Hebrews fighting with each other. He said to the
offender, “Why are you hitting your fellow Hebrew?” 14The man replied, “Who made you a ruler and judge over
us? Do you plan to kill me like you killed the Egyptian?” Then Moses became afraid and thought, “Surely, what
I have done has become known.” 15When Pharaoh heard about this, he tried to kill Moses. But Moses fled
from Pharaoh’s presence and went to live in the land of Midian, where he sat down beside a well.
16
Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came to draw water and fill the troughs to
water their father’s flock. 17Then the shepherds came and drove them away, but Moses stood up and helped
them, and watered their flock. 18When they returned to Reuel their father, he asked them, “How is it that you
have come back so soon today?” 19They answered, “An Egyptian rescued us from the shepherds. He even drew
water for us and watered the flock.” 20Reuel said to his daughters, “Where is he? Why did you leave the man
there? Invite him to eat bread with us.” 21Moses was content to dwell with the man; and he gave Moses his
daughter Zipporah in marriage. 22She gave birth to a son, and Moses named him Gershom, saying, “I have
become a sojourner in a foreign land.”
Exodus 3:1-7a, 10-4:17
3 Now Moses was pasturing the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian; and he led the flock to
the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2There the angel of Jehovah
appeared to him in a flame of fire from within a bush. Moses looked and saw that, although the bush was
burning with fire, the bush was not consumed. 3So Moses said, “I will go over and take a look at this strange
sight—why the bush is not burnt up.” 4When Jehovah saw that he had come over to look, God called to him
from within the bush, and said, “Moses, Moses.” And he said, “Here I am.” 5Then he said, “Do not come near.
Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” 6Furthermore, he
said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Then
Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.
7
Then Jehovah said, “I have certainly seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt… 10Therefore,
come now, and I will send you to Pharaoh, so that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of
Egypt.”
11
But Moses said to God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of
Israel out of Egypt?” 12Then he said, “I will certainly be with you, and this shall be the sign to you that it is I
who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God at this mountain.”
13
Moses said to God, “When I come to the children of Israel and say to them, The God of your fathers has
sent me to you, and they ask me, What is his name? what shall I say to them?” 14God said to Moses, “I AM
THAT I AM.” And he said, “This is what you shall say to the children of Israel: I AM has sent me to you.”
15
Furthermore, God said to Moses, “This is what you shall say to the children of Israel: Jehovah, the God of
your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is my
name forever, and this is the name by which I am to be remembered from generation to generation. 16Go and
gather the elders of Israel together and say to them, Jehovah, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham,
of Isaac, and of Jacob, has appeared to me and said, I have certainly visited you and have seen what is done
to you in Egypt, 17and I have said, I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt to the land of the
Canaanite and the Hittite and the Amorite and the Perizzite and the Hivite and the Jebusite—to a land
flowing with milk and honey. 18They will listen to you. Then you—you and the elders of Israel—shall go to the
king of Egypt and say to him: Jehovah, the God of the Hebrews, has met with us. Now we request that you
23
allow us to take a three-days’ journey into the wilderness, so that we may offer a sacrifice to Jehovah our
God. 19I know that the king of Egypt will not give you permission to go; no, not unless a mighty hand compels
him to do so. 20So I will stretch out my hand and strike Egypt with all my wonders that I will perform among
them. After that, he will let you go. 21And I will grant this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that
when you leave, you will not go empty-handed. 22Every woman is to ask her neighbor and any woman living in her
house for silver and gold jewelry and for clothing, which you shall put upon your sons and your daughters. So
you will plunder the Egyptians.”
4 Then Moses responded, “But they will not believe me or listen to my voice, for they will say, Jehovah has not
appeared to you.” 2Jehovah said to him, “What is that in your hand?” Moses answered, “A staff.” 3Then he
said, “Throw it on the ground.” So Moses threw it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses ran
away from it. 4But Jehovah said to Moses, “Reach out your hand and take it by the tail.” So he reached out
his hand and took hold of it, and once again it became a staff in his hand. 5“This,” declared Jehovah, “is so
that they may believe that Jehovah, the God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the
God of Jacob, has appeared to you.” 6Furthermore, Jehovah said to him, “Now place your hand inside your
robe.” So he placed his hand inside his robe, and when he took it out, his hand was leprous, as white as snow.
7
Then he said, “Place your hand inside your robe again.” So he placed his hand inside his robe again. And when
he withdrew it from his robe, it was restored, like the rest of his flesh. 8Jehovah said, “It shall be that if they
do not believe you, nor take heed to the first sign, that they may believe this second sign. 9But if they will not
believe even these two signs, or accept what you say, then you shall take some water from the River and pour
it on the dry ground. The water that you take from the River will become blood on the dry ground.”
10
Then Moses said to Jehovah, “O Lord, I am not eloquent; I never was eloquent, nor have I become
eloquent since you have spoken to your servant. My speech is hesitant and my tongue is halting.” 11Jehovah
said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who causes a man to be mute or deaf, or who gives him sight, or
who makes him blind? Is it not I, Jehovah? 12Now, therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and instruct you
as to what to say.” 13Then Moses said, “O Lord, send your message by the hand of whomever you desire.”
14
Then the anger of Jehovah was kindled against Moses, and he said, “Is there not your brother Aaron the
Levite? I know that he can speak well. Indeed, he is coming out to meet you, when he sees you, his heart will
be glad. 15You are to speak to him and put the words into his mouth; I will be with your mouth and with his
mouth, and I will instruct you as to what you are to do. 16He will be your spokesman to the people; he will be a
mouth for you, and you will be to him like God. 17You shall take this staff in your hand, with which you shall
perform the signs.”
THEME: Before God can use a man, He must rid him of his self-resourcefulness and cause him to look to God alone for
his resources.
PURPOSE: To inform the students that if you would be used by God, you must recognize your own insufficiency and
rely on God’s all-sufficiency.
OUTLINE: I. God Can Use You,
… If You are Not Self-Willed (Exodus 2:11-22)
II. God Can Use You,
… When You are Broken (Exodus 3:1-2; 3:10-4:17)
Introduction
1.
There appeared a T.V. commercial for the U.S. Marines, informing us that they are looking for “a few good men.”
2.
Against a dark and foreboding background, there is a life- size chessboard: the white knight on his charger does
battle against the black knight.
3.
As this dramatic conflict is played out we are told that “to compete, you must be strong; to win, you must be
smart.”
4.
Then the picture switches from the knights doing battle on the life-size chessboard to an actual Marine wielding
his shining sword, and we are told that the Marines are looking for “a few good men.”
5.
The message is clear: If you are strong enough and smart enough, you can become one of them, a United States
Marine.
6.
If you are strong enough and smart enough, they can use you!
24
7.
But the “commercial” that God presents to us in Exodus is completely the opposite of that presented by the
Marines.
8.
This is the message of Scripture: Before God can use a man, God must rid him of his self-resourcefulness and
cause him to look to God alone for his resources.
9.
Can God use you? Yes, if you recognize your own insufficiency and rely upon God’s all-sufficient grace.
I. God Can Use You;
…If You are Not Self-Willed (Exodus 2:11-22)
1.
2.
When we first meet Moses, he shows himself to be a spiritually sensitive man:
a.
he recognizes his relationship to the people of God: when he was almost forty years old, it came into
his heart to visit his brothers, the children of Israel (Acts 7:23)
b.
he is sympathetic to their plight: he saw one of them being mistreated by an Egyptian, so he came to
his defense (Acts 7:24)
c.
he even had a sense of his divine calling: he assumed that his brothers understood that God was
using him to rescue them (Acts 7:25)
But Moses also proves to be a very impulsive, self-willed, self-reliant man:
a.
when he sees an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, Moses murders the Egyptian (Exodus 2:12)
b.
when he sees two fellow Hebrews striving against one another, Moses assumes the role of arbitrator and
judge (Exodus 2:13)
3.
When his efforts are not appreciated by the Hebrews, and not concealed from the Egyptians, Moses leaves
Egypt for the land of Midian.
4.
Moses desired to be used by God, he sensed a divine calling, he had a real zeal, but at this point his efforts
failed…he did not triumphantly lead Israel out of Egypt; on the contrary, in disgrace and humiliation, he fled
from Egypt alone
5.
His efforts failed because at this point in his life Moses was an impulsive, self-willed, self-reliant man.

he was going to accomplish the will of God and fulfill the work of God by relying upon his own wisdom
and his own strength and on his own timetable; …Moses had to learn that this was not the way

by way of contemporary example, two young missionaries had to learn the same lesson amidst the
overflowing waters of the Amazon River:
…this divinely imposed time of fasting, deprivation, and danger had its spiritual side: During the next
three days, long hours were spent in singing, reciting Scripture, confessing sins, and repenting.
Both men came to realize that they had slipped into the trap of doing the Lord’s work in a manner
unworthy of Him, in human pride instead of in His strength. And both men recognized that lesser things
had been gradually infringing on the Lord’s sanctuary in their lives.
Later, (when the Lord had graciously brought them through their ordeal and back to the safety of their
compound), one of them told his fellow missionaries, “I started out on this trip thinking I was the Lord’s
‘Indiana Jones’ and I came home realizing I was a lot closer to being ‘Balaam’s donkey.’ But I learned
that the Lord still loved me and could use me.” (POWER, 7/5/92, pp.2-ff.)
6.
God can use you: if you are not self-willed

God can use you when you have a true (even an overwhelming) sense of what is involved in Christian
service and grasp your own inadequacy for the work:
…we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are
perishing. 16To the one we are the stench of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who
is sufficient for these things? (2 Corinthians 2:15-16)

God can use you when you have a true appreciation for the spiritual nature of the task:
25
… our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the powers, against the authorities,
against the world-rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of evil in the heavenly
realms. 13For this reason, take up the complete armor of God, so that you may be able to stand in
the evil day, and to remain standing, having overcome everything. (Ephesians 6:12-13)

God can use you when you have a true understanding of the purpose of Christian service, that its
objective is to promote the kingdom and glory of God, not the promoting of one’s self:
He (the Lord Jesus) must increase, but I must decrease. (John 3:30), the testimony of John the Baptist

God can use you when you have a true recognition of your need for divine resources and God’s willingness
to supply you with His resources:
Not that we are competent to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from
God. 6He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant…(2 Corinthians 3:5-6a)

God can use you when you have a true understanding that the task must actually be accomplished by
Christ Himself working in and through you:
I worked harder than all of them—not I myself, but the grace of God that was with me. (1
Corinthians 15:10b)
II. God Can Use You:
…When You are Broken (Exodus 3:1-2; 3:10-4:17)
1.
When Moses had been reduced from being a prince in Pharaoh’s court to being a shepherd in the wilderness
of Midian, it was then that the Lord God appeared to him and gave him a call to divine service.
2.
When Moses had been reduced from being a man of self-confidence and human strength to being a man who
was broken and very conscious of his own inability, it was then that in the sight of God he was ready for
divine service.
3.
Moses now raises the question, Who am I? (Exodus 3:11-12)

4.
I am too insignificant and powerless to stand before the great king of Egypt and lead the whole nation of
Israel out of Egypt! (I am no match for the power, the wisdom, the evil of the world!)
What is God’s reply to such an attitude?
a.
I will certainly be with you… (verse 12a)
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me…
20
… And surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age.”(Matthew 28:18,20)
…the Lord himself has said, I will by no means fail you, neither will I in any way forsake you. 6So,
with sure confidence we say, The Lord is my helper; I will not fear (Hebrews 13:5b-6a)
b.
…and this shall be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the
people out of Egypt, you shall worship God at this mountain (verse 12b)

What God is telling Moses is that the confirmation of the Lord’s calling and faithfulness comes as
the result of faith and obedience. By trusting God and doing what He says, Moses will discover that
God will use him to accomplish His plan for His people Israel (cp. John 11:40)
Jesus said to her, Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?
(John 11:40)
5.
Moses raises the objection, But they will not believe me or listen to my voice (Exodus 4:1)

6.
they will say, Jehovah has not appeared to you. (i.e., ‘God doesn’t act in human lives anymore;’ or;
‘Who are you to speak to us in the name of God?’)
What is God’s reply?
26
a.
He causes the shepherd’s staff in Moses’ hand to become an instrument of His divine power and grace
(Exodus 4:2-5)

the shepherd’s staff represented Moses’ life (it was his livelihood, his identity, his security), at the
command of God it is laid down before God and when it is retrieved it becomes the instrument of
God’s power and grace—to be employed by Moses in performing the mighty works of God (cp.
Exodus 4:17)
note: when the staff was turned into a serpent on the ground what was being indicated was both
the exposure to demonic danger as well as the ultimate victory over the devil that God’s servant
would experience and witness

recognize here the power of a life surrendered to Christ, offered in service to Him (cp. Philippians
1:21)
…for me, to live is Christ (Philippians 1:21)
b.
He causes Moses’ hand to become leprous and then heals it again (Exodus 4:6-8)

when Moses’ hand is placed into his robe and exposed to his bosom as a sinful man, it is revealed to
be leprous; but when that leprous hand is exposed to his bosom again, this time in his capacity as
the divinely appointed redeemer (a model of what Christ Himself is), his hand comes forth cleansed
and whole

recognize here the power of a life that is being transformed by the Savior’s grace (cp. 2 Corinthians
3:18)
…we …beholding … the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from
(one degree of) glory to (a greater degree of) glory, …. (2 Corinthians 3:18)
c.
He will cause the waters of the Nile to be turned to blood (Exodus 4:9)

the Nile was viewed by Egypt as the source of their prosperity and life, they even identified it with
one of their major gods; the fact that it is turned into blood by the hand of the Lord’s servant
shows that the Lord is all-powerful over the gods and the nations of the world

recognize here the power of the living God and of His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ (cp. Matthew
28:18)
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to
me…” (Matthew 28:18)
7.
Moses raises a further objection, I am not eloquent. (Exodus 4:10-12)

8.
Moses says that he is not a naturally gifted speaker, nor has the Lord made him into such a speaker
when He issued His call to divine service
What is God’s reply?
a.
I will be with your mouth… (Exodus 4:12a); consider the apostle Paul’s testimony in 1 Corinthians 2:15
When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed
to you the testimony of God. 2I was determined to know nothing while I was with you, except
Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3I came to you in weakness and fear and with much trembling.
4
And my speech and my preaching were not characterized by persuasive wisdom, but by a
demonstration of the Spirit and power; 5in order that your faith should not be in the wisdom of
men, but in the power of God. (1 Corinthians 2:1-5)
b.
…and instruct you as to what to say (Exodus 4:12b), note Matthew 10:19-20
But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will
be given what to say, 20for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking
through you. (Matthew 10:19-20)
27
9.
Moses finally pleads, “O Lord, send your message by the hand of whomever you desire.” (Exodus 4:1317)
a.
what Moses is saying is this: Lord, send the man of Your choosing, but surely, that man is not me! There
are others more qualified, more experienced, more prepared, more suitable.
b.
Moses called himself a servant of the Lord (verse 10), and he appears to display a great deal of humility
(verse 13), but the fact is he has given up his ambition to serve the Lord

c.
Do you pray, “Your will be done,” but are you too complacent or too pre-occupied with your own
interests to actually do the will of God?
at this point the Lord became angry: Then the anger of Jehovah was kindled against Moses (verse
14)

addressing the faithful servant, the Lord says, Well done, good and faithful servant. You have
been faithful over a few things, I will give you charge over many things. Enter into the joy of
your master (Matthew 25:21)

but in addressing the fearful and negligent servant, the Lord says, You wicked, lazy servant! You
knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed…
30
…throw that worthless servant out, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and
gnashing of teeth. (Matthew 25:26,30)
10. It was when Moses was broken, when he saw himself as unable, it was then that God saw him as ready; …and
God refused to excuse him from divine service.
11. God can use you; …when you are broken—when you acutely sense your personal inability—you are then ready
for divine service, but do not anger God by appealing to your inability as an excuse from divine service.
Conclusion
1.
In their commercial, the Marines tell you that if you are strong enough and smart enough, you can become one of
them: a United States Marine.
2.
But the “commercial” God presents to us in Exodus 2-4 (the call of Moses) is the complete opposite of that
presented by the Marines.
3.
Before God can use a man, God must rid him of his self-resourcefulness and cause him to look to God alone for his
resources.
4.
Can God use you? Yes, if you recognize your own insufficiency, and if you are willing to rely upon God’s allsufficiency.
Questions on Exodus 2:11-22
1. When Moses witnesses the oppression of his people, the Israelites, what action does he take? See Exodus 2:11-13
(printed below) Why does he take such action? Note Acts 7:25 (printed below)
Now it came about in those days, when Moses had grown up, that he went out to see his brothers and he
observed their hard labors. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of Moses' brothers. (12) He looked this
way and that way, and when he saw that there was no one else present, he killed the Egyptian and hid his body
in the sand. (13) And he went out the next day, and he saw two Hebrews fighting with each other. He said to
the offender, Why are you hitting your fellow Hebrew? (Exodus 2:11-13)
Moses thought that his own people would realize that God was using him to rescue them, but they did not.
(Acts 7:25)
2. Besides having an awareness of his divine calling, what else would you say Moses' actions reveal about him at this
stage in his life?
28
3. Compare and contrast Moses' position and attitude when we are first introduced to him in Exodus 2:11-13 (printed
above under question #1) with our next encounter with him (Exodus 3:1-2,7,10-11 printed below).
Now Moses was pasturing the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian; and he led the flock to
the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. (2) There the angel of Jehovah
appeared to him in a flame of fire from within a bush. Moses looked and saw that, although the bush was
burning with fire, the bush was not consumed...(7) Then Jehovah said, I have certainly seen the affliction of
my people who are in Egypt... (10) Therefore, come now, and I will send you to Pharaoh, so that you may bring
my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt. (11) But Moses said to God, Who am I, that I should go to
Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt? (Exodus 3:1-2,7,10-11)
4. How does Moses respond to God's divine calling and what does God say in reply? See Exodus 3:7,10-12 (printed
below)
Then Jehovah said, I have certainly seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt... (10) Therefore, come
now, and I will send you to Pharaoh, so that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt. (11)
But Moses said to God, Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel
out of Egypt? (12) Then he said, I will certainly be with you, and this shall be the sign to you that it is I who
have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God at this mountain.
(Exodus 3:7,10-12)
5. When Moses objects that the people of Israel will not listen to him (Exodus 4:1), what sign does the Lord provide for
him (see Exodus 4:2-5 printed below?) What do you think is the significance of this particular sign?
Jehovah said to him, What is that in your hand? Moses answered, A staff. (3) Then he said, Throw it on the
ground. So Moses threw it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses ran away from it. (4) But
Jehovah said to Moses, Reach out your hand and take it by the tail. So he reached out his hand and took hold
of it, and once again it became a staff in his hand. (5) This,” declared Jehovah, is so that they may believe that
Jehovah, the God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has
appeared to you. (Exodus 4:2-5)
6. What is Moses like when we are first introduced to him?
a.
b.
c.
d.
He
He
He
He
identified himself with the people of God.
was timid and lacked self-confidence.
was sympathetic to Israel’s plight.
had a sense of his divine calling.
7. Match the passages listed below with the descriptions of the attributes necessary if a man is to be truly useful in
service to God. (Answers listed on next page)
a.
b.
c.
We are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. 16To
the one we are the stench of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is sufficient for these
things? (2 Corinthians 2:15-16) God can use you when you ___
He (the Lord Jesus) must increase, but I must decrease. (John 3:30) God can use you when you ___
Not that we are competent to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. 6He
has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant…(2 Corinthians 3:5-6a) God can use you when
you ___
1. grasp your own inadequacy for the work
2. recognize your dependence on divine resources
3. acknowledge the purpose of Christian service
8. When Moses had become a man of strength and self-confidence and was no longer overwhelmed by a sense of his
own inability, it was then that in the sight of God he was ready for divine service. True or False
9. Match the miraculous signs God gave Moses with the descriptions of their spiritual significance.
a.
b.
c.
By means of this sign we should recognize the power of a life surrendered to Christ for His service. ___
By means of this sign we should recognize the power of a life that is being transformed by Christ into His
image. ___
By means of this sign we should recognize the all-sovereign power of the Lord Jesus Christ. ___
1. The leprous hand drawn from the bosom
29
2. The shepherd’s staff turned into a serpent
3. The Nile River turned into blood
10. How should we answer the question posed by this lesson, “Can God use me?”
a. God can use you if you are not self-willed.
b. God can use you when have cultivated your inner strength and resources.
c. God can use you when you have developed a strong sense of self-confidence and self-reliance.
d. God can use you if you have achieved a high degree of theological training.
e. God can use you when you have a true awareness of your own inability.
THE LORD WILL HEAR YOUR CRY
EXODUS 2:23-3:12
2 23In the course of that long period of time, the king of Egypt died. The children of Israel groaned because of
their bondage and they cried out, and their cry for help because of their bondage went up to God. 24And God
heard their groaning and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. 25So God
looked upon the children of Israel and God was concerned about them.
3 Now Moses was pasturing the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian; and he led the flock to
the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2There the angel of Jehovah
appeared to him in a flame of fire from within a bush. Moses looked and saw that, although the bush was
burning with fire, the bush was not consumed. 3So Moses said, “I will go over and take a look at this strange
sight—why the bush is not burnt up.” 4When Jehovah saw that he had come over to look, God called to him
from within the bush, and said, “Moses, Moses.” And he said, “Here I am.” 5Then he said, “Do not come near.
Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” 6Furthermore, he
said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Then
Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.
7
Then Jehovah said, “I have certainly seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and I have heard
them crying out because of their taskmasters. I know their sorrows. 8I have come down to deliver them out of
the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and spacious land, a land flowing
with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanite and the Hittite and the Amorite and the Perizzite and the
Hivite and the Jebusite. 9Now the cry of the children of Israel has reached me; furthermore, I have seen the
oppression with which the Egyptians are oppressing them. 10Therefore, come now, and I will send you to
Pharaoh, so that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.”
11
But Moses said to God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of
Israel out of Egypt?” 12Then he said, “I will certainly be with you, and this shall be the sign to you that it is I
who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God at this mountain.”
THEME: We may be confident that when He hears their cry, the Lord will respond to His people in covenant
faithfulness and mercy.
PURPOSE: To encourage the students to know that because He is the Lord our God, He will hear our cry.
OUTLINE: I. The Lord will Hear Your Cry,
…Because He is the Faithful God (Exodus 2:23-24)
II. The Lord will Hear Your Cry,
…Because He is a Compassionate God (Exodus 2:25; 3:7)
III. The Lord will Hear Your Cry,
…When You Call upon Him (Exodus 2:23)
Introduction
1.
Hal and his wife were traveling the winding roads of the Cascade Mountain foothills in the state of Washington.
2.
Halfway up a long grade, far from anywhere, in the middle of winter, the car coughed and sputtered; …it had run
out of gas.
30
3.
Hal managed to pull off to the side of the road and there they sat, …stranded, as the falling snow glimmered in
the moonlight.
4.
Hal turned off the engine; in the winter cold the heat dissipated rapidly.
5.
Hal and his wife shivered, not only from the cold but from the realization that their situation was desperate: they
were in an isolated area, the hour was late, the weather was bad, and the traffic was light.
6.
A car finally appeared far back down the grade.
7.
Hal climbed out and stood in the gleam of his headlights. But in his bulky overcoat, waving the flashlight and
signaling frantically, his appearance was more than enough to defeat his purpose and scare off any would-be
helper.
8.
In the course of an hour several widely spaced cars climbed the mountain road, slowed down as they approached
the frantically waving man, and then sped on their way.
9.
Hal climbed back into the car and together with his wife glumly contemplated the situation.
10. “We haven’t prayed,” Hal finally said. He bowed his head over the steering wheel and, above the sound of the
wind that whipped the car, he called to the Lord. “Father, You know our problem. You see us now. We ask You
to help us.”
11. Before his prayer was finished, the two of them heard the faint sound of a distant engine climbing the grade.
12. Hal turned on the headlights, jumped out of the car, and went into his routine of frantically signaling for help.
13. This time the approaching car slowed down, pulled over and stopped.
14. Hal ran up to it, leaned into the open window, and explained their predicament.
15. The driver got out and opened the trunk of his old vehicle. In the dimming beams of Hal’s headlights there could
be seen two rows of gas cans.
16. In a matter of moments Hal’s gas tank was replenished, they were back on the road, and enjoying the welcome
warmth of the car heater.
17. As they drove along Hal and his wife gratefully acknowledged that they had experienced the truth of God’s
promise: Before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. (Isaiah 65:24) (POWER,
1/7/90, pp.4-5)
18. The people of Israel came to personally experience the same truth when they finally called upon the Lord in the
midst of their Egyptian bondage.
19. We may be confident that when He hears our cry, the Lord will respond to His people in covenant faithfulness and
mercy.
I. The Lord will Hear Your Cry,
…Because He is the Faithful God (Exodus 2:23-24)
1.
When they cried, their cry for help …went up to God. 24And God heard their groaning and God
remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. (Exodus 2:23-24)
a.
In Genesis 15:9-21(see Appendix for complete text) there is recorded for us the making of that covenant:

b.
by personally passing between the severed parts of the sacrificed animals the Lord was pledging
Himself to be the God of Abraham and his descendants: to preserve them, redeem them, and bring
them into His promised inheritance
In Genesis 26:1-3 the Lord reaffirms His covenant with Isaac:
Now there was a famine in the land, besides the earlier famine that occurred in the days of
Abraham. So Isaac went to Gerar, to Abimelech the king of the Philistines. 2Jehovah appeared to
him and said, Do not go down into Egypt. Stay in the land where I tell you to live. 3Stay in this
land and I will be with you and bless you; because I will give all of this land to you and your
descendants—I will confirm the oath which I swore to Abraham your father. (Genesis 26:1-3)
31
c.

notice that God’s reaffirmation of the covenant comes at a time of need and crisis in Isaac’s life: his
father, Abraham, was dead, there was a famine in the land, and Isaac was turning to the kings of
this world for deliverance

notice, too, the gentleness the Lord displays: He does not rebuke Isaac, He comforts him by
reaffirming His covenant

the reaffirming of His covenant was the means of binding Isaac to Him and restraining him from
carrying out his chosen course: Isaac was on his way to Egypt, the Lord’s command, Do not go, was
reinforced by His reaffirmation of the covenant; consequently, Isaac stayed in Gerar (located in the
south of Canaan)
In Genesis 28:13-15 the Lord reaffirmed His covenant to Jacob:
…Jehovah … said: “I am Jehovah, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will
give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying. 14Your descendants will be like the
dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the
south. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. 15I am with you and will
watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I
have done what I have promised you.” (Genesis 28:13-15)

2.
whereas the Lord reaffirmed His covenant with Isaac when Isaac had set out on a course of
disobedience and distrust, the Lord reaffirmed His covenant with Jacob when Jacob was on a course
of obedience—he had set out to seek a believing wife in a distant land by means of a threatening
journey that took him out of the Promised Land of Canaan
In Exodus 3:7 the Lord identifies the nation of Israel as my people and He assures Moses of His intention to
fulfill for them the covenant promise He originally made to Abraham (cp. Exodus 3:7-8 with Genesis 15:18-21)
Then Jehovah said, “I have certainly seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and I have
heard them crying out because of their taskmasters. I know their sorrows. 8I have come down to
deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and
spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanite and the Hittite and the
Amorite and the Perizzite and the Hivite and the Jebusite. (Exodus 3:7-8)
…Jehovah made a covenant with Abram, saying, To your descendants have I given this land, from the
river of Egypt unto the great river, the Euphrates: 19the land of the Kenite, and the Kenizzite, and
the Kadmonite, 20and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Rephaim, 21and the Amorite, and the
Canaanite, and the Girgashite, and the Jebusite (Genesis 15:18-21)
3.
In Exodus 3:10 the Lord informs Moses that He will send him to Pharaoh so that you may bring my people,
the children of Israel, out of Egypt.
4.
Because He is the faithful God, the Lord will hear your cry…
Know therefore that Jehovah your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love
to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. (Deuteronomy 7:9)

…when you face a crisis (note Psalm 50:15)
Call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver you, and you will glorify me. (Psalm 50:15)

when you are confronted by temptation (note1 Corinthians 10:13)
No temptation has seduced you except the kind that is experienced by all men. But God is faithful.
He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able to bear; on the contrary, along with the
temptation he will also provide the way of escape, so that you may be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians
10:13)

when you are harassed by the evil one (note 2 Thessalonians 3:3)
…the Lord is faithful, he will establish you and protect you from the evil one. (2 Thessalonians
3:3)

when you wonder if you shall finally reach your heavenly destination (note 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)
32
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you wholly. May your entire soul, spirit and body be
kept blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24The one who calls you is faithful and
he will do it. (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)
II. The Lord will Hear Your Cry,
…Because He is a Compassionate God (Exodus 2:25, 3:7)
1.
God looked upon the children of Israel and God was concerned about them. (Exodus 2:25)

2.
i.e., the Lord not only recognized them as being His people, He was sympathetic and compassionate
towards them when He saw their affliction
The Lord declares to Moses, I have certainly seen the affliction of my people (Exodus 3:7)

the Hebrew verb (ha2r2) “to see,” may also bear the meaning, “to see with concern,” or, “to regard,”—
here is a deep, true, accurate observation of their suffering, an observation that is not cold and distant
but warm and empathetic (cp. Proverbs 14:10a and Proverbs 15:11)…
The heart knows its own bitterness (Proverbs 14:10a)—no one but the man himself has a true
knowledge and experience of the depths of his own personal suffering, grief and depression
Sheol and Abaddon lie exposed before Jehovah, how much more are the hearts of men?
(Proverbs 15:11)—although no fellow human being may truly know the depths of your personal suffering,
the fact is that the Lord knows: the God before whom even the mysterious place of the dead lies
exposed, has full knowledge and understanding of the state and suffering of your heart

3.
Exodus 3:7 literally reads, I have certainly seen (or, regarded) the affliction of my
people…because (yK3) I know their sorrows
The Lord informs Moses, I know their sorrows…
a.
b.
in the Old Testament the Hebrew verb “to know” not only means intellectual knowledge or awareness,
it may also bear the meaning, “to have a personal acquaintance” with someone or something—to have a
personal experience with that person or thing

by way of example, Genesis 4:1 literally reads that Adam knew his wife Eve, and she
conceived and gave birth to a son; thus the intimacy of the marriage relationship is described as
a knowing of one’s spouse

referring to our Lord Jesus Christ, Hebrews 4:15 assures us that we do not have a high priest who
is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in
every way, just as we are—yet was without sin; our Lord Jesus has a personal and empathetic
acquaintance with every situation or condition we encounter in our lives
when we are tempted to say, “Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen,” the Lord Jesus replies, “I
know,…I’ve been there Myself:”…

“I know the agony of trial and temptation”
Because he himself has suffered by being tempted, he is able to aid those who are tempted.
(Hebrews 2:18)

“I know the pain of rejection”
speaking of Jesus the Messiah, Isaiah 53:3 declares, He was despised and rejected by men; he
was a man of sorrows and acquainted with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their
faces he was despised, and we did not hold him in esteem.

“I know what it’s like to feel alienation”
When the sixth hour of the day arrived, darkness fell over the whole land until the ninth
hour. 34At the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?
33
(which, being interpreted, means, My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?) (Mark 15:3334)
4.
The Lord furthermore declares to Moses, I have come down to deliver them (Exodus 3:8)
a.
it is a comfort to learn that the Lord your God sees your affliction, it is even more comforting to realize
that He knows your sorrow, but it is the greatest blessing to know that He is able and willing to deliver
you: I have come down to deliver them
b.
Moses saw the burden of Israel (Exodus 2:11),
Now it came about in those days, when Moses had grown up, that he went out to see his
brothers and he observed their hard labors. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of
Moses’ brothers. (Exodus 2:11)
…Moses sought to come to their rescue (Exodus 2:12),
He looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no one else present, he killed
the Egyptian and hid his body in the sand. (Exodus 2:12)
…but Moses could not deliver them, he wound up fleeing into the wilderness of Midian alone (Exodus
2:15)
…Moses fled from Pharaoh’s presence and went to live in the land of Midian… (Exodus 2:15)
c.
in contrast to Moses, the Lord says, I have come down to deliver them (note Hebrews 7:25)
…he (Christ Jesus) is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him…
(Hebrews 7:25)
5.
The Lord will hear your cry, …because He is a compassionate God.
…we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one
who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. 16Let us then approach the
throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time
of need. (Hebrews 4:15-16)
III. The Lord will Hear Your Cry,
…When You Call upon Him (Exodus 2:23)
1.
Note that Israel’s cry referred to in Exodus 2:23 was not simply a crying out in the night, a desperate crying
out to the stars and the wind; …on the contrary, it was an earnest and conscious calling upon the Lord their
God (note Numbers 20:16 and 1 Samuel 12:8)
…when we cried out to Jehovah, he heard our cry and sent an angel and brought us out of Egypt.
(Numbers 20:16)
After Jacob entered Egypt, they cried to Jehovah for help, and Jehovah sent Moses and Aaron,
who brought your forefathers out of Egypt and settled them in this place. (1 Samuel 12:8)
2.
Note, too, that it was Israel’s cry unto the Lord that set in motion the events of divine deliverance that
follow: I have heard them crying out … 8I have come down to deliver them (Exodus 3:7-8)
3.
In Psalm 50:15 the Lord declares: Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will
glorify me.
a.
this is a divine invitation that only can be made by the living God who is able and willing to come to our
rescue

in contrast, note 1 Kings 18:26, a passage that describes the pagan worshippers of Baal futilely
calling upon their god:
…they called on the name of Baal from morning until noon, “O Baal, answer us!” they
shouted. But there was no response; no one answered…. (1 Kings 18:26)
34
b.
at the same time, Psalm 50:15 is also a divine commandment which the Lord must issue to His people
when we are reluctant to look to Him for divine help and deliverance—due to guilt, or unbelief, or
spiritual neglect, or self-confidence, we often times fail to call upon the Lord in our time of need

4.
recall from the introduction the example of Hal and his wife, who neglected to call upon the Lord
as their first resort of deliverance
The Lord will hear your cry, …when you call upon Him
The Lord is near to all who call upon him, to all who call on him in truth. (Psalm 145:18)
As for me, I will call upon God; and Jehovah will save me. (Psalm 55:16)
Conclusion
1.
On a snow-swept winter’s night in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, Hal Glover and his wife personally
experienced the truth of God’s promise: While they are yet speaking, I will hear. (Isaiah 65:24).
2.
Many centuries earlier the children of Israel experienced the same truth when they called upon the Lord in the
midst of their Egyptian bondage.
3.
This is the confidence that is offered to every Christian: When He hears your cry, the Lord will respond in
covenant faithfulness and mercy.
Questions on Exodus 2:23-3:12
1. Exodus 2:23 refers to Israel crying out because of their Egyptian bondage. What important detail does Numbers
20:16 (printed below) tell us about their cry?
When we cried out to Jehovah, he heard our cry and sent an angel and brought us out of Egypt. (Numbers
20:16)
2. According to Exodus 2:24 (printed below), what is one reason the Lord responded to the Israelites' cry for help?
And God heard their groaning and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.
(Exodus 2:24)
3. What do we learn about God's character from Exodus 2:25 and Exodus 3:7 (printed below?)
So God looked upon the children of Israel and God was concerned about them. (Exodus 2:25)
Then Jehovah said, I have certainly seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and I have heard them
crying out because of their taskmasters. I know their sorrows. (Exodus 3:7)
4. What do you think it means when the Lord says of Israel, "I know their sorrows"?
5. Compare and contrast Moses' observation of Israel's plight and his action (Exodus 2:11-15 printed below) with that of
the Lord as recorded in Exodus 3:7-8 (printed below).
Now it came about in those days, when Moses had grown up, that he went out to see his brothers and he
observed their hard labors. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of Moses' brothers. (12) He looked this
way and that way, and when he saw that there was no one else present, he killed the Egyptian and hid his body
in the sand. (13) And he went out the next day, and he saw two Hebrews fighting with each other. He said to
the offender, Why are you hitting your fellow Hebrew? (14) The man replied, Who made you a ruler and judge
over us? Do you plan to kill me like you killed the Egyptian? Then Moses became afraid and thought, Surely,
what I have done has become known. (15) When Pharaoh heard about this, he tried to kill Moses. But Moses
fled from Pharaoh's presence and went to live in the land of Midian, where he sat down beside a well. (Exodus
2:11-15)
35
Then Jehovah said, I have certainly seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and I have heard them
crying out because of their taskmasters. I know their sorrows. (8) I have come down to deliver them out of
the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and spacious land, a land flowing
with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanite and the Hittite and the Amorite and the Perizzite and the
Hivite and the Jebusite. (Exodus 3:7-8)
6. Men do not necessarily have to cry out to the Lord God Himself for deliverance in time of need; since the Lord is
gracious He will answer them even if they cry out to their own pagan gods or simply lift up a cry in the night. True or
False
7. The commentary points out that one reason the Lord responded to Israel’s cry is because He is the faithful God.
Match the descriptions listed below with the forefathers in Israel’s history to whom the Lord previously displayed His
covenantal faithfulness.
a.
b.
c.
The Lord established His covenant with this forefather as a means of assuring him that the Lord would
certainly fulfill His divine promises. ___
The Lord re-affirmed His covenant with this forefather as a means of comforting him and restraining him
from pursuing a dangerous course of action. ___
The Lord re-affirmed His covenant with this forefather as a means of assuring him and strengthening him
as he set out on a dangerous course in obedience to the Lord’s command. ___
1. Issac
2. Abraham
3. Jacob
8. The passages listed below provide examples of times in which the Christian can confidently cry out to the Lord
knowing that He will answer because He is the faithful God. Match the passages with the situations they describe.
a.
b.
c.
d.
Call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver you, and you will glorify me. (Psalm 50:15) Because the
Lord is the faithful God you may call upon Him when you ___
No temptation has seduced you except the kind that is experienced by all men. But God is faithful. He
will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able to bear; on the contrary, along with the
temptation he will also provide the way of escape, so that you may be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians
10:13) Because the Lord is the faithful God you may call upon Him when you ___
The Lord is faithful, he will establish you and protect you from the evil one. (2 Thessalonians 3:3)
Because the Lord is the faithful God you may call upon Him when you ___
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you wholly. May your entire soul, spirit and body be kept
blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it. (1
Thessalonians 5:23-24) Because the Lord is the faithful God you may call upon Him when you ___
1.
2.
3.
4.
are confronted by temptation
are harassed by the devil
face a crisis
fear you may not reach your final heavenly destination
9. What does the Lord tell Moses with regard to the people of Israel?
a.
b.
c.
d.
“I know their sorrows but I am powerless to deliver them.”
“I know their sorrows and I am sending you to deliver them.”
“I know their sorrows and I have come down to deliver them.”
“I know their sorrows and I will ask Pharaoh to deliver them.”
10. Match the passages listed below with the situations we as Christians encounter and of which our Lord Jesus Christ
has personal and empathetic acquaintance. (Answers listed on next page)
a.
b.
c.
Because he himself has suffered by being tempted, he is able to aid those who are tempted. (Hebrews
2:18) Jesus knows ___
He was despised and rejected by men; he was a man of sorrows and acquainted with suffering. Like one
from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we did not hold him in esteem. (Isaiah 53:3)
Jesus knows ___
When the sixth hour of the day arrived, darkness fell over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34At the
ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? (which, being interpreted,
means, My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?) (Mark 15:33-34) Jesus knows ___
1. the horror of feeling alienated.
2. the agony of trial and temptation.
3. the pain of rejection.
36
LESSON THREE : EXODUS 4:18-7:7
37
The student should prepare for his study by asking the Holy Spirit to enlighten his mind and open his heart to
receive not only the teaching of Scripture but Christ Himself as He is presented in the Scriptures.
Assignments:
1. Bible Study: The student will explore 3 portions of the Book of Exodus, guided by an expositional commentary
on the text. The student will then answer the questions found at the end of the expository notes.
2. Extra Reading: For Bachelor's credit, the student should do at least 100 pages of additional reading (see " B.
Reading Resources" listed in the Syllabus for suggested reading material.) For Master's credit, the student
should do at least 200 pages of additional reading. (In preparing his Book Report, the student should follow the
instructions given in Guidelines for Writing a Book Report, provided by the facilitator.)
Note: All Scripture texts will appear in Chalkboard font; all extended quotations from other authors will
appear in Rockwell font.
THERE ARE NO EXEMPTIONS FROM OBEDIENCE
EXODUS 4:18-26
4 18Then Moses departed and returned to Jethro his father-in-law and said to him, “Please, let me go, so that I
may return to my people who are in Egypt and see if they are still alive.” Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.”
19
Now Jehovah had said to Moses in Midian, “Go, return to Egypt; for all the men who attempted to kill you
are dead.” 20So Moses took his wife and his sons and mounted them on a donkey and returned to the land of
Egypt. And he took the staff of God in his hand.
21
Then Jehovah said to Moses, “When you go back to Egypt see that you perform before Pharaoh all the
wonders that I have given you the power to do. But I will harden his heart, and he will not let the people go.
22
You shall say to Pharaoh, This is what Jehovah says: Israel is my son, my first born, 23and I have told you, Let
my son go, so that he may serve me, but you have refused to let him go. Listen. I will kill your son, your first
born.”
24
At a lodging place on the way, Jehovah met Moses and attempted to kill him. 25Then Zipporah took a flint
knife and cut off her son’s foreskin and threw it at his feet. She said, “You are surely a bridegroom of blood
to me!” 26So Jehovah left him alone. At that time she said, “You are a bridegroom of blood,” referring to the
circumcision.
THEME: We must not lose sight of the fact that God’s requirement of faithful obedience applies to each one of us at
all times without exception.
PURPOSE: To exhort the students to remember that God has called us to serve Him, therefore we are never exempt
from obedience.
OUTLINE:
I. You are Not Exempt from Obeying God,
…No Matter Who You Are
II. You are Not Exempt from Obeying God,
…Even in the “Little” Things
Introduction
1.
Two missionaries, Curt Kirsch and Milton Camargo, were traveling up the Uraricoera River in the heart of the
Brazilian Amazon jungle.
2.
They were in the sixth day of a canoe trip from their mission base at Boa Vista heading to a remote Indian village.
3.
Before they reached their destination, somewhere along the rain-swollen river their little canoe overturned in the
rapids.
4.
As he was being swept over the raging rapids, Curt managed to grasp an empty gasoline can as a life preserver.
He also managed to grab the rope of the canoe as it went careening by.
5.
Milton was sucked under into the total darkness of a whirlpool. In his final moments of consciousness he cried out
to the Lord. The next thing he knew, he was back on the surface, swimming towards Curt.
6.
Exhausted, but alive, the two missionaries struggled onto a mound of relatively dry land.
38
7.
They struggled to pull the canoe to shore: though it was severely twisted, it’s motor was still attached.
8.
Eventually, the two men managed to construct a crude shelter from the rain out of tree branches.
9.
As they sat shivering and starving in their makeshift shelter, they had several close calls with huge and hungry
snakes.
10. But this divinely imposed time of fasting and danger had a spiritual purpose: during the next three days, long
hours were spent in singing, reciting Scripture, confessing sins and repenting.
11. Both men came to realize that they had slipped into the practice of doing the Lord’s work in a manner that was
unworthy of Him. Both men recognized that lesser things had taken the Lord’s place of first priority in their lives.
12. As soon as they understood what the Lord was teaching them through this experience, things started happening:

After hours of one man praying and the other cranking on the cord of the outboard motor, the motor
sputtered to life.

With one last heroic effort, the two anemic men shoved the canoe into the open water and were on their
way.
13. Once out in the middle of the river, they were spotted by a rescue plane that directed them down the right
tributaries to the waiting rescue party.
14. Some time later, when they were safely back at the mission station, Milton related to the other missionaries: I
started out on this trip thinking I was the Lord’s Indiana Jones, and I came back realizing I was a lot closer to
Balaam’s donkey. (POWER, 7/5/92)
15. Moses could relate to all of this: he, too, had to learn a similar lesson in a similar way: the lesson that there are
no exemptions from obedience.
16. None of us may lose sight of the fact that God’s requirement of faithful obedience applies to each one of us at all
times without exception.
17. We must remember that God has called us to serve Him, therefore we are not exempt from obeying Him.
I. You are Not Exempt from Obeying God,
…No Matter Who You Are
1.
Following his encounter with the Lord at the burning bush, Moses returns to his father-in-law, Jethro, and
informs him of his intention to return to Egypt.
2.
What an improbable, even laughable, figure he seems to be: one single man, leading a wife and two young
sons seated upon a donkey, about to confront the ruler of the mightiest nation on earth!
3.
But he had received a divine commission from God to be His ambassador, and the staff he held in his hand had
now become the rod of God.
4.
As Moses sets out on this journey back to Egypt, to fulfill his calling as God’s appointed deliverer of His
people, the Lord assures him of his divine commission and of his ultimate success in carrying out that
commission.
5.
But then, in the middle of the night, as they are bunked down at “the local motel,” the Lord came and
attempted to kill him! (verse 24)
6.
Moses’ wife, Zipporah, springs into action to save his life: she grabs the hunting knife and hastily performs an
operation of circumcision on their little son.
7.
Then we read that the Lord left him alone (verse 26): His divine anger was appeased and He withdrew from
His attack against Moses.
8.
What in the world is going on here? What did Moses have to learn from this incident? What must we learn
from this passage?
9.
The Lord’s anger was aroused against Moses and He rose up against him because Moses had failed to
circumcise his (younger?) son.
39
a.
in the Old Testament, circumcision was the sign of the covenant, and it was a mandatory requirement for
all the sons of Abraham (note Genesis 17:9-10,14)
God said to Abraham, As for you, you shall keep my covenant, you, and your descendants after
you throughout their generations. 10This is the sign of my covenant which you shall keep—the
covenant between me and you and your descendants after you: every male among you shall be
circumcised.. …14The uncircumcised male who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, that
man shall be cut off from his people, because he has broken my covenant. (Genesis 17:9-10,14)
b.
it was Moses’ solemn responsibility as a Hebrew father to circumcise his sons;…how much more was it his
responsibility to do so as the divinely appointed leader and deliverer of God’s covenant people!
10. This is the lesson God so forcibly brought home to Moses in no uncertain terms: there are no exceptions when
it comes to obedience, no matter who you are.
a.
before Moses could call upon Israel and upon Pharaoh to submit to God’s commandment, Moses himself
had to submit to God’s commandment
b.
no one, not even Moses, is exempt from the requirement of obedience
11. This is the lesson you and I must take to heart: there are no exceptions when it comes to obedience, no
matter who you are.
a.
there are no exceptions because of spiritual service:

example: David served God by establishing the kingdom of Israel and ruling over it with justice, but
the Lord did not therefore tolerate his acts of sin (note 2 Samuel 12:9-10)
Why did you despise the word of Jehovah by doing what is evil in his eyes? You struck down
Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your own. You killed him with the
sword of the Ammonites. 10Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house,
because you despised me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own. (2 Samuel
12:9-10), such was the word of the Lord that came to David after he had caused Uriah to be
intentionally exposed to the heat of the battle so that he might be killed and then might take his
wife, Bathsheba, with whom David had previously committed adultery

b.
we must avoid the fallacy that says: because I am serving God (in the church or elsewhere), I am
sure He will excuse misconduct in my business life or personal moral life (the two young missionaries
featured in the introduction had to learn this lesson)
there are no exemptions because of spiritual privilege:

example: King Hezekiah received a miraculous healing and a special sign from God, but when his
response was sinful pride rather than humble gratitude, he and the whole nation paid for it (note 2
Chronicles 32:25)
But Hezekiah’s heart was proud and he did not respond to the kindness shown him;
therefore Jehovah’s wrath was on him and on Judah and Jerusalem. (2 Chronicles 32:25)

c.
we must avoid the fallacy that says: God has given me extraordinary spiritual gifts, or blessings
(perhaps special answers to prayer or a dramatic healing), I must be special, He will not hold me
accountable for my misconduct and neglect of His commandments.
there are no exemptions because of position:

example: the wicked queen Jezebel wrongfully convinced King Ahab that because he was the king he
was above the law (note 1 Kings 21:7)
Jezebel his wife said, “Is this how you act as king over Israel? Get up and eat! Cheer up. I will
get you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.” (1 Kings 21:7), she counseled Ahab to abuse his
royal power by willfully and sinfully seizing his neighbor’s vineyard that he coveted for himself

we must avoid the fallacy that says: because I occupy a position of authority in the church (perhaps
as pastor or elder or deacon), I am not accountable for my conduct (but note 1 Peter 5:2-3)
…shepherd the flock of God that is among you….3…be examples for the flock (1 Peter 5:2-3),
such is the apostle Peter’s counsel to the leaders of the church
40
d.
there are no exemptions because of prestige:

we must avoid the fallacy that says: because I am a prominent, active, charter member of the local
church, or a big financial contributor to the church, my misconduct will be excused and overlooked.
(note Deuteronomy 10:17)
…Jehovah your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome,
who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. (Deuteronomy 10:17)
e.
there are no exemptions because of religious affiliation:

example: with regard to the Pharisees John the Baptist declared:
You brood of vipers, … 8Produce fruit in keeping with repentance, 9and do not think to say
to yourselves, “We have Abraham as our father.” I tell you that out of these stones God can
raise up children for Abraham. (Matthew 3:7-9)

f.
we must avoid the fallacy that says: my baptism, or church membership, gives me standing with God
and cancels out or overrides my disobedient conduct
there are no exemptions because of spiritual status:

we must avoid the fallacy that says: I am a child of God, He loves me, therefore He will surely
indulge my disobedient conduct (but note 1 Peter 1:17)
…if you call upon the Father who judges impartially according to each one’s work, live your
remaining time on earth in fear. (1 Peter 1:17)
12. There are no exemptions from obedience, because you are called for obedience, such is the ultimate purpose
and end of salvation:
It is by grace that you have been saved through faith—and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of
God—9it is not of works, therefore no one can boast. 10We are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus
for good works which God prepared in advance in order for us to walk in them. (Ephesians 2:8-10)
II. You are Not Exempt from Obeying God,
…Even in the “Little Things”
1.
You can understand (though not excuse) Moses’ failure to circumcise his (younger?) son: his wife, Zipporah,
was opposed to it.
2.
Consider her actions and attitude:
3.
4.
a.
as soon as the Lord displays His anger against Moses, she immediately circumcises her son—she knew
what was the cause of the problem
b.
she flings the bloody foreskin at Moses’ feet and in a tone of disgust calls him a bridegroom of blood
(verse 25)
You can understand Moses’ reasoning with regard to this matter:
a.
the sacrament of circumcision, (and what it represents: original sin), may have been offensive to
Zipporah; or else, it was painful to her as a mother to inflict any pain upon her little child
b.
to keep peace in the home, to avoid a big hassle, Moses may have initially postponed the required act
only to find that as the child grew it became harder to perform the required circumcision
c.
for one reason or another, the act was never performed; perhaps Moses eventually rationalized: Such a
relatively insignificant act is not worth the big hassle with Zipporah—and is this not confirmed by the
fact God initially issued His divine call despite the neglected act of circumcision and without even
bringing up the matter?
But in due time there would come a divine confrontation with regard to this matter of neglect and
disobedience to a clear and known commandment of God.
41
5.
6.
Moses would be taught in no uncertain terms the lesson that there are no exemptions when it comes to
obedience, even in “the little things”
a.
it is not for Moses to categorize God’s commandments into degrees of importance; it is his duty to obey
them all
b.
it is not his prerogative to sacrifice obedience to God for the sake of peace within the home; it is his
responsibility to give the Lord first priority in his life and in his home
This is the lesson you and I must take to heart: there are no exemptions when it comes to obedience—not
even in “the little things”
a.
obedience in “the little things” is an accurate gauge by which God measures our commitment to Him
(cp. Luke 16:10)
Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is
undependable with very little will also be undependable with much. (Luke 16:10), note: the Greek
word adikos, meaning “unrighteous,” or, “evil,” here has the sense of “undependable,” or, “dishonest”
b.

i.e., your conduct with regard to “little things” reveals the principles by which your life is
governed

illustration: If you would steal something as insignificant as a piece of candy, and could not even
exercise the minimal amount of integrity to abstain on that elementary level, how could you
possibly assume that you would exercise the godly attribute of integrity when the stakes were
higher and the temptation greater and the object of desire more appealing?
obedience in “the little things” can spare you from having to encounter more severe demands for
obedience (note Revelation 3:10)
Because you have been faithful (in your present trial)… I in turn will be faithful to keep you from
the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world in order to test those who live on
the earth. (Revelation 3:10), because the church in Philadelphia was faithful in their present trial, the
Lord declares that He will spare them from having to undergo a greater trial

c.
illustration: the kids invited Billy to join them in stealing apples from the tree in the old lady’s
backyard, but Billy refused; …some years later when the same gang made plans to steal a car, they
didn’t even bother to ask Bill if he cared to join them
obedience in the “little things” opens up greater avenues of responsibility and service to Christ (cp.
Matthew 25:21)
His master said to him, Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few
things, I will give you charge over many things. Enter into the joy of your master. (Matthew 25:21)
Conclusion
1.
This is the lesson Moses had to learn, and you and I must learn as well: Because God has called us to serve Him,
there are no exemptions from obeying Him.
2.
If there is some area in your life where you are knowingly withholding obedience from God, somewhere and
sometime you are going to have your own encounter with God: He may disturb your peace, He may disrupt your
family, He may even seek to take your life.
3.
Let us take a lesson from the Psalmist, and let us make his prayer our own:
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. 24See if there is any wicked way in
me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23-24)
Questions on Exodus 4:18-26
1. What assurance does Jehovah (the Lord) give Moses (see Exodus 4:19 printed below?) But what happens to Moses at
the lodging place as he and his family are journeying to Egypt? See Exodus 4:24 (printed below)
42
Now Jehovah had said to Moses in Midian, Go, return to Egypt; for all the men who attempted to kill you are
dead. (Exodus 4:19)
At a lodging place on the way, Jehovah met Moses and attempted to kill him. (Exodus 4:24)
2. What does Zipporah do to rescue Moses? See Exodus 4:25 (printed below)
Then Zipporah took a flint knife and cut off her son's foreskin and threw it at his feet. She said, You are
surely a bridegroom of blood to me! (Exodus 4:25)
3. What caused the Lord's righteous anger to be aroused against Moses?
4. Why do you suppose Moses failed to circumcise his son? Hint: note Zipporah's attitude as described in Exodus 4:25
(printed above under question #2).
5. What lessons was the Lord teaching Moses and what lessons must we learn from this incident?
6. Because Moses was called to a position of leadership it was not necessary for him to comply with the commandments
of God, especially something as relatively minor as circumcision. True or False
7. Match the biblical characters with the exemptions from obedience to which they erroneously thought they were
entitled.
a.
b.
c.
He served God by establishing the kingdom of Israel and ruling over it with justice, but this did not
permit him to commit personal acts of immorality and murder. ___
He received a miraculous healing and a special sign from God, but when his response to these blessings
was sinful pride rather than humble gratitude, he and the whole nation paid the price. ___
His wife convinced him that because he was the king he could employ his power and influence to get
whatever he desired, but in the end what he got was divine retribution. ___
1. Ahab
2. David
3. Hezekiah
8. As Christians we must understand that there are no exemptions from obedience because…
a.
b.
c.
obedience is the ultimate purpose of our salvation
obedience is the primary means of our salvation
obedience is the most effective way of earning merit on behalf of our loved ones
9. According to the commentary, what is a likely reason why Moses neglected to circumcise his son?
a.
b.
c.
Having been separated from the covenant community of Israel for forty years, Moses had forgotten
about the divine requirement to circumcise every son.
Because Moses as a shepherd spent the majority of his time away from the family, it was Zipporah’s
responsibility to circumcise their son and Moses was unaware of her failure to do so.
Zipporah was offended by the practice of circumcision, so in order to maintain peace in the family
Moses refrained from circumcising his son.
10. This incident recorded in Exodus 4:18-26 points out that it is necessary for us to be obedient to all of God’s
commandments, even those which we may think to be minor or insignificant. Match the passages listed below with the
reasons they give for rendering obedience even in “the little things.” (Answers listed on next page)
a.
b.
c.
Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is undependable
with very little will also be undependable with much. (Luke 16:10) Our conduct with regard to “little
things” ___
Because you have been faithful (in your present trial) … I in turn will be faithful to keep you from the
hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world in order to test those who live on the earth.
(Revelation 3:10) Our conduct with regard to “little things” ___
His master said to him, Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I
will give you charge over many things. Enter into the joy of your master. (Matthew 25:21) Our conduct
with regard to “little things” ___
1. may open up greater opportunities for service
2. may spare us from more severe demands
43
3. reveals the principles that govern our lives
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU FACE (SPIRITUAL) OPPOSITION
EXODUS 4:27-6:13
4 27Jehovah said to Aaron, “Go into the wilderness to meet Moses.” So he went and met him at the mountain
of God and he kissed him. 28Then Moses told Aaron everything Jehovah had sent him to say; he also told him
about all the miraculous signs with which he had been given a charge. 29Then Moses and Aaron went and
gathered together all the elders of the children of Israel. 30Aaron spoke all the words that Jehovah had
spoken to Moses and he performed the signs in the sight of the people—31and the people believed. When they
heard that Jehovah had visited the children of Israel and that he had seen their affliction, they bowed their
heads and worshipped.
5 Afterward Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said, “This is what Jehovah, the God of Israel, says: Let
my people go, so that they may hold a feast for me in the wilderness.” 2But Pharaoh said, “Who is Jehovah,
that I should pay attention to his voice and let Israel go? I do not know Jehovah; and furthermore, I will not
let Israel go.”
3
Then they said, “The God of the Hebrews has met with us. We request that you allow us to make a threeday journey into the wilderness and offer a sacrifice to Jehovah our God, or else he may strike us with
pestilence or with the sword.” 4But the king of Egypt said to them, “Why are you, Moses and Aaron, keeping
the people from their work? Get back to your labors!” 5Then Pharaoh said, “Look! The people of the land are
now numerous, and you cause them to cease from their labors!” 6That same day Pharaoh gave this command to
the taskmasters appointed over the people and to their foremen, 7“You shall no longer supply the people with
straw for making bricks as you have up until now. Let them go and gather straw for themselves! 8But you shall
still require them to make the same number of bricks as they have been making. You shall not reduce the
quota, for they are lazy; that is why they are crying out, Let us go and offer a sacrifice to our God. 9Make the
work harder for the men so that they keep working and pay no attention to lies.”
10
So the taskmasters in charge of the people, together with the foremen, went out and spoke to the
people. They told them, “This is what Pharaoh says: I will no longer supply you with straw. 11Go and get your
own straw wherever you can find it, but your quota will not at all be reduced.” 12So the people scattered all
over Egypt to gather stubble to use as straw. 13And the taskmasters kept pressing them, saying, “Supply the
quote required of you for each day, just as when you had straw!” 14And the Israelite foremen, whom Pharaoh’s
taskmasters had appointed over the people, were beaten and the demand was made of them, “Why have you
not met your quota of bricks either yesterday or today, as you had in the past?”
15
Then the Israelite foremen went and appealed to Pharaoh, saying, “Why are you treating your servants
like this? 16Your servants are given no straw, but yet they tell us, Make bricks! And look, your servants are
beaten, but the fault lies with your own people.” 17But he said to them, “You are lazy! You are lazy! That is why
you say, Let us go and offer a sacrifice to Jehovah. 18Now go and work! You will be given no straw, yet you
must deliver the same number of bricks!” 19Then the Israelite foremen realized that they were in a difficult
position when they were told, “You are not to reduce the number of bricks required of you for each day.”
20
When they left Pharaoh, they met Moses and Aaron who were standing there waiting for them. 21The
foremen said to them, “May Jehovah look upon you and judge you! You have made us odious in Pharaoh’s sight
and in the sight of his servants, so as to put a sword in their hand to kill us!”
22
Then Moses returned to Jehovah and said, “Lord, why have you dealt harshly with your people? Why
have you sent me? 23Ever since I came to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has been hostile towards this
people, and you have not delivered your people at all.” 6 Then Jehovah said to Moses, “Now you shall see what
I will do to Pharaoh; because of my strong hand he will let them go; indeed, because of my strong hand he will
drive them out of his land.” 2God spoke to Moses and told him, “I am Jehovah. 3I appeared to Abraham, to
Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty, but I did not make myself known to them by my name Jehovah. 4And I
have also established my covenant with them to give them the land of Canaan, the land where they lived as
sojourners. 5Furthermore, I have heard the groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians are holding
in bondage, and I have remembered my covenant. 6Therefore, say to the children of Israel, I am Jehovah, and I
will bring you out from under the burden of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from their bondage. I will
redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments. 7And I will take you to be my people and I will
be your God. Then you will know that I am Jehovah your God, who brought you out from under the burden of
the Egyptians. 8I will bring you to the land that I swore to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, and I will
44
give it to you as an inheritance. I am Jehovah.” 9So Moses spoke to the children of Israel, but they did not
listen to Moses because of the anguish of their spirit and because of their cruel bondage.
10
Then Jehovah said to Moses, 11“Go in and tell Pharaoh king of Egypt to let the children of Israel depart
from his land.” 12But Moses spoke in the presence of Jehovah, saying, “See, the children of Israel have not
listened to me; why then will Pharaoh listen to me? I am a man with “uncircumcised lips!” 13Then Jehovah spoke
to Moses and to Aaron and he gave them a charge concerning the children of Israel and concerning Pharaoh
king of Egypt—a charge to bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt.
THEME: You may expect to encounter opposition to the will of God, and you should know what to do when it happens.
PURPOSE: To remind the students that we are faced with spiritual opposition, and therefore we must rely upon
spiritual measures.
OUTLINE: I. When You Face (Spiritual) Opposition,
…Resort to God in Prayer (Exodus 5:22-23)
II. When You Face (Spiritual) Opposition,
…Rely upon God’s Word (Exodus 6:1-8)
III. When You Face (Spiritual) Opposition,
…Request a Charge from God (Exodus 6:9-13)
Introduction
1.
Vince De Paul was the manager of a rock band, …until he was converted to Christ.
2.
When he told an acquaintance about his conversion, the man offered Vince a timely insight: Vince, Satan cannot
get you back, but he will do whatever he can to attack you.
3.
That sound spiritual counsel helped prepare Vince to face what lay ahead and to comprehend what was
happening:
a.
when a well-known music trade magazine learned about his conversion and his departure from the rock
scene, they mockingly labeled him as a “Jesus freak”
b.
seeking new employment, Vince found no one interested in hiring a former rock band manager
c.
when a series of law suits were filed against the band they included Vince’s name, …he had to sell his home
to pay off his share of the financial obligation
d.
from living a life of glamour, wealth and luxury, Vince was reduced to working odd jobs to provide for his
family
4.
But Vince was able to see the spiritual dimension to his plight and, consequently, looked to his heavenly Father
for the grace to get through his ordeal. (POWER, 6/16/91)
5.
As Christians we need to recognize the spiritual dimension to the opposition or conflict or problem we are facing,
and be enabled to cope and to conquer by means of the spiritual provisions supplied by Christ.
6.
This is the lesson we learn from Moses in this passage of Exodus: Because we are faced with spiritual opposition,
we must rely upon spiritual measures.
I. When You Face (Spiritual) Opposition,
…Resort to God in Prayer (Exodus 5:22-23)
1.
Together Moses and Aaron come to the people of Israel, report to them what the Lord is about to do, perform
the confirming signs He had given them, …and the people believed.
2.
Next Moses and Aaron proceed to gain an audience with Pharaoh: they inform him of the Lord’s command, Let
my people go, so that they may hold a feast for me in the wilderness (Exodus 5:1)
3.
Now they encounter opposition: their progress is ground to a halt, they are faced with a substantial roadblock,
and everything is thrown into reverse: Pharaoh does not acknowledge the Lord, he refuses to let the people
go, and he insists on increasing their burden.
45
4.
5.
Consider the response of the Israelites to this unexpected and disheartening turn of events, their response to
this opposition:
a.
the leaders of Israel went and cried to Pharaoh: they appealed to him for mercy and understanding—but
he rejected their pleas (Exodus 5:15)
b.
those leaders of Israel actually curse Moses and Aaron: May Jehovah look upon you and judge you!
(Exodus 5:21)
In contrast, consider Moses’ response to this opposition: he returned to the Lord and prayed (Exodus 5:2223)—and consider the prayer which Moses addressed to the Lord:
a.
there is a bold questioning of God: Lord, why have you dealt harshly with your people? Why have you
sent me? (Exodus 5:22)
b.
Dare we question God? Dare we seek answers and explanations concerning His dealing with us?
c.
When you consider the prayer of Moses, and other prayers in Scripture, you find that the answer is Yes.
Why, O Jehovah, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? (Psalm 10:1)
How long, O Jehovah? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?
2
How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? (Psalm 13:1-2)
How long, O Jehovah, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, “Violence!”
but you do not save? 3Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrong?
Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds. (Habakkuk 1:2-3)
At the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? (which, being
interpreted, means, My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?) (Mark 15:34)
d.
it is completely legitimate for you, as a child of God in Christ Jesus, to voice your questions, to honestly
seek to know the mind of your heavenly Father, especially when what you presently see does not seem to
correspond with the promises or the character or the will of God (contrast Exodus 3:7-8; with Exodus
5:6,9); …
Jehovah said, “I have certainly seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and I have
heard them crying out because of their taskmasters. I know their sorrows. 8I have come down to
deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good
and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey… (Exodus 3:7-8)
…Pharaoh gave this command to the taskmasters appointed over the people and to their foremen
…9Make the work harder for the men (Exodus 5:6,9)
e.
…only we must approach the Lord in a manner and spirit that is befitting a child of God:

approaching our heavenly Father with steadfast unwavering faith:
Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge. (Psalm
62:8)

approaching our heavenly Father with a humble, reverent spirit, remembering whom we are
addressing:
Abraham responded and said, Behold now, I have taken it upon myself to speak to the Lord,
I who am nothing more than dust and ashes (Genesis 18:27)

approaching our heavenly Father with a readiness to wait upon Him and accept His answer:
I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will
give to me… (Habakkuk 2:1)
6.
When you face (spiritual) opposition, …resort to God in prayer.
46
What a friend we have in Jesus.
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy burdened,
burdened with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you?
Take it to the Lord in prayer;
In His arms He’ll take and shield you;
You will find a comfort there.
(Joseph M. Scriven)
II. When You Face (Spiritual) Opposition,
…Rely upon God’s Word (Exodus 6:1-8)
1.
God promises to employ His awesome power on behalf of His people:
Then Jehovah said to Moses, “Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh; because of my strong
hand he will let them go; indeed, because of my strong hand he will drive them out of his land.”
(Exodus 6:1)

in the days ahead Moses would witness all of nature rising up against Pharaoh, at the command of God,
until the mighty Egyptian empire was brought to its knees in defeat
a.
the Lord points you forward to the day when He will employ His almighty power:
b.
… the day of the Lord will come like a thief. On that day the heavens will disappear with a
loud noise, and the elements will be destroyed by being burned up, and the earth together
with the works that are in it will be exposed. … 13But, according to his promise, we are
watching for a new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness resides. (2 Peter
3:10,13)
the Lord points you back to previous displays of His almighty power:
And when Jesus cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. 51At that moment the
curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shock and the rocks
split. 52The tombs broke open and many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53They
came out of the tombs, and after Jesus’ resurrection they went into the holy city and
appeared to many people. 54When the centurion and those with him who were guarding
Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed,
“Surely he was the Son of God!”(Matthew 27:50-54)
There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and,
going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3His appearance was like lightning,
and his clothes were white as snow. 4The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and
became like dead men. 5The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you
are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6He is not here; he has risen, just as he said….”
(Matthew 28:2-6a)
47
c.
the Lord exhorts you to rely upon His almighty power which He will dispense on your behalf:
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)
…the Lord Jesus said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect
in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9a)
…everyone deserted me …
Timothy 4:16-17)
17
But the Lord stood at my side and strengthened me… (2
This is my Father’s world.
O let me never forget
That though the wrong often seems so strong,
God is the Ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world,
The battle is not done;
Jesus who died shall be satisfied,
And earth and heaven be one.
(Maltbie D. Babcock)
2.
God assures us that He is the covenant-keeping God who is ever faithful to His people:
a.
God spoke to Moses and told him, I am Jehovah (6:2); …I have …established My covenant with
them (6:4); …I have remembered My covenant (6:5); … I am Jehovah (6:8)
b.
Therefore, say to the children of Israel, I am Jehovah, and I will bring you out from under the
burden of the Egyptians (6:6); … I will take you to be my people and I will be your God (6:7); … I
will bring you to the land that I swore to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, and I will give
it to you as an inheritance. I am Jehovah (6:8)
c.
the Lord’s message is this: I am your covenant God, therefore I will act on your behalf to fulfill My
promises to you
Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom (Luke 12:32)
Do not let your heart be troubled; trust in God, trust in me also. 2In my Father’s house are many
rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I am going to prepare a place for you. 3And if
I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me; so that where I
am, you may be also. (John 14:1-3)
My sheep respond to my voice; I know them and they follow me. 28I give them eternal life—they
shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand. 29My Father, who has given
them to me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 30I
and the Father are one. (John 10:27-30)
3.
God promises us that we shall know that He is the Lord our God:
I will take you to be my people and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am Jehovah your
God (Exodus 6:7)

i.e., we shall know with understanding and personal experience that He is the true and living God and
that He is our God (note John 14:20)
On that day (the day of Christ’s return) you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me,
and I am in you. (John 14:20)

4.
example: the experience of a Russian Christian: while imprisoned in a Siberian prison camp for his
Christian faith, he experienced a foretaste of the great and blessed truth of which our Lord Jesus speaks
in John 14:20, he felt the presence of God and an indescribable union with Him
When you face (spiritual) opposition, …rely upon God’s Word: He promises that He will employ His almighty
power, He will be faithful to His covenant, and we will know him as our God
III. When You Face (Spiritual) Opposition,
…Request a Charge from God (Exodus 6:9-13)
48
When Moses brings this message from God to the people of Israel, they did not listen, because of the
anguish of their spirit and because of their cruel bondage—literally, because of shortness of spirit
and cruel bondage (Exodus 6:9)
1.

2.
i.e., they were spiritually fatigued and overwhelmed by the oppression of their Egyptian overlords
The unbelief and spiritual lethargy of the people had an adverse effect on Moses:

3.
when the Lord instructs him to return to Pharaoh and demand the release of the people from their
bondage, Moses raises the objection: If Israel will not listen to me, surely Pharaoh will not listen
(Exodus 6:12)
What does the Lord now do?
Jehovah spoke to Moses and to Aaron and he gave them a charge concerning the children of Israel
and concerning Pharaoh king of Egypt—a charge to bring the children of Israel out of the land of
Egypt (Exodus 6:13)

4.
i.e., the Lord re-commissioned His servants, this time charging them with divine power and authority
to accomplish His will and fulfill His purpose
When you face (spiritual) opposition, …you may need to request a charge from God:
a.
b.
c.
when you sink into the depths of Israel’s spiritual despondency and unbelief:

when you allow yourself to become intimidated and overwhelmed by the world around you

when you lose heart and hope and nerve

when your spiritual life shrivels up and barely clings to the tree like the last leaf in autumn
when you imitate Moses in his attitude of defeat and his desire to resign from his divine commission:

when you lose your zeal for serving Christ

when your love for Christ grows cold

when you grow weary in the task God has assigned to you

when you lose sight of the purpose and the goal of the Christian life

when you want to retire from the conflict and give up the struggle against the sinful nature and
the devil and the world
in such times as these, this needs to be your prayer:
I am laid low in the dust; revive me according to your word. (Psalm 119:25)
…and turn the Psalmist’s question into a prayer: Will you not revive us again, so that people may
rejoice in you? (Psalm 85:6)
d.
pray for such a charge upon your pastor and upon his preaching of the Word of God

pray that his ministry of the gospel may be like that described by the apostle Paul in 1
Thessalonians 1:5a; our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with
the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction.
Conclusion
1.
When you encounter (spiritual) opposition to your Christian faith, …to your Christian life, …to the accomplishing of
the will of God, you need to know where to turn and what to do.
2.
Learn from the example of Moses and the way the Lord dealt with him:

Resort to God in prayer

Rely upon the Word of God
49

Request a divine charge from God
Questions on Exodus 4:27-6:13
1. What happens when Moses requests Pharaoh to allow the people of Israel to leave Egypt? See Exodus 5:1-9 (printed
below)
Afterward Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said, This is what Jehovah, the God of Israel, says: Let my
people go, so that they may hold a feast for me in the wilderness. (2) But Pharaoh said, Who is Jehovah, that I
should pay attention to his voice and let Israel go? I do not know Jehovah; and furthermore, I will not let
Israel go. (3) Then they said, The God of the Hebrews has met with us. We request that you allow us to make a
three-day journey into the wilderness and offer a sacrifice to Jehovah our God, or else he may strike us with
pestilence or with the sword. (4) But the king of Egypt said to them, Why are you, Moses and Aaron, keeping
the people from their work? Get back to your labors! (5) Then Pharaoh said, Look! The people of the land are
now numerous, and you cause them to cease from their labors! (6) That same day Pharaoh gave this command
to the taskmasters appointed over the people and to their foremen, (7) You shall no longer supply the people
with straw for making bricks as you have up until now. Let them go and gather straw for themselves! (8) But
you shall still require them to make the same number of bricks as they have been making. You shall not reduce
the quota, for they are lazy; that is why they are crying out, Let us go and offer a sacrifice to our God. (9)
Make the work harder for the men so that they keep working and pay no attention to lies. (Exodus 5:1-9)
2. What was the people of Israel's initial response to Moses (see Exodus 4:29-31 printed below?) How did they react
when Pharaoh refused to grant their request and increased their burden? See Exodus 5:10,15-21 (printed below)
Then Moses and Aaron went and gathered together all the elders of the children of Israel. (30) Aaron spoke
all the words that Jehovah had spoken to Moses and he performed the signs in the sight of the people—(31)
and the people believed. When they heard that Jehovah had visited the children of Israel and that he had
seen their affliction, they bowed their heads and worshiped. (Exodus 4:29-31)
So the taskmasters in charge of the people, together with the foremen, went out and spoke to the people.
They told them, This is what Pharaoh says: I will no longer supply you with straw. (11) Go and get your own
straw wherever you can find it, but your quota will not at all be reduced.... (15) Then the Israelite foremen
went and appealed to Pharaoh, saying, Why are you treating your servants like this? (16) Your servants are given
no straw, but yet they tell us, Make bricks! And look, your servants are beaten, but the fault lies with your
own people. (17) But he said to them, You are lazy! You are lazy! That is why you say, Let us go and offer a
sacrifice to Jehovah. (18) Now go and work! You will be given no straw, yet you must deliver the same number
of bricks! (19) Then the Israelite foremen realized that they were in a difficult position when they were told,
You are not to reduce the number of bricks required of you for each day. (20) When they left Pharaoh, they
met Moses and Aaron who were standing there waiting for them. (21) The foremen said to them, May Jehovah
look upon you and judge you! You have made us odious in Pharaoh's sight and in the sight of his servants, so as
to put a sword in their hand to kill us! (Exodus 5:10,15-21)
3. How does Moses respond to the opposition he has encountered from Pharaoh? See Exodus 5:22-23 (printed below)
Then Moses returned to Jehovah and said, Lord, why have you dealt harshly with your people? Why have you
sent me? (23) Ever since I came to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has been hostile towards this people, and
you have not delivered your people at all. (Exodus 5:22-23)
4. What does the Lord tell Moses? See Exodus 6:1-8 (printed below)
Then Jehovah said to Moses, Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh; because of my strong hand he will
let them go; indeed, because of my strong hand he will drive them out of his land. (2) God spoke to Moses and
told him, I am Jehovah. (3) I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty, but I did not
make myself known to them by my name Jehovah. (4) And I have also established my covenant with them to
give them the land of Canaan, the land where they lived as sojourners. (5) Furthermore, I have heard the
groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians are holding in bondage, and I have remembered my
covenant. (6) Therefore, say to the children of Israel, I am Jehovah, and I will bring you out from under the
50
burden of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from their bondage. I will redeem you with an outstretched arm
and with great judgments. (7) And I will take you to be my people and I will be your God. Then you will know
that I am Jehovah your God, who brought you out from under the burden of the Egyptians. (8) I will bring you
to the land that I swore to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, and I will give it to you as an inheritance.
I am Jehovah. (Exodus 6:1-8)
5. When the people of Israel refuse to listen to Moses, what does the Lord do for him and Aaron? See Exodus 6:9-13
(printed below), especially verse 13.
So Moses spoke to the children of Israel, but they did not listen to Moses because of the anguish of their
spirit and because of their cruel bondage. (10) Then Jehovah said to Moses, (11) Go in and tell Pharaoh king of
Egypt to let the children of Israel depart from his land. (12) But Moses spoke in the presence of Jehovah,
saying, See, the children of Israel have not listened to me; why then will Pharaoh listen to me? I am a man with
"uncircumcised lips!" (13) Then Jehovah spoke to Moses and to Aaron and he gave them a charge concerning
the children of Israel and concerning Pharaoh king of Egypt—a charge to bring the children of Israel out of
the land of Egypt. (Exodus 6:9-13)
6. Because the Lord is the sovereign God, there shall never be any insurmountable opposition to His will and the
fulfillment of His divine plan. True or False
7. Which of the statements listed below accurately describes the actions and attitudes of the people of Israel during
this time in their history as recorded in Exodus 4:27-6:13? (Answers continued on the next page)
a.
b.
c.
d.
Pharaoh’s opposition to the Lord’s purpose and the increased burdens that resulted came as an
unexpected shock to the people of Israel.
When faced with Pharaoh’s unanticipated resistance to the divine will, the people of Israel prayed to
the Lord, humbly seeking understanding and grace.
Even when Pharaoh refused to grant them permission to leave, the people of Israel resolutely placed
their confidence in the Lord and supported His servant Moses.
The people of Israel were convinced that the Lord had sent Moses as His servant and rejoiced that the
Lord had come to deliver them.
8. From the example of Moses, we learn that we as Christians may approach the Lord and seek answers and
explanations concerning the way He is dealing with us. But how must we approach Him? Match the passages listed
below with the appropriate statements as they inform us how we are to approach the Lord with the questions that
burden our hearts.
a.
b.
c.
Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge. (Psalm 62:8) We
must approach the Lord with ___
Abraham responded and said, Behold now, I have taken it upon myself to speak to the Lord, I who am
nothing more than dust and ashes (Genesis 18:27) We must approach the Lord with ___
I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will give to me.
(Habakkuk 2:1) We must approach the Lord with ___
1. a willingness to wait and accept His answer
2. a humble and reverent spirit
3. steadfast unwavering faith
9. When Moses approaches the Lord in prayer, what does the Lord say to him?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
The Lord tells Moses that He will employ His awesome power on behalf of His people.
The Lord informs Moses that the opposition they are presently encountering is due to their own sins.
The Lord assures Moses that He is the covenant-keeping God who is ever faithful to His people.
The Lord promises Moses that His people shall know by personal experience that He is the Lord our God.
All of the above
10. According to the commentary, when we as Christians feel overwhelmed by the spiritual opposition we face and are
tempted to resign from our service for Christ, we should ask the Lord to do for us what He did for Moses and Aaron,
namely, give us a divine _______. Fill in the blank
OUR SOVEREIGN GOD
EXODUS 6:28-7:7
51
6 28Now on the day when Jehovah spoke to Moses in the land of Egypt, 29he said to him, “I am Jehovah. Tell
Pharaoh king of Egypt everything I tell you.” 30But Moses said in the presence of Jehovah, “I am a man with
‘uncircumcised lips.’ How will it be that Pharaoh will listen to me?” 7Then Jehovah said to Moses, “Listen; I
have made you like God to Pharaoh; and Aaron your brother shall be your prophet. 2You are to speak
everything I command you, and Aaron your brother shall speak to Pharaoh, instructing him to allow the
children of Israel to depart from his land. 3And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart and multiply my signs and
wonders in the land of Egypt. 4And Pharaoh will not listen to you, so I will lay my hand upon Egypt and bring
forth my hosts—my people, the children of Israel—out of the land of Egypt with mighty acts of judgment.
5
Then the Egyptians shall know that I am Jehovah, when I stretch out my hand over Egypt and bring out the
children of Israel from among them.” 6Moses and Aaron did so—they did just as Jehovah commanded. 7Moses
was eighty years old and Aaron was eighty-three when they spoke to Pharaoh.
THEME: As a Christian, you should be encouraged to know that the Lord our God is the sovereign God.
PURPOSE: To assure the students that the Lord will accomplish His good purpose for His church and glorify His holy
name, because He is the sovereign God.
OUTLINE:
I. Because the Lord is the Sovereign God,
…Be Assured that Even Those Who Oppose Him
are Subject to Him (Exodus 7:3)
II. Because the Lord is the Sovereign God,
…Be Assured that He shall Conquer All His
and Our Enemies (Exodus 7:4)
III. Because the Lord is the Sovereign God,
…Be Assured that the World shall Finally
Acknowledge Him as God (Exodus 7:5)
Introduction
1.
Linda’s husband, Gary, worked as a police detective.
2.
One day he came home from work and told her he had just learned that a contract had been put out on his life;
someone whom he had helped convict had supposedly hired a man to kill Gary.
3.
A few days later Gary’s office was vandalized: the outer glass door was shattered and things were torn apart.
4.
Then the phone calls started: at least once a day the male voice on the other end of the line would ask Gary, “Are
you well today?”
5.
Fear began to grow in Linda’s heart: she was afraid when Gary left for work each morning; …afraid of every car
that passed their house in the middle of the night; …afraid of even the most familiar sounds in the dark.
6.
Gary tried to comfort her, assuring her, “Honey, you know God has it all under control.”
7.
But fear still lurked in Linda’s mind, …until one Sunday evening when a missionary from the South Pacific visited
their church.
8.
He related a personal experience that helped Linda understand how foolish it is for a Christian to allow fear to
dominate his life:

The missionary and a local Tahitian pastor were walking through waist high grass on their way to visit a small
thatched hut.

As they walked towards the hut they heard a low, throaty growl from the hidden depths of the grass.

Stopping to discern what was making this ominous sound, they both felt a chill of fear.

Suddenly a Doberman Pinscher leaped up from out of the tall grass and came bounding towards them, his
sharp teeth bared in an awful snarl.

The missionary could see every detail of the attacking dog as though the whole thing were occurring in slow
motion; he stood directly in the dog’s path, paralyzed with fear.
52
9.

As the Doberman made his final leap, so close that the missionary could smell his foul breath, the dog’s head
was violently twisted to the side.

Savagely slammed down to the ground, as if by some invisible hand, he lay stunned, his feet waving in the air
like an overturned beetle.

Then the missionary saw what he had failed to notice before because of his fear: the Doberman was on a
chain.

Later, when the two men walked back from the house, across the field of tall grass, they ignored the leaping,
barking dog. They were no longer afraid of him because, no matter how ferocious and sinister he looked or
sounded, he could only go as far as his chain allowed.
Now when Linda feels the chilly hand of fear beginning to grip her life, she remembers the Doberman Pinscher
lying flat on his back, powerless. She has come to realize that the devil, too, is on a “chain,” and at the other
end of that chain is the strong hand of the Lord, holding it fast with an unyielding grip. (POWER, 4/7/91)
10. As a Christian, you should be encouraged to know that the Lord is the sovereign God who will surely accomplish
His purpose of redeeming His church.
I. Because the Lord is the Sovereign God,
…Be Assured that Even Those Who Oppose Him are Subject to His Control (Exodus 7:3)
1.
2.
Consider the final instructions the Lord gives to Moses as He sends him to the king of Egypt:
a.
Moses is to speak to Pharaoh, instructing him to let the children of Israel depart from his land (6:29; 7:2)
b.
but the Lord warns Moses that Pharaoh will not listen (7:4)
c.
then the Lord informs Moses that He will lay His hand upon Egypt and bring His people out by means of
great judgments (7:4b)
Look still more closely at those words of instruction to Moses: I will harden Pharaoh’s heart… Pharaoh will
not listen to you (7:3-4)
a.
Exodus 7:3-4 is a summary statement foretelling the Lord’s act of hardening Pharaoh’s heart as an act of
judgment upon Pharaoh for hardening his own heart against the Lord
b.
six times Pharaoh stubbornly resisted the commandment of God, each time hardening his heart against
the Lord:
c.

first, at the initial interview with Moses when Moses turned the rod into a serpent (7:13)

second, in response to the first plague, (the water of the Nile turned into blood) (7:22)

third, following the second plague (the plague of frogs) (8:15)

fourth, in response to the third plague (the plague of lice) (8:19)

fifth, following the fourth plague (the plague of flies) (8:32)

sixth, in response to the fifth plague (the disease on the livestock) (9:7)
then, starting with the sixth plague (the plague of boils), we read that the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart
(9:12)

d.
following that sixth plague—and the preliminary hardening of Pharaoh’s heart as an act of warning in
response to Pharaoh’s own persistent hardening of his heart against the Lord—the Lord informs
Pharaoh that if he continues to persist in his rebellion, I will send the full force of my plagues
against you; literally, I will…send all my plagues upon your heart (9:14)
the point of no return came at the conclusion of the seventh plague (the plague of the hail storm):

when Pharaoh saw that the hail stopped, he sinned again (literally, he sinned still more; i.e.;
a continuing and deepening sin): he and his officials hardened their hearts (9:34)

in consequence, and as an act of judgment, Pharaoh’s heart was hardened (by the Lord) (9:35)
53
note: although the NIV version reads, “So Pharaoh’s heart was hard,” the ASV more accurately
translates the statement, “Pharaoh’s heart was hardened”—the Hebrew verb, qz1j2, occurring in the
Kal form has the passive meaning, “to be hardened” (The Analytical Hebrew and Chaldee Lexicon,
Benjamin Davidson, Samuel Bagster & Sons, Publishers, reprinted in 1967)
e.
thus Exodus 7:3-4 is a summary statement, foretelling the Lord’s act of judgment in hardening Pharaoh’s
heart as the consequence of Pharaoh’s own act of repeatedly hardening his heart against the Lord (note
Job 9:4b)
Who has hardened himself against the Lord and succeeded? (Job 9:4b)
3.
Look again at the Lord’s words of instruction to Moses and note carefully the way He identifies Himself: Now
on the day when Jehovah spoke to Moses in the land of Egypt, 29he said to him, I am Jehovah. (6:2829)

the name “Jehovah” is derived from the Hebrew verb “to be,” or, “I am.” In Exodus 3:14 God elaborates
upon His name and His identity, “God said to Moses, ‘I AM THAT I AM.’”
a.
the Hebrew has the meaning, I AM BECAUSE I AM: He is self-existent, depending upon no one and
nothing

the Lord is the Source, or, Creator of all things (cp. Genesis 1:1)
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1)

the Lord is the Sustainer of all things (cp. Colossians 1:17)
He is before all things, and by him all things hold together. (Colossians 1:17)

the Lord is the Supreme Purpose for all existence (cp. Ecclesiastes 12:13 and Romans 11:36)
Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his
commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
…from him, and through him, and for him, are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen.
(Romans 11:36)
b.
the Hebrew also has the meaning I AM WHO I AM: He is self-defining, no one tells Him who He is or
what He can do
He does as he pleases with the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth. No one
can push away his hand, or demand of him, What are you doing? (Daniel 4:35b)
in Ephesians 1:11 the Lord is defined as the One who causes all things to work for the sake of his
own plan—i.e.; the Lord causes all things to happen in such a way that they will contribute to the
fulfillment of His own sovereign will and purpose
4.
Because the Lord is the Sovereign God, …be assured that even those who oppose Him are subject to His will
…the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power
in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” (Romans 9:17)
His wisdom is profound; his power is vast. Who has hardened himself against the Lord and succeeded?
(Job 9:4)
II. Because the Lord is the Sovereign God,
…Be Assured that He shall Conquer All His and Our Enemies (Exodus 7:4)
1.
Right from the outset, this was not merely a political war, nor merely a cultural war, but a spiritual battle
a.
the initial sign performed before Pharaoh (turning a staff into a serpent) related directly to the art of
snake-charming practiced among the Egyptians; i.e., the Lord was challenging the gods of Egypt
54
2.
b.
when Pharaoh summons the magicians (Exodus 7:11-12), he is summoning the gods of Egypt by means of
their appointed spokesmen (the magicians) to meet the Lord’s challenge and contest against Him
c.
the fact that Aaron’s staff swallowed up the magicians’ rods (7:12) is a portent of what is to come;
namely, the divine victory of the Lord over Egypt and all of its gods
The spiritual battle waged by the Lord against the gods of the empire is dramatically presented in the first
plague: the turning of the Nile River into blood (7:14-25)
a.
the Nile was viewed by Egypt as the source of it’s prosperity and life, it was honored as Egypt’s supreme
deity (Commentaries on the Old Testament, The Pentateuch, Vol.1, Keil and Delitzsch, p.478)

b.
it should be noted that every year the Nile “turned into blood”

c.
when Pharaoh went out to the Nile early in the morning, he went out to offer sacrifice and
worship; …it is here that Moses is sent to confront him with the demand of the Lord
at the season of low water, the Nile was green and undrinkable; but at the season of high water
the Nile became red and wholesome (Keil and Delitzsch, pp.478-479)
but on this occasion it was different: this time the Nile was truly turned into blood; but it was not blood
that was the symbol and means of life; on the contrary, this time it was blood poured out in death:
This is what Jehovah says, By this you will know that I am Jehovah: With the staff that is in my
hand I will strike the water of the Nile, and it will be changed into blood. 18The fish in the Nile
will die, and the river will stink; the Egyptians will not be able to drink its water. (Exodus 7:17-18)
d.
3.
the very first plague became a prophecy of what the Lord would do to this pagan nation—and what He
will finally do to every pagan nation—as well as to the powers of darkness which possess such nations: I
will execute judgments against all the gods of Egypt. I am Jehovah. (Exodus 12:12b)
In His conflict with His enemies, notice the Lord’s patience—but it is a longsuffering and patience that must
eventually give way to judgment when it is persistently met with defiance and neglect:
a.
the first nine plagues are administered in a re-occurring cycle, with the first three plagues forming the
first cycle, plagues four through six the second cycle, and plagues seven through nine the third cycle

in each cycle Moses is first sent out to meet Pharaoh at the banks of the Nile River, to announce an
impeding plague (1st, 4th, 7th plagues); …next Moses is sent in to Pharaoh’s court, to warn of another
impending plague (2nd, 5th, 8th plagues); …then the final plague in the series occurs unannounced
(3rd, 6th, 9th plagues)

there is a divine seeking out of Pharaoh (with the desire for his repentance), this is followed by a
coming in to Pharaoh (with the purpose of urging upon him the importance of repentance), when
both of these efforts fail, there comes judgment without further warning (the type of judgment
described in Proverbs 29:1)
A man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without
remedy. (Proverbs 29:1)
note Revelation 2:21; I have given her time so that she might repent; but she is unwilling to
repent
b.
early on, when Pharaoh shows some inclination towards the Lord, the Lord immediately offers to employ
His divine power for Pharaoh rather than against him:
Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, “Pray to Jehovah to take the frogs away from
me and my people, and I will let your people go to offer sacrifices to Jehovah.” 9Moses said to
Pharaoh, “I leave to you the honor of setting the time for me to pray for you and your officials
and your people that you and your houses may be rid of the frogs, except for those that remain
in the Nile.” 10“Tomorrow,” Pharaoh said. Moses replied, “It will be as you say, so that you may
know there is no one like Jehovah our God.” (Exodus 8:8-10)
c.
each time the cycle is repeated, the chastisement becomes more severe and more ominous as it
continues to be met by sinful rebellion on the part of Pharaoh:
55

1st cycle of plagues (1-3): the Nile is turned into blood, and restored after seven days (7:24-25);
…frogs fill the land and the land is filled with their stench (8:14); …gnats come upon the land and
inflict their painful sting (8:16-18)

2nd cycle of plagues (4-6): there now come dense, or, grievous swarms of flies (8:24); …a disease
upon cattle which produces death to animal life (9:3,6); …boils which are so severe that the
magicians could not stand before Moses (9:11)

3rd cycle of plagues: a severe hailstorm that destroys the lives of all who are exposed to it, both
animals and mankind (9:19); …locusts that devour all the fruit trees and the crops not previously
destroyed by the hailstorm (10:5,15); …dense darkness (10:21-23), indicating the withdrawal of
God’s grace and being given over to God’s judgment (note 2 Peter 2:4)
…God did not spare angels when they sinned, but consigned them to hell, putting them in
dark pits where they are being kept for the day of judgment (2 Peter 2:4)
d.
at last, the longsuffering patience of God and the warnings of God must give way to the final judgment,
judgment which comes in the form of the 10th plague
So Moses said, “This is what Jehovah says, ‘About midnight I will go throughout Egypt. 5Every
firstborn son in Egypt will die, from the firstborn son of Pharaoh, who sits on the throne, to the
firstborn son of the slave girl, who is at her hand mill, and all the firstborn of the cattle as well.
(11:4-5), this time the Lord will personally go forth to execute His divine judgment

4.
the death of the first born represented the whole nation (note the comment of the Egyptian
leaders, We will all die; literally, We are all dead men, 12:33)
Because the Lord is the sovereign God, …be assured that he shall conquer all His and our enemies
Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you;
surely, I will help you; surely, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. 11Listen! All those who
rage against you will be brought to shame and disgrace; those who oppose you will be as nothing and
will perish. 12You will seek them—them who fight against you—but you will not find them; those who
wage war against you will be like nothing, like nothing at all. 13Such will be the case because I,
Jehovah your God, will hold your right hand and say to you, Do not be afraid; I will help you. 14Do not
be afraid, O Jacob you worm, and you men of Israel; I will help you, declares Jehovah. Indeed, your
Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel. (Isaiah 41:10-14)
No weapon forged against you will prevail. Furthermore, you will condemn every tongue that speaks
against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of Jehovah—and their righteousness is
from me, declares Jehovah. (Isaiah 54:17)
III. Because the Lord is the Sovereign God,
…Be Assured that the World Shall Finally Acknowledge Him as God (Exodus 7:5)
1.
The divine purpose for these judgments upon this world empire are stated as follows:
a.
This is what Jehovah says: By this you will know that I am Jehovah: With the staff that is in my
hand I will strike the water of the Nile, and it will be changed into blood. 18The fish in the Nile
will die, and the river will stink; the Egyptians will not be able to drink its water. (7:17-18)

b.
that they might know that I, Jehovah, am in this land; or, I am Jehovah in the midst of the land
(of Egypt) (8:22)

c.
His purpose is that all may know that Jehovah is the Lord over nature, the God who stands
distinct from nature and above nature and all created powers (things which Egypt honored as
divine)
His purpose is that all may know that Jehovah is the Ruler over the nations of the earth
that they might know that the earth belongs to Jehovah (9:29)

His purpose is that all may know that Jehovah is the Sovereign Ruler over nature and all things
are under His control (to demonstrate this, the Lord caused the violent hailstorm to cease at the
command of His servant, Moses)
56
d.
that they might know that the Lord makes a distinction between Israel (His people) and Egypt
(representative of the world of mankind in league with the devil and in rebellion against the Lord): I
will deal differently with the land of Goshen, where my people live; no swarms of flies will be
there, so that you will know that I, Jehovah, am in this land. 23I will make a distinction between
my people and your people. (8:22-23)

His purpose is that all may know that Jehovah is both the Redeemer of His people and the Judge
of the world (to demonstrate this fact He delivered the land of Goshen where His people Israel
lived from being subjected to the last two cycles of plagues); note Malachi 3:18
…you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those
who serve God and those who do not. (Malachi 3:18)
2.
What were the results of these divine judgments that fell upon the world of Egypt?
a.
Exodus 9:11; the magicians (the representatives and servants of darkness) could not stand before Moses
(the servant of the Lord)
on the Day of Judgment the peoples of the world shall cry out to the mountains and to the rocks,
“Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of
the Lamb, 17for the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?” (Revelation
6:16-17)
b.
Exodus 9:27; Pharaoh grudgingly confesses, Jehovah is righteous, I and my people are wicked: there
is the acknowledgment both of the righteousness of the Lord as well as the sinfulness of man, as
mankind is exposed to the holy majesty of God, evidenced here by the violent hailstorm with thunder
and lightning bolts from heaven
c.
Exodus 10:7; the royal counselors seek to call Pharaoh’s attention to the fact that Egypt (a
representative and example of the empire of man) is ruined
Then a mighty angel picked up a boulder the size of a large millstone, and hurled it into the sea,
saying, “With such violence shall Babylon, the great city, be thrown down, never to be found
again!” (Revelation 18:21), Babylon symbolizes all the nations of the world and the kingdom of man as
it stands in opposition to God
d.
Exodus 12:35-36; when the people of Israel departed from the ruins of this formerly oppressive power,
they plundered the Egyptians: The Israelites did as Moses instructed and asked the Egyptians for
articles of silver and gold and for clothing. 36Jehovah had made the Egyptians favorably
disposed toward the people, and they gave them what they asked for; so they plundered the
Egyptians.
God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy to the man who pleases him; but to the sinner God
gives the arduous task of gathering and storing up wealth so that He may give it to the one
that pleases Him. (Ecclesiates 2:26), this passage of Scripture is speaking about the final and divine
“re-distribution of wealth”
3.
Because the Lord is the sovereign God, …be assured that the world shall finally acknowledge Him as God
Jehovah of hosts has a day in store for all that is proud and arrogant, for all that is exalted—and
they will be humbled. …17The arrogance of man shall be brought low, and the pride of man shall be
humbled; and Jehovah alone shall be exalted on that day—18and the idols will totally disappear.
…20On that day men will throw away to the rodents and to the bats their idols of silver and their
idols of gold which they made to worship, 21in order to flee to the caverns in the rocks and to the
overhanging crags from the terror of Jehovah and from the glory of his majesty, when he rises to
mightily shake the earth. (Isaiah 2:12,17-18,20-21)
Conclusion
1.
As a Christian, you should be encouraged to know that the Lord is the sovereign God who will accomplish His good
purpose for His church and will glorify His holy name.
2.
In the words of the hymnwriter:
57
This is my Father’s world.
O let me never forget
That though the wrong often seems so strong,
God is the Ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world,
The battle is not done;
Jesus who died shall be satisfied,
And earth and heaven be one.
(Maltbie D. Babcock)
Questions on Exodus 6:28-7:7
1. How does God identify Himself to Moses in Exodus 6:29 (printed below?) See also Exodus 3:14 (printed below)
He said to him, I am Jehovah. Tell Pharaoh king of Egypt everything I tell you. (Exodus 6:29)
God said to Moses, I AM THAT I AM. This is what you are to say to the children of Israel, I AM has sent me unto you.
(Exodus 3:14)
2. What is Moses to tell Pharaoh and what is he told will happen? See Exodus 7:2-4 (printed below)
You are to speak everything I command you, and Aaron your brother shall speak to Pharaoh, instructing him
to allow the children of Israel to depart from his land. (3) And I will harden Pharaoh's heart and multiply my
signs and wonders in the land of Egypt. (4) And Pharaoh will not listen to you, so I will lay my hand upon Egypt
and bring forth my hosts—my people, the children of Israel—out of the land of Egypt with mighty acts of
judgment. (Exodus 7:2-4)
3. What do you think it means when the Lord says, "I will harden Pharaoh’s heart" (Exodus 7:3?)
4. Against whom does the Lord execute His judgments? See Exodus 7:4 and Exodus 12:12 (printed below.)
And Pharaoh will not listen to you, so I will lay my hand upon Egypt and bring forth my hosts—my people, the
children of Israel—out of the land of Egypt with mighty acts of judgment. (Exodus 7:4)
I will go through the land of Egypt in that night and strike down every first born—both man and beast—and I
will execute judgments against all the gods of Egypt. I am Jehovah. (Exodus 12:12)
5. What will be the final result of the Lord's great acts of judgment poured out upon the nation of Egypt? See Exodus
7:5 (printed below)
Then the Egyptians shall know that I am Jehovah, when I stretch out my hand over Egypt and bring out the children of
Israel from among them. (Exodus 7:5)
6. Exodus 7:3 tells us that the Lord “hardened Pharaoh’s heart.” What does this mean?
a.
b.
c.
The Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart as an act of warning in order to show Pharaoh what would happen if
he continued to resist God.
The Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart as an arbitrary act to show that He as God can do whatever He
desires.
The Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart as an act of judgment upon Pharaoh for hardening his own heart
against the Lord.
7. God reveals Himself to be Jehovah, the great I AM. Match the passages listed below with the statements that define
some of the attributes of this great and sovereign God.
a.
b.
c.
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1) ___
He is before all things, and by him all things hold together. (Colossians 1:17) ___
… and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen. (Romans 11:36) ___
58
1. The Lord is the Sustainer of all things.
2. The Lord is the Source of all things.
3. The Lord is the Supreme Purpose for all existence.
8. The Lord’s great acts of judgment were directed not only against Pharaoh and the Egyptian nation, but also against
all the _______ of Egypt. Fill in the blank
9. Which of the statements listed below accurately describe the plagues the Lord sent upon Egypt?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
The first nine plagues are administered in a re-occurring cycle, with the first three plagues forming the
first cycle, plagues four through six the second cycle, and plagues seven through nine the third cycle.
Each time the cycle is repeated the chastisement administered against Egypt becomes more severe.
After the cycle has been repeated for the third time there follows a final judgment in the form of the
tenth plague.
The cycle of the plagues corresponds to the cycle of the seasons, leading up to the “death” of winter.
All of the above
10. The Lord declares that by means of His mighty acts the Egyptians shall come to know that He is the Lord. Match the
passages listed below with the statements that describe what the Lord is revealing about Himself.
a.
b.
c.
This is what Jehovah says: By this you will know that I am Jehovah: With the staff that is in my hand I
will strike the water of the Nile, and it will be changed into blood. 18The fish in the Nile will die, and
the river will stink; the Egyptians will not be able to drink its water. (7:17-18) ___
I am Jehovah in the midst of the land (of Egypt) (8:22) ___
The Egyptians shall know that I am Jehovah, when I stretch out my hand over Egypt and bring out the
children of Israel from among them. (Exodus 7:5) ___
1. He is the Lord over nature.
2. He is the Redeemer of His people.
3. He is the Ruler over the nations.
LESSON FOUR : EXODUS 12:1-15:27
The student should prepare for his study by asking the Holy Spirit to enlighten his mind and open his heart to
receive not only the teaching of Scripture but Christ Himself as He is prese nted in the Scriptures.
Assignments:
1. Bible Study: The student will explore 3 portions of the Book of Exodus, guided by an expositional commentary
on the text. The student will then answer the questions found at the end of the expository notes.
2. Writing Your Essay: The student should begin work on his 8-10 page essay for Bachelor's credit or 15-20 page
essay for Master's credit. ( See under Syllabus, "Description of Assignments," #3. The student is also referred to
the "Guidelines for Writing an Essay," provided by the facilitator.)
Note: All Scripture texts will appear in Chalkboard font; all extended quotations from other authors will
appear in Rockwell font.
REMEMBER CALVARY
EXODUS 12:1-14; 13:3-10
Exodus 12:1-14
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12 Jehovah spoke to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying, 2“This month is to be for you the first
month, it shall be the first month of the year for you. 3Speak to the whole congregation of Israel and tell
them, On the tenth day of this month every man is to take a lamb* for his family, one for each household. 4If a
household is too small for a whole lamb,* then he and his neighbor who lives next to him are to share one
lamb, taking into account the number of persons in the two households. You are to divide the lamb according
to what each person can eat. 5Your animal must be a year-old male without defect; you may choose it from the
sheep or the goats. 6You shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this same month, then the whole assembly of
the congregation of Israel is to slaughter their animals at twilight. 7They are to take some of the blood and
put it on the sides and top of the doorframes of the houses in which they will eat the lambs. 8That same night
they are to eat the meat roasted over the fire; they are to eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. 9Do
not eat any of it raw or boiled in water, but roast it over the fire—roast its head and its legs together with its
entrails. 10You must not let any of it remain until the morning; but if some is left until the morning, you must
burn it in the fire. 11This is how you are to eat it: With your cloak tucked into your belt, your shoes on your
feet, and your staff in your hand. You must eat it in haste—it is Jehovah’s Passover—12because I will go
through the land of Egypt in that night and strike down every first born—both man and beast—and I will
execute judgments against all the gods of Egypt. I am Jehovah. 13The blood will be a sign for you on the houses
where you are residing; when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No plague shall come upon you to destroy
you when I strike the land of Egypt. 14You are to commemorate this day; you are to celebrate it as a festival to
Jehovah. By a divine ordinance, you are to celebrate this day as a festival to Jehovah throughout your
generations.”
*The Hebrew word can mean either “lamb” or “kid”
EXODUS 13:3-10
13 3Moses said to the people, “Commemorate this day, the day you came out of Egypt, out of the house of
bondage, because Jehovah brought you out of this place by the strength of his hand. In commemorating this
day, no leavened bread shall be eaten. 4Today, in the month Abib, you go forth. 5When Jehovah brings you into
the land of the Canaanite and the Hittite and the Amorite and the Hivite and the Jebusite—the land he
swore to your forefathers to give you, a land flowing with milk and honey—you are to observe this rite in this
month: 6For seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, and on the seventh day a festival shall be held for
Jehovah. 7Throughout the seven days only unleavened bread shall be eaten; no leavened bread must even be
seen among you, neither may any leaven be seen among you anywhere within your borders. 8On that day you
shall tell your son, I do this because of what Jehovah did for me when I came out of Egypt. 9This rite will be
for you like a sign on your hand and a reminder on your forehead that the law of Jehovah must be on your lips;
for with a mighty hand Jehovah brought you out of Egypt. 10Therefore, you shall observe this rite at the
appointed time from year to year.”
THEME: For our sake and for His glory, the Lord would have us to ever remember Christ’s great sacrifice at Calvary.
PURPOSE: To exhort the students to always remember Calvary, because of the great salvation accomplished there by
Christ the Savior.
OUTLINE: I. Remember Calvary,
…Because of the Awful Price of Sin
II. Remember Calvary,
…Because It is the Only Provision for Salvation
III. Remember Calvary,
…and Never Lose Sight of It
Introduction
1.
One Easter the congregation of a small rural church decided to give a special Passion Presentation.
2.
Everyone took part: some sang the favorite hymns of Easter, others read portions of the Scriptures, still others
wrote special poems for the occasion.
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3.
One young man made a cross: with a hatchet he spliced apart some pieces of a log, bound them together with a
strand of cord, and inserted this rough-hewn cross into a slot he had hollowed out in the remainder of the log
which served as a stand.
4.
After the Passion Presentation had been given and the Easter season was over, the pastor decided to make that
simple, rough-hewn cross a permanent fixture in the church: he prominently displayed it on the center of the
communion table at the front of the sanctuary.
5.
Some months later the pastor happened to notice that the cross was gone; …someone had removed it from its
position on the communion table.
6.
When he inquired as to what had become of the cross, he was informed that the cleaning lady had removed it
because she didn’t think it looked good enough to be prominently displayed in the front of the sanctuary—it was
too crude and rough-hewn.
7.
What happened to that little wooden cross in that little rural church can also happen to the doctrine of the cross
in some congregations: it no longer has a place in their religion or in their life.
8.
But for our sake and for His glory, the Lord would have us to ever remember the cross of Calvary and the great
sacrifice of His Son the Lord Jesus Christ.
9.
The Old Testament counterpart to Calvary was the Passover: as the Lord gives instructions for the observance of
the Passover night in Egypt, He emphasizes the importance of commemorating that night throughout the future
generations of Israel’s history.
10. As Old Testament Israel was to perpetually remember the Passover, so we are to remember Calvary, because of
the great salvation accomplished there by Christ the Savior.
I. Remember Calvary,
…Because of the Awful Price of Sin
1.
In the 11th chapter of Exodus, at the Lord’s command, Moses announces the tenth and final plague which the
Lord will execute against Egypt: the death of all the first born:
So Moses said, “This is what Jehovah says: ‘About midnight I will go throughout Egypt. 5Every
firstborn son in Egypt will die, from the firstborn son of Pharaoh, who sits on the throne, to the
firstborn son of the slave girl, who is at her hand mill, and all the firstborn of the cattle as well.
6
There will be loud wailing throughout Egypt—worse than there has ever been or ever will be again.
(Exodus 11:4-6)
2.
This was actually the first plague the Lord declared He would enact against Egypt:
You shall say to Pharaoh, This is what Jehovah says: Israel is my son, my first born, 23and I have told
you, Let my son go, so that he may serve me, but you have refused to let him go. Listen. I will kill your
son, your first born. (Exodus 4:22-23)
…but it is the last plague He does in fact execute against the rebellious nation of Egypt.
3.
Throughout this encounter between Moses (representing God) and Pharaoh, the Lord again and again seeks to
turn Pharaoh from his stubborn rebellion, to induce him to repent, to spare him from the ultimate
consequence of his sin.
4.
The Lord employs a vast array of measures: He sought to move Pharaoh by afflictions and by promises, by
mercy and by judgments
5.
But when Pharaoh spurns every overture and persists in hardening himself against the Lord, the Lord finally
gives him over to the ultimate consequence of sin.
6.
That which the Lord threatened and forewarned, He did in fact finally execute:
At midnight Jehovah struck down all the firstborn in Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh, who sat
on the throne, to the firstborn of the prisoner, who was in the dungeon, and the firstborn of all the
livestock as well. 30Pharaoh and all his officials and all the Egyptians got up during the night, and there
was loud wailing in Egypt, for there was not a house without someone dead. (Exodus 12:29-30)
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
note 2 Chronicles 36:15-17, a passage which relates the Lord’s dealings with the people of Israel at a
later date in their history:
Jehovah, the God of their fathers, sent word to them through his messengers again and again,
because he had compassion for his people and for his dwelling place. 16But they mocked God’s
messengers, despised his words and scoffed at his prophets until the wrath of Jehovah was
aroused against his people and there was no remedy. 17He brought up against them the king of the
Babylonians, who killed their young men with the sword in the sanctuary, and spared neither
young man nor young woman, old man or aged. God handed all of them over to Nebuchadnezzar.
(2 Chronicles 36:15-17)

note Proverbs 1:24-28, a passage in which the wisdom of the Lord (the Lord Jesus Himself) declares,
Because you refused to listen when I called—I stretched out my hand, but no one paid attention;
25
you ignored all my advice and would not accept my rebuke. 26Therefore, I will laugh at your
calamity. I will mock when what you dread overtakes you; 27when what you dread overtakes you
like a storm and your calamity sweeps over you like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish
overwhelm you. 28Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently,
but they will not find me. (Proverbs 1:24-28)
the Lord Jesus who presently extends the invitation, Come to me, all you who are weary and
burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28), shall on the last day say to all those who have
rejected Him and the witness of His Father, Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal
fire prepared for the devil and his angels. (Matthew 25:41b)


7.
at Calvary we witness the awful price of sin, that which the unrepentant sinner will finally experience
Consider not only what sin finally costs the unrepentant sinner, but also what it cost God to redeem His
people:
Speak to the whole congregation of Israel and tell them, On the tenth day of this month every man is
to take a lamb for his family, one for each household. …6You shall keep it until the fourteenth day of
this same month, then the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel is to slaughter their animals at
twilight. …9Do not eat any of it raw or boiled in water, but roast it over the fire—roast its head and
its legs together with its entrails. (Exodus 12:3,6,9)
a.
b.
the lamb was to be selected on the tenth day of the month and slain on the fourteenth day—enough time
for the family to become attached to the cute and cuddly little creature, enough time for the lamb to
become precious to them (note John 3:16)
…for God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, so that whoever believes in him
should not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
on the fourteenth day of the month that precious little lamb was slain, its blood poured out, and its body
roasted over the fire—for the salvation of God’s people (note Galatians 3:13)
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written,
“Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”— (Galatians 3:13)
8.
Remember Calvary, …because of the awful price of sin: the price that shall be personally paid by the
unrepentant sinner, and the price that was paid by the Savior on behalf of all those who trust in Him
You who think of sin but lightly,
nor suppose the evil great,
Here (at the cross of Calvary) may view its nature rightly,
here its guilt may estimate.
Mark the Sacrifice appointed;
see who bears the awful load;
It is the Word, the Lord’s Anointed,
Son of Man and Son of God.
(Thomas Kelly)
II. Remember Calvary,
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…Because It is the Only Provision for Salvation
1.
Exodus 12:1 emphasizes that the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt (giving them
instructions for the observance of the Passover Sacrifice)

note that the Lord comes to His people while they are still in their bondage and He provides the means of
their salvation (cp. Romans 5:8 and Luke 19:10)
God demonstrates his own love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
(Romans 5:8)
…the Son of man came to seek and to save what was lost. (Luke 19:10)

2.
do not seek to make your own provision for your salvation, look to Christ and trust in Him as the divine
Provision provided for you.
The Lord declares, This month is to be for you the first month, it shall be the first month of the year
for you. (12:2)

what the Lord is providing is a new beginning, a new life, and a whole new order of things (cp. 2
Corinthians 5:17; Ezekiel 36:26; 2 Peter 3:13)
…if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old things have passed away; they have become
new. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
I will give you a new heart, and I will put within you a new spirit; and I will take the stony heart
out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. (Ezekiel 36:26)
…according to his promise, we are watching for a new heavens and a new earth in which
righteousness resides. (2 Peter 3:13)

3.
this is God’s provision: to give you a new heart, to make you a new creation, to give you an inheritance in
a new creation
What the Lord requires is the selection and the sacrifice of a lamb: a lamb without defect (12:5), a spotless
lamb; …and the Lord Himself provides that “lamb” in the person of His own Son, Jesus Christ:
When John (the Baptist) saw Jesus passing by, he said, Look, there is the Lamb of God! (John 1:36)

what we need to save us from the judgment of hell is a sinless substitute to take God’s righteous
judgment upon Himself, and that Substitute is Jesus (cp. 1 Peter 3:18)
Christ … died for sins once for all, the Righteous One for the unrighteous ones, so that he might
bring us to God. (1 Peter 3:18a)
4.
Furthermore, the Lord requires personal identification with that substitute: personal faith in the Lord Jesus
Christ
a.
Exodus 12:7; the lamb’s blood must be applied to the doorpost of each individual Israelite home, and to
be spared from the judgment, each individual Israelite must stay in the house covered with the blood of
the lamb (note Exodus 12:22-23)
Take a bunch of hyssop, dip it into the blood in the basin and put some of the blood on the top
and on both sides of the doorframe. Not one of you shall go out the door of his house until
morning. 23When Jehovah goes through the land to strike down the Egyptians, he will see the
blood on the top and sides of the doorframe and will pass over the doorway, and he will not
permit the destroyer to enter your houses and strike you down. (Exodus 12:22-23)
b.
Exodus 12:8; each of the Israelites had to eat the roasted flesh of the lamb, receiving life and
nourishment from the sacrificial lamb
c.
for our salvation God requires us to have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ: we must
entrust our lives into His hands (illustration: just as you entrust your money to the bank) and receive Him
as our Savior and Lord (cp. John 1:12)
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…to all who did receive him, to those who believe on his name, to them he gave the right to
become children of God (John 1:12)
5.
6.
The Lord required that His people eat the sacrificial lamb garbed in travelers’ dress: their coats on and their
walking staff in hand (12:11); the Lord was leading His people out of Egypt into a new life in His kingdom as
His redeemed people

your relationship with Christ means you now have a new and different relationship to the world: you do
not belong to the world anymore, you are now on a spiritual journey to the kingdom of heaven

illustration: If you were to leave your homeland and permanently relocate in another country, what
would you be doing in the final days before your departure? Likewise, in your spiritual life, what changes
need to be made?
Remember Calvary, …because it is the only provision for your salvation.

just as the Lord instructed Old Testament Israel to apply the blood of the sacrificial lamb to their
doorways and stay in the house,…so the Lord tells us to come to Christ—putting our trust in Him—and
follow Him, as He alone is able to deliver us from hell and bring us into the kingdom of God:
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which
we can be saved. (Acts 4:12)
III. Remember Calvary,
…and Never Lose Sight of It
1.
The Passover was to be remembered as a yearly memorial, a perpetual reminder of the Lord’s great work of
salvation.
2.
The children of Israel are commanded to Commemorate this day (Exodus 13:3); in the same way must we as
Christians remember Calvary.
3.
When you feel forsaken by men, or by God, …remember Calvary:
A man in Dundee, Scotland, who had fallen and broken his back, was confined to his bed for 40 years. He
never had a day without pain, but God gave him the grace and strength to keep going. His cheery
disposition and great love for the Lord inspired all who visited him. One day a friend asked, “Doesn’t the
devil ever tempt you to doubt God?” “Oh, yes, he tries—especially when I have to lie here and see my old
schoolmates driving by, having a good time with their families. At times it’s as if Satan whispers, ‘If the Lord
is so good, why does He keep you here? Why did He allow you to break your back?’” When the friend
asked how he handled such attacks, the man replied, “I point him to Calvary and the wounds of my Savior
and say, ‘Doesn’t He love me!’ The devil can’t answer that, so he flees every time.” (Our Daily Bread,
12/2/92)

4.
note John 15:13-14, a passage in which our Lord Jesus declares, No one has any greater love than to
lay down his life for his friends. 14You are my friends
When you feel the guilt of your sin, …remember Calvary:
…if anyone sins, we have someone who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the
Righteous One. 2He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins (1 John 2:1b-2a), literally, he is the
propitiation for our sins (i.e., the sacrifice which satisfies the divine justice and appeases the divine wrath
of God)
5.
When you encounter the lure of temptation, …remember Calvary:

when you feel like a man in a suit of armor being pulled to sin as if by a giant electro-magnet,
remember Calvary:
Now those who belong to Christ have crucified the sinful nature along with its passions and
lusts. (Galatians 5:24)
I have been crucified with Christ: it is no longer I who live, but Christ living in me; and the life I
now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me
(Galatians 2:20)
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6.
When you are confronted with an “insolvable” dilemma, …remember Calvary:
God presented Christ Jesus as a sacrifice of atonement…26he did it to demonstrate his justice…so
as to be just and the one who justifies the man who has faith in Jesus. (Romans 3:25-26)

7.
Calvary demonstrates that even the dilemma of how a just and holy God can forgive sin and still not
violate His justice is not an insolvable problem for God—Calvary proves that nothing is too hard for the
Lord!
When you find yourself being swept along by the current of the world (the outlook, the attitude, the
busyness of the world), …remember Calvary:
… far be it from me to boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by means of which the
world has been crucified to me and I to the world (Galatians 6:14)
8.
When you encounter the seduction of false teachers, …remember Calvary:
I delivered to you as of first importance that which I also received, namely, that Christ died for our
sins according to the Scriptures; 4and that he was buried; and that he has been raised on the third
day according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
9.
Remember Calvary, …and never lose sight of it.

remember Calvary throughout all of your life and in the hour of your death:
Hold Your cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies.
Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.
(Henry F. Lyte)
Conclusion
For our sake, and for His glory, the Lord would have us to ever remember Calvary, …because of the great salvation
accomplished there by Christ the Savior.
Questions on Exodus 12:1-14
1. What instructions does the Lord give concerning the selection and sacrifice of the Passover lamb in Exodus 12:3,6,9
(printed below?)
Speak to the whole congregation of Israel and tell them, On the tenth day of this month every man is to take a
lamb for his family, one for each household...(6) You shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this same month,
then the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel is to slaughter their animals at twilight...(9) Do not eat
any of it raw or boiled in water, but roast it over the fire—roast its head and its legs together with its entrails.
(Exodus 12:3,6,9)
2. According to Exodus 12:5 (printed below), what kind of lamb was required and what is significant about this?
Your animal must be a year-old male without defect; you may choose it from the sheep or the goats. (Exodus
12:5)
3. With regard to the Passover lamb, what further instructions do the Israelites receive in Exodus 12:7-8 (printed
below?) See also Exodus 12:22-23 (printed below)
They are to take some of the blood and put it on the sides and top of the doorframes of the houses in which
they will eat the lambs. (8) That same night they are to eat the meat roasted over the fire; they are to eat it
with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. (Exodus 12:7-8)
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Take a bunch of hyssop, dip it into the blood in the basin and put some of the blood on the top and on both
sides of the doorframe. Not one of you shall go out the door of his house until morning. (23) When Jehovah
goes through the land to strike down the Egyptians, he will see the blood on the top and sides of the
doorframe and will pass over the doorway, and he will not permit the destroyer to enter your houses and
strike you down. (Exodus 12:22-23)
4. According to Exodus 12:11 (printed below), how were the Israelites to eat the Passover lamb? What do you think is
the significance of this?
This is how you are to eat it: With your cloak tucked into your belt, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in
your hand. You must eat it in haste—it is Jehovah's Passover. (Exodus 12:11)
5. What instructions do the people receive in Exodus 13:3-5,8-10 (printed below?)
Moses said to the people, Commemorate this day, the day you came out of Egypt, out of the house of
bondage, because Jehovah brought you out of this place by the strength of his hand. In commemorating this
day, no leavened bread shall be eaten. (4) Today, in the month Abib, you go forth. (5) When Jehovah brings you
into the land of the Canaanite and the Hittite and the Amorite and the Hivite and the Jebusite—the land he
swore to your forefathers to give you, a land flowing with milk and honey—you are to observe this rite in this
month...(8) On that day you shall tell your son, I do this because of what Jehovah did for me when I came out
of Egypt. (9) This rite will be for you like a sign on your hand and a reminder on your forehead that the law of
Jehovah must be on your lips; for with a mighty hand Jehovah brought you out of Egypt. (10) Therefore, you
shall observe this rite at the appointed time from year to year. (Exodus 13:3-5,8-10)
6. What does the selection and the sacrifice of the Passover lamb reveal to us about sin?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
It reveals the awful price the unrepentant sinner must finally pay.
It reveals the awful price Christ paid to save those who trust in Him.
It reveals the awful price we must pay for our redemption.
It reveals the price it cost God to redeem His people.
All of the above
7. The apostle Paul tells us that Christ is our Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7). Match the New Testament passages
listed below that describe our “Passover Lamb” with the various characteristics of the Old Testament Passover lamb.
a.
b.
c.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, so that whoever believes in him should
not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:16) ___
Christ … died for sins once for all, the Righteous One for the unrighteous ones, so that he might bring us
to God. (1 Peter 3:18a) ___
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is
everyone who hangs on a tree”— (Galatians 3:13) ___
1. It was a sacrificial lamb.
2. It was a precious lamb.
3. It was a spotless lamb.
8. The fact that the Israelites were required to place the blood of the lamb on their doorposts and eat its roasted flesh
corresponds to what New Testament requirement for salvation?
a.
b.
c.
We are required to do our part in contributing to the work of Christ.
We are required to partake of the sacrament of Holy Communion.
We are required to personally place our faith in Christ.
9. Match the various details of the Passover experience with their spiritual significance.
a.
b.
c.
According to Exodus 12:1, the Lord provided the Passover while the children of Israel were still residing
in Egypt and subject to their Egyptian taskmasters. ___
According to Exodus 12:11, the Lord instructed the Israelites to eat the sacrificial Passover meal garbed
in traveler’s dress with their coats on and walking stick in hand. ___
According to Exodus 12:2, the Lord instructed the Israelites to re-construct their calendars, making the
month in which the Passover occurred the first month of the year. ___
1. The Lord brings His people out of bondage.
2. The Lord came to His people bringing them salvation.
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3. The Lord brings His people into a new life.
10. The children of Israel were commanded to commemorate the Passover on a yearly basis; in the same way we as
Christians must always remember Calvary. Match the passages listed below with the descriptions of those times in our
lives when we especially need to remember Calvary.
a.
b.
c.
d.
If anyone sins, we have an Advocate who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the
Righteous One. 2He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins (1 John 2:1b-2a) ___
Now those who belong to Christ have crucified the sinful nature along with its passions and lusts.
(Galatians 5:24) ___
Far be it from me to boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by means of which the world
has been crucified to me and I to the world (Galatians 6:14) ___
I delivered to you as of first importance that which I also received, namely, that Christ died for our sins
according to the Scriptures; 4and that he was buried; and that he has been raised on the third day
according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) ___
1.
2.
3.
4.
When we feel the guilt of our sins
When we encounter the seduction of false teachers
When we are swept along by the current of this world
When we encounter the lure of temptation
FOLLOW THE LORD WITH CONFIDENCE
EXODUS 13:17-14:31
13 17Now when Pharaoh had let the people go, God did not lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines,
even though it was a shorter route; for God said, “When the people face war, they may change their minds and
return to Egypt.” 18So God led the people around by the way of the wilderness to the Red Sea. Now the
children of Israel went up out of Egypt armed for battle. 19Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, because
Joseph had made the children of Israel swear an oath. He had said, “God will surely come to your aid, and
then you must take up my bones and carry them away with you from this place.” 20They set out from Succoth
and camped at Etham on the edge of the wilderness. 21And Jehovah went before them in a pillar of cloud by
day to lead them along the way and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, so that they might travel by
day and by night. 22The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from the people,
they were ever present before them.
14 Jehovah said to Moses, 2“Tell the children of Israel to turn back and camp in front of Pi-hahiroth, between
Migdol and the sea—you are to camp by the sea directly across from Baal-Zephon. 3Then Pharaoh will say
concerning the children of Israel, They are wandering in the land in confusion, they are hemmed in by the
wilderness. 4I will harden Pharaoh’s heart and he will pursue them; but I will gain glory for myself over Pharaoh
and all his army, and the Egyptians shall know that I am Jehovah.” So the children of Israel did so. 5When the
king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, Pharaoh and his officials had a change of heart toward the
people, and they said, “What is this we have done? We have let Israel go and have lost their services!” 6So he
had his chariot made ready and took his army with him. 7He took six hundred of his elite chariots, as well as all
the other chariots of Egypt with officers in charge of them. 8Jehovah hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of
Egypt, and he pursued the children of Israel; because the children of Israel had marched out boldly. 9So the
Egyptians pursued them, with all Pharaoh’s horses and chariots, his horsemen and his troops, and they
overtook them as they were camped by the sea, beside Pi-hahiroth, across from Baal-Zephon.
10
As Pharaoh approached, the children of Israel looked up and saw the Egyptians marching against them.
They were terrified and the children of Israel cried out to Jehovah. 11Then they said to Moses, “Is it because
there were no graves in Egypt, is that why you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you
treated us like this, bringing us out of Egypt? 12Did we not say to you back in Egypt, ‘Leave us alone; let us
serve the Egyptians!’? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness!”
13
Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid! Stand firm and you will see the deliverance Jehovah will
accomplish for you today. The Egyptians whom you see today, you will never see again forever. 14Jehovah will
fight for you; you need only to be still.”
15
Then Jehovah said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward.
16
Lift up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide the waters. The children of Israel shall
go through the midst of the sea on dry ground. 17And I, indeed, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and
they will go in after them. I will gain glory over Pharaoh and over all his army, over his chariots and over his
horsemen. 18The Egyptians shall know that I am Jehovah when I have gained glory over Pharaoh, over his
chariots, and over his horsemen.” 19Then the angel of God, who had been traveling in front of Israel’s camp,
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moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them. 20So it
came between the camp of Egypt and the camp of Israel. The cloud was present even in the darkness, and it
gave light to the children of Israel during the night. Neither camp came near to the other throughout the
night.
21
Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and all night long Jehovah drove the sea back by means of a
strong east wind and turned it into dry ground. So the waters were divided 22and the children of Israel went
through the sea on dry ground—the waters formed a wall for them on their right hand and on their left.
23
Then the Egyptians pursued and went into the midst of the sea after them—all Pharaoh’s horses, his
chariots, and his horsemen. 24During the last watch of the night Jehovah looked down upon the Egyptian army
through the pillar of fire and cloud and threw the army of the Egyptians into confusion. 25He removed the
wheels of their chariots, causing them to drive with difficulty, so that the Egyptians said, “Let us flee from
the presence of Israel; for Jehovah is fighting for them against the Egyptians!” 26Then Jehovah said to Moses,
“Stretch out your hand over the sea, so that the waters may flow back over the Egyptians, over their chariots,
and over their horsemen.” 27So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at daybreak the sea returned
to its normal place. The Egyptians fled from it, but Jehovah swept them into the sea. 28The waters returned
and covered the chariots and the horsemen; indeed, covered Pharaoh’s whole army that went into the sea in
pursuit of Israel, not so much as one of them remained. 29But the children of Israel walked through the sea on
dry ground, the waters formed a wall on their right hand and on their left. 30So it was that on that day
Jehovah delivered Israel out of the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians lying dead on the
seashore. 31When Israel saw the great power Jehovah had employed against the Egyptians, the people feared
Jehovah; and they put their trust in Jehovah and in his servant Moses.
THEME: The Lord will direct the course of your life, but it will not be the course you would have chosen.
PURPOSE: To encourage the students to follow the Lord with confidence along the course He charts for you, because
it will eventually lead to a glorious destination.
OUTLINE:
I. Follow the Lord with Confidence,
…Even When He Leads You in a “Circuitous Route”
(Exodus 13:17-22)
II. Follow the Lord with Confidence,
…Realizing He will Lead You in a Course that will Honor His Name
(Exodus 14:1-9)
III. Follow the Lord with Confidence,
…Knowing that He will Bring You Safely through to Glory
(Exodus 14:10-31)
Introduction
1.
I want to tell you the story of two doctors: one followed the Lord’s leading; the other did not.
2.
The one was challenged by God to become a medical missionary in Africa; …he heeded God’s call and followed
God’s leading.
3.
He gave up fame and fortune (turning down a $200 per day position in an American hospital) to treat hundreds of
patients a week at a primitive little hospital in the heart of Africa.
4.
He is following Christ, he is where God wants him to be, he has the joy of seeing many of those African patients
come to Christ the Savior, and his life is satisfying.
5.
The other doctor also was led by God to become a medical missionary and serve in the same African hospital, but
he changed his mind and decided to stay in the U.S. rather than heed God’s call to go overseas.
6.
He went on to become a very successful doctor with a large and prosperous practice.
7.
From the world’s point of view he had everything he wanted. But something was wrong. He went through three
unsuccessful marriages, and while he was still a young man he took his own life. (The Measure of a Man, Gene
Getz, pp.142-143).
8.
This is not to say that becoming a medical missionary to Africa is the only way to go—that is not the point.
9.
This is the point: following Christ, wherever and however He may lead you, that is the only way to go.
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I. Follow the Lord with Confidence,
…Even When He Leads You in a “Circuitous Route” (Exodus 13:17-22)
1.
When Pharaoh let the people go, when he drove them out of the land (Exodus 11:1), God was there to lead
them


when the Lord calls you to forsake the world and follow Him (perhaps calling you to give up a job that
causes you to compromise your Christian principles, or calling you to come out of a personal relationship
which will cause you to violate your Christian standards, or calling you to become a medical missionary to
Africa), …He is obligating Himself to take care of you: I will be your God, and you shall be My people
remind Him of His relationship to you:
You are our Father… You, O Jehovah, are our Father; from everlasting your name has been, Our
Redeemer. (Isaiah 63:16)

…and be assured of His faithfulness:
…the Lord himself has said, I will by no means fail you, neither will I in any way forsake you. 6So,
with sure confidence we say, The Lord is my helper; I will not fear (Hebrews 13:5b-6a)
2.
The Lord went before the people to lead them by means of a pillar of cloud during the day and a pillar of fire
throughout the night (13:21-22)
a.
just as the caravans were led through the wilderness by a “pillar of cloud and fire,” issuing from wood
fires in iron grates fastened to long poles; (Commentaries on the Old Testament, The Pentateuch, Vol.2,
Keil and Delitzsch, p.40), so the Lord led His people as their Guide with His own divine pillar of cloud and
fire
Guide me, O Thou Great Jehovah,
Pilgrim through this barren land.
I am weak, but Thou art mighty,
Hold me with Thy powerful hand.
(William Williams)
b.
by means of the pillar of cloud and fire, the Lord provided all that His people needed:

shade from the brutal desert heat throughout the day

light to give comfort and protection and ward off the predatory dangers lurking in the night (cp.
Psalm 23:1)
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall lack nothing. (Psalm 23:1), the Lord will provide for us, provided
that we follow Him as the sheep follow their shepherd
3.
But God led the children of Israel by a totally unexpected, circuitous, mysterious, even dangerous, route
a.
the Lord did not lead them by the road that passes through the country of the Philistines, even though
that route was more direct…

Why? because He knew they were not yet ready to meet the armed challenge of the Philistine
armies

if you accept the Lord’s leading and look to Him for guidance, He may well deliver you from
challenges/trials/temptations for which you are not prepared and which you would find to be too
overwhelming
b.
…so it was that the Lord led His people by the more circuitous route, the route which went into the
wilderness down towards the Red Sea
c.
after they had assembled at Succoth (a trading outpost?), they traveled east to Etham (the Egyptian
border), and then south into the desert region along the Red Sea

sometimes you may become impatient with the Lord’s leading, and be tempted to think, “If I were
leading, I would take the direct route, not all these meanderings down the back roads!”

sometimes you may be confused, and be tempted to think, “What is God doing? Why did He cause
this to happen or allow that to occur?”
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
in such times remember the hymn:
Be still, my soul: the Lord is on your side,
Leave it to your God to order and provide.
Be still, my soul: your best, your heavenly Friend,
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
4.
Be still, my soul: your God does undertake
To guide the future as He has the past.
Your hope, your confidence, let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last. (Katharina von Schlegel)
Follow the Lord with confidence, …even when He leads you in a “circuitous route”

it is intended to develop Christ-like character in your life:
…we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3Not only so, but let us even rejoice in our
sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4and perseverance produces
character; and character produces hope. 5And this hope shall not disappoint us; because God
has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. (Romans 5:2-5)

it is intended to bring honor to God by your life:
…my heart-felt expectation and hope that in no circumstance will I be put to shame; on the
contrary, I have all confidence that as always, so now also, Christ will be exalted in my body,
whether by life or by death. (Philippians 1:20)
II. Follow the Lord with Confidence,
…Realizing He will Lead You in a Course that will Honor His Name (Exodus 14:1-9)
1.
Look at Pharaoh’s reaction to the route chosen by God for His people Israel:
a.
Pharaoh views it as being foolish: the Israelites are wandering around in confusion, those ignorant,
superstitious fools!

the world mistakes the wisdom and the ways of God as foolishness, because it cannot comprehend
the scheme and purpose of God’s works:
How great are your works, O Jehovah, how profound are your thoughts! 6A brutish man does
not know, fools do not understand. (Psalm 92:5-6)
…my thoughts are not like your thoughts, neither are your ways the same as my ways,
declares Jehovah. 9As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than
your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9)
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his
judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! 34Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who
has been his counselor? (Romans 11:33-34)
b.
2.
Pharaoh views this as his opportunity to recapture Israel and destroy their leaders

seeing that they are hemmed in with the sea at their backs, Pharaoh musters 600 chariots and
confidently sets off to dispatch the “helpless” Israelites

example: One day the famous evangelist, D.L. Moody, and a little boy were canvassing a rough
neighborhood, inviting the residents to come to church. When they stopped in a local saloon, the
patrons, who were “learned” blasphemers, invited Moody and the little boy to meet with them the
next week to discuss religion, thinking they could easily expose the “foolishness” of Moody’s faith
and dissuade the little boy from following Christ…
Look at Israel’s reaction to the route chosen for them by their God:
a.
there is an initial sense of terror and panic: in the distance they see a cloud of dust, then the gleam of
war spears glittering in the sun, and now the sight of Pharaoh’s chariots arrayed against them (like sharks
silently, confidently closing in on the prey), awaiting the order to attack
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b.
then, all in one breath, a cry to the Lord and a blasphemous protest against the deliverer the Lord has
appointed: Why have you brought this calamity upon us? It was better for us not to have followed you at
all!—Israel did not like the fact that they had to face adversity on their way to the Promised Land of
Canaan (note Mark 4:16-17 and Paul’s counsel in Acts 14:21-22)
Others are like seed sown on rocky ground: when they have heard the word, they immediately
receive it with joy; 17but they have no root in themselves. They endure for a while; but then, when
tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, they immediately fall away. (Mark 4:16-17)
3.
… they returned to Lystra, and to Iconium, and to Antioch, 22strengthening the disciples,
exhorting them to continue in the faith, and teaching that we must enter into the kingdom of
God through many tribulations. (Acts 14:21-22)
Look at God’s purpose in leading His people by this particular route:
I will harden Pharaoh’s heart and he will pursue them; but I will gain glory for myself over Pharaoh and
all his army, and the Egyptians shall know that I am Jehovah. (Exodus 14:4)

it is for His honor and glory, and for the purpose of revealing His divine majesty: we must remember that
we are at God’s disposal, He is not at our disposal (consider John 9:1-3 and John 11:3-4)
As he passed by, he saw a man blind from his birth. 2His disciples asked him, Rabbi, who sinned,
this man, or his parents, that he should be born blind? 3Jesus answered, Neither this man nor his
parents sinned; he was born blind so that the works of God might be displayed in him. (John 9:1-3)
So the sisters sent word to Jesus, saying, Lord, the one whom you love is sick. 4But when Jesus
heard this, he said, This sickness is not for death, but for the sake of the glory of God, so that
the Son of God may be glorified by means of it. (John 11:3-4)
… now for a little while, since it is necessary, you have been brought to grief by all kinds of trials.
7
This has happened so that the genuineness of your faith—being of greater value than gold which
perishes—having been tested by fire, may be verified, resulting in praise and glory and honor at
the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:6-7)

4.
the Christian’s faithful perseverance in the face of trials will result in praise and glory for God,
because His people deem Him worthy of their continued faithfulness even though they must endure
trial for His sake—and honor for them, an honor that will finally be bestowed upon them because
they remained faithful to the Lord their God even in the midst of trial
Follow the Lord with confidence, …realizing that He will lead you in a course that will honor His holy Name
III. Follow the Lord with Confidence,
…Knowing that He will Bring You Safely through to Glory (Exodus 14:10-31)
1.
The Lord was orchestrating and overruling the whole thing:

2.
He led Israel into the wilderness and to the shores of the Red Sea; …He caused Pharaoh to pursue after
the children of Israel; …and He led His people through the parted waters of the sea to peace and rest
The Lord allowed His people to be confronted by their enemies; …but He Himself stood watch over them:
Then the angel of God, who had been traveling in front of Israel’s camp, moved and went behind
them; and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them. 20So it came between
the camp of Egypt and the camp of Israel. The cloud was present even in the darkness, and it gave
light to the children of Israel during the night. Neither camp came near to the other throughout the
night. (Exodus 14:19-20)
Jehovah will keep you from all evil; he will guard your soul. (Psalm 121:7)
I am not asking that you would take them out of the world, but that you would keep them
from the evil one. (John 17:15) such is our Lord’s prayer to His Father for His people
3.
The Lord allowed His people to be pursued by their enemies; …so that he might demonstrate His power and
glory in the destruction of those enemies:
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And I, indeed, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they will go in after them. I will gain
glory over Pharaoh and over all his army, over his chariots and over his horsemen. 18The Egyptians
shall know that I am Jehovah when I have gained glory over Pharaoh, over his chariots, and over his
horsemen.. (Exodus 14:17-18; note, also, verses 23-25a, 26, 27b)

What happened to D.L. Moody and the little boy when they returned to that saloon to discuss religion
with the patrons who were “learned” blasphemers? …Moody suggested to them that they first present
their arguments against Christianity before he spoke in favor of his Christian faith. As it turned out,
Moody never had the opportunity, nor the need to defend his faith: when the blasphemers began to
speak, they contradicted each other, soon their tempers flared, their quarreling turned into brawling,
and finally Moody and the little boy were sitting all alone in the empty saloon, surrounded by the peace
and presence of the Lord. (taken from a biography of D.L. Moody)
As they began to sing and praise, Jehovah set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab
and Mout Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated. 23The men of Ammon and
Moab rose up against the men of Mount Seir to destroy and annihilate them. After they finished
slaughtering the men of Seir, they helped to destroy one another. (2 Chronicles 20:22-23), this
passage gives an account of what happened to the enemies who were allied together against the people
of God
How great are your works, O Jehovah, how profound are your thoughts! 6A brutish man does not
know, fools do not understand 7that although the wicked may spring up like grass and all
evildoers may flourish, it is so that they may be destroyed forever. 8But you, O Jehovah, are
exalted forever. 9Surely your enemies, O Jehovah, surely your enemies will perish; all evildoers will
be scattered. 10You have exalted my horn (the horn was the symbol of strength and honor) like that
of a wild ox; fine oils have been poured upon me. (Psalm 92:5-10)
4.
The Lord led His people through the parted waters of the Red Sea, …to ultimate peace and safety
a.
darkness is descending as the Egyptians set up camp against Israel (verses 19-20)
b.
all through the night the Lord causes a howling east wind to part the waters of the sea (verse 21)
c.
in the middle of the night Israel passes through that valley enfolded by two great mountains of water,
and the Egyptians pursue them (verse 22)
d.
for the Egyptians, it became a passage into death; but for Israel, it was a safe passage through death
(cp. Psalm 23:4)
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are
with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)
5.
Follow the Lord with confidence, …knowing that He will bring you safely through unto glory
Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come,
Grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home. (John Newton)
The Lord will deliver me out of every evil work and will save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be
the glory forever and ever. Amen. (2 Timothy 4:18)
Conclusion
1.
The Lord will direct the course of your life, but it will not be the course that you would choose.
2.
Nevertheless, follow the Lord with confidence along the course He charts for you, because it will eventually lead
to a glorious destination.
Questions on Exodus 13:17-14:31
1. By what visible means did the Lord lead His people during the Exodus? See Exodus 13:21-22 (printed below)
And Jehovah went before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them along the way and in a pillar of fire by
night to give them light, so that they might travel by day and by night. (22) The pillar of cloud by day and the
pillar of fire by night did not depart from the people, they were ever present before them. (Exodus 13:21-22)
72
2. Did the Lord lead His people directly into the Promised Land of Canaan? Explain why or why not. See Exodus 13:1718 (printed below)
Now when Pharaoh had let the people go, God did not lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines,
even though it was a shorter route; for God said, When the people face war, they may change their minds and
return to Egypt. (18) So God led the people around by the way of the wilderness to the Red Sea. Now the
children of Israel went up out of Egypt armed for battle. (Exodus 13:17-18)
3. When Pharaoh learns of the route the Israelites have taken what does he think and do? See Exodus 14:1-3,5-6,9
(printed below)
Jehovah said to Moses, (2) Tell the children of Israel to turn back and camp in front of Pi-hahiroth, between
Migdol and the sea—you are to camp by the sea directly across from Baal-Zephon. (3) Then Pharaoh will say
concerning the children of Israel, They are wandering in the land in confusion, they are hemmed in by the
wilderness... (5) When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, Pharaoh and his officials had a
change of heart toward the people, and they said, What is this we have done? We have let Israel go and have
lost their services!(6) So he had his chariot made ready and took his army with him...(9) So the Egyptians
pursued them, with all Pharaoh's horses and chariots, his horsemen and his troops, and they overtook them as
they were camped by the sea, beside Pi-hahiroth, across from Baal-Zephon. (Exodus 14:1-3,5-6,9)
4. What is Israel's reaction when they see the Egyptian army coming out against them? See Exodus 14:10-12 (printed
below)
As Pharaoh approached, the children of Israel looked up and saw the Egyptians marching against them. They
were terrified and the children of Israel cried out to Jehovah. (11) Then they said to Moses, Is it because
there were no graves in Egypt, is that why you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you
treated us like this, bringing us out of Egypt? (12) Did we not say to you back in Egypt, Leave us alone; let us
serve the Egyptians? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness!
(Exodus 14:10-12)
5. Describe the acts and purposes of God throughout the whole course of the Exodus. See especially Exodus 13:17-18
and Exodus 14:1-4,15-18,31 (printed below)
Now when Pharaoh had let the people go, God did not lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines,
even though it was a shorter route; for God said, When the people face war, they may change their minds and
return to Egypt. (18) So God led the people around by the way of the wilderness to the Red Sea. Now the
children of Israel went up out of Egypt armed for battle. (Exodus 13:17-18)
Jehovah said to Moses, (2) Tell the children of Israel to turn back and camp in front of Pi-hahiroth, between
Migdol and the sea—you are to camp by the sea directly across from Baal-Zephon. (3) Then Pharaoh will say
concerning the children of Israel, They are wandering in the land in confusion, they are hemmed in by the
wilderness. (4) I will harden Pharaoh's heart and he will pursue them; but I will gain glory for myself over
Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians shall know that I am Jehovah. So the children of Israel did so...(15)
Then Jehovah said to Moses, Why are you crying out to me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward. (16) Lift
up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide the waters. The children of Israel shall go
through the midst of the sea on dry ground. (17) And I, indeed, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and
they will go in after them. I will gain glory over Pharaoh and over all his army, over his chariots and over his
horsemen. (18) The Egyptians shall know that I am Jehovah when I have gained glory over Pharaoh, over his
chariots, and over his horsemen... (31) When Israel saw the great power Jehovah had employed against the
Egyptians, the people feared Jehovah; and they put their trust in Jehovah and in his servant Moses. (Exodus
14:1-4,15-18,31)
6. Why did the Lord lead the Israelites by a circuitous route instead of taking them directly into the Promised Land of
Canaan?
a.
b.
Because the people were not yet ready to face the challenge of the Philistine armies
Because Moses did not look to the Lord for guidance, consequently the Lord allowed them to take the
wrong route
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c.
Because the Lord wanted to test His people to see if they would trust Him no matter where He might
lead them
7. According to the commentary, if we accept the Lord’s leading and look to Him for guidance, He will always lead us
to our destination or goal by the most direct route and we will thus avoid having to take prolonged and circuitous
routes. True or False
8. The route God chose for Israel was viewed by Pharaoh as being foolish. In every generation the world mistakes the
wisdom and the ways of God as foolishness. Match the passages listed below with the statements that best summarize
their teaching concerning the ways of God.
a.
b.
c.
How great are your works, O Jehovah, how profound are your thoughts! 6A brutish man does not know,
fools do not understand. (Psalm 92:5-6) The ways of God ___
My thoughts are not like your thoughts, neither are your ways the same as my ways, declares Jehovah.
9
As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher
than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9) ___
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out! 34Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?
(Romans 11:33-34) The ways of God ___
1. are unfathomably profound
2. cannot be comprehended by the spiritually ignorant
3. The ways of God…are different from the ways of men
9. According to the commentary, the Lord’s leading of His people safely through the parted waters of the Red Sea in
the middle of the night is reminiscent of what passage from the Psalms?
a.
b.
c.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)
The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom
shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)
10. Match the passages listed below with the statements that summarize their teaching and reiterate the lessons we as
Christians should learn from the way in which the Lord led His people at the time of the Exodus.
a.
b.
c.
…we must enter into the kingdom of God through many tribulations. (Acts 14:22) We may expect the
Lord to lead us along a route that will ___
Now for a little while, since it is necessary, you have been brought to grief by all kinds of trials. 7This
has happened so that the genuineness of your faith—being of greater value than gold which perishes—
having been tested by fire, may be verified, resulting in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of
Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:6-7) We may expect the Lord to lead us along a route that will ___
The Lord will deliver me out of every evil work and will save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be
the glory forever and ever. Amen. (2 Timothy 4:18) We may expect the Lord to lead us along a route
that will ___
1. bring us safely into glory
2. bring honor to His name
3. be circuitous and even dangerous
THREE KEYS TO CONSISTENT PRAISE
EXODUS 15:1-27
15 Then Moses and the children of Israel sang this song to Jehovah: I will sing to Jehovah, for he has
triumphed gloriously! The horse and its rider he has hurled into the sea! 2Jehovah is my strength and song, and
he has become my salvation! This is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him!
3
Jehovah is a warrior; Jehovah is his name! 4He has hurled Pharaoh’s chariots and his army into the sea. The
best of Pharaoh’s officers are drowned in the Red Sea. 5The deep waters have covered them; they sank to the
depths like a stone. 6Your right hand, O Jehovah, is majestic with power. Your right hand, O Jehovah, has
smashed the enemy to pieces. 7By the greatness of your majesty you have overthrown those who rise up
against you. You unleash your wrath and it consumes them like stubble. 8By the blast of your nostrils the
waters were piled up, the surging waters stood firm like a wall; the deep waters were congealed in the heart of
the sea. 9The enemy said, “I will pursue, I will overtake them, I will divide the spoils; my desire shall be satisfied
against them, I will draw my sword, my hand will destroy them.” 10But you blew with your breath and the sea
covered them. They sank like lead in the mighty waters. 11Who among the gods is like you, O Jehovah? Who is
like you—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders? 12You stretched out your right hand and the
earth swallowed them. 13By your lovingkindness you have led the people whom you redeemed; by your strength
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you will guide them to your holy dwelling place. 14The nations have heard and they tremble; anguish has gripped
the inhabitants of Philistia. 15The chiefs of Edom are dismayed, the mighty men of Moab are seized with
trembling, all the inhabitants of Canaan melt away. 16Terror and dread has fallen upon them. Due to the power
of your arm, they have become as still as a stone—until your people pass by, O Jehovah, until the people whom
you have purchased pass by. 17You will bring them in and plant them on the mountain of your inheritance—the
place, O Jehovah, you have made for your dwelling, the sanctuary, O Lord, your hands have established.
18
Jehovah shall reign forever and ever! 19Pharaoh’s horses, together with his chariots and his horsemen, went
into the sea, and Jehovah brought the waters of the sea back over them, but the children of Israel walked
through the sea on dry ground. 20Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand,
and all the women followed her, with tambourines and dancing. 21Miriam sang to them, “Sing to Jehovah, for
he has triumphed gloriously! He has hurled the horse and its rider into the sea!”
22
Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea and they came to the wilderness of Shur. For three days they
traveled through the wilderness without finding water. 23When they came to Marah, they could not drink the
water of that place, because it was bitter. That is why it was called Marah. 24The people grumbled against
Moses, asking, “What shall we drink?” 25Moses cried out to Jehovah. Then Jehovah showed him a piece of
wood. He threw it into the waters and the waters became sweet. There at Marah Jehovah made a statute
and a decree for them, and there he tested them. 26He said, “If you will diligently pay attention to the voice of
Jehovah your God and do what is right in his sight and listen to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I
will not bring upon you any of the diseases that I brought upon the Egyptians, for I am Jehovah, who heals
you.” 27Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs and seventy palm trees, and they camped
there by the waters.
THEME: Although we may praise the Lord when we see His works of grace, our praise should not turn to complaint
when we encounter hard times.
PURPOSE: To exhort the students to praise the Lord at all times, because He is our faithful covenant-keeping God.
OUTLINE:
I. Praise the Lord at All Times,
…By Remembering His Works of Grace (Exodus 15:1-21)
II. Praise the Lord at All Times,
…By Realizing His Purpose in Bringing Hard Times (Exodus 15:25b-26)
III. Praise the Lord at All Times,
…By Recognizing His Faithful Provisions (Exodus 15:25-27)
Introduction
1.
Betsie and Corrie Ten Boom, two Dutch sisters who were taken prisoner by the Nazis because they had been
sheltering Jews, were transported to the infamous concentration camp of Ravensbruck.
2.
There, in the company of countless other prisoners, they were marched along a wide cinder avenue and then into
a narrow street of barracks.
3.
At each barracks building the marching prisoners would be halted, a list of prisoner numbers would be read, those
prisoners whose numbers were called would fall out, and the rest would march on to the next barracks.
4.
At last, as the march came to a halt before Barracks #28, Corrie and Betsie heard their numbers called: Prisoner
66729, Prisoner 66730. They stepped out of line with about a dozen others and stood before their new living
quarters.
As they were escorted into the building, with half of its windows broken and replaced by rags—creating an eerie
twilight-like atmosphere—they were immediately repelled by the stench of backed up plumbing.
5.
6.
While the 200 residents were working, these new arrivals were directed to their beds; which were no beds at all,
but simply long straw-covered platforms three tiers high.
7.
The guard barked some final orders and departed, leaving Betsie and Corrie alone, lying on their second tier
platform.
8.
Suddenly Corrie sat up, striking her head on the bottom of the third tier platform; something had pinched her leg.
9.
“Fleas!” she screamed. “Betsie, this place is swarming with fleas!”
10. The two of them scrambled across their second tier platform, jumped onto the floor, and sought a patch of
sunlight filtering in through one of the still intact panes of glass.
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11. “Betsie!” Corrie wailed, “How can we possibly live in such a place?”
12. “Corrie!” she responded excitedly, “the Lord has given us the answer. It’s found in the Bible passage we read this
morning!”
13. Glancing down the long aisle to make sure no guard was in sight, Corrie pulled out the little pocket New
Testament they had managed to conceal in their prison dress.
14. She read from 1 Thessalonians 5, See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one
another and to all. Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of
God in Christ Jesus…
15. “That’s it, Corrie. That’s His answer!” interrupted Betsy. “Give thanks in all circumstances. We can thank
God right now for everything about this new barracks!”
16. “Such as what?” asked Corrie.
17. “Such as being assigned here together. Such as what you are holding in your hand. Such as the crowded
conditions, since we’re packed so close together, many more will hear! And for the fleas … ”
18. The fleas!?! This was too much!
19. “But,” Betsie insisted, “it says, Give thanks in all circumstances and the fleas are part of this place where God
has put us.”
20. And so the two of them stood there between tiers of makeshift bunk beds and gave thanks, even for the fleas.
21. This time Corrie was sure that Betsie was wrong. But was she?
22. We tend to be like Corrie; …and like the Israelites: we praise the Lord when we see His evident works of grace,
but our praise turns to complaint when we encounter hard times.
23. But because He is our faithful covenant God, we are to praise the Lord at all times.
I. Praise the Lord at All Times,
…By Remembering His Works of Grace (15:1-21)
1.
The children of Israel have passed safely through the parted waters of the Red Sea, they have arrived at the
distant shore, and when the last one of them steps out of that dried seabed they hear behind them a mighty
rumble.
2.
They turn around and behold the wall of seawater collapsing and crashing down upon Pharaoh’s army,
swallowing them up.
3.
As it is described in Exodus 14:30,
So it was that on that day Jehovah delivered Israel out of the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw
the Egyptians lying dead on the seashore.
4.
Exodus 15 now follows with these words:
Then Moses and the children of Israel sang this song to Jehovah: I will sing to Jehovah, for he has
triumphed gloriously! The horse and its rider he has hurled into the sea! (15:1)
5.
The first half of chapter 15 is a “recording” of the song of praise offered up to the Lord by the people of
Israel. When you “play it back” you hear statements like these:
Jehovah is my strength and song, and he has become my salvation! This is my God, and I will praise him,
my father’s God, and I will exalt him! (verse 2)
Who among the gods is like you, O Jehovah? Who is like you—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory,
working wonders? (verse 11)
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Sing to Jehovah, for he has triumphed gloriously! He has hurled the horse and its rider into the sea!
(verse 21)
6.
The nation of Israel has just witnessed a mighty act of God, they have been the beneficiaries of His grace, and
they praise Him accordingly.

7.
we should surely do the same when we see and experience God’s works of grace on our behalf: answers
to prayer; ...victories over sin; ...the advancement of the gospel; …the cross of Christ, for which the
apostle Paul exclaims, Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift. (2 Corinthians 9:15)
Note that just as Israel’s passage through the parted waters of the Red Sea is a type—that is to say, a living
model—of the Christian’s safe passage through death; so, too, Israel’s encampment on the distant shore is a
type of the Christian’s arrival into heaven:
a.
praise is the chief occupation of heaven—note Revelation 4:9-11, a passage which describes the heavenly
presence of God and the activity of His angels and the redeemed
As the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne, to him who
lives forever and ever, 10the twenty four elders (representing all the redeemed) fall down before
him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives forever and ever. They lay their crowns
before the throne and say, 11“You are worthy, our Lord and our God, to receive the glory and the
honor and to exercise the power, for you created all things, and because of your will they were
brought into being, indeed, they were created.” (Revelation 4:9-11)
b.
praise is offered up to God by the redeemed with one united voice (note Romans 15:5-6)
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves
as you follow Christ Jesus, 6so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 15:5-6)
c.
the church shall be led in praising God by Christ Himself, even as Moses, the servant of the Lord, led the
people of Israel in singing praise (note Psalm 22:22, a Messianic passage in which the Messiah, the Lord
Jesus Christ, is speaking)
I will declare your name to my brothers; in the congregation I will praise you. (Psalm 22:22)
d.
the theme of our praise shall be the triumphant work of the Lord our God

the words of Exodus 15:2 are an example of what is yet to come; note Revelation 15:3-4 and
Revelation 11:17
Jehovah is my strength and song, and he has become my salvation! This is my God, and I will
praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him! (Exodus 15:2)
…they sang the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb. They sang,
“Great and marvelous are your works, O Lord God, the Almighty; righteous and true are your
ways, O King of the ages. 4Who shall not fear you, O Lord, and glorify your name?—for you
alone are holy. All the nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts
have been revealed.” (Revelation 15:3-4)
We give thanks to you, O Lord God, the Almighty, the One who is and who was, because you
have asserted your great power and have begun to reign. (Revelation 11:17)

we will eternally praise God for His triumph over the devil (Revelation 12:10)…
Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now has come the salvation and the power and
the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ; for the accuser of our brethren,
he who accuses them before our God day and night, has been flung down! (Revelation 12:10)
…over sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:55-57),
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Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? 56The sting of death is sin;
and the power of sin is the law. 57But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our
Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:55-57)
…and the triumph of His grace over us (2 Corinthians 2:14)
…thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ (2 Corinthians 2:14)
8.
Praise the Lord at all times, …by remembering His works of grace, such as…

the spiritual blessings we possess in Christ Jesus:
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us with every spiritual
blessing in the heavenly realms in Christ (Ephesians 1:3)

the access to the throne of God the Father we possess in Christ Jesus:
through Christ we … have access to the Father by one Spirit. (Ephesians 2:18)

the presence of the Holy Spirit, who inspires the Christian’s heart to praise the Lord:
…be filled with the Spirit—19speaking to each other with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing and praising the Lord in your heart, 20always giving thanks to our God and Father in the
name of our Lord Jesus Christ for all things (Ephesians 5:18-20)
II. Praise the Lord at All Times,
…By Realizing His Purpose in Bringing Hard Times (15:25b-26)
1.
In the first half of Exodus 15 we hear Israel lifting up their voice in praise to the Lord
2.
In the second half of Exodus 15 we again hear Israel lifting up their voice, but this time it is not in praise, it
is in protest; …it is not exalting the Lord, it is murmuring against His servant, Moses.
3.
Some scholars believe that the place where Israel initially encamped after crossing the Red Sea is the place
presently known as “The Springs of Moses:” it was the only green spot in this entire region, a place where
fresh drinking water was readily available
4.
But now, following the pillar of cloud and fire, the people must break camp and head out into the wilderness
of Shur.
5.
They journey three days into this desolate wilderness without any sign of water:

things are getting serious; by now their water supply is just about used up and you cannot live very long
in the desert without water
6.
But by the conclusion of the third day’s travel they finally arrive at a place called Marah: here is a source of
water, what a relief! …at long last they can refresh themselves and replenish their supply of water for the
next leg of their journey
7.
But the water proves to be so bitter that it is quite undrinkable: they spit it out of their mouths in disgust
and raise their voices in protest against Moses
8.
What happened to their hymn of praise?
a.
a hymn of praise in which they professed allegiance to the Lord:
Jehovah is my strength and song, and he has become my salvation! This is my God, and I will
praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him! (verse 2)
b.
a hymn of praise in which they confessed the Lord’s lovingkindness and faithfulness:
By your lovingkindness you have led the people whom you redeemed; by your strength you will
guide them to your holy dwelling place. (verse 13)
c.
a hymn of praise in which they expressed their confidence in the Lord:
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You will bring them in and plant them on the mountain of your inheritance—the place, O
Jehovah, you have made for your dwelling, the sanctuary, O Lord, your hands have established.
(verse 17)
d.
a hymn of praise which closed with this shout of adoration:
Jehovah shall reign forever and ever. (verse 18)
9.
Christian, when you leave the sanctuary after worship and encounter the harsh trials of the week, do you,
too, forget the hymns of praise and testimony and confession that you sing? Does your praise turn into bitter
complaint?
10. Like Israel, do you, too, forget that it is the Lord who has led you to “Marah” (Psalm 78:52); …and that He
has a purpose in doing so?
…he brought his people out like a flock; he led them like sheep through the wilderness. (Psalm 78:52)
11. After the Lord miraculously sweetened the waters, the reason and meaning of this bitter experience is
defined:
There at Marah Jehovah made a statute and a decree for them, and there he tested them (Exodus
15:25b)
a.
b.
there at the waters of Marah the Lord presented to His people a divine principle, (a statute), teaching
them how He would deal with them, and a divine right, (a decree), teaching them what they could
expect and claim from the Lord their God:

the Lord was saying to them, “Throughout your life I will lead you, I will direct your path. At times
I will bring you into difficult situations that are beyond your control and ability, but I will always
prove Myself to be your all-sufficient God: trust Me.”

i.e., the whole course of life is designed to nurture us in God-sufficiency in place of self-sufficiency
there at the waters of Marah he tested them: by means of this test the Lord was posing the question,
“Will you still trust Me and love Me and serve Me, no matter where I put you and no matter what I see
fit to bring into your life?”

the experience at Marah was intended to test the genuineness of Israel’s words recorded in Exodus
15:2 and at the same time to demonstrate to Israel that they could sing those words with complete
confidence
Jehovah is my strength and song, and he has become my salvation! This is my God, and I will
praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him! (Exodus 15:2)
12. Praise the Lord at all times, …by realizing His purpose in bringing you into hard times, namely…

to transfer your faith and confidence from yourself to Him; and …

to monitor and develop your trust and confidence in Christ
III. Praise the Lord at All Times,
…By Recognizing His Faithful Provisions (15:25-27)
1.
At Marah the Lord faithfully provided for His people by miraculously sweetening the water by means of a
piece of dead wood (verse 25)
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall lack nothing. (Psalm 23:1)
2.
After Marah the Lord led His people to the refreshing oasis of Elim: there they found twelve springs of good
water (one for each tribe) and 70 palm trees
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of
Jehovah forever. (Psalm 23:6)
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3.
Was Betsie mistaken in thanking the Lord for the fleas? Or were even the fleas a part of His faithful provision
for His children?
4.
After their “supper” (which consisted of nothing more than a ladle of turnip soup), Betsie and Corrie would
make their way back to their sleeping quarters where they held an evening “worship service;” …Corrie
described those times as being “services like no others,” no other times could compare with the communion
with God and with one another that was experienced there in Barracks #28 (The Hiding Place, Corrie Ten
Boom, pp.183-184)
5.
At first, Betsie and Corrie conducted these “services” with great timidity, fearing that the guards might come
in and disrupt them and punish the women at any time; but no guard ever came near to entering the
dormitory of Barracks #28.
6.
One day Betsie and Corrie learned the reason why: On that particular day the knitting brigade assigned to
work in the dormitory of Barracks #28 was confused about their assignment, so they asked the supervisor to
come and instruct them.
7.
But she would not. She would not step through the door. Neither would the guards.
8.
None of them would set foot in the dormitory of Barracks #28; …because of the fleas! “We’re not coming in
there!” they yelled, “That place is crawling with fleas!”
9.
Corrie’s mind rushed back to their first hour in that place. She remembered Betsie’s bowed head, she
remembered Betsie’s thanks to God for those little creatures for which she herself could see no use.
10. As Christians, let us imitate Betsie and praise the Lord at all times, recognizing His faithful provisions.
Conclusion
1.
Although we may praise the Lord when we see His works of grace, our praise should not turn to complaint when
we encounter hard times.
2.
Because He is our faithful covenant-keeping God, we should praise Him at all times.
3.
Let us bear in mind these three keys to consistent praise:

Remember the Lord’s works of grace

Realize the Lord’s purpose in bringing hard times and tough situations

Recognize the Lord’s faithful provisions
Questions on Exodus 15:1-27
1. What do the children of Israel do when they stand safely on the other side of the Red Sea? See Exodus 15:1 (printed
below)
Then Moses and the children of Israel sang this song to Jehovah: I will sing to Jehovah, for he has triumphed
gloriously! The horse and its rider he has hurled into the sea! (Exodus 15:1)
2. What are some of the elements in Israel's song of praise? Note especially Exodus 15:2,13,17-18 (printed below)
Jehovah is my strength and song, and he has become my salvation! This is my God, and I will praise him, my
father's God, and I will exalt him! ...(13) By your lovingkindness you have led the people whom you redeemed; by
your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling place...(17) You will bring them in and plant them on the
mountain of your inheritance—the place, O Jehovah, you have made for your dwelling, the sanctuary, O Lord,
your hands have established. (18) Jehovah shall reign forever and ever! (Exodus 15:2,13,17-18)
3. When the Israelites begin their journey to the Promised Land, where is their first stop and what do they find? See
Exodus 15:22-23 (printed below)
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Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea and they came to the wilderness of Shur. For three days they traveled
through the wilderness without finding water. (23) When they came to Marah, they could not drink the water
of that place, because it was bitter. That is why it was called Marah. (Exodus 15:22-23)
4. How do the people of Israel respond to this turn of events? See Exodus 15:24 (printed below)
The people grumbled against Moses, asking, What shall we drink? (Exodus 15:24)
5. What does the Lord do at Marah and then where does He lead His people? See Exodus 15:25-27 (printed below)
Moses cried out to Jehovah. Then Jehovah showed him a piece of wood. He threw it into the waters and the
waters became sweet. There at Marah Jehovah made a statute and a decree for them, and there he tested
them. (26) He said, If you will diligently pay attention to the voice of Jehovah your God and do what is right in
his sight and listen to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will not bring upon you any of the diseases
that I brought upon the Egyptians, for I am Jehovah, who heals you. (27) Then they came to Elim, where there
were twelve springs and seventy palm trees, and they camped there by the waters. (Exodus 15:25-27)
6. Match the verses from Exodus 15 listed below with the statements that describe some of the elements in Israel’s
song of praise.
a.
b.
c.
Jehovah is my strength and song, and he has become my salvation! This is my God, and I will praise him,
my father’s God, and I will exalt him! (Exodus 15:2) ___
By your lovingkindness you have led the people whom you redeemed; by your strength you will guide
them to your holy dwelling place. (Exodus 15:13) ___
You will bring them in and plant them on the mountain of your inheritance—the place, O Jehovah, you
have made for your dwelling, the sanctuary, O Lord, your hands have established. (Exodus 15:17) ___
1. They profess allegiance to the Lord.
2. They confess the Lord’s faithfulness.
3. They express their confidence in the Lord.
7. Having brought His people through the parted waters of the Red Sea, where did the Lord now lead them?
a.
b.
c.
He led them to the oasis of Elim.
He led them to the bitter waters of Marah.
He led them into the Promised Land of Canaan.
8. The statements listed below explain the reasons why the Lord brought His people to Marah. Complete each
statement with the appropriate words. (Answers are found on the next page.)
a.
b.
c.
At Marah the Lord presented to His people _____________, explaining to them what they could expect
from the Lord their God. He was telling them, “At times, as I see fit, I will bring you into difficult
situations that are beyond your control and ability.”
At Marah the Lord gave to His people _____________, assuring them as to what they could claim from
the Lord their God. He was promising them, “You can always depend on me to be your faithful, allsufficient God.”
At Marah the Lord subjected His people to _____________, determining whether or not they would be
faithful to the Lord their God. He was asking them, “Will you still love and trust me no matter what I
see fit to bring into your life?”
1. a divine right
2. a divine principle
3. a divine testing
9. The commentary told the story of Betsy and Corrie Ten Boom imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp. Betsy
encouraged Corrie to give thanks and praise to the Lord at all times and for all things. One thing for which Corrie found
it difficult to give thanks, but which proved to be the very means God used to provide the women opportunities for
worship and witness without interference from the prison guards was the presence of _______. Fill in the blank
10. According to the commentary, Exodus 15 presents to us three keys to consistent praise. What are they?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Renewing our commitment to the Lord on a daily basis
Remembering the Lord’s works of grace
Realizing the Lord’s purpose in bringing hard times
Recognizing the Lord’s faithful provisions
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e.
Revising our expectations as to what we can expect from the Lord
LESSON FIVE : EXODUS 16:1-18:12
The student should prepare for his study by asking the Holy Spirit to enlighten his mind and open his heart to
receive not only the teaching of Scripture but Christ Himself as He is presented in the Scriptures.
Assignments:
1. Bible Study: The student will explore 3 portions of the Book of Exodus, guided by an expositional commentary
on the text. The student will then answers the questions found at the end of the expository notes.
2. Writing Your Essay: The student should continue work on his 8 -10 page essay for Bachelor's credit or 15-20
page essay for Master's credit. (See under Syllabus, "Description of Assignments," #3. The student is also
referred to the "Guidelines for Writing an Essay," provided by the facilitator.)
Note: All Scripture texts will appear in Chalkboard font; all extended quotations from other authors will
appear in Rockwell font.
CAN HE PROVIDE BREAD?
EXODUS 16:1-36
16 Then they set out from Elim and the whole congregation of the children of Israel came to the wilderness of
Sin, located between Elim and Sinai. They arrived there on the fifteenth day of the second month after their
departure from Egypt. 2The whole congregation of the children of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron
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in the wilderness. 3The children of Israel said to them, “We wish that we had died by Jehovah’s hand in the
land of Egypt, when we sat around the pots of meat, when we ate bread and were full. You have brought us
into this wilderness in order to kill this whole assembly with hunger!” 4Then Jehovah said to Moses, “Look; I
will rain bread down from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, so
that I may test them, to know whether or not they will walk in accordance with my law. 5And it shall be that
on the sixth day, when they prepare what they have gathered, it shall be twice as much as they gather daily.”
6
So Moses and Aaron said to the children of Israel, “In the evening you shall know that Jehovah has brought
you out of the land of Egypt; 7and in the morning you shall see the glory of Jehovah, for he has heard your
grumbling against him. Who are we, that you grumble against us?” 8And Moses said, “You will know that it is
Jehovah when he gives you meat to eat in the evening and all the bread you want in the morning; for Jehovah
has heard your grumbling that is actually grumbling against him. Who are we? Your grumbling is not against us,
but against Jehovah!” 9Then Moses said to Aaron, “Tell the whole congregation of Israel, Come near before
the presence of Jehovah, because he has heard your grumbling.” 10As Aaron addressed the whole
congregation of the children of Israel, they looked toward the wilderness and saw the glory of Jehovah
appear in the cloud. 11And Jehovah spoke to Moses, saying, 12“I have heard the grumbling of the children of
Israel. Tell them, In the evening you shall eat meat and in the morning you shall be filled with bread; and you
shall know that I am Jehovah your God.”
13
That evening quail came up and covered the camp; and in the morning there was a layer of dew all
around the camp. 14When the dew was gone, there lay on the surface of the wilderness thin flakes, like frost
on the ground. 15When the children of Israel saw it, they asked one another, “What is it?” for they did not
know what it was. Then Moses told them, “It is the bread that Jehovah has given you to eat. 16This is what
Jehovah as commanded: Every man is to gather of it as much as he needs. Take an omer’s worth for each
person in your household; every man is to gather an omer’s worth for each one living in his tent.” 17The
children of Israel did so, some gathered much and some gathered little. 18When they measured it with an omer,
they found that he who had gathered much had no excess and he who had gathered little had no lack—every
man had gathered as much as he needed. 19Moses said to them, “Let no one leave any of it until the morning.”
20
But they did not listen to Moses, some left a portion of it until the morning, but it was full of maggots and
became rotten. And Moses was angry with them. 21They gathered it each morning, everyone gathered as much
as he needed, and when the sun became hot, it melted away.
22
On the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread—two omer’s worth for each person—and the
leaders of the congregation came and reported this to Moses. 23He said to them, “This is what Jehovah has
said: Tomorrow is a solemn rest, a holy Sabbath, dedicated to Jehovah. So bake what you wish to bake and
boil what you wish to boil. Save whatever is left over and keep it until the morning.” 24So they saved it until
the morning, as Moses instructed them to do; it did not rot, nor were there any maggots in it. 25Moses said,
“Eat it today; because today is a Sabbath dedicated to Jehovah. Today you will not find any of it on the
ground. 26Six days you are to gather it, but on the seventh day, the Sabbath, there will be none.”
27
Nevertheless, on the seventh day some of the people went out to gather it, but they found none. 28Then
Jehovah said to Moses, “How long do you refuse to keep my commandments and my laws? 29Look; because
Jehovah has given you the Sabbath, therefore on the sixth day he has given you enough bread for two days.
Every man is to remain in his dwelling, let no one go out from his dwelling on the seventh day.” 30So the people
rested on the seventh day. 31Now the people of Israel called it Manna; it was like white coriander seed and it
tasted like wafers made with honey.
32
Moses said, “This is what Jehovah has commanded: Let an omer’s worth of it be kept throughout your
generations, so that you may see the bread with which I fed you in the wilderness when I brought you out of
the land of Egypt.” 33So Moses said to Aaron, “Take a jar and put an omer’s worth of manna into it; then put it
in the presence of Jehovah to be kept throughout your generations.” 34As Jehovah commanded Moses, Aaron
laid it before the Testimony, to be preserved. 35The children of Israel ate the manna for forty years, until they
came to a land that was settled; they ate the manna until they came to the border of the land of Canaan.
36
(An omer is one tenth of an ephah.)
THEME: In times of unbelief we, like Old Testament Israel, complain against the Lord and doubt His fatherly concern
for us.
PURPOSE: To encourage the students to trust the Lord to meet our needs, because He is the Lord our God.
OUTLINE:
I. Because the Lord is Your God,
…Never Regret Your “Exodus” (Exodus 16:1-3, 31-36)
II. Because the Lord is Your God,
…Expect Him to Provide Your “Daily Bread” (Exodus 16:4-5, 16-30)
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III. Because the Lord is Your God,
…Be Confident of His Divine Resources (Exodus 16:6-15)
Introduction
1.
Ruth was at the end of her endurance.
2.
She was so hungry that going to sleep was a nightmare. She would dream of chocolate bars. Sometimes she
would reach for them, but they were always just beyond her grasp.
3.
She was tired. She was tired of abuse and tired of hunger. Just too tired to go on.
4.
It was 1933, the middle of the Great Depression. She had four young boys and a baby girl. Her husband, Harry,
had a job, but his entire paycheck went to quench his thirst for alcohol.
5.
Ruth was planning to commit suicide: she would lock herself into the kitchen, turn on the burners of the gas
stove, lie down on the floor, and wait for death to take her.
6.
Ruth took her baby daughter to the bedroom and laid her in her crib; then she dragged herself back to the
kitchen.
7.
There on the kitchen table lay one of the magazines her eldest son had brought home from a neighbor.
8.
The title of one of the articles caught Ruth’s eye: it contained the word “believing” and it quoted a Bible verse
from the gospel:
Therefore I say to you, Whatever things you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received them, and
you shall have them. (Mark 11:24)
9.
The article intrigued Ruth. She sat down and read it. The article seemed to be saying that you can trust God to
supply your needs; all you need to do is ask Him.
10. Ruth was skeptical. It seemed impossible that all she had to do was pray, “Lord, my children are hungry, will You
please feed them?” and then act as if He would.
11. Skeptical though she was, Ruth nevertheless figured, “What have I got to lose?”
12. She prayed, “God, will You please send some food for the children’s supper? Thank You.” Then she set the table
for supper.
13. Suddenly she felt sick. Was she building false hopes for something she had no assurance would be provided? Was
it foolish and would she be disappointed in trusting God to meet her needs? Could He and would He provide
bread?
14. Ruth’s doubts were dispelled and her questions were answered by a knock at the front door:
a.
it was the old man who just recently moved into the shack across the street
b.
he explained that he had just come from his daughter’s house, and her husband, who ran a butcher shop, had
given him some extra pieces of meat
c.
the old man now offered Ruth a bundle of meaty beef bones, a beef heart, and a package of fresh liver
d.
although their little garden looked bare, when Ruth sent one of the children to inspect it, he came back with
a few onions
e.
then there was a knock at the back door: Ruth’s nephew arrived with a batch of biscuits his mother sent
over, she also included some cinnamon buns
15. This is Ruth’s testimony:
I thank God that He heard my prayer uttered from the depths of despair that August afternoon. Never again
did I feel completely alone. Now at age 80, I can honestly say that God has not failed me once. Jesus has
walked with me throughout the years since the day that I dared to believe. (POWER, 8/15/82, pp.2-ff.)
16. In moments of unbelief we, like Old Testament Israel, complain against the Lord and doubt His fatherly concern.
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17. But let us learn a lesson from Ruth’s experience, and from the experience of Old Testament Israel: Because the
Lord is our God, we can trust Him to meet our needs.
I. Because the Lord is Your God,
…Never Regret Your “Exodus” (16:1-3, 31-36)
1.
When the children of Israel departed from Elim (the place of palm trees and springs of water), the Lord led
them into the wilderness of Sin—the wilderness of Sin is a barren, desolate place
2.
As the people use up the last of their supplies, they anticipate death by starvation out there in that desolate
wilderness.
3.
Confronted with this problem, look at their reaction:
a.
they murmur against Moses (the man who is the representative of the Lord)

b.
c.
how many times do you murmur against God because He does not fulfill your expectations?
…because He does not “live up to” the caricature you have envisioned of what He should be and
what He should do?
they idealize their past: they long for “the good old days” when they were slaves in Egypt

but they have a selective memory: they exaggerate whatever benefits they may have had—did they
really sit around pots of meat and eat all the food they wanted, as they claim in verse 3? …and they
neglect to remember their bondage and oppression

by way of example, we may be tempted at times to protest, “Before I came to Christ I fit in with the
crowd, now I feel like an outsider; …at that time I didn’t worry about how I lived, now I struggle
with my lifestyle, trying to resist temptation and lead a godly life; …back then God left me alone,
now He is always stretching me and changing me! I miss those ‘good old days.’” –but were they
really “good old days?”
they completely lose sight of God’s promises (cp. Exodus 3:8)
I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of
that land to a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey (Exodus 3:8)

they conclude that if redemption means starving to death in a barren wilderness, they would rather
be damned than be saved: We wish that we had died by Jehovah’s hand in the land of Egypt
(verse 3), i.e.; they say they wish they had met the same fate as the Egyptians! (cp. Job 2:9-10)
Then his wife said to him, Are you still maintaining your integrity? Renounce God and die!
10
But he said to her, You are speaking like one of the foolish women. Shall we only accept
good from the hand of God, and shall we not accept calamity? In all this Job did not sin with
his lips (Job 2:9-10)
4.
Because of where God had led them, because of what He had brought into their lives, these people came to
regret their Exodus…
5.
…but thanks be to God that in His covenant faithfulness He did not give them their desire:

on the contrary, He miraculously provided for them and sustained them until the day He brought His
people into the Promised Land of Canaan (note Exodus 16:35)
The children of Israel ate the manna for forty years, until they came to a land that was settled;
they ate the manna until they came to the border of the land of Canaan. (Exodus 16:35)
6.
Because the Lord is your God, …never regret your “Exodus” from sin and from the bondage of the devil

do not lose sight of the future to which God calls you as a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ:
I know the plans I have for you, declares Jehovah, plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)

do not lose sight of God’s good purpose with regard to all things that He sees fit to bring into your life:
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…we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, those who have been
called according to his purpose;29for those whom God foreknew he also predestined to be
conformed to the likeness of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
30
And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified,
he also glorified. (Romans 8:28-30)

do not loose sight of God’s fatherly love and commitment to you expressed by His acts of discipline:
You have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: My son, do not
make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, 6because the
Lord disciplines those he loves…11No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later
on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained
by it. (Hebrews 12:5-6a, 11)
II. Because the Lord is Your God,
…Expect Him to Provide Your “Daily Bread” (16:4-5, 16-30)
1.
The Lord has led the people of Israel into this barren wilderness of Sin, they are His people, and He assumes
the responsibility for their care. (note Psalm 23:1)
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall lack nothing. (Psalm 23:1)
2.
The Lord now reveals to Moses: I will rain bread down from heaven for you. (verse 4); the Lord will open
up the storehouses of heaven and from His own unlimited resources will provide for the need of His people
(cp. Philippians 4:19)
My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)
3.
But the Lord provides this divine manna in such a way as to teach His people to trust Him for their “daily
bread:”
a.
while encamped in the wilderness of Sin, the people are instructed to gather a day’s portion every
day (verse 4)
b.
when they seek to store some up for use the next day, contrary to Moses’ instruction, they find that it
has bred worms and spoiled (verses 19-20)
c.
remember the way in which the Lord instructs us to pray: Give us this day our daily bread. (Matthew
6:11)
d.
the answer as to why the Lord so instructs us to pray is to be found in such passages as Proverbs 30:8-9
…
…give me neither poverty nor riches, feed me with the food that is my necessary portion.
9
Otherwise, if I have too much, I may disown you and say, “Who is Jehovah?” Or I may become
poor and steal, and by doing so dishonor the name of my God. (Proverbs 30:8-9)
…and Deuteronomy 8:11-14,
Be careful that you do not forget Jehovah your God, failing to observe his commandments, his
laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. 12Be careful for fear that, when you eat and
are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down,13and when your herds and flocks grow
large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied,14then your heart becomes
proud and you forget Jehovah your God (Deuteronomy 8:11-14)

4.
there seems to be the general spiritual principle that God’s people cannot handle the fullness of
the Lord’s blessing in this present life, and it is by His grace that He does not give that blessing in
full measure at this present time
Because the Lord is your God, …expect Him to provide your “daily bread” (note Psalm 34:9-10)
Fear Jehovah, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing. 10The lions may grow weak and
hungry, but those who seek Jehovah lack no good thing. (Psalm 34:9-10)
III. Because the Lord is Your God,
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…Be Confident of His Divine Resources (16:6-15)
1.
Israel’s murmuring is a slander against the Lord, against His goodness, His faithfulness, His ability, and His
very character; therefore, the Lord takes personal offense at Israel’s sinful reaction to their present plight.
2.
To vindicate His great Name, the Lord causes His glory to appear in the cloud (verse 10) and He not only
supplies the people with bread but also with an abundance of meat:

Note: in the spring, quail fly northward in immense flocks from the interior of Africa; the Lord
providentially caused such a flight of quail to fall into the camp of the Israelites, providing them with a
miraculous abundance of meat (Commentaries on the Old Testament, The Pentateuch, Vol.2, Keil and
Delitzsch, p.67)
3.
Besides the one time gift of quail, the Lord supplied a daily portion of manna, which He continued to
faithfully provide throughout the 40 years of Israel’s wilderness journey
4.
Note: this divine manna may not have been supplied for the people every single day for 40 years; but only
on those occasions when no other provisions were available to them (Keil and Delitzsch, pp.70-71)

on many occasions their flocks and herds could have provided them with dairy and meat products (note
Exodus 12:38)
Many other people went up with them (out of Egypt), as well as large droves of livestock, both
flocks and herds. (Exodus 12:38)

also, there were various areas of the wilderness where a limited form of agriculture could be carried
on
5.
Though He may have supplied the manna every single day, it appears that the Lord did so only in those
places and at those times when there were no other natural resources available; …thereby demonstrating to
His people that they could always rely upon the Lord to supply their needs from His divine resources
6.
Consider the way the Lord Jesus refers to this provision in His encounter with the devil:
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. 2After fasting forty
days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of
God, tell these stones to become bread.” 4Jesus answered, “It is written: Man shall not live by bread
alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:1-4)
a.
the setting: Jesus had a genuine human need, He was starving in the wilderness
b.
the devil’s counsel: you should take it upon yourself to meet your need, don’t look to God, after all,
He is the One who brought you into this wilderness (Matthew 4:1); you must take matters into your
own hands, even if it means disobeying God’s commandments
c.
Jesus’ reply: It is written: Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from
the mouth of God—Jesus is quoting Deuteronomy 8:3, a passage which alludes to the Lord’s
miraculous provision of manna in the wilderness

7.
i.e., Jesus is remembering and trusting in the fact that His heavenly Father did not abandon His
people; on the contrary, He met their need in a totally unexpected way from His unlimited and
divine resources
Because the Lord is your God, …be confident of His divine resources (note, again, Philippians 4:19)
My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)
Conclusion
1.
In times of unbelief we, like Old Testament Israel, tend to complain against the Lord and question His fatherly
concern.
2.
In a spirit of unbelief we, like Israel, skeptically ask the question, “Can the Lord provide bread?” (Psalm 78:20)
3.
Ruth Wirgo can give you the answer to that question; from her own personal experience she knows the answer to
be Yes!
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Now, at age 80, I can honestly say that God has not failed me once. Jesus has walked with me throughout the
years, since the day that I dared to believe.
4.
Let us learn a lesson from Ruth, the very lesson with which we are confronted in this passage of Scripture:
Because the Lord is our God, we can trust Him to meet our every need.
Questions on Exodus 16:1-36
1. When the children of Israel depart from Elim, where does the Lord lead them? What is their situation and what is
their reaction? See Exodus 16:1-3 (printed below)
Then they set out from Elim and the whole congregation of the children of Israel came to the wilderness of
Sin, located between Elim and Sinai. They arrived there on the fifteenth day of the second month after their
departure from Egypt. (2) The whole congregation of the children of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron
in the wilderness. (3) The children of Israel said to them, We wish that we had died by Jehovah's hand in the
land of Egypt, when we sat around the pots of meat, when we ate bread and were full. You have brought us
into this wilderness in order to kill this whole assembly with hunger! (Exodus 16:1-3)
2. What does the Lord promise to do for His people? See Exodus 16:4a (printed below)
Then Jehovah said to Moses, Look; I will rain bread down from heaven for you; and the people shall go out
and gather a day's portion every day (Exodus 16:4a)
3. What instruction does the Lord give His people with regard to gathering the manna (see Exodus 16:4-5 printed
below?) What happens when they disregard His instruction (see Exodus 16:19-20 printed below?) What is He teaching
them?
Then Jehovah said to Moses, Look; I will rain bread down from heaven for you; and the people shall go out
and gather a day's portion every day, so that I may test them, to know whether or not they will walk in
accordance with my law. (5) And it shall be that on the sixth day, when they prepare what they have gathered,
it shall be twice as much as they gather daily...(19) Moses said to them, Let no one leave any of it until the
morning. (20) But they did not listen to Moses, some left a portion of it until the morning, but it was full of
maggots and became rotten. And Moses was angry with them. (Exodus 16:4-5,19-20)
4. How does the Lord react to the people's grumbling? See Exodus 16:6-12 (printed below)
So Moses and Aaron said to the children of Israel, In the evening you shall know that Jehovah has brought
you out of the land of Egypt; (7) and in the morning you shall see the glory of Jehovah, for he has heard your
grumbling against him. Who are we, that you grumble against us? (8) And Moses said, You will know that it is
Jehovah when he gives you meat to eat in the evening and all the bread you want in the morning; for Jehovah
has heard your grumbling that is actually grumbling against him. Who are we? Your grumbling is not against us,
but against Jehovah! (9) Then Moses said to Aaron, Tell the whole congregation of Israel, Come near before
the presence of Jehovah, because he has heard your grumbling. (10) As Aaron addressed the whole
congregation of the children of Israel, they looked toward the wilderness and saw the glory of Jehovah
appear in the cloud. (11) And Jehovah spoke to Moses, saying, (12) I have heard the grumbling of the children
of Israel. Tell them, In the evening you shall eat meat and in the morning you shall be filled with bread; and you
shall know that I am Jehovah your God. (Exodus 16:6-12)
5. What commandment does the Lord give His people in Exodus 16:32-34 (printed below?) Why does He give this
commandment?
Moses said, This is what Jehovah has commanded: Let an omer's worth of it be kept throughout your
generations, so that you may see the bread with which I fed you in the wilderness when I brought you out of
the land of Egypt. (33) So Moses said to Aaron, Take a jar and put an omer's worth of manna into it; then put
it in the presence of Jehovah to be kept throughout your generations. (34) As Jehovah commanded Moses,
Aaron laid it before the Testimony, to be preserved. (Exodus 16:32-34)
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6. Match the passages listed below with the appropriate statements describing Israel’s response to their situation in the
wilderness of Sin. (Answers listed on next page)
a.
b.
c.
Moses and Aaron said to the children of Israel, “In the evening you shall know that Jehovah has brought
you out of the land of Egypt; 7and in the morning you shall see the glory of Jehovah, for he has heard
your grumbling against him. Who are we, that you grumble against us?” (Exodus 16:6-7) ___
The children of Israel said to them, “We wish that we had died by Jehovah’s hand in the land of Egypt,
when we sat around the pots of meat, when we ate bread and were full. You have brought us into this
wilderness in order to kill this whole assembly with hunger!” (Exodus 16:3) ___
The Lord said, “I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up
out of that land to a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey.” (Exodus 3:8) ___
1. They complained against the Lord.
2. They idealized their past in Egypt.
3. They lost sight of God’s promises.
7. When we as Christians encounter hard times, how might we erroneously idealize our past—our life prior to our
conversion? We may be tempted to say…
a.
b.
c.
“Before I came to Christ, I fit in with the crowd, now I feel like an outsider.”
“Before I came to Christ, I had no fear of death and judgment, now I have no hope of forgiveness and
eternal life with God.”
“Before I came to Christ, I was unconcerned about my lifestyle, now I struggle to resist temptation and
lead a godly life.”
8. When the children of Israel encountered hard times in the wilderness of Sin, they began to regret their Exodus. The
Scriptures provide us with safeguards to prevent us from ever regretting our exodus from sin and the bondage of the
devil. Match the passages listed below with the statements that summarize their teaching.
a.
b.
c.
I know the plans I have for you, declares Jehovah, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to
give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11) We must not lose sight of ___
We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, those who have been called
according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28) We must not lose sight of ___
You have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: My son, do not make light
of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, 6because the Lord disciplines those
he loves. (Hebrews 12:5-6a) We must not lose sight of ___
1. God’s good purpose with regard to all things.
2. God’s plans for our future.
3. God’s fatherly love and commitment to us.
9. The Lord provided manna in such a way as to cause His people to trust Him for their daily bread. Why did He do so?
a.
b.
c.
Because His people had no place to store up a reserve supply of bread during their journey to Canaan.
Because His people would grow fat and out of shape if they were permitted to overindulge themselves
and then they would have been unable to complete their journey to the Promised Land.
Because His people would forget about the Lord their God if they had a reserve supply of bread on
which they could depend.
10. The Lord took personal ________ at Israel’s grumbling because their murmuring was a slander against the Lord,
wrongfully calling into question and even denying His goodness, His faithfulness, His ability, and His very character. Fill
in the blank
THE LORD WILL NOT FORSAKE YOU
EXODUS 17:1-16
17 The entire congregation of the children of Israel set out from the wilderness of Sin, traveling from place to
place as Jehovah commanded. Then they camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to
drink. 2Therefore the people quarreled with Moses and said, “Give us water so that we may drink!” And Moses
said to them, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why are you testing Jehovah?” 3The people thirsted for water
there; and they grumbled against Moses, saying, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt, was it in order to
kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst?” 4Then Moses cried out to Jehovah, “What am I to do with
89
these people? They are almost ready to stone me!” 5Jehovah said to Moses, “Walk on ahead of the people. Take
with you some of the elders of Israel and take in your hand the staff with which you struck the River. Now
go. 6I will stand before you there by the rock at Horeb. You are to strike the rock, and water will come out of
it, so that the people may drink.” So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel. 7He called that place
Massah and Meribah, because of the children of Israel’s quarreling and because they tested Jehovah, saying,
“Is Jehovah with us or not?”
8
Then the Amalekites came and fought against Israel in Rephidim. 9Moses said to Joshua, “Choose men
for us and go out to fight against the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the staff
of God in my hands.” 10So Joshua did as Moses instructed him and fought against the Amalekites, while
Moses, Aaron, and Hur went to the top of the hill. 11As long as Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed; but
whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites prevailed. 12When Moses’ arms grew tired, they took a stone
and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held up his hands—one on one side, one on the other—
so that his hands remained steady until sunset. 13So Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the sword.
14
Jehovah said to Moses, “Write this on a scroll as something to be remembered and recite it in Joshua’s
hearing: I will completely blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.” 15Then Moses built an altar and
called it, “Jehovah is my Banner.” 16And he said, “Jehovah has sworn: Jehovah will wage war against the
Amalekites from generation to generation.”
THEME: There are times in life when, like Old Testament Israel, we are tempted to think that the Lord has forsaken
us.
PURPOSE: To comfort the students with the knowledge that because the Lord is the covenant God, He cannot forsake
His children in Christ.
OUTLINE:
I. The Lord Will Not Forsake You,
… Even Though He May Bring You into Very Extreme Trials (17:1-4)
II. The Lord Will Not Forsake You,
…Even though You May Be Subjected to Demonic Assault (17:8)
III. The Lord Will Not Forsake You,
…Rather, He will Prove Himself Wonderfully Faithful (17:5-7, 9-16)
Introduction
1.
The wife of a home missionary writes, A day one winter stands out like a boulder in my life. The weather was
unusually cold, our salary had not been regularly paid, and it did not meet our needs when it was.
2.
My husband was away much of the time, traveling from one district to another. Our boys were well, but my little
Renee was ailing, and none of us were decently clothed.
3.
I patched and re-patched, with my spirits sinking to the lowest ebb. The water gave out in the well, and the wind
blew through cracks in the floor.
4.
At the time when I needed it most, my faith began to waver.
5.
Early in life I had been taught to take God at His Word, and I thought I had learned the lesson well. Now a daily
prayer of forgiveness was all I could offer.
Christmas was coming; the children always expected their presents. The boys were each craving a pair of skates,
and Renee wanted a nice new doll.
6.
7.
8.
9.
I knew it seemed impossible, but oh how I wanted to give each child their present. It seemed as if God had
deserted us.
The morning before Christmas my husband, James, was called to see a sick man. I packed a piece of bread for his
lunch, it was the best I could do.
That was a dark and hopeless day. I coaxed the children to bed early. When Renee was tucked in, I listened to
her prayer. She again asked the Lord for a doll, and skates for her brothers. With a bright face she whispered to
me, “I think they’ll be here early tomorrow morning, Momma.”
10. I sat alone and gave way to the most bitter tears.
11. Before long James returned, chilled and exhausted. He pulled off his boots; the thin socks slipped off with them,
and his feet were red and cold.
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12. “I wouldn’t treat a dog that way, let alone a faithful servant.” I said. Then as I glanced up and saw the hard lines
in his face and the look of despair, I could tell that James had let go, too.
13. He took my hand and we sat for an hour without a word. I wanted to die and meet God, and tell Him His promise
wasn’t true; my soul was so full of rebellious despair.
14. There are times in life when, like this Christian lady, or like Old Testament Israel, we are tempted to think that
the Lord has forsaken us.
15. But because He is the Lord, the covenant God, He cannot forsake His children in Christ.
I. The Lord Will Not Forsake You,
…Even Though He May Bring You into Very Extreme Trials (17:1-4)
1.
When we come to Exodus 17 we find the children of Israel journeying down into the extremely barren and
mountainous wilderness of the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula.
2.
They have been journeying along the western side of the Peninsula, a desolate region, but now they enter the
very heart of this wilderness.
3.
Here we find them encamped at a place called Rephidim, a place where there was no water.
4.
Since departing Egypt for the Promised Land of Canaan, Israel has encountered numerous trials, and now they
face yet another trial, this one more severe than the previous:
a.
the waters of Mara (Exodus 15) were bitter, even to the point of being undrinkable, but at least there
was water, there was a resource (bitter water though it was) with which the Lord could work and change
into sweet water
b.
in the Wilderness of Sin (Exodus 16) there was no bread and they had used up their provisions; but, if
need be, they could have begun to slaughter their cattle for food
c.
but now, at Rephidim, they encounter their most severe trial to date: there is no water, there is nothing
at all down here.
5.
Why has the Lord brought His people, His chosen ones, to such a place as this? …in order to reveal Israel’s
heart, and His heart
6.
How does Israel react to this situation?
a.
the people quarreled with Moses (verse 2)

b.
7.
at Marah they murmured against Moses, there was a tremor of unrest (Exodus 15:24); …in the
Wilderness of Sin the whole congregation murmured, now there was a rumble of discontent (Exodus
16:2); …here at Rephidim there is open hostility against Moses, they are almost ready to stone him
(Exodus 17:4)
the people make a demand: Give us water (verse 2)

it is no longer a legitimate question, as was posed at Marah, “What shall we drink?” nor is it an
appeal, it is a defiant demand

their demand is defined by Moses as a tempting and testing of the Lord (verse 2)—it is one thing to
humbly petition the Lord for our needs (our Lord teaches us to pray to our heavenly Father, Give us
this day our daily bread. Matthew 6:10), but it is quite another thing to defiantly make demands of
Him
What will the Lord do with these people?
a.
the Israelites have shown themselves to be ungrateful: never thanking the Lord for His past provisions
(contrast Exodus 15:1, a type of heavenly praise, with the silence that is found in Exodus 15:24-25,27 and
Exodus 16:14-15)
Then Moses and the children of Israel sang this song to Jehovah: I will sing to Jehovah, for he
has triumphed gloriously! The horse and its rider he has hurled into the sea! (Exodus 15:1)
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The people grumbled against Moses, asking, “What shall we drink?” 25Moses cried out to Jehovah.
Then Jehovah showed him a piece of wood. He threw it into the waters and the waters became
sweet. …27Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs and seventy palm trees, and
they camped there by the waters. (Exodus 15:24-25,27)
When the dew was gone, there lay on the surface of the wilderness thin flakes, like frost on the
ground. 15When the children of Israel saw it, they asked one another, “What is it?” for they did
not know what it was. Then Moses told them, “It is the bread that Jehovah has given you to eat.”
(Exodus 16:14-15)

b.
in neither of those instances do you find the children of Israel offering up thanksgiving to the Lord
for His gracious and faithful provisions; apparently, the mercies of the Lord were taken for granted
by Israel, …is the same true with us? In our lives is there the same pattern of loud complaining in
the face of trail and adversity, but silence when the Lord provides His gracious provisions?
the Israelites have shown themselves to be unteachable: they have not learned from their past trials, it is
as though those trials have been wasted on them, note the pattern:
i.
a God-ordained encounter with trail
ii.
the insufficiency or the exhaustion of all human resources
iii.
the need to look in complete dependence to the Lord, relying upon His ability, His mercy,
and His faithfulness
iv.
then comes the Lord’s all-sufficient provision for their needs and deliverance

the Israelites have not become like their father Abraham: Abraham said (to Isaac his son), God will
provide (Genesis 22:8);…

…on the contrary, they have viewed these trials as distasteful annoyances disrupting their lives and
delaying their journey to the Promised Land, rather than seeing them for what they are:
meticulously prepared works of God designed to produce spiritual maturity and fruit in the lives
of His people (note John 15:2b)…
…my Father is the gardener. 2…he prunes every branch that does bear fruit, so that it may
bear more fruit (John 15:2b)
…and to reveal His glory to them (cp. John 11:4)
…the sisters sent word to Jesus, saying, Lord, the one whom you love is sick (referring to His
friend Lazarus). 4But when Jesus heard this, he said, This sickness is not for death, but for
the sake of the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by means of it. (John
11:3-4)
8.
What does the Lord do?
a.
He offers Himself as their Servant (verse 6)
I will stand before you…by (or, upon) the rock—the Hebrew phrase frequently denotes the attitude
and posture of a servant standing before his master, (Commentaries on the Old Testament, The
Pentateuch, Vol.2, Keil and Delitzsch, p.77)
b.
He sacrifices Himself for their sake (verse 6)
the Lord instructs Moses, You are to strike the rock, and water will come out of it. (note Isaiah 53:4
and Romans 8:32)
Surely he has borne our afflictions and carried our sorrows; but we regarded him as one who was
stricken by God, smitten by him and afflicted as an evildoer. (Isaiah 53:4)
He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with
him, graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:32)
9.
The Lord will not forsake you, …even though He may bring you into very extreme trials
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
when He does so, bear in mind that it is designed by the Lord to produce spiritual maturity and fruit in
your life and to reveal to you His glory
II. The Lord Will Not Forsake You,
…Even Though You May Be Subjected to Demonic Assault (17:8)
1.
As Israel breaks camp in this rugged wilderness of Rephidim, just after the Lord has graciously supplied them
with water, they are attacked by the Amalekites.
2.
Here was a cruel, indeed, a demonic attack by a heartless, merciless enemy (cp. Deuteronomy 25:17-18)
Remember what the Amalekites did to you along the way when you came out of Egypt. 18When you
were weary and worn out, they met you on your journey and cut off all who were lagging behind; they
had no fear of God. (Deuteronomy 25:17-18)

3.
the Amalekites struck the rearmost portion of Israel, attacking the weakest and the most feeble;
attacking Israel when they were faint and weary; the Amalekites had no fear of God
Who were the Amalikites?
a.
they were a fierce nomadic tribe living in the desert wilderness of the Sinai Peninsula
b.
Amalek was the grandson of Esau (Genesis 36:12)—Esau was the twin brother of Jacob (Israel)—whose
descendants became the archenemy of Israel
4.
What we find here is no mere squabble between two nomadic tribes, no mere dispute over land and water; …
5.
…on the contrary, what is involved here is nothing less than that spiritual warfare that traces it’s origins back
to Jacob and Esau, and back to the distinction God made between the offspring of the woman (i.e., the
redeemed) and the offspring of the serpent (i.e., the world of unconverted mankind under the dominion
of the devil) (cp. Genesis 3:15)
Jehovah God said to the serpent, … I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your
offspring and her offspring; he shall crush your head, and you shall bruise his heel. (Genesis 3:14a, 15)
6.
This incident is an episode in that spiritual warfare; and, consequently, it is a demonic assault upon the
children of Israel.
7.
At what times are you most likely to encounter this type of demonic assault?
a.
just after the Lord has revealed His glory to you: this attack occurs immediately after the Lord’s
gracious and miraculous provision of water (cp. the case of Paul described in 2 Corinthians 12:7)
To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was
given to me a thorn (or, a stake) in my flesh, a messenger from Satan, to torment me. (2
Corinthians 12:7)

b.
just before the Lord is about to perform a mighty work of grace or deliverance (cp. Luke 22:53b)
…this is your hour (Jesus is here referring to His enemies), and that of the power of darkness.
(Luke 22:53b)

c.
after God has done a great work, He sometimes permits the devil to launch a counter-offensive;
but always on a limited level, never matching or exceeding the work of God
here is a passage in which the Lord Jesus describes the spiritual condition that prevailed at the
time He went to Calvary to accomplish the ultimate work of grace and victory
when you find yourself in a weak and exhausted condition (spiritually or physically) (cp. Deuteronomy
25:18 and Matthew 4:1-3)
When you were weary and worn out, they met you on your journey and cut off all who were
lagging behind; they had no fear of God. (Deuteronomy 25:18)
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Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. 2After fasting forty
days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of
God, tell these stones to become bread.” (Matthew 4:1-3)
d.
at times the Lord will hand His children over to the devil as a chastisement for willful and defiant
rebellion: note that the announcement of Amalek’s attack (Exodus 17:8) comes immediately after the
statement that Israel had tested the Lord (Exodus 17:7); cp. 1 Corinthians 5:5
…deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of his sinful nature, so that his spirit may be
saved on the day of the Lord Jesus. (1 Corinthians 5:5)

8.
here is a passage which speaks of the discipline enacted against a Christian man who persisted in
sinful conduct
The Lord will not forsake you, …even though you may at times be subjected to demonic assault.
a.
just as Joshua won the victory over Amalek (Exodus 17:13), so the Lord Jesus has won the ultimate
victory over the devil (cp. John 12:31)
Now has come the judgment of this world; now the prince of this world shall be cast out. (John
12:31), Jesus speaks these words with reference to the cross
b.
just as Moses interceded for the children of Israel, so the Lord Jesus intercedes for us ( note John 17:15)
I am not asking that you would take them out of the world, but that you would keep them from
the evil one. (John 17:15), this is part of Jesus’ intercessory prayer for His people
c.
a contemporary example of this truth may be seen in the life of Lorrie Anderson, a missionary to the
Candoshi Shapra Indians of Peru:
…for her daily Bible reading and prayer she went down by the edge of the river.
After reading the Bible, she took up her prayer list. Eyes closed, she did not see the deadly anaconda
weaving through the water until it struck, burying its fangs into her flesh. It withdrew to strike, hitting
her arm again and again as it held her in its coils. It reared up for the deathblows. Then suddenly the
giant snake, never known to release its prey, relaxed its grip and slithered off through the water.
While Lorrie was being treated, a witch doctor from a nearby village burst into the hut and stared at
her. She couldn’t believe Lorrie had survived. She said her son-in-law, also a witch doctor, had
chanted to the spirit of the anaconda that morning and sent it to kill the young missionary. ”I’m
certain,” Lorrie said, “that except for the protection of God, it would have worked.”
That same God is on our side in the battle with that old serpent, the devil. …How thankful we can be for
God’s protective power! (Our Daily Bread, 8/13/90)
III. The Lord Will Not Forsake You;
…Rather, He Will Prove Himself Wonderfully Faithful (17:5-7, 9-16)
1.
2.
The Lord proved Himself to be wonderfully faithful to the children of Israel:
a.
when His people were in need of water, the Lord condescended to be their divine Servant and supply
their need
b.
when His people were viciously assaulted by the Amalekites, the Lord rose up and asserted His divine
power and dominion to win the victory on their behalf
The Lord proved Himself to be wonderfully faithful to that home missionary pastor and his family. That
pastor’s wife continues their story…
As James and I sat together in silence and rebellious despair, we heard a loud knock at the door.
There stood Mr. White. “A box came by express just before dark. I reckoned it might be for Christmas, so I
brought it by as soon as I could,” he explained.
Without speaking, James found a chisel and pried open the box. He first drew out a thick red blanket;
underneath it was a trunk full of clothes.
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It seemed at that moment as if Christ fastened upon me a look of reproach.
James sat down and covered his face with his hands. “I can’t touch these things!” he exclaimed. “I haven’t
been true, just when God was testing me. …I know now how to preach the awfulness of turning from God.”
The box contained a warm suit of clothing for James. A new dress for me. A pair of arctic overshoes for
everyone, new suits for the boys, and a little red dress for Renee.
Also contained in the box was a note quoting Isaiah 41:13, I, the Lord your God, will hold your right
hand, saying to you, Fear not, I will help you.
And at the bottom of the box there were two pair of ice skates and a beautiful wax doll. (Pioneer, Nov/Dec,
1983)
3.
The Lord will prove Himself to be wonderfully faithful to us, too, …as we trust Him.
Every joy or trial falls from above,
Traced upon our dial by the Sun of Love.
We may trust Him fully all for us to do,
They who trust Him wholly find Him wholly true.
(Frances R. Havergal)
Questions on Exodus 17:1-16
1. What is Israel's next stop on their way to the Promised Land? See Exodus 17:1 (printed below) How does this stop
compare with such previous stopping points as Marah (Exodus 15) and the Wilderness of Sin (Exodus 16?)
The entire congregation of the children of Israel set out from the wilderness of Sin, traveling from place to
place as Jehovah commanded. Then they camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to
drink. (Exodus 17:1)
Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea and they came to the wilderness of Shur. For three days they traveled
through the wilderness without finding water. (23) When they came to Marah, they could not drink the water
of that place, because it was bitter. That is why it was called Marah. (Exodus 15:22-23)
Then they set out from Elim and the whole congregation of the children of Israel came to the wilderness of
Sin, located between Elim and Sinai. They arrived there on the fifteenth day of the second month after their
departure from Egypt. (2) The whole congregation of the children of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron
in the wilderness. (3) The children of Israel said to them, We wish that we had died by Jehovah's hand in the
land of Egypt, when we sat around the pots of meat, when we ate bread and were full. You have brought us
into this wilderness in order to kill this whole assembly with hunger! (Exodus 16:1-3)
2. How does Israel react to this situation? See Exodus 17:2-4 (printed below)
The people quarreled with Moses and said, Give us water so that we may drink! And Moses said to them, Why
do you quarrel with me? Why are you testing Jehovah? (3) The people thirsted for water there; and they
grumbled against Moses, saying, Why have you brought us up out of Egypt, was it in order to kill us and our
children and our cattle with thirst? (4) Then Moses cried out to Jehovah, What am I to do with these people?
They are almost ready to stone me! (Exodus 17:2-4)
3. What does the Lord do for His people? See Exodus 17:5-6 (printed below)
Jehovah said to Moses, Walk on ahead of the people. Take with you some of the elders of Israel and take in
your hand the staff with which you struck the River. Now go. (6) I will stand before you there by the rock at
Horeb. You are to strike the rock, and water will come out of it, so that the people may drink. So Moses did
this in the sight of the elders of Israel. (Exodus 17:5-6)
4. Following the Lord's miraculous provision of water, what happens next to the children of Israel? See Exodus 17:8
(printed below) and also Deuteronomy 25:17-18 (printed below)
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Then the Amalekites came and fought against Israel in Rephidim. (Exodus 17:8)
Remember what the Amalekites did to you along the way when you came out of Egypt. (17) When you were
weary and worn out, they met you on your journey and cut off all who were lagging behind; they had no fear
of God. (Deuteronomy 25:17-18)
5. How are the children of Israel delivered from their enemies? See Exodus 17:9-13 (printed below)
Moses said to Joshua, Choose men for us and go out to fight against the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand
on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands. (10) So Joshua did as Moses instructed him and
fought against the Amalekites, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went to the top of the hill. (11) As long as Moses
held up his hands, Israel prevailed; but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites prevailed. (12) When
Moses' arms grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held up his
hands—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady until sunset. (13) So Joshua
defeated Amalek and his people with the sword. (Exodus 17:9-13)
6. Match the trials—and divine deliverances—the people of Israel have thus far experienced on their journey to the
Promised Land with the location where these events occurred.
a.
b.
c.
At this location the people of Israel found the water to be too bitter to drink, but the Lord miraculously
sweetened it by means of a piece of driftwood. ___
At this location the people of Israel found themselves in a barren region without vegetation or wild
game for food, but the Lord faithfully provided them with quail and manna. ___
At this location the people of Israel found themselves in a totally arid region without any water supply,
but the Lord graciously provided water from a rock. ___
1. Rephidim
2. Marah
3. The Wilderness of Sin
7. Trials do not build character; they reveal character. What do the trials the Israelites have thus far encountered
reveal about their character?
a.
b.
c.
The Israelites have shown themselves to be unfaithful, constantly setting their own course and ignoring
the Lord’s leading.
The Israelites have shown themselves to be ungrateful, consistently neglecting to thank the Lord for His
provisions.
The Israelites have shown themselves to be unteachable, persistently failing to learn from their past
experiences.
8. When you consider the experiences the Israelites have so far undergone along their journey to the Promised Land of
Canaan, you find a pattern that is repeated on each occasion. Put the events listed below in their proper order to
reveal the pattern. (Answers are found on the next page.)
a.
b.
c.
d.
The Israelites are forced to look to the Lord, relying upon His ability, His mercy, and His faithfulness.
___
The Israelites encounter a God-ordained trial or ordeal. ___
The Israelites become the beneficiaries of the Lord’s all-sufficient provisions that prove to be more than
adequate to meet their needs. ___
The Israelites discover that their own human resources and abilities are inadequate to meet the
challenge. ___
1.
2.
3.
4.
First
Second
Third
Fourth
9. In contrast to the children of Israel, on each of these occasions the Lord has shown His patience and kindness and
has demonstrated His covenantal ________. Fill in the blank
10. According to the commentary, what lessons should we learn from the experiences the children of Israel have
encountered in the wilderness, especially those experiences described in Exodus 17? Match the verses listed below with
the statements that summarize the lessons they contain. (Answers listed on next page)
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a.
b.
c.
The entire congregation of the children of Israel set out from the wilderness of Sin, traveling from place
to place as Jehovah commanded. Then they camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people
to drink. (Exodus 17:1) The Lord will not forsake us, even though He will ___
Then the Amalekites came and fought against Israel in Rephidim. (Exodus 17:8) The Lord will not forsake
us, but He will ___
Jehovah said to Moses, “I will stand before you there by the rock at Horeb. You are to strike the rock,
and water will come out of it, so that the people may drink.” (Exodus 17:6) The Lord will not forsake us,
rather, He will___
1. bring us into very extreme trials
2. always prove Himself to be faithful
3. allow us to be subjected to demonic assault
WHAT AWAITS YOU AT THE END OF LIFE’S ROAD?
EXODUS 18:1-12
18 Now Jethro, the priest of Midian and Moses’ father-in-law, heard about all that God had done for Moses
and for his people Israel, how Jehovah had brought Israel out of Egypt. 2After Moses had sent away his wife
Zipporah, Jethro, his father-in-law, took care of her 3and her two sons. One son was named Gershom,
because Moses had said, “I have become a sojourner in a foreign land.” 4The name of the other was Eliezer,
because he had said, “My father’s God was my helper; he delivered me from Pharaoh’s sword.” 5Jethro, Moses’
father-in-law, together with Moses’ sons and his wife, came to him in the wilderness, where he was camped by
the mountain of God. 6He had sent word to Moses, saying, “I, Jethro, your father-in-law, am coming to you
with your wife and her two sons.”
7
So Moses went out to greet his father-in-law and bowed down and kissed him. They inquired of each
other’s welfare and then went into the tent. 8Moses told his father-in-law all that Jehovah had done to
Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel’s sake and about all the hardships they had encountered along the
way and how Jehovah had delivered them. 9Jethro rejoiced over all the good that Jehovah had done for Israel
in delivering them from the hand of the Egyptians. 10Jethro said, “Blessed be Jehovah, who has delivered you
from the hand of the Egyptians and from the hand of Pharaoh, who has delivered the people from the hand
of the Egyptians! 11Now I know that Jehovah is greater than all other gods; indeed, this has been proven by his
response to those who treated Israel arrogantly.” 12Then Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, brought a burnt
offering and other sacrifices to God, and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat a meal with Moses’
father-in-law in the presence of God.
THEME: As was true for Moses and Israel, so, too, for the Christian: your life’s journey will reach a blessed conclusion
“at the Mountian of God.”
PURPOSE: To encourage the students to know that because the Lord is faithful to His promise, we can be assured that
our Christian life will reach a blessed consummation “at the Mountian of God.”
OUTLINE: I. Be Assured that What Awaits You Is a Reunion with Christian Loved Ones
(18:1-7,12)
II. Be Assured that What Awaits You Is the Joy of the Lord (18:8-10)
III. Be Assured that What Awaits You Is a Full Measure of Understanding (18:11)
Introduction
1.
Fog has followed the vacationers for days, enveloping their little rented Opal as they travel along the narrow,
winding roads of southern Germany’s Bodensee.
2.
The mist is thick and depressing, and they find it hard to muster much enthusiasm for the trip to Bavaria.
3.
They ride for several hours in a gray, monotonous fog; the only realization that they are beginning to climb into
the Bavarian mountains is the whine of the engine that causes them to downshift into a lower gear.
4.
As they continue to climb they are suddenly flooded with the warm rays of the golden sun: they have emerged out
of the fog and now find themselves in the crystal clear mountain top environment.
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5.
They find themselves in an ancient hilltop village with gray cobblestone streets and white church spires that tower
into the blue sky, …there is not a trace of fog.
6.
They have entered into sunshine, …and worship: it is Sunday and through the streets come the worshippers; first
the clergy in flowing white robes, followed by the choir in purple and gold, and then come the villagers marching
to the toll of the bells. (POWER, 7/22/90, p.8)
7.
What these summer vacationers experienced in their journey to the top of the Bavarian Alps, their journey
through thick and depressing fog into brilliant sunshine and worship, well illustrates what awaits the Christian at
the end of life’s road.
8.
The experience of Old Testament Israel, as recorded in Exodus 18, is also the Christian’s hope.
9.
Because the Lord is faithful to His promise, you can be assured that as a Christian your life will reach a glorious
consummation “at the Mountain of God.”
I. Be Assured that What Awaits You is A Reunion with Christian Loved Ones (18:1-7,12)
1.
Word reaches Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, concerning all that God has done on behalf of Moses and His
people

the mighty works of God were not done in secret, they were broadcast throughout the ancient world and
down the corridors of time:
We have heard how Jehovah dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out
of Egypt (Joshua 2:10), Rahab’s testimony to the two spies at the time Israel invaded the Promised Land
of Canaan
Woe to us! Who will deliver us from the hand of these mighty gods? They are the gods who struck
the Egyptians with all kinds of plagues … (1 Samuel 4:8), the testimony of the Philistines in the days
of Samuel
2.
Upon hearing the report of Israel’s deliverance and the fact that Israel is now encamped at “the Mount of
God,” Jethro departs from Midian to greet Moses…
3.
…and he does not go alone: Jethro brings with him Moses’ wife, Zipporah, and Moses’ two sons, Gershom and
Eliezer.
4.
There, at the Mount of God, they meet again in a most joyful reunion!
5.
Christian, here is displayed before you one of the great joys of heaven: reunion with loved ones who have died
in Christ.
6.
Listen to the tragic prayer of the pagan, and contrast that to the glorious hope offered to the Christian in the
Word of God:
My father: Who died many years ago and entered the realm of spirits, I come to you with a pot of beer. …To
you I pray, you who have gone before me into the land of darkness. That land from where there is no return.
That awful land towards which I, too, am traveling.
Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of
men, who have no hope.14We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will
bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. …16…the Lord himself will come down from
heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and
the dead in Christ will rise first. 17After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up with
them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18Therefore
comfort one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, 16-18)
7.
The calling of God separated Moses from his home life in the pastures of Midian: he was called to pack up the
family, leave their home, and face the challenges that awaited them in Egypt.
a.
sometimes the call of God may cause you to leave behind home and family, sometimes even your native
land…

there is a real price to be paid, both by those who are called to go, and by those who must remain
behind
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
b.
but there is also a real privilege:
i.
Christian father and mother, you are being called to be like the heavenly Father who was
willing to send His Son
ii.
Christian son or daughter, you are being called to be like the one and only Son who was
willing to leave His heavenly home
sooner or later the call of God causes Christian men and women to leave behind family, home, and this
present world, to enter the Father’s eternal home in glory (note John 14:1-3)
Do not let your heart be troubled; trust in God, trust in me also. 2In my Father’s house are many
rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I am going to prepare a place for you. 3And if I
go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me; so that where I am,
you may be also. (John 14:1-3)
8.
The calling of God separated Moses from his family: for their own safety, he sent Zipporah and his sons back to
Midian
a.
faithful obedience to Christ in the midst of a world at enmity against God sometimes involves heartwrenching separation from loved ones:

b.
9.
consider, for example, Christians around the world who are imprisoned for their commitment to
Christ
the names Moses gave to his sons reveal the agony he experienced in his soul (Gershom means “stranger”
or “sojourner”), …as well as the protective care and presence of the Lord our God (Eliezer means “God is
my Help”)
But now here come Jethro and Zipporah and Gershom and Eliezer, …and they are all re-united at the Mount of
God
note that Jethro, Moses, and the elders of Israel together eat a meal…in the presence of God (Exodus
18:12), cp. Matthew 26:29

I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew
with you in my Father’s kingdom. (Matthew 26:29), this is the promise of our Lord Jesus made on the
evening of the first communion supper
10. Christian, be assured that what awaits you is a reunion with Christian loved ones in the presence of God
II. Be Assured that What Awaits You is the Joy of the Lord (18:8-10)
1.
Jethro has heard of the mighty works of God, but now he receives a first hand report:
Moses told his father-in-law all that Jehovah had done to Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel’s
sake and about all the hardships they had encountered along the way and how Jehovah had
delivered them. (verse 8)
2.
Although Moses faithfully related to his father-in-law both the triumphs of the Lord as well as the trials
experienced in the wilderness, notice Jethro’s response:
Jethro rejoiced over all the good that Jehovah had done for Israel in delivering them from the hand
of the Egyptians (verse 9)
3.
Did Moses down play the trials experienced in the wilderness? Did Jethro simply overlook them?

4.
No. Moses told his father-in-law all that Jehovah had done to Pharaoh and to the Egyptians…and
about all the hardships they had encountered along the way and how Jehovah had delivered
them.
Standing at the Mount of God Moses and Jethro could look back and see how all the works of God worked
together to finally produce a glorious result.
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a.
Jethro was led to rejoice for all the goodness of the Lord not because he didn’t have the whole story or
because he intentionally overlooked parts of it, but precisely because he was given the complete and
finished account
b.
what Paul assets with confidence in Romans 8:28 Jethro actually was made to see, and therefore he was
led to rejoice in all the goodness of the Lord
…we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, those who have been
called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
5.
Christian, be assured that what awaits you is the joy of the Lord
a.
the joy of experiencing the consummation of God’s great work, seeing and being part of the finished
work of redemption and the re-newed creation
b.
the joy of deliverance into perfect peace and rest
When a woman gives birth to a child she has pain, because her hour of delivery has come. But
when the child is delivered, she no longer remembers the anguish; because of the joy that a child
has been brought into the world. 22So it is that you will now have grief; but I will see you again,
and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you. (John 16:21-22)
The tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them. They shall be his peoples, and
God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes.
There shall be no more death, neither shall there be any mourning or crying or pain any more; the
old order of things has passed away (Revelation 21:3b-4)
c.
the joy of the Lord Himself
You will show me the path of life. In your presence is fullness of joy; in your right hand are
pleasures for evermore. (Psalm 16:11)
Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my exceeding joy. I will praise you with the harp, O
God, my God. (Psalm 43:4)
His lord said to him, …enter into the joy of your lord. (Matthew 25:21)
III. Be Assured that What Awaits You is a Full Measure of Understanding (18:11)
1.
Jethro testifies: Now I know that Jehovah is greater than all other gods (verse 11a)

2.
3.
prior to this time Jethro no doubt believed this to be true and accepted it as a God-given truth; but
now he can testify that he knows this to be true
Jethro testifies: Now I know that Jehovah is greater than all other gods; indeed, this has been
proven by his response to those who treated Israel arrogantly. (verse 11)

the Lord irrefutably demonstrated the truth that He and He alone is God when He exerted His great
power and acted both to redeem His people and to conquer His enemies

when the Lord acts, then what is accepted by faith becomes known by experience
Christian, be assured that what awaits you at the end of life’s road is a full measure of understanding…
a.
…understanding of the mysteries of God
…at present our knowledge is partial and our prophesying is only a partial communication of
future things. 10But when the perfect has come, the partial shall pass away. …12At present
we see an obscure image in a mirror, but then we will see face to face. At present I know
things partially; but then I will know fully, just as I am fully known. (1 Corinthians 13:9-10, 12)
b.
…understanding of the judgments of God
…when you see their conduct and their actions, you will be consoled regarding the disaster
I have brought upon Jerusalem. 23You will be consoled when you see their conduct and
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their actions, for you will know that I have done nothing in it without just cause, declares
the Lord Jehovah. (Ezekiel 14:22-23), here is a reference specifically to the judgment the Lord
brought upon Judah for their sins: when Ezekiel has full knowledge of the situation he will
understand that the Lord’s judgment was a righteous and just act
c.
…understanding of our relationship with the Lord our God
On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. (John
14:20), Jesus is referring to the day of the resurrection and His return at the end of the age
Conclusion (continued on next page)
1.
The experience of Old Testament Israel and Jethro, as recorded in Exodus 18, is also the Christian’s hope.
2.
As a Christian, this is what awaits you at the end of life’s road:
3.

a reunion with Christian loved ones

the joy of the Lord in unlimited abundance

a full measure of understanding concerning spiritual things
Because the Lord is faithful to His promise, be assured that your Christian life will reach a glorious consummation
“at the Mount of God.”
Exodus 18:1-12
1. Describe the scene recorded in Exodus 18:1-6 (printed below).
Now Jethro, the priest of Midian and Moses' father-in-law, heard about all that God had done for Moses and
for his people Israel, how Jehovah had brought Israel out of Egypt. (2) After Moses had sent away his wife
Zipporah, Jethro, his father-in-law, took care of her (3) and her two sons. One son was named Gershom,
because Moses had said, I have become a sojourner in a foreign land. (4) The name of the other was Eliezer,
because he had said, My father's God was my helper; he delivered me from Pharaoh’s sword. (5) Jethro, Moses'
father-in-law, together with Moses' sons and his wife, came to him in the wilderness, where he was camped by
the mountain of God. (6) He had sent word to Moses, saying, I, Jethro, your father-in-law, am coming to you
with your wife and her two sons. (Exodus 18:1-6)
2. In what way is this reunion at the mountain of God a type (or, a preview) of one of the great blessings that awaits
the Christian in heaven? Consider 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 (printed below)
...the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and
with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. (17) After that, we who are still alive and
are left will be caught up with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord
forever. (18) Therefore comfort one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18)
3. When you compare Moses' account of Israel'’s experiences (see Exodus 18:8 printed below) with Jethro's response
(see Exodus 18:9 printed below), what does Jethro seem to "overlook?"
Moses told his father-in-law all that Jehovah had done to Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel's sake and
about all the hardships they had encountered along the way and how Jehovah had delivered them. (Exodus
18:8)
Jethro rejoiced over all the good that Jehovah had done for Israel in delivering them from the hand of the
Egyptians. (Exodus 18:9)
4. How would you explain the difference between Moses' complete account of Israel's experiences and Jethro's
"selective" rehearsal of that account? Did Jethro, indeed, "overlook" part of Israel's experience, or is there another
explanation?
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5. Having heard from an eyewitness the account of the Exodus, what does Jethro now confess (see Exodus 18:10-11
printed below; note, especially, verse 11?) Do you think Jethro had previously doubted this fact?
Jethro said, Blessed be Jehovah, who has delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the hand of
Pharaoh, who has delivered the people from the hand of the Egyptians! (11) Now I know that Jehovah is
greater than all other gods; indeed, this has been proven by his response to those who treated Israel
arrogantly. (Exodus 18:10-11)
6. At the mountain of God Moses and his family are reunited. But what was the reason for their separation from one
another?
a.
b.
c.
Because God’s calling involved the dangers of confronting the Egyptian government, Moses was
compelled to leave his wife and sons behind for the time being.
Because of their dispute over the circumcision of their young son, Moses and Zipporah found it more
peaceable to live apart from each other for the time being.
Because Zipporah did not want to join her husband in fulfilling God’s calling if it meant leaving her
home and family, Moses decided to leave her behind for the time being.
7. According to the commentary, Moses’ reunion with his family at the mountain of God is a type of what blessing (or
blessings) God has granted to the Christian?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
The weekly worship service with fellow believers in the house of God
The evening meal with family members reunited around the dinner table
The annual communion service held once a year with all the Christian churches in the community
The heavenly reunion with loved ones who have died in Christ
All of the above
8. Moses relates to his father-in-law all the good that the Lord had done for His people in delivering them by means of
the Exodus, he also told Jethro about all the hardships Israel encountered along the way. Therefore, when Jethro only
mentions the good that the Lord did for His people, it is not because he did not have the complete story; rather, it is
because he chose to ignore the hardships Israel encountered and only focus on the blessings they received. True or
False
9. When Jethro has heard how the Lord delivered Israel out of their Egyptian bondage, he testifies, “Now I know that
Jehovah is greater than all other gods.” Why does Jethro say this?
a.
b.
c.
Prior to Israel’s deliverance from Egypt Jethro had been an agnostic, but now he has become convinced
that there really is a God who dwells in heaven and who acts in history.
Prior to Israel’s deliverance from Egypt Jethro worshipped the spirits that supposedly inhabited the
rocks and streams in the wilderness, but now he has come to believe that the Lord is mightier than any
of those local deities.
Prior to Israel’s deliverance from Egypt Jethro believed the Lord to be the only true God, but now that
belief has become confirmed by the Exodus.
10. By means of the Exodus Jethro came to gain a true knowledge and assurance of who the Lord is. According to the
commentary, what full measure of knowledge and understanding awaits the Christian in the kingdom of heaven? Match
the passages listed below with the knowledge they promise.
a.
b.
c.
At present we see an obscure image in a mirror, but then we will see face to face. At present I know
things partially; but then I will know fully, just as I am fully known. (1 Corinthians 13:12) The Christian
shall finally receive a full measure of understanding with regard to___
You will be consoled … for you will know that I have done nothing … without just cause, declares the
Lord Jehovah. (Ezekiel 14:23) The Christian shall finally receive a full measure of understanding with
regard to___
On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. (John 14:20) The
Christian shall finally receive a full measure of understanding with regard to ___
1. the mysteries of God
2. his relationship with God
3. the judgments of God
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LESSON SIX: E XODUS 18:13-20:26
The student should prepare for his study by asking the Holy Spirit to enlighten his mind and open his heart to
receive not only the teaching of Scripture but Christ Himself as He is presented in the Sc riptures.
Assignments:
1. Bible Study: The student will explore 3 portions of the Book of Exodus, guided by an expositional commentary
on the text. The student will then answers the questions found at the end of the expository notes.
2. Writing Your Essay: The student should continue work on his 8-10 page essay for Bachelor's credit or 15-20
page essay for Master's credit. (See under Syllabus, "Description of Assignments," #3. The student is also
referred to the "Guidelines for Writing an Essay," provided by the facilitator.)
Note: All Scripture texts will appear in Chalkboard font; all extended quotations from other authors will
appear in Rockwell font.
MINISTRY IS NOT A ONE MAN JOB
EXODUS 18:13-27
18 13The next day Moses took his seat to serve as judge for the people, and they stood around him from
morning until evening. 14When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he said, “What
is this you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as judge, while all the people stand around you from
morning until evening?” 15Moses answered his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to know God’s
will. 16Whenever they have a dispute, they come to me, and I judge between a man and his neighbor and I
inform them of God’s statutes and laws.” 17Then Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “What you are doing is not
good. 18You will surely wear yourself out, both you and the people who come to you. The work is too much for
you; you cannot do it by yourself alone. 19Listen to me and I will give you advice, and may God be with you. You
be the peoples’ representative before God and bring their disputes to God. 20Teach them the statutes and the
laws and show them the way in which they are to walk and the duties they are to perform. 21Furthermore,
select capable men from among the people—men who fear God, men of integrity, men who hate dishonest
gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, officials over hundreds, officials over fifties, and
officials over tens. 22Have them serve as judges for the people at all times; let them bring every difficult case
to you, but let them decide every small matter by themselves. In this way it will be easier for you, and they will
bear the burden with you. 23If you do this and God so commands you, you will be able to endure, and all these
people will go to their homes satisfied.” 24Moses listened to his father-in-law and did all that he said. 25So
Moses chose capable men from all Israel and appointed them as leaders over the people, officials over
103
thousands, officials over hundreds, officials over fifties, and officials over tens. 26They served as judges for
the people at all times. The difficult cases they brought to Moses, but every small matter they decided by
themselves. 27Moses let his father-in-law depart, and he went back to his own country.
THEME: We must appreciate the fact that ministry in God’s church is more than any one man can perform alone.
PURPOSE: To inform the students that, because of the magnitude of the task of ministering to God’s church, we must
recognize the need for delegation and our own personal involvement.
OUTLINE: I. Recognize the Role Assigned to the Pastor (18:19-21)
II. Recognize the Role Assigned to You (18:20)
Introduction
1.
Even a great general like George S. Patton knew that he could not do it alone. He needed help. He needed to
delegate duties. He needed to utilize the talents and skills of others.
2.
When Patton was a cadet at the West Point Military Academy his instructor once gave the class this assignment:
without the use of a ladder, measure the length of the flag pole located in the courtyard.
3.
The students had one week to work on this baffling assignment and then report back to class with their answers.
4.
Measure the length of the flagpole without using a ladder. How would you go about solving this problem?
5.
The cadets in Patton’s class made a valiant attempt to solve the problem posed by their instructor:
a.
one suggested measuring the shadow cast by the pole at a given hour of the day
b.
another suggested measuring the height of the flag, pulling the flag up the pole in increments equal to the
height of the flag, and then counting the number of increments and multiplying them by the height of the
flag
c.
yet another suggested climbing a nearby tree until you were parallel to the top of the flag pole and then
measuring the height to which you climbed.
6.
When the cadets assembled for class the next week they submitted their answers to the instructor.
7.
After reviewing all the various solutions offered by the cadets assembled before him, he announced that Cadet
George S. Patton had the answer for which he was looking.
8.
In answer to the question, How would you measure the length of the flag pole without using a ladder? Patton had
written one brief sentence: I would order the master sergeant to find somebody capable of doing it.
9.
That was the correct answer because it understood the point being made by the instructor: even the greatest of
officers does not have the time or the ability to do everything, he must recognize the importance of delegating
responsibilities to others.
10. This is the very lesson Moses needed to learn and of which we need to be reminded: the ministry of God’s church
is more than any one man can handle alone.
11. Because of the magnitude of the task of ministering to God’s church, you must recognize the need for delegation
and personal involvement.
I. Recognize the Role Assigned to the Pastor (18:19-21)
1.
Consider what Moses was doing: each day he sat to judge the people, and the people stood around Moses from
morning to evening (verse 13)
2.
Now listen to Jethro’s analysis of this situation:
a.
addressing Moses, he asks, “Why do you alone sit as judge, while all the people stand around you
from morning until evening?” (verse 14)
b.
his evaluation of the situation is this, “What you are doing is not good.” (verse 17)
104

c.
Jethro goes on the explain, “You will surely wear yourself out, both you and the people who come
to you. The work is too much for you; you cannot do it by yourself alone.” (verse 18)

3.
it may appear to be a noble and heroic effort on the part of Moses to personally minister to all the
people of Israel as they had need, but Jethro defines it as not good
both Moses and the people would eventually suffer “burn out” if he were to continue ministering as
he is presently doing
Now consider Jethro’s counsel to Moses (i.e., the job description he outlines for Moses):
a.
You be the peoples’ representative before God and bring their disputes to God. (verse 19)

Jethro is recommending a ministry of prayer, intercession, and seeking the wisdom of God

note the ministry of Samuel:
Then Samuel said, “Assemble all Israel at Mizpah and I will intercede with Jehovah for you.”
(1 Samuel 7:5)
“As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against Jehovah by failing to pray for you.
And I will instruct you in the way that is good and right.” (1 Samuel 12:23)
b.
Teach them the statutes and the laws … (verse 20a)

this is the same two-fold pattern of ministry (prayer and Bible teaching) that was implemented by
the apostles to set the precedent for the New Testament church (cp. Acts 6:2-4)
So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to
neglect the ministry of the word of God …6we will give our attention to prayer and the
ministry of the word.” (Acts 6:2-4)

consider the apostle Paul’s counsel to Timothy:
…devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching…. 15Be
diligent in these matters, give yourself wholly to them... (1Timothy 4:13,15)
Do your best to present yourself to God as one who is approved, a workman who does not
need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)

note the apostle Paul’s teaching concerning one very important function of the pastor/teacher
(Ephesians 4:14-15)
…the Lord gave pastors and teachers in order that we should no longer be children, being
tossed back and forth and being blown about by every wind of doctrine by the cunning of
men working in craftiness for the deceit inherent in error. 15But by practicing the truth in
love, with regard to all things let us grow up in him, the one who is the head, that is, Christ
(Ephesians 4:14-15), the Lord’s intention is that we become more Christ-like in every area of our
life, and this happens as the Word of God is ministered to us by our pastors and teachers and put
into practice by us
c.
…show them the way in which they are to walk and the duties they are to perform. (verse 20b)

Moses, as the leader of God’s people, must be an example and model for the people (cp. 1 Timothy
4:12)
… set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity. (1Timothy
4:12)
d.
Furthermore, select capable men from among the people…and appoint them as officials (verse 21)

Jethro counsels Moses to delegate responsibility to able men who will assist him in the ministry
105

Jethro is speaking of competent men whom he defines as men who fear God, men of integrity,
men who hate dishonest gain—i.e.; men of principle and integrity

consider the biblical requirements for church officers as they are presented in 1 Timothy 3:2-7 and
Titus 1:6-9
Now the overseer (or, elder) must be above reproach, the husband of only one wife,
temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3not one who drinks too
much wine, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4He must manage
his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. 5(If anyone does
not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) 6He must
not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as
the devil. 7He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into
disgrace and into the devil’s trap. (1 Timothy 3:2-7)
An elder must be blameless, the husband of only one wife, a man whose children believe and
are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. 7Since an overseer is entrusted
with God’s work, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not one who
drinks too much wine, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain; 8rather, he must be
hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.
9
He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can
encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. (Titus 1:6-9)
4.
Recognize the biblical role assigned to the pastor:

the special emphasis on prayer and the ministry of the Word of God

the importance of being an example

the need to delegate the responsibilities of ministry to able men who will assist him
II. Recognize the Role Assigned to You (18:20)
Jethro instructs Moses, Show the people the way in which they are to walk and the duties they are to
perform. (verse 20c).
1.
2.

i.e., the people of Israel were to take an active part in the worship and service of God, they had their
own duties of ministry to perform

they were not to merely be consumers of a religious service or ministry, they were to actively engage in
worship and service to God, and so must each of us…
Consider what the apostle Paul says about the function of the pastor/teacher and how it relates to those who
are the recipients of that ministry (Ephesians 4:11-12)
…the Lord gave some to be … pastors and teachers 12to prepare the saints for the work of ministry
for the purpose of building up the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-12)
a.
one of the tasks of the pastor is to prepare the saints (i.e., the people of God) for active service to Christ
and to one another

the Greek word translated “prepare” (katartivzw) is used in Matthew 4:21 to describe the
fishermen’s work of restoring their nets, preparing those nets for useful work

thus one of the key tasks of the pastor/teacher is to prepare the people of God for useful work in
the church of Christ and for the sake of Christ

by way of illustration: as a Christian layman you must not view yourself as a tourist on a luxury liner,
lying on the deck in a lounge chair, absorbing the crew’s professional service and enjoying the
cruise; …on the contrary, your must see yourself as a navy pilot aboard an aircraft carrier, being
equipped by the ship’s crew for your next mission.
106
b.
the service for which the pastor/teacher must prepare the people of God is defined as the work of
ministry (the Greek word translated ministry, diakoniva, means humble service to others, the type of
service performed by a servant)

thus, by means of the pastor/teacher’s ministry, the people of God are being prepared to be more
like the Lord Jesus Himself:
…whoever desires to be first among you must be your servant, 28just as the Son of Man did
not come to be served (diakonevw), but to serve (diakonevw), and to give his life as a ransom
for many. (Matthew 20:27-28)

we are to especially perform works of service towards our fellow Christians:
You were called for freedom, brothers, only do not use this freedom as an opportunity for
the sinful nature to express itself; rather, serve one another with love (Galatians 5:13)
3.
4.
As biblically defined, the pastor/teacher’s task is to prepare you for active service

example: you come to the pastor for counseling with a heavy burden and the pastor is able to relieve you
of that burden; …not so you can get on with the living of your own self-centered life, but rather so that
you can get on with the work of ministering to others more effectively

whenever you are exposed to the pastor’s ministry of the Word of God, one question you might
prayerfully ask is: How will this help me to more effectively engage in active service for Christ and to His
people?
One very effective way you can carry on your ministry of service is by the use of your spiritual gift(s):
a.
each individual Christian has received at least one or more spiritual gifts for the benefit of the whole
body (cp. 1 Corinthians 12:7)
Now there is a variety of gifts, but it is the same Spirit who gives all of them. 5And there is a
variety of ministries, but it is the same Lord who appoints all of them… 7Now the manifestation
of the Spirit is given to each one for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:4-5,7)
b.
as you use your spiritual gift you will actually be ministering a portion of the multi-faceted grace of God
(cp. 1 Peter 4:10)
Just as each one has received a spiritual gift, so use it, ministering to each other as good
stewards the manifold grace of God. (1 Peter 4:10)
c.
as you use your spiritual gift your Christian life will not only become more profitable, but also more
exciting as you become involved in the work of Christ and see Him using you
d.
familiarize yourself with the various spiritual gifts (see the passages below), seek to discover your gift,
and put it to use for the glory of Christ
We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him
use it in proportion to his faith. 7If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8if
it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let
him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do so cheerfully. (Romans 12:6-8)
…to one there is given by the Spirit a word of wisdom, and to another there is given a word of
knowledge through the same Spirit; 9to yet another there is given the gift of faith by the same
Spirit, to another there is given gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10to another there is given the
ability to perform works of power, to another there is given the gift of prophecy, to another
there is given the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another there is given the ability to
speak in different languages, to another there is given the ability to interpret languages. (1
Corinthians 12:8-10)
5.
Recognize the role assigned to you: there is spiritual work for you to do, work that requires the use of your
service and the use of your spiritual gifts.
Conclusion
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1.
This is the message to us from Exodus 18:13-27: Because of the magnitude of the task of ministering to God’s
church, we must appreciate the need for delegation and personal involvement.
2.
When the New Testament apostles implemented the very counsel Jethro gave Moses (namely, that Moses should
concentrate on prayer and the ministry of the Word as first priority and delegate responsibility to others), look at
the result:
So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly… (Acts 6:7)
3.
Our attitudes and outlook should not be to maintain the status quo, but to advance the kingdom of Christ—among
ourselves in terms of spiritual growth, and in the community in terms of evangelism
4. The best way for us to get the job done is for each one of us to concentrate on our Godgiven responsibilities and so do our part faithfully.
Questions on Exodus 18:13-27
1. What was Moses doing each day and what does Jethro say about this? See Exodus 18:13-14,17-18 (printed below)
The next day Moses took his seat to serve as judge for the people, and they stood around him from morning
until evening. (14) When Moses' father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he said, What is this
you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as judge, while all the people stand around you from
morning until evening? ...(17) Then Moses' father-in-law said to him, What you are doing is not good. (18) You
will surely wear yourself out, both you and the people who come to you. The work is too much for you; you
cannot do it by yourself alone. (Exodus 18:13-14,17-18)
2. What counsel does Jethro give Moses? See Exodus 18:19-20 (printed below)
Listen to me and I will give you advice, and may God be with you. You be the peoples' representative before
God and bring their disputes to God. (20) Teach them the statutes and the laws and show them the way in
which they are to walk and the duties they are to perform. (Exodus 18:19-20)
3. What further counsel does Jethro offer Moses in Exodus 18:21-22 (printed below?)
Furthermore, select capable men from among the people—men who fear God, men of integrity, men who hate
dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, officials over hundreds, officials over fifties,
and officials over tens. (22) Have them serve as judges for the people at all times; let them bring every difficult
case to you, but let them decide every small matter by themselves. In this way it will be easier for you, and they
will bear the burden with you. (Exodus 18:21-22)
4. According to Exodus 18:20 (printed below), besides being an example for the people (showing them the way in which
they are to walk), what else is Moses to do with regard to the people?
Teach them the statutes and the laws and show them the way in which they are to walk and the duties they
are to perform. (Exodus 18:20)
5. How does Jethro's counsel (found in Exodus 18:20 printed above under question #4) apply to the present day (New
Testament era) pastor and congregation? Consider Ephesians 4:11-12 (printed below)
...the Lord gave some to be ... pastors and teachers (12) to prepare the saints for the work of ministry for the
purpose of building up the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-12)
6. Why does Jethro say it is not good for Moses to minister to the whole nation of Israel by himself?
a.
It is not good because Moses is not competent to deal with the wide variety of issues that arise.
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b.
c.
It is not good because the work is too overwhelming for one man and Moses will wear himself out.
It is not good because Moses is acting arrogantly by retaining all the leadership responsibilities for
himself.
7. Match the passages listed below with the counsel that was offered to Moses and that is profitable for present day
pastors as well.
a.
b.
c.
d.
You be the peoples’ representative before God and bring their disputes to God. (Exodus 18:19) ___
Teach them the statutes and the laws … (Exodus18:20a) ___
…show them the way in which they are to walk…. (Exodus 18:20b) ___
Select capable men from among the people…and appoint them as officials (Exodus 18:21) ___
1.
2.
3.
4.
Moses is counseled to
Moses is counseled to
Moses is counseled to
Moses is counseled to
be an example for the people
carry on a ministry of prayer
delegate responsibility
carry on a ministry of the Word
8. What are the characteristics of the men Moses should select to assist him in his ministry to the people of Israel?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
They
They
They
They
They
should be
should be
should be
should be
should be
men who possess wealth and influence.
men who fear God.
men of integrity.
men who are dynamic and have achieved success in the world.
men who possess competent leadership skills.
9. The people of Israel were not to merely be consumers of a religious service or ministry; they were to actively engage
in worship and service to God. The same is true of the people of God today. True or False
10. According to the commentary, what will happen when the individual Christian uses his/her spiritual gift?
a.
b.
c.
d.
By using their spiritual gift they will actually be ministering a portion of the multi-faceted grace of God.
By using their spiritual gift they will gain a greater assurance of their salvation as they earn merit that
will be valuable to them on the Judgment Day.
By using their spiritual gift they will become useful to Christ as profitable, productive servants in His
hands.
By using their spiritual gift they will become more excited as they become actively involved in the work
of Christ and see Him using them.
HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW YOUR GOD?
EXODUS 19:1-20:21
19 In the third month after the children of Israel came out of Egypt—on that very day—they came into the
wilderness of Sinai. 2After they left Rephidim, they came to the wilderness of Sinai, and Israel camped there
in the wilderness in front of the mountain. 3Then Moses went up to God, and Jehovah called to him from the
mountain and said, “This is what you are to say to the house of Jacob and tell the children of Israel: 4You
have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. 5Now
therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, then out of all the nations you shall be my
treasured possession, even though the whole earth is mine. 6You will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy
nation. These are the words that you shall speak to the children of Israel.” 7So Moses came back and called
the elders of the people and set before them all these words that Jehovah had commanded him to speak. 8All
the people responded together, “All that Jehovah has spoken, we will do.” Then Moses reported the peoples’
reply to Jehovah.
9
Jehovah said to Moses, “I am going to come to you in a dense cloud, so that the people will hear me
speaking with you and always put their trust in you.” Then Moses told Jehovah what the people had said.
10
Jehovah said to Moses, “Go back to the people and sanctify them today and tomorrow. Have them wash
their clothes 11and be ready by the third day, because on the third day Jehovah will come down upon Mount
Sinai in the sight of all the people. 12You must set boundaries for the people all around the mountain and tell
them, Be careful that you do not go up the mountain or even touch the foot of it. Whoever touches the
mountain shall surely be put to death. 13No hand is to be laid on him, but he shall surely be stoned or shot with
arrows. Whether man or beast, he shall not be permitted to live. Only when the ram’s horn sounds a long blast
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may they ascend the mountain.” 14Then Moses went back down the mountain to the people and sanctified
them; and they washed their clothes. 15Then he said to the people, “Prepare yourselves for the third day.
Abstain from sexual relations.”
16
Then on the third day, when morning dawned, there was thunder and lightning, and a dense cloud was
over the mountain, and there was a very loud trumpet blast. All the people who were in the camp trembled.
17
Then Moses led the people out of the camp to meet God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain.
18
Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because Jehovah descended upon it in fire. The smoke billowed up
like smoke from a furnace and the whole mountain trembled violently. 19When the sound of the trumpet grew
louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him with a voice. 20Jehovah came down upon Mount
Sinai, to the top of the mountain, and Jehovah called Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up.
21
Then Jehovah said to Moses, “Go down and warn the people so that they do not break through the barriers
to gaze at Jehovah and many of them perish. 22Even the priests, who routinely approach Jehovah, must
sanctify themselves, or else Jehovah will break out against them.” 23Moses said to Jehovah, “The people
cannot ascend Mount Sinai, because you gave us a command, saying, “Set boundaries around the mountain
and thereby sanctify it.” 24Then Jehovah said to him, “Go down, then you shall come back up, bringing Aaron
with you. But do not let the priests and the people break through the barriers to come up to Jehovah, or else
he will break out against them.” 25So Moses went down to the people and told them.
20 And God spoke all these words: 2I am Jehovah your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of
the house of bondage. 3You shall have no other gods besides me. 4You shall not make for yourself a carved
image, nor any replica of anything that is in heaven above or that is on the earth beneath or that is in the
water below the earth. 5You shall not bow down to them or serve them; for I, Jehovah your God, am a jealous
God, punishing the children for the iniquities of the fathers to the third and the fourth generation of those
who hate me, 6but showing lovingkindness to thousands of generations of those who love me and keep my
commandments. 7You shall not misuse the name of Jehovah your God; for Jehovah will not regard anyone who
misuses his name as being guiltless. 8Remember the Sabbath day, remember to keep it holy. 9Six days you shall
labor and do all your work; 10but the seventh day is a Sabbath dedicated to Jehovah your God. On that day
you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female
servant, nor your cattle, nor the sojourner who is staying within your gates; 11for in six days Jehovah made
heaven and earth, the sea, and all that they contain, and he rested on the seventh day. Therefore, Jehovah
blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.
12
Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live a long life in the land Jehovah your God has
given you. 13You shall not murder. 14You shall not commit adultery. 15You shall not steal. 16You shall not give
false testimony against your neighbor. 17You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your
neighbor’s wife, or his male servant or his female servant, or his ox or his donkey, or anything that belongs to
your neighbor.”
18
When all the people witnessed the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain
covered with smoke, they trembled with fear and stood at a distance. 19They said to Moses, “You speak to us
and we will listen. But do not let God speak to us or we will die.” 20Moses said to the people, “Do not be
afraid. God has come to test you, in order that the fear of him may be always before you, so that you will not
sin.” 21The people stood at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness where God was.
THEME: If we are to have a true covenant relationship with Him, it is necessary that we appreciate both the
lovingkindness of the Lord as well as His awesome sacredness.
PURPOSE: To inform the students that, because He desires to be your God and receive you as one of His people, the
Lord reveals to you the fullness of His identity.
OUTLINE: I. To Have a True Relationship with the Lord,
…You Must Appreciate His Love for You (19:3-6)
II. To Have a True Relationship with the Lord,
…You Must Reverence His Sacredness (19:7-20:21)
Introduction
1.
For a few moments this morning, I want to address the ladies, in particular, the single ladies.
2.
Let us suppose that you are going to visit one of your girlfriends who lives in Florida.
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3.
You go to the Milwaukee airport, purchase a ticket, and board the plane for Tampa.
4.
You settle into your seat next to the window and prepare for the flight.
5.
As the other passengers board the plane, you happen to notice among them one in particular: he is a tall and
strikingly handsome stranger.
6.
As this stranger makes his way down the aisle, you just happen to notice that he has wavy dark hair, big brown
eyes, and an athletic build.
7.
When the stranger gets to your row of seats he stops, checks his ticket, and proceeds to secure his carry-on
luggage in the overhead compartment. As he does so, you just happen to notice that he is not wearing a wedding
ring.
8.
The stranger takes his seat next to you and prepares for the flight. You just happen to notice that he has on your
favorite masculine cologne.
9.
With the roar of the engines your plane races down the runway, you are thrust back in your seat and you lift off of
the ground; you climb into the sky and soon are above the clouds.
10. The seat belt sign goes off, you relax, and the handsome stranger, turning to you, inquires, “Will you marry me?”
11. Taken aback, you blurt out, “No! …But I’ll sure consider it!”
12. When you regain your composure, you explain that you can’t commit yourself to a stranger; you need to learn
much more about him before you can seriously consider his proposal.
13. Is he a Christian? What are his interests? What are his goals in life? Would he like to have a family? Can you trust
him to be faithful to you and provide for you? What is he looking for in a wife?
14. Before your flight is over, you discover that this handsome stranger is from Milwaukee and that upon your return
to Wisconsin he would like to take you out to dinner and tell you all about himself.
15. That sounds great to you; after all, if you are going to develop a relationship with this man it is necessary for you
to really get to know him.
16. In the same way, if you are to have a true covenant relationship with God, it is necessary for you to really know
Him: to appreciate both His lovingkindness as well as His awesome sacredness.
17. Because He desires to be your God and receive you as one of His people, the Lord reveals to you the fullness of His
identity.
I. To Have a True Relationship with the Lord,
…You Must Appreciate His Love for You (19:3-6)
1.
The Lord has brought Israel out of Egypt and down into the wilderness of Sinai, removed from the main stream
of life, out in a desolate region, so that He might make His “proposal of marriage:” it is here that He invites
Israel to enter into covenant with Him
a.
illustration: when a young man proposes marriage to the girl he loves, he arranges for them to be alone
in a quiet place apart from the distractions of the everyday world; …he may choose a quiet little
restaurant, or a deserted stretch of beach, or a scenic hilltop; …the Lord chose the wilderness of Sinai
Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the wilderness and speak tenderly to
her. …15There she will respond as in the days of her youth, as in the days when she came up out
of Egypt. (Hosea 2:14-15), in the days of Hosea the Lord intended to woo Israel just as He had back at
the time when He brought her out of Egypt
b.
the Lord Jesus Christ desires to call you away from the mainstream of life, with it’s frantic pace of work
and recreation, to a quiet, solitary state of heart where He can gain your undivided attention and
propose to you, (or, renew with you) His covenant.

2.
sometimes the most effective way of gaining the attention of your heart is to bring you into “a
wilderness experience” rather than “a vacation get away”
Here in the isolated place of the wilderness of Sinai, the Lord reminds Israel of what He has done for them
(verse 4):
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a.
b.
You have seen what I did to the Egyptians…

the devastating plagues, the collapsing of the Red Sea upon the pursuing Egyptian army: here was
the exertion of Christ’s almighty power to redeem His people from the tyranny of Egypt and it’s gods

the greatest exertion of Christ’s almighty power to redeem us was accomplished at Calvary: there
the Lord Jesus withstood the full force of temptation and endured the full weight of the awesome
justice of God to redeem us from the tyranny of the devil and reconcile us to God His Father
…and how I carried you on eagles’ wings…

here is a picture of the Lord’s tender compassion: the eagle watches over it’s young by flying under
them when it leads them from the nest, so that they will not fall upon the rocks below
(Commentaries on the Old Testament, The Pentateuch, Vol.2, Keil and Delitzsch, p.96)
There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, who rides on the heavens to help you and on the
clouds in his majesty. 27The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting
arms. …(Deuteronomy 33:26-27a)
This is how God showed his love toward us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that
we might live through him. 10This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and
sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. (1 John 4:9-10)
…when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7Very rarely will anyone die for a
righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8But God
demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us
(Romans 5:6-8)
c.
…and brought you to myself.

the Lord’s whole purpose was to receive them and have them as His own treasured possession (note
Ephesians 1:11-14)
Furthermore, we were allotted to him, (having been predestined in accordance with the
purpose of him who causes all things to work for the sake of his own plan), 12in order that
we, who previously hoped in Christ, should be for the praise of his glory. 13You also were
allotted to him—having heard the word of truth, that is, the gospel by which you are saved,
and having believed in it, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. 14He is a “deposit”
guaranteeing our inheritance, until the redemption of God’s possession, to the praise of his
glory. (Ephesians 1:11-14), believing Jews and believing Gentiles together have been “allotted” to
be God’s own possession, and at present have been “sealed,” or, reserved, by the Holy Spirit until
the Lord comes to claim us as His own and take us into the fullness of His divine fellowship
3.
The Lord not only reminds Israel of what He has done for them, but also reveals the plan He has for them
(verse 6):
a.
You will be for me a kingdom of priests…

b.
His divine purpose is not only that they be His subjects over whom He exercises His benevolent reign
and bestows His divine protection; but also that they be His own personal servants (priests) who
have the privilege of ministering to the Almighty, offering to Him the sacrifices of worship, praise,
and devotion.
…and a holy nation.

a people who are sacred: set apart for God and set apart to be like God Himself, in truth and purity
and righteousness (note1 Peter 2:9-10a)
…you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people appointed to be God’s
own possession, so that you might display the virtues of him who called you out of darkness
into his marvelous light. 10Formerly you were not a people, but now you are the people of God
(1 Peter 2:9-10a), this is how the apostle Peter defines the church of Jesus Christ
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
God’s great purpose in redemption is this: to have His people become the perfect reflection of His
divine character and the object of His divine love throughout the endless ages of eternity
4.
The Lord has brought Israel out into the wilderness, apart from the bustling world, to propose His marriage
covenant to them, …and in order to encourage their acceptance He reminds them of what He has done for
them and reveals to them the good plan He has for them.
5.
To have a true relationship with the Lord, …you must appreciate His love for you

remember what He has done for you:
…you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that although he was rich, yet for your sakes he
became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. (2 Corinthians 8:9)
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written,
“Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree” (Galatians 3:13)

realize the plan and purpose he has for you:
Father, I desire that those whom you have given me may also be with me where I am, so that they
may see my glory—the glory that you have given me because you loved me before the creation of
the world. (John 17:24)
To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and
sat down with my Father on his throne. (Revelation 3:21)
II. To have a True Relationship with the Lord,
…You Must Reverence His Sacredness (19:7-20:21)
1.
In anticipation of meeting the Lord and entering into covenant with Him, the people must be “sanctified”—
i.e.; purified and consecrated (Exodus 19:10-15)
a.
they had to wash their garments—symbolizing the washing away of their sins and presenting a pure life
unto God (verse 10)
The angel said to me, “These are the ones who have come out of the great tribulation; they have
washed their robes and made them white by the blood of the Lamb.” (Revelation 7:14), a
reference to the redeemed as they appear before the Lord
b.
they were to abstain from sexual relationships—symbolizing a desire to dedicate themselves to the Lord
and become His holy bride (verse 15)
These are the ones who have not defiled themselves with women; they are male virgins. They are
the ones who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. (Revelation 14:4a), a reference to the redeemed
in which their dedication to the Lord Jesus Christ is symbolically represented as a virginity
2.
Furthermore, Moses was commanded to erect a barrier around the base of Mt. Sinai, preventing any living
being from ascending the mount on pain of death (Exodus 19:12-13)

the erecting of the barrier was intended to symbolize the sacredness of the Lord (cp. Exodus 3:4-5;
Isaiah 57:15; Revelation 4:2,6a)
When Jehovah saw that he had come over to look (at the burning bush), God called to him from
within the bush, and said, “Moses, Moses.” And he said, “Here I am.” 5Then he said, “Do not
come near. Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy
ground.” (Exodus 3:4-5)
This is what the high and lofty One—who inhabits eternity, whose name is holy—says, I dwell in
the high and holy place …(Isaiah 57:15a)
Immediately I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven and someone was
sitting upon it. …6Also, extending from before the throne was something like a sea of glass,
clear as crystal. (Revelation 4:2, 6a), the sea of glass extending before the throne of God represents
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both His divine sacredness and separation from His creation (depicted by the expanse of the sea) and His
infinite purity, righteousness and holiness (depicted by the crystal clear depth)
3.
On the morning of the third day, the day appointed for the people to meet God…
…there was thunder and lightning, and a dense cloud was over the mountain, and there was a very
loud trumpet blast. (Exodus 19:16)
Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because Jehovah descended upon it in fire. The smoke
billowed up like smoke from a furnace and the whole mountain trembled violently. (Exodus 19:18)

4.
here was vividly being depicted the awesome majesty of the Lord God the Almighty
When God spoke to the people from the heights of Mt. Sinai He gave to them His holy commandments
(Exodus 20:1-17)

here is the demand that His holy moral character be honored and be reproduced in the lives of His
people
As obedient children, no longer conform to the passions you formerly had when you lived in
ignorance. 15But just as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16because
it is written, “Be holy, because I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:14-16)
5.
When, with trembling, the people request that Moses communicate the Word of God to them, rather than
they being directly exposed to the presence of God, Moses comforts them with these words (Exodus 20:1820):
a.
Do not be afraid. God has come to test you…

b.
i.e., the Lord’s intention is not to destroy you, but rather to determine if you really want a
relationship with Him. …
…in order that the fear of him may be always before you, so that you will not sin.

the Lord desires to instill in His people the grace of godly fear which leads to obedience and
blessing
Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commandments always,
so that it might go well with them and their children forever! (Deuteronomy 5:29)
contrast this with the description of the ungodly given in Romans 3:10,18;
…as it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one;… 18There is no fear of God before
their eyes. (Romans 3:10, 18)

together with the grace of devoted love for Him, the Lord employs the grace of godly fear to bind
us to Himself
They shall be my people, and I will be their God. 39I will give them singleness of heart and
action, so that they will always fear me for their own good and the good of their children
after them. 40I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good to
them, and I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me.
(Jeremiah 32:38-40)
6.
To have a true relationship with the Lord, …you must reverence His awesome sacredness.
…if you call upon the Father who judges impartially according to each one’s work, live your remaining
time on earth in fear, 18knowing that you were redeemed from your futile way of life handed down
from your forefathers—not by perishable things, such as silver or gold, 19but with precious blood, as
of a lamb without blemish or defect, the blood of Christ. (1 Peter 1:17-19)
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…as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him. … 13As a
father has compassion on his children, so Jehovah has compassion on those who fear him. …17… from
everlasting to everlasting Jehovah’s love is with those who fear him…(Psalm 103:11,13,17a)
Conclusion
1.
If you are going to have a true covenantal relationship with God—the kind that lasts for eternity in the kingdom of
heaven—it is necessary for you to really know Him.
2.
Because He desires to be your God and receive you as one of His people, the Lord reveals to you the fullness of His
divine identity.
3.
To have a true and lasting relationship with the Lord…

you must appreciate His love for you; and,

you must reverence His divine sacredness
Questions on Exodus 19:1-20:21
1. Of what does the Lord remind Israel in Exodus 19:3-4 (printed below?)
Then Moses went up to God, and Jehovah called to him from the mountain and said, This is what you are to
say to the house of Jacob and tell the children of Israel: (4) You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and
how I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. (Exodus 19:3-4)
2. What is the Lord's purpose and plan for His people? See Exodus 19:5-6 (printed below)
Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, then out of all the nations you shall be
my treasured possession, even though the whole earth is mine. (6) You will be for me a kingdom of priests and a
holy nation. These are the words that you shall speak to the children of Israel. (Exodus 19:5-6)
3. How must Israel prepare themselves to meet their God? See Exodus 19:9-15 (printed below)
Jehovah said to Moses, I am going to come to you in a dense cloud, so that the people will hear me speaking
with you and always put their trust in you. Then Moses told Jehovah what the people had said. (10) Jehovah
said to Moses, Go back to the people and sanctify them today and tomorrow. Have them wash their clothes
(11) and be ready by the third day, because on the third day Jehovah will come down upon Mount Sinai in the
sight of all the people. (12) You must set boundaries for the people all around the mountain and tell them, Be
careful that you do not go up the mountain or even touch the foot of it. Whoever touches the mountain shall
surely be put to death. (13) No hand is to be laid on him, but he shall surely be stoned or shot with arrows.
Whether man or beast, he shall not be permitted to live. Only when the ram's horn sounds a long blast may
they ascend the mountain. (14) Then Moses went back down the mountain to the people and sanctified them;
and they washed their clothes. (15) Then he said to the people, Prepare yourselves for the third day. Abstain
from sexual relations. (Exodus 19:9-15)
4. Describe the way in which the Lord revealed Himself to His people. See Exodus 19:16-18 (printed below)
Then on the third day, when morning dawned, there was thunder and lightning, and a dense cloud was over
the mountain, and there was a very loud trumpet blast. All the people who were in the camp trembled. (17)
Then Moses led the people out of the camp to meet God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. (18)
Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because Jehovah descended upon it in fire. The smoke billowed up like
smoke from a furnace and the whole mountain trembled violently. (Exodus 19:16-18)
5. When the people tremble in the presence of the Lord God, how does Moses comfort them? See Exodus 20:18-20
(printed below)
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When all the people witnessed the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain
covered with smoke, they trembled with fear and stood at a distance. (19) They said to Moses, You speak to us
and we will listen. But do not let God speak to us or we will die. (20) Moses said to the people, Do not be
afraid. God has come to test you, in order that the fear of him may be always before you, so that you will not
sin. (Exodus 20:18-20)
6. In what ways did the Lord express His love for His people?
a.
b.
c.
d.
He
He
He
He
delivered them from their Egyptian bondage.
ignored their sins and did not expect them to change.
watched over them during their journey through the wilderness.
brought them to Mt. Sinai in order to enter into a covenant with them.
7. The people of Israel are told to prepare to meet their God. Match their acts of preparation with the statements that
explain the spiritual significance of each act.
a.
b.
c.
This act symbolized the cleansing from sin and presenting a pure life to God. ___
This act symbolized a desire to dedicate themselves to the Lord and become His holy bride. ___
This act symbolized the sacredness of the Lord. ___
1. They had to erect a boundary around Mt. Sinai.
2. They had to wash their garments.
3. They had to abstain from sexual relations.
8. When the Lord meets with His people how does He reveal Himself to them?
a.
b.
c.
The Lord descended upon the mountain in fire.
The Lord descended upon Moses in the form of a dove.
The Lord hovered over the mountain in the form of an eagle.
9. Together with the grace of devoted love for Him, the Lord employs the grace of godly fear to bind His people to
Himself. True or False
10. According to this lesson, in order for there to be a true and lasting relationship with the Lord, what is necessary for
us to have?
a.
b.
c.
We need to have an appreciation of His love for us.
We need to have a revelation by which we physically see His majestic splendor.
We need to have a reverence for His divine sacredness.
How to Approach the Lord
Exodus 20:22-26
20 22Then Jehovah said to Moses, “This is what you shall say to the children of Israel: You yourselves have
witnessed that I have spoken to you from heaven. 23You shall not make any other gods to be beside me; you
shall not make for yourselves gods of silver or gods of gold. 24You shall make an altar of earth for me and
sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and your peace offerings—your sheep and your oxen. Wherever I cause my
name to be honored, I will come to you and bless you. 25If you make an altar of stone for me, you shall not
construct it out of hewn stones; for if you use a tool in building it you will defile it. 26And you shall not ascend
my altar by steps, so that your nakedness not be exposed upon it.”
THEME: If we are to approach the Lord in a manner that is worthy of Him and acceptable to Him, we must be aware of
who His is and what He requires.
PURPOSE: To exhort the students to approach the Lord in the way He prescribes, because He is the living God who is
sacred and holy.
OUTLINE: I. When You Approach the Lord,
…You Must Acknowledge that He Alone is God (Exodus 20:22-23)
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II. When You Approach the Lord,
…You Must Acknowledge Your Own Lack of Personal Merit (Exodus 20:24-25)
III. When You Approach the Lord,
…You Must Acknowledge Your Moral Uncleanness (Exodus 20:26)
Introduction
1.
Charles Colson tells of a practice he frequently employed while working for the White House during the Nixon
presidency.
2.
Whenever the president wanted to gain the support of an influential leader, whether it were a leader in business
or education or the church, that particular leader would be invited to the White House.
3.
There he would be greeted by Mr. Colson who would escort him to a luncheon held in the executive dining room.
4.
After lunch he would be treated to a special interview with the president: from the executive dining room Colson
would walk him upstairs to the Oval Office.
5.
Inevitably, the guest would find the visit to be an overwhelming experience.
6.
Colson remarks:
I took all kinds of groups to see the president, from friendly cattlemen to sophisticated educators enraged over
budget cuts or the Vietnam War. It was always the same. In the reception room they would rehearse their angry
lines and reassure one another, “I’ll tell him what’s going on. He’s got to do something.”
When the aide came to escort us in, they’d set their jaws and march toward the door. But once it swung open,
the aide announcing, “The president will see you,” it was as if they had suddenly sniffed some intoxicating
fragrance. Most became almost self-conscious about even stepping on the plush blue carpet on which was
sculpted the Great Seal of the United States. And Mr. Nixon’s voice and presence—like any president’s—filled
the room.
Invariably, the lions of the waiting room became the lambs of the Oval Office. No one ever showed outward
hostility. Most … forgot their best-rehearsed lines. They nodded when the president spoke, and in those rare
instances when they disagreed, they did so apologetically, assuring the president that they personally
respected his opinion. (Kingdoms in Conflict, Charles Colson, pp.306-307).
7.
If this is the way the movers and shakers respond when ushered into the presence of the president, how should we
respond when we enter the presence of the living God?
8.
If we are to approach the Lord in a manner that is worthy of Him, and acceptable to Him, we must be aware of
who He is and what He requires.
9.
Because the Lord is the living God who is sacred and holy, we must approach Him in the way He prescribes.
I. When You Approach the Lord,
…You Must Acknowledge that He Alone is God (Exodus 20:22-23)
1.
The Lord strictly warns His people:
You shall not make any other gods to be beside me; you shall not make for yourselves gods of silver
or gods of gold. (verse 23)
2.
In answer to the question, What is required in the first commandment? the Westminster Shorter Catechism
replies as follows:
The first commandment requires us to know and acknowledge God to be the only true God, and our God,
and to worship and glorify Him accordingly.
3.
Consider the apostle Paul’s testimony in 1 Corinthians 8:4-6;
a.
We know that a worldly idol is nothing (1 Corinthians 8:4), i.e.; there is no idol in all the world that
has any substance or life
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
note God’s description of the idols:
But their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. 5They have mouths, but cannot
speak, eyes, but they cannot see; 6they have ears, but cannot hear, noses, but they cannot
smell; 7they have hands, but cannot feel, feet, but they cannot walk; nor can they utter a
sound from their throats. (Psalm 115:4-7)

note God’s challenge to the idols:
Present your case, demands Jehovah; produce your compelling arguments, declares the King
of Jacob. 22Let them bring forth their idols and let those idols inform us about the future.
Tell us what is about to happen in the immediate future, so that we may consider these
things and take note of their outcome; or make known to us events that will occur in the
distant future. 23Tell us the things that are still to come, so that we may know that you are
gods. Indeed, do good, or do evil, so that all of us may be dismayed and filled with fear.
24
Look! You are nothing, and your works are utterly worthless; whoever chooses you to be
their god is detestable. (Isaiah 41:21-24)
b.
We know that … there is no God except one. (1 Corinthians 8:4), i.e.; the God of heaven who has
revealed Himself in the Bible and in the Person of His Son Jesus Christ
You were shown these things so that you might know that Jehovah is God; besides him there is
no other. 36From heaven he made you hear his voice to discipline you. On earth he showed you his
great fire, and you heard his words from out of the fire. (Deuteronomy 4:35-36), Moses here reminds
Israel of the Lord’s revelation to them at Mount Sinai
c.
In contrast to the so-called gods—whether in heaven or on earth—just as indeed there are many
such gods and many such lords worshipped by the world (1 Corinthians 8:5)…

which in fact are no gods and no lords, but in reality are merely angels who have fallen from the
service of the living God and have become demons (note 1 Corinthians 10:20)
But what I am telling you is that the sacrifices of the Gentiles are being offered to demons,
not to God; and I do not want you to have communion with demons. (1 Corinthians 10:20)
d.
… there is one God—the Father—from whom all things come and for whom we live… (1
Corinthians 8:6)

the Christian knows the true God as the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and subsequently, as our
heavenly Father

the Christian knows the true God as the sovereign Creator of all things (note Romans 11:36)
… from him and through him and unto him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen.
(Romans 11:36)

e.
the Christian knows the true God as the center of our lives and the purpose of our being—consider
the testimony of a Christian man: before my conversion I was self-centered, after my conversion I
became God-centered
… and one Lord—Jesus Christ—by whom all things exist and by whom we live (1 Corinthians 8:6)

the Christian knows that Jesus Christ is the one Lord to whom God the Father has entrusted all
authority (note Ephesians 1:20-22) and before whom all shall finally bow (note Philippians 2:10-11)
the apostle Paul speaks of God the Father raising Jesus from the dead and seating him at his
right hand in the heavenly realms, 21far above every rule and authority and power and
dominion and every title that can be given, not only in this present age but also in the coming
age. 22And he put all things in subjection under his feet, and he appointed him to be head
over all things for the church (Ephesians 1:20-22)
… God exalted him to the highest position and bestowed upon him the name that is above
every name; 10so that before the name Jesus now possesses “every knee should bow”—in
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heaven and on earth and under the earth—11“and every tongue confess” that Jesus Christ is
Lord to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11)

the Christian knows that Jesus Christ is the One through whom the creation was brought into being
(note John 1:3) and by whom the creation is sustained (note Colossians 1:16-17)
All things were made through him; and without him nothing was made that has been made.
(John 1:3)
…by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether
thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 17He is
before all things, and by him all things hold together. (Colossians 1:16-17)

4.
The apostle Paul writes that these truths about God and Christ are the sure knowledge we as Christians
possess, having been revealed to us in God’s own Word and by God’s Holy Spirit.

5.
the Christian knows that his relationship with God has been re-established and is sustained through
the Lord Jesus Christ
this is knowledge that has been lost or rejected by some who still insist on bearing the name of Christ
even though they have denied His truth; consider, for example, the Rev. Cecil Williams who ministers to
San Francisco’s largest congregation, including Jews, Muslims and Buddhists. In spite of, and even in
defiance of, the revealed Word of God, Rev. Williams believes that “diversity and tolerance is essential
to the church’s survival.” (The Sheboygan Press, 1/26/96)
Contrary to the heretical opinion of such as Rev. Williams, and many like him, the God-given truth is this:
When you approach the Lord you must acknowledge that He alone is God.
We know that a worldly idol is nothing, and that there is no God except one. 5Even if there are socalled gods—whether in heaven or on earth—just as indeed there are many such gods and many such
lords; 6nevertheless, for us who have knowledge there is one God—the Father—from whom all things
come and for whom we live, and one Lord—Jesus Christ—by whom all things exist and by whom we
live. (1 Corinthians 8:4-6)
…there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5)
II. When You Approach the Lord,
…You Must Acknowledge Your Own Lack of Personal Merit (Exodus 20:24-25)
1.
In the land of Canaan the Lord would come and reveal Himself to Israel; at those places of revelation the
people were to erect an altar for the Lord.
2.
The altar Israel was to erect on such sites was to be nothing more than a simple mound of earth or a pile of
stones.
3.
The people are forbidden to construct altars of hewn stone; as the Lord declares in verses 25
If you make an altar of stone for me, you shall not construct it out of hewn stones; for if you use a
tool in building it you will defile it (Exodus 20:25)
4.
What is the point of this instruction and prohibition?
a.
The command that Israel was not to contribute to the making of the altar by means of their own
craftsmanship or handiwork is emphasizing the fact that we cannot contribute to our salvation. We must
approach God based solely on what He has done for us.
b.
In terms of New Testament revelation the point of the command is this: a man is received into
fellowship with God based upon the work of the Lord Jesus Christ, not the merits offered by the man
himself (note Titus 3:4-5)
…when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5he saved us, not because of
righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of
rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:4-5)
Not what my hands have done can save my guilty soul;
Not what my toiling flesh has borne can make my spirit whole.
Not what I feel or do can give me peace with God;
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Not all my prayers and sighs and tears can bear my awful load.
Your work alone, O Christ, can ease this weight of sin;
Your blood alone, O Lamb of God, can give me peace within.
Your love to me, O God, not mine, O Lord, to thee,
Can rid me of this dark unrest, and set my spirit free.
Your grace alone, O God, to me can pardon speak;
Your power alone, O Son of God, can this great bondage break.
No other work, but Yours, no other blood will do;
No strength, except that which is divine, can bear me safely through.
(Horatius Bonar)
5.
Consider some common attempts made by men in their effort to approach the Lord based on their own
supposed merit:
a.
men seek to favorably compare themselves with notorious sinners in an effort to appear just and thus
acceptable before the Lord (note the Pharisee described in Luke 18:9-12)
To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else,
Jesus told this parable: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other
a tax collector. 11The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am
not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12I fast twice
a week and give a tenth of all I get.’” (Luke 18:9-12)

but how well do we compare with Christ the one true model of righteousness? Only the Lord Jesus
can give this testimony concerning His life:
The one who sent me is with me; he has not forsaken me; because I always do the things
that are pleasing to him (John 8:29)
…the prince of the world … finds nothing in me (John 14:30); referring here to the devil, Jesus
declares that the devil has no case that he can bring against Him and no point at which he can
seduce Jesus to sin
b.
men seek to offer unto God acts of religious devotion (note again the Pharisee described in Luke 18:1112)
The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself… 12I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I
get.’” (Luke 18:9-12)

but consider Jesus’ description of what the Lord demands as the expected form of devotion:
Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your
spices—mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the
law—justice, mercy and integrity. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting
the former. (Matthew 23:23)
c.
men seek to redefine the law of God: by seeking to limit the law’s demands merely to acts of
transgression and not to our thoughts and motives

but consider the Lord’s divine interpretation of the law of God:
You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who
murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his
brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ is
answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire
of hell. …27“You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ 28But I tell you that
anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
(Matthew 5:21-22, 27-28)
6.
Contrary to the futile attempts of men to justify themselves before the Lord, the God-given truth is this:
when you approach the Lord you must acknowledge your own lack of personal merit—and trust alone in the
perfect righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ
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
note the testimony of the apostle Paul:
…whatever things were gain to me, these things I now regard as loss on account of Christ. 8But
much more than that, I regard all things as loss on account of the all-surpassing value of the
knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, because of whom I have suffered the loss of all things.
Indeed, I regard all such things as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ, 9and be found in
him—not having my own righteousness which is derived from the law, but that which is through
faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God received by faith (Philippians 3:7-9)
III. When You Approach the Lord,
…You Must Acknowledge Your Moral Uncleanness (Exodus 20:26)
1.
The Lord further forbids the construction of steps ascending up to an elevated altar; the reason: so that
your nakedness not be exposed upon it (verse 26b)
2.
From the time of Adam and Eve’s transgression, nakedness has become associated with the exposure of our
sinful being (cp. Genesis 3:9-10)
Jehovah God called to the man, and asked, Where are you? 10And the man said, I heard your voice
in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; so I hid myself. (Genesis 3:9-10)
3.
a.
nakedness is self-exposure
b.
since the time of mankind’s rebellion in the garden of Eden, our self-exposure has been the exposure
of a sinful being in the presence of a holy God
It is essential that we honestly acknowledge our moral uncleanness; …
a.
b.
but this is something that sinful man refuses to do willingly, consider these examples:

an elderly couple insisted, “We have never sinned.” (as the man uttered these words his whole
body literally trembled as his conscience strained to cry out against him)

a young man could not comprehend how he, “a good person,” could entertain such evil thoughts
and do such wicked things—again, it was a matter of refusing to honestly acknowledge his moral
uncleanness, his sinful human nature
consider David’s testimony inspired by the Holy Spirit:
Surely I have been a sinner from birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. (Psalm
51:5)
…and his prayer:
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10)
c.
consider the testimony of the Lord Jesus:
Jesus called the crowd to him and said, “Listen and understand. 11What goes into a man’s
mouth does not make him ‘unclean,’ but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him
‘unclean’…. 18… the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a
man ‘unclean.’ 19Out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality,
theft, false testimony, slander. 20These are what make a man ‘unclean’…”(Matthew 15:10-11,1820)
4.
We must avail ourselves of the provision offered to us by God: the cleansing blood of the Lord Jesus Christ
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our
sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John
1:8-9)
5.
Contrary to the contemporary emphasis on self-esteem, self-acceptance, and positive self-image, the Godgiven truth is this: when we approach the Lord we must acknowledge our moral uncleanness—and trust in
the perfect provision of Christ the Savior
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Conclusion (continued on next page)
1.
How are we to approach the Lord?
2.
He provides us with these three guidelines:



3.
we must acknowledge that He alone is God
we must acknowledge our own lack of personal merit
we must acknowledge our moral uncleanness
Having rightfully acknowledged these great spiritual truths, we must receive and rest in God’s great provision for
our salvation, the person and work of His own Son, the Lord Jesus Christ
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God,
let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with
our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.
16
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace
to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16)
Questions on Exodus 20:22-26
1. What warning does the Lord give His people in Exodus 20:23 (printed below?) Contrast what the Lord says about
Himself (see Exodus 20:22 printed below) with what He says about the idols (see Psalm 115:4-7 printed below).
You shall not make any other gods to be beside me; you shall not make for yourselves gods of silver or gods of
gold. (Exodus 20:23)
Then Jehovah said to Moses, This is what you shall say to the children of Israel: You yourselves have
witnessed that I have spoken to you from heaven. (Exodus 20:22)
... their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. (5) They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but
they cannot see; (6) they have ears, but they cannot hear, noses, but they cannot smell; (7) they have hands,
but cannot feel, feet, but they cannot walk; nor can they utter a sound from their throats. (Psalm 115:4-7)
2. What kind of altar were the people to make at those places where the Lord revealed Himself? See Exodus 20:24-25
(printed below)
You shall make an altar of earth for me and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and your peace offerings—
your sheep and your oxen. Wherever I cause my name to be honored, I will come to you and bless you. (25) If
you make an altar of stone for me, you shall not construct it out of hewn stones; for if you use a tool in
building it you will defile it. (Exodus 20:24-25)
3. What do you think is the reason for the instructions and prohibition concerning the construction of altars given in
Exodus 20:24-25 (printed above under question #2?)
4. Again with regard to the construction of altars, what does the Lord forbid in Exodus 20:26 (printed below?) Why is
this forbidden?
And you shall not ascend my altar by steps, so that your nakedness not be exposed upon it. (Exodus 20:26)
5. In light of the prohibition given in Exodus 20:26 (printed above under question #4) with regard to the construction of
altars, what must we acknowledge about ourselves before our holy God?
6. The pastor of the largest church in San Francisco, a congregation that includes professing Jews, Muslims and
Buddhists, maintains that “diversity and tolerance are essential to the church’s survival.” In taking such a position this
pastor is in harmony with the biblical teaching as it is found in Exodus 20:22-23 and throughout the rest of the Bible.
True or False
7. Contrast what the Bible teaches about the Lord in distinction to what it teaches about the idols of the world by
completing the sentences listed below.
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a.
b.
c.
The Lord is the true and living God, but according to Psalm 135:15-17 the idols of this world are ___
The Lord made man in His own likeness, but according to Psalm 115:4-7 the idols of the world are ___
When men worship the Lord they are worshipping the true God; but according to 1 Corinthians 10:20
when men worship idols they are ___
1. lifeless
2. worshipping demons
3. made in man’s image
8. According to the commentary, why did the Lord forbid Israel from constructing an altar out of hewn stones?
a.
b.
c.
The Lord wanted them to realize that they could not construct an altar with the perfection that alone is
worthy of Him.
The Lord wanted them to be aware that there would not always be an adequate supply of building
materials available to construct such an altar.
The Lord wanted them to understand that they could only approach Him on the basis of His work of
grace, not on the basis of any human merit.
9. Listed below are some of the ways in which men seek to “construct” their own approach to God. Match the
descriptions with the biblical passages.
a.
b.
c.
The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men—
robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. (Luke 18:11) Men seek to ___
The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself… 12”I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.”
(Luke 18:11-12) Men seek to ___
Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ 28But I tell you that anyone who
looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:21-22, 2728) Men seek to___
1. favorably compare themselves with notorious sinners
2. offer God acts of religious devotion
3. limit the demands of God’s law
10. What lessons are we to learn from the instructions the Lord gave to Israel in Exodus 20:22-26?
a.
b.
c.
d.
When we approach the Lord we must only do so in the proper religious facility, namely, a church or
cathedral.
When we approach the Lord we must acknowledge that He alone is God.
When we approach the Lord we must acknowledge our own lack of personal merit.
When we approach the Lord we must acknowledge our moral uncleanness.
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LESSON SEVEN : EXODUS 23:20-25:9
The student should prepare for his study by asking the Holy Spirit to enlighten his mind and open his heart to
receive not only the teaching of Scripture but Christ Himself as He is presented in the Scriptures.
Assignments:
1. Bible Study: The student will explore 3 portions of the Book of Exodus, guided by an expositional commentary
on the text. The student will then answers the questions found at the end of the expository notes.
2. Writing Your Essay: The student should continue work on his 8 -10 page essay for Bachelor's credit or 15-20
page essay for Master's credit. (See under Syllabus, "Description of Assignments," #3. The student is also
referred to the "Guidelines for Writing an Essay," provided by the facilitator.)
FULFILL YOUR COVENANTAL RESPONSIBILITY
EXODUS 23:20-33
23 20Listen; I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have
prepared. 21Pay attention to him and obey him*; do not provoke him, for he will not pardon your transgression,
because my Name is in him. 22But if you will obey him and do all that I say, then I will be an enemy to your
enemies and an adversary to your adversaries, 23for my angel will go ahead of you and bring you in to the land
of the Amorites and the Hittites and the Perizzites and the Canaanites and the Hivites and the Jebusites,
and I will wipe them out. 24You shall not bow down to their gods or serve them, nor shall you follow the
practices of those people; rather, you shall demolish their idols and break their sacred pillars to pieces. 25You
shall serve Jehovah your God, and he will bless your bread and your water; and I will remove sickness from
your midst. 26None shall miscarry or be barren in your land. I will give you a full life span. 27I will send my terror
ahead of you and will throw into confusion all the people you encounter. I will make all your enemies turn
their backs and run from you. 28I will send “the hornet” ahead of you to drive the Hivites, the Canaanites, and
the Hittites out of your way. 29I will not drive them out of your way in a single year, so that the land does not
become desolate and the wild animals multiply against you. 30Little by little I will drive them out of your way,
until you have increased enough to take possession of the land. 31I will establish your borders from the Red
Sea to the Sea of the Philistines, and from the wilderness to the Euphrates River; for I will deliver the
inhabitants of the land into your hand, and you shall drive them out of your way. 32You shall not make any
covenant with them or with their gods. 33You shall not permit them to live in your land, or else they will cause
you to sin against me; for if you serve their gods, that will certainly be a snare to you.
*Literally, “listen to his voice”
THEME: Our covenantal relationship with the Lord includes both divine benefits as well as personal responsibilities.
PURPOSE: To inform the hearers that we must, by the grace of God, observe our covenantal responsibilities if we
desire to experience the divine benefits and blessings of God’s covenant.
OUTLINE: I. Fulfill Your Covenantal Responsibility,
…by Showing Reverence to Christ
(Exodus 23:20-22)
II. Fulfill Your Covenantal Responsibility,
…by Separating Yourself from the World
(Exodus 23:24-25,31-33)
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III. Fulfil Your Covenantal Responsibility,
…and You Shall Enjoy God’s Blessing
(Exodus 23:22-31)
Introduction
1.
Dr. Robertson McQuilkin was the president of Columbia Bible College, Columbia, South Carolina
2.
One day he spoke in chapel, and to the surprise of all, he announced his resignation from the presidency of the
school.
3.
Why was Dr. McQuilken resigning? Was it another scandal? A misuse of college funds? A matter of marital
unfaithfulness?
4.
No. Quite to the contrary, Dr. McQuilkin was resigning his position in order to better fulfill his marital
obligations—his covenantal responsibility to his wife.
5.
His wife had Alzheimer’s disease, and Dr. McQuilkin was resigning his college presidency in order to better care
for her.
6.
In his chapel message that morning he said,
In a way, this decision was made 42 years ago when I promised to care for Muriel “in sickness and in health till
death do us part.”
As a man of my word, integrity has something to do with it. But so does fairness. Muriel has cared for me fully
and sacrificially all these years. If I cared for her the next 40 years, I would not be out of debt.
Duty, however, can be grim and stoic—there is more: I love Muriel. She is a delight to me.
7.
Commenting on this testimony made by Dr. McQuilkin, a Christian writer remarked,
Such beautiful Christ-like love didn’t just happen. It comes from the inner resolve of a husband who determined
42 years before to live under the authority of God’s directives. (Power, 12/5/93, p.8). Here was a husband who
determined to fulfill his covenantal responsibility.
8.
As the Lord enters into covenant with the people of Israel at Mt. Sinai, He requires their commitment to Him in
return, even as He commits Himself to them.
9.
When you make a profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ you are entering into a divine covenant with the Lord
your God, …and He requires you to fulfill your covenantal responsibility.
10. If you want to experience the divine benefits of the covenant, you must, by God’s grace, be true to your
covenantal responsibility.
I. Fulfill Your Covenantal Responsibility,
…by Showing Reverence to Christ (Exodus 23:20-22)
1.
2.
The Lord declares, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to
the place I have prepared. (verse 20)
a.
this angel would serve to guide the people of Israel through their wilderness journey until He had finally
brought them into the Promised Land of Canaan
b.
this angel was no mere angel, He was the Angel of the Lord, an Old Testament manifestation of Christ
Himself—note that the Lord declares, My Name is in Him (verse 21)
Because this angel has been sent by God, and is in fact Christ the Lord, the people are instructed and warned
to…
a.
Pay attention to him…

the people of Israel were to reverently listen to the word of God as it was communicated by the
Angel of the Lord
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
likewise, we as Christians must not be like king Jehoiakim, a man who disregarded the Word of God
and treated it with contempt (Jeremiah 36:22-24)
It was the ninth month and the king was sitting in the winter apartment, with a fire burning
in the firepot in front of him. 23Whenever Jehudi had read three or four columns of the
scroll (the portion of Scripture the Lord had commanded Jeremiah to write and present to the king),
the king cut them off with a scribe’s knife and threw them into the firepot, until the entire
scroll was burned in the fire. 24The king and all his attendants who heard all these words
showed no fear, nor did they tear their clothes. (Jeremiah 36:22-24)
b.

…rather, may we be like the Psalmist as he testifies, Rulers persecute me without cause, but my
heart trembles at your word. (Psalm 119:161)

let us take careful note of the Lord’s own testimony:
This is what Jehovah says, …2…this is the man I will regard, namely, he who is humble and
who has a contrite spirit, he who trembles at my word. (Isaiah 66:1-2)
…and obey him…

the people of Israel were to put into practice what they learned from the Angel of the Lord and
faithfully follow Him

likewise, we as Christians must put into practice what the Word of God teaches us (cp. James 1:22)
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. (James 1:22)
c.
…do not provoke Him

the people of Israel were not to be rebellious against the Angel of the Lord

likewise, we as Christians must not defiantly resist and rebel against Christ’s lordship over our lives
(note 1 Samuel 15:23 and Psalm 2:2,4-5,11-12)
…rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. (1 Samuel 15:23)
The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against Jehovah
…4The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. 5Then he rebukes them in
his anger and terrifies them in his wrath…11Serve Jehovah with fear and rejoice with
trembling. 12Kiss the Son, or else he will be angry and you will be destroyed in your way, for his
wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him. (Psalm 2:2,4-5,11-12)
3.
The reason the people are warned to obey Christ and not provoke Him is due to the fact that he will not
pardon your transgression (verse 21)

transgression has the meaning of willful, stubborn, determined and defiant disobedience without
repentance—it is refusal to yield to Christ’s lordship over your life, and this is something which Christ will
not tolerate (note Luke 19:27, a passage in which, by means of a parable, the Lord Jesus expresses His
attitude towards defiance against His divine lordship)
…those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them—bring them here and kill
them in front of me. (Luke 19:27)
4.
But if you listen to Him and obey Him, then, declares the Lord, I will be an enemy to your enemies (verse 22)

if you defy Christ, you make the Lord God your Adversary
Do you not know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to
be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. (James 4:4)

if you submit to Christ, you will have the Lord God as your Defender
May Jehovah answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect
you. 2May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion. (Psalm 20:1-2)
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God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)
5.
Fulfill your covenantal responsibility, …by showing reverence to Christ.
Jehovah of hosts, him you must sanctify; he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to
dread—14and he will be a sanctuary for you. (Isaiah 8:13-14a)
II. Fulfill Your Covenantal Responsibility,
…By Separating Yourself from the World (Exodus 23:24-25,31-33)
1.
The Lord instructs Israel that when they enter the land of Canaan, You shall not bow down to their gods
or serve them, nor shall you follow the practices of those people (verse 24)

we gain some understanding of what the pagan Canaanite culture entailed when we consider 2 Kings
21:1-9, 16-17, a passage which describes how the ungodly Israelite king, Manasseh, followed the
detestable practices of the nations that inhabited the land of Canaan:
Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-five
years. His mother’s name was Hephzibah. 2He did evil in the eyes of Jehovah, following the
detestable practices of the nations Jehovah had driven out before the Israelites. 3He rebuilt
the high places his father Hezekiah had destroyed; he also erected altars to Baal and made an
Asherah pole, as Ahab king of Israel had done. He bowed down to all the starry hosts and
worshiped them. 4He built altars in the temple of Jehovah, of which Jehovah had said, “In
Jerusalem I will put my Name.” 5In both courts of the temple of Jehovah, he built altars to all
the starry hosts. 6He sacrificed his own son in the fire, practiced sorcery and divination, and
consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the eyes of Jehovah, provoking him to
anger. 7He took the carved Asherah pole he had made and put it in the temple, of which
Jehovah had said to David and to his son Solomon, “In this temple and in Jerusalem, which I
have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, I will put my Name forever. 8I will not again make the
feet of the Israelites wander from the land I gave their forefathers, if only they will be careful
to do everything I commanded them and will keep the whole Law that my servant Moses gave
them.” 9But the people did not listen. Manasseh led them astray, so that they did more evil
than the nations Jehovah had destroyed before the Israelites. … 16Furthermore, Manasseh also
shed so much innocent blood that he filled Jerusalem from end to end—besides the sin that he
had caused Judah to commit, so that they did evil in the eyes of Jehovah. 17As for the other
events of Manasseh’s reign, and all he did, including the sin he committed, are they not written
in the book of the annals of the kings of Judah?
2.

Baal and Asherah were the chief god and goddess of a pagan fertility cult: Baal worship
apparently had its origin in the belief that every tract of ground owed its productivity to a
supernatural being, or baal, that dwelt there (Westminster Dictionary of the Bible, p.53): the
pagan view was that nature was inhabited by spirits which had to be appeased (sometimes by
infant sacrifices) and pleased (by sexual orgies) in order for it to yield its fruit

Manasseh bowed down to all the starry host and worshiped them—a reference to astrology:
the belief that the life and circumstances of men are governed by the heavens, and the secrets of
the future can be ascertained by the use of astrologers

there was the practice of consulting mediums and wizards and the use of enchantments
(incantations, charms, spells, etc.), all for the purpose of tapping into the supernatural and
seeking to harness its power

the passage goes on to say that the reign of Manasseh was also a time of great violence and
bloodshed throughout the land (verse 16): departure from devotion to the God of heaven
inevitably results in a society given over to violence and oppression
Rather than follow the ways of the pagan nations, the people of God were to totally repudiate those ways of
the Canaanites by demolishing every vestige of their religion: you shall demolish their idols and break
their sacred pillars to pieces. (verse 24b)

consider the act of the Ephesians who became believers in the Lord Jesus Christ:
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Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed their evil deeds. 19A number who
had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they
calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas. 20In this way the
word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power. (Acts 19:18-20)

note the apostle Paul’s counsel in 1 Corinthians 10:14,19-21
Therefore, my beloved brothers, flee from idolatry. …19…Am I saying that meat offered to idols
has any special significance? Or that an idol is anything? 20No! But what I am telling you is that
the sacrifices of the Gentiles are being offered to demons, not to God; and I do not want you
to have communion with demons. 21You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and also the cup of
demons; you cannot partake of the table of the Lord, and also of the table of demons. (1
Corinthians 10:14-21)
3.
The people of Israel are warned to make no covenant with the Canaanites, nor with their gods, or else they
will cause you to sin against me; for if you serve their gods, that will certainly be a snare to you.
(verse 33)
Do not be misled, “Bad companions corrupt good morals.” (1 Corinthians 15:33)
Do not be yoked together with unbelievers, for what do righteousness and wickedness have in
common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 15What harmony is there between Christ
and Belial (i.e.; the devil)? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? (2 Corinthians
6:14-15)
4.
Fulfill your covenantal responsibility, …by separating yourself from the world
a.
b.
we are not to engage in their pagan religious practices nor are we to accept their pagan worldview
which features such beliefs as…

a denial of moral absolutes

a conviction that life is to be lived for self-fulfillment and self-gratification as opposed to being
lived in submission to the Lord God and for His glory
we are not to develop deep and bonding relationships with people who by their statements and or
lifestyle refuse to acknowledge Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord (note 2 Timothy 2:22)
Flee youthful lusts, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call
on the Lord out of a pure heart. (2 Timothy 2:22)
c.
we must take to heart the warning of Revelation 18:4-5
Then I heard another voice from heaven, saying, “Come out of her (i.e.; Babylon, symbolically
representing the lifestyle and philosophy of the world), my people, so that you have no fellowship
with her sins and that you do not receive the plagues that will come upon her. 5Her sins are piled
up to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities.” (Revelation 18:4-5)
III. Fulfill Your Covenantal Responsibility,
…and You Shall Have God’s Blessing (Exodus 23:22-31)
1.
In this passage the Lord makes a dozen promises to His people (12 times the Lord declares, I will do such and
such for you)
2.
The dozen promises can be broken down into three great promises:
a.
I will defeat your enemies
b.
I will give you the Promised Land
c.
I will grant you abundant blessing
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3.
All the promises can be summarized as parts of the Lord’s one great promise: I will be your God and you shall
be My people
4.
When you accept the Lord Jesus Christ as your Shepherd…
5.

He will meet your needs

He will restore your soul

He will guide you in the paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake

He will bring you safely through the valley of the shadow of death

He will cause you to dwell in the house of the Lord forever
Fulfill your covenant responsibility, …and you will enjoy God’s blessing.
Conclusion (continued on next page)
1.
2.
Our covenantal relationship with the Lord includes both divine benefits as well as personal responsibility:

I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have
prepared. (verse 20)

Pay attention to him and obey him (verse 21)
If you want to experience the divine benefits of the covenant both now and in eternity, you must, by God’s grace,
maintain your covenantal responsibility.
Questions on Exodus 23:20-33
1. In Exodus 23:20 the Lord tells Israel, "I am sending an angel ahead of you." What will this angel do? What is unique
about this angel (see Exodus 23:21 printed below?)
Pay attention to him and obey him; do not provoke him, for he will not pardon your transgression, because my
Name is in him. (Exodus 23:21)
2. How are the people of Israel to respond to this angel and why? See Exodus 23:21 (printed above under question #1)
3. What does the Lord mean when He informs the people that His angel "will not pardon your transgression?"
4. The Lord warns His people that when they enter the land of Canaan they must not conform to the practices of the
Canaanites. Describe the practices of those pagan people as they are recorded in 2 Kings 21:2-6 (printed below).
Manasseh did evil in the eyes of Jehovah, following the detestable practices of the nations Jehovah had
driven out before the Israelites. (3) He rebuilt the high places his father Hezekiah had destroyed; he also
erected altars to Baal and made an Asherah pole, as Ahab king of Israel had done. He bowed down to all the
starry hosts and worshiped them. (4) He built altars in the temple of Jehovah, of which Jehovah had said, In
Jerusalem I will put my Name. (5) In both courts of the temple of Jehovah, he built altars to all the starry
hosts. (6) He sacrificed his own son in the fire, practiced sorcery and divination, and consulted mediums and
spiritists. He did much evil in the eyes of Jehovah, provoking him to anger. (2 Kings 21:2-6)
5. How many promises does the Lord make to His people if they are faithful to Him? See Exodus 23:22-23,25-28,30-31
(printed below)
But if you will obey him and do all that I say, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your
adversaries, (23) for my angel will go ahead of you and bring you in to the land of the Amorites and the Hittites
and the Perizzites and the Canaanites and the Hivites and the Jebusites, and I will wipe them out...(25) You
shall serve Jehovah your God, and he will bless your bread and your water; and I will remove sickness from
your midst. (26) None shall miscarry or be barren in your land. I will give you a full life span. (27) I will send my
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terror ahead of you and will throw into confusion all the people you encounter. I will make all your enemies
turn their backs and run from you. (28) I will send "the hornet" ahead of you to drive the Hivites, the
Canaanites, and the Hittites out of your way...(30) Little by little I will drive them out of your way, until you
have increased enough to take possession of the land. (31) I will establish your borders from the Red Sea to
the Sea of the Philistines, and from the wilderness to the Euphrates River; for I will deliver the inhabitants of
the land into your hand, and you shall drive them out of your way (Exodus 23:22-23,25-28,30-31)
6. Who was the angel whom the Lord sent to go ahead of His people?
a.
b.
c.
He was Michael, the archangel and the great protector of God’s people.
He was Gabriel, the same angel who would announce the coming of the Christ.
He was an Old Testament manifestation of Christ Himself.
7. With regard to this angel the Lord tells the people of Israel that they must do three things. Match the instructions
the Lord gave Israel with the applications those instructions have for our own lives as Christians.
a.
b.
c.
The Lord instructs Israel to pay attention to what the angel says. ___
The Lord instructs Israel to obey the angel. ___
The Lord warns Israel not to provoke the angel. ___
1. We must put into practice what the Bible teaches.
2. We must reverently listen to God’s Word.
3. We must not defiantly reject Christ’s lordship over us.
8. When the Lord says of this angel, “he will not pardon your transgression,” He is referring to the fact that Christ will
not tolerate willful, stubborn, defiant disobedience without repentance—the adamant refusal to submit to Christ’s
lordship. True or False
9. The Lord warns His people not to conform to the practices of the Canaanites. According to 2 Kings 21:2-6, what were
some of their practices? (Answers listed on next page)
a.
b.
c.
d.
They worshipped the god and goddess of a fertility cult that required infant sacrifices and sexual orgies.
They actively resisted the people of Israel when they sought to evangelize them and convert them to
the Lord.
They were devoted to the practice of astrology, believing that the lives of men are governed by the
stars.
They consulted mediums and wizards, thereby tapping into the spiritual powers of darkness.
10. According to the commentary, the twelve promises the Lord makes to His people can be classified into three great
promises. Match each of the individual promises listed below with the category to which they belong.
a.
b.
c.
I will throw into confusion all the people you encounter. I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into
your hand. ___
My angel will bring you into the land of Canaan. I will establish your border from the Red Sea to the
Euphrates River. ___
I will bless your bread and water. I will remove sickness from your midst. I will give you a full life span.
___
1. I will defeat your enemies.
2. I will give you the Promised Land.
3. I will grant you abundant blessing.
THE PREREQUISITE FOR FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD
EXODUS 24:1-11
24 Then he said to Moses, “Come up to Jehovah—you and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy elders of
Israel—and worship at a distance. 2Moses alone shall approach Jehovah, but the others must not come near;
neither may the people go up with him.” 3When Moses came and told the people all Jehovah’s words and all the
decrees, all the people responded with one voice and said, “We will do everything that Jehovah has spoken.”
4
Moses then wrote down all the words of Jehovah. He got up early the next morning and built an altar at the
foot of the mountain and set up twelve stone pillars representing the twelve tribes of Israel. 5Then he sent
young Israelite men who offered burnt offerings and sacrificed bulls as peace offerings to Jehovah. 6Moses
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took half of the blood and put it into bowls, and the other half he sprinkled on the altar. 7Then he took the
Book of the Covenant and read it for all the people to hear. They responded, “We will do all that Jehovah has
spoken; we will be obedient.” 8Moses took the blood, sprinkled it on the people, and said, “This is the blood of
the covenant that Jehovah has made with you in accordance with all these words.”
9
Then Moses and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy elders of Israel went up the mountain, 10and they
saw the God of Israel. Under his feet there was something like a pavement made of sapphire stones, as clear
as the sky. 11He did not lay his hand upon the leaders of the children of Israel; they saw God, and they ate and
drank before him.
THEME: The prerequisite for fellowship with God is the sacrifice of whole-hearted devotion to God.
PURPOSE: To inform the students that we must recognize and accept the required sacrifice offered by Christ if we
want to live in fellowship with God.
OUTLINE:
I. To Live in Fellowship with God,
…You Must Depend on Christ’s Sacrificial Death
II. To Live in Fellowship with God,
…You Must Be Joined to Christ in His Sacrificial Death
Introduction
1.
A Christian lady recalls attending a retreat that focused on the theme of God’s love.
2.
She remembers that there were heart-shaped balloons everywhere: in the chapel, in the dining hall, on the doors
of the rooms, everywhere.
3.
All who attended the retreat were given pink paper hearts. Each was instructed to write on their paper heart one
thing they needed to let go of in their life: anger, resentment, a child, a parent, an unhealthy relationship.
4.
Sunday would be “the letting go” ceremony: all the pink hearts would be tied to the string of a giant red balloon
and all the participants would watch as their offerings lifted skyward, symbolizing their surrender to God.
5.
The procession from the chapel to the courtyard, where the balloon would be released, was solemn. “For some of
us, letting go does not come easily,” remarked this Christian lady. “The word on my pink heart represented
weeks and months of struggle.”
6.
Just as the leader let go the giant red balloon with its streamer carrying all those little pink hearts, the wind
changed direction.
7.
Instead of soaring up into the atmosphere, the balloon was pushed sideways and its streamer became entangled in
some telephone lines nine feet above the ground.
8.
With the help of a ladder and a long pole, the streamer was eventually untangled and the balloon soared to
freedom, finally becoming a speck that disappeared among the clouds.
9.
Recalling that incident, this Christian lady writes:
Today I understand surrender in a new way. Surrender is not only an act of my will, it is also a supernatural
act—one which requires God’s intervention. …I try to let go, but…I find my surrender stuck nine feet above the
ground. (POWER, 6/27/93, p.8)
10. This lady came to the realization that the Lord must intervene: He must provide for us and produce in us the
grace of complete surrender.
11. Here in Exodus 24 the Lord is teaching the people of Israel that the prerequisite for fellowship with Himself is the
sacrifice of wholehearted devotion to Him. A sacrifice that He by His grace has provided for us in the person of
His Son the Lord Jesus Christ and that He by His grace works within us by uniting us to Christ in His death and
resurrection.
12. If you want to live in fellowship with God, you must recognize and accept the required sacrifice offered by Christ,
trusting in His sacrificial death on your behalf and by faith being united to Him in His sacrificial death and
resurrection.
I. To Live in Fellowship with God,
…You Must Depend upon Christ’s Sacrificial Death
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1.
As Exodus 24 opens, we find the Lord extending an invitation to the people of Israel to come into His presence
for worship and fellowship.

2.
3.
4.
Moses, Aaron and seventy elders of Israel (as the representatives of the whole nation) are invited to
ascend the mountain of God to worship the Lord and be received by Him
At the conclusion of this passage (verses 9-11), we find Moses, Aaron and the seventy elders actually coming
into the presence of the Lord:

they saw the God of Israel in His glory: under His feet there was bright sapphire and the very clearness of
heaven itself

God did not lay His hand upon them; on the contrary, they beheld God and fellowshipped with Him
Now between the opening of this passage (with the divine invitation to approach God) and the conclusion
(where they actually experience life in the very presence of God), there is described for us the great sacrifice
that made this communion with God possible:
a.
Moses came and told the people all Jehovah’s words and all the decrees… (verse 3a)
b.
…all the people responded with one voice and said, “We will do everything that Jehovah has
spoken.” (verse 3b)
c.
Moses now proceeds to write all the words of the Lord—i.e.; he produces a written document of the
covenant (verse 4a)
d.
early in the morning he built an altar at the base of the mountain (i.e.; in God’s presence) and twelve
pillars, representing the twelve tribes of Israel (verse 4b)
e.
Moses now instructs the young men who were chosen to offer burnt offerings and sacrifice peace
offerings to the Lord (verse 5)
f.
Moses then took the blood of these sacrificed animals (verse 6-8)…

he sprinkled half of it on the altar (verse 6)

after the people reaffirmed that they would do all that the Lord has spoken, Moses sprinkled the
other half of the blood on them (verse 7-8)

then he declared, “This is the blood of the covenant that Jehovah has made with you in
accordance with all these words.” (verse 8)

the blood of the burnt offering sprinkled on both the altar and the people was symbolizing the Lord
and the people pledging themselves in commitment to one another on penalty of death
The people of Israel made a pledge of themselves to God—it was the only way by which He would receive them
into fellowship; …but, tragically, they were not faithful to their pledge (Exodus 32 records their breaking of
the covenant by the making of the golden calf and worshipping it as a substitute for the Lord Himself)

the people were spared only because of the intercession made by Moses on their behalf:
The next day Moses said to the people, “You have committed a great sin. Now I will go up to
Jehovah, perhaps I will be able to make atonement for your sin.” 31So Moses returned to Jehovah
and said, “Oh, what a great sin these people have committed! They have made for themselves a
god of gold. 32But now, please forgive their sin—but if not, then blot me out of the book you
have written.” (Exodus 32:30-32)
5.
The Lord spared the people—by Moses’ act of intercession—and in the course of time He promised to establish
a new covenant with them:
“The time is coming,” declares Jehovah, “when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and
with the house of Judah. 32It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took
them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a
husband to them,” declares Jehovah. 33“This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after
that time,” declares Jehovah. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be
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their God, and they will be my people. 34No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother,
saying, ‘Know Jehovah,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,”
declares Jehovah, “for I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” (Jeremiah
31:31-34)
note: this new covenant will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I led them
out of Egypt:
6.

in the Exodus covenant the people had to produce and supply their own obedience (they had to match
the Lord’s perfect righteousness and commitment); but because they, like all of us, were sinners, they
failed

in the new covenant the Lord promises to produce and supply the necessary obedience—I will put my
law in their minds and write it on their hearts. (Jeremiah 31:33b)—and provide the forgiveness for
the breaking of the original covenant—I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins
no more. (Jeremiah 31:34b)
At the time when He instituted the Lord’s Supper, Jesus distributed the cup of wine and spoke these words,
He said to them, This is (i.e.; this wine represents) my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for
many. (Mark 14:24)
a.
Jesus’ shed blood was fulfilling the demands of the old covenant

He offered His blood (His life) unto God the Father as a sacrifice of complete obedience (which was
the requirement of the covenant) and…

He offered His blood unto God as a sacrifice of atonement (to take the punishment of disobedience
that His people deserved)
…he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment
was laid upon him for our peace, and by his wounds we are healed. 6We all, like sheep, have
gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but Jehovah has laid upon him the
iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:5-6)
b.
Jesus’ shed blood was at the same time establishing the new covenant (cp. 1 Corinthians 11:25)

referring to the night Christ instituted the Lord’s Supper, the apostle Paul writes, after supper
Jesus offered the cup, saying, This cup represents the new covenant ratified by my blood.
Whenever you drink it, do this in memory of me. (1 Corinthians 11:25)

the new covenant, just like the old, requires the shedding of blood—representing death to self and
the offering up of the life unto God in devotion and commitment to Him (cp. Romans 6:10)
The death Christ died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.
(Romans 6:10)

7.
but this time it is the Lord Himself, and the Lord alone, who sheds the blood and provides the
necessary sacrifice
To live in fellowship with God, …you must depend on Christ’s sacrificial death
II. To Live in Fellowship with God,
…You Must Be Joined to Christ in His Sacrificial Death
1.
In the old covenant ratified at Mr. Sinai, the people of Israel had to personally surrender their lives unto the
Lord (as symbolized by having the blood sprinkled upon them), …you and I must do the same by means of the
death of the Lord Jesus Christ:
 Christ died for us as our Substitute and we, being united to Him by faith, have spiritually died with Him:
I have been crucified with Christ: it is no longer I who live, but Christ living in me; and the life I
now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me
(Galatians 2:20)
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…far be it from me to boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by means of which the
world has been crucified to me and I to the world. (Galatians 6:14)
…we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away
with, in order that we should no longer be slaves to sin (Romans 6:6)
2.
To live in fellowship with God, …you must join Christ in His sacrificial death

as Galatians 2:20 indicates, depending on Christ’s sacrificial death and being joined to Christ in that
death are in fact two inseparable dimensions of one great spiritual experience; namely, true saving
faith in the Lord Jesus Christ: depending upon Christ’s death on your behalf and allowing yourself to
enter into His death/resurrection, this is true faith in Christ

illustration: you live on the tenth floor of a high-rise apartment building; …one day there is a fire in
your apartment; …the fireman climbs up the extension ladder and reaches the balcony of your
apartment; …on your behalf he enters the apartment to rescue your possessions; …then he takes you
personally into his arms and carries you down the ladder to safety—you both trust the fireman to
rescue your possessions and entrust yourself to him to rescue you; so, too, must we both trust the
Lord Jesus Christ for our salvation and entrust ourselves to Him

when you put your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, entrusting yourself completely to Christ alone for
salvation, you discover not only that He died in your place at Calvary, but that He has received your
very soul into His death and resurrection
Conclusion (continued on next page)
1.
At the foot of Mt. Sinai the Lord made it emphatically clear to the people of Israel that the prerequisite for
fellowship with Him is nothing less than the offering up of unreserved devotion to Him—the offering up of our life
and soul to Him.
2.
But as the people of Israel came to discover—and as did the lady who attended that Christian retreat—it is
impossible for us to make that necessary sacrifice by ourselves: it can only happen by virtue of the sacrifice of
Christ.
3.
If you want to live in fellowship with God, you must recognize and accept the required sacrifice offered by Christ:
ever depending on His sacrificial death and once-for-all being joined with Him in His sacrificial death
4.
Don’t try to make that sacrifice by yourself (seeking by your own efforts to put your own will to death), and don’t
shrink back from that required sacrifice of your soul and your life (by seeking to withhold yourself and your will
from Christ rather than surrendering to Him in true faith).
5.
Look to Christ in true faith: trusting in His sacrificial death on your behalf for the forgiveness of your sins, and at
the same time entrusting yourself into His hands to become spiritually joined to Him in His death and
resurrection.
Questions on Exodus 24:1-11
1. What invitation does the Lord give to Moses and the leaders of Israel in Exodus 24:1 (printed below) and what scene
is described in verses 9-11 (printed below?)
Then he said to Moses, Come up to Jehovah—you and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy elders of
Israel—and worship at a distance. (Exodus 24:1)
Then Moses and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy elders of Israel went up the mountain, (10) and they
saw the God of Israel. Under his feet there was something like a pavement made of sapphire stones, as clear
as the sky. (11) He did not lay his hand upon the leaders of the children of Israel; they saw God, and they ate
and drank before him. (Exodus 24:9-11)
2. What occurs between the opening of this passage (the divine invitation to approach God) and the conclusion (where
the leaders of Israel fellowship with God?) See Exodus 24:2-8 (printed below)
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Moses alone shall approach Jehovah, but the others must not come near; neither may the people go up with
him. (3) When Moses came and told the people all Jehovah's words and all the decrees, all the people
responded with one voice and said, We will do everything that Jehovah has spoken. (4) Moses then wrote
down all the words of Jehovah. He got up early the next morning and built an altar at the foot of the
mountain and set up twelve stone pillars representing the twelve tribes of Israel. (5) Then he sent young
Israelite men who offered burnt offerings and sacrificed bulls as peace offerings to Jehovah. (6) Moses took
half of the blood and put it into bowls, and the other half he sprinkled on the altar. (7) Then he took the Book
of the Covenant and read it for all the people to hear. They responded, We will do all that Jehovah has
spoken; we will be obedient. (8) Moses took the blood, sprinkled it on the people, and said, This is the blood of
the covenant that Jehovah has made with you in accordance with all these words. (Exodus 24:2-8)
3. Describe the preparations for the sacrifice that established the covenant as those preparations are recorded in
Exodus 24:4-5 (printed below).
Moses then wrote down all the words of Jehovah. He got up early the next morning and built an altar at the
foot of the mountain and set up twelve stone pillars representing the twelve tribes of Israel. (5) Then he sent
young Israelite men who offered burnt offerings and sacrificed bulls as peace offerings to Jehovah. (Exodus
24:4-5)
4. What does Moses do with the blood of the sacrificed animals? See Exodus 24:6-8 (printed below). What do you think
is the spiritual significance of this?
Moses took half of the blood and put it into bowls, and the other half he sprinkled on the altar. (7) Then he
took the Book of the Covenant and read it for all the people to hear. They responded, "We will do all that
Jehovah has spoken; we will be obedient." (8) Moses took the blood, sprinkled it on the people, and said, "This
is the blood of the covenant that Jehovah has made with you in accordance with all these words." (Exodus
24:6-8)
5. Did the people of Israel keep the covenant (see Exodus 32:7-8 printed below?) How were they spared from suffering
the penalty for violating the covenant (see Exodus 32:30-32 printed below?) What lessons must we learn from Israel's
experience?
Jehovah said to Moses, Go down, because your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have
corrupted themselves. (8) They have been quick to depart from the way I commanded them. They have made
for themselves an idol cast in the shape of a calf. They have worshiped it and offered sacrifices to it and have
said, "This represents your God, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt." (Exodus 32:7-8)
The next day Moses said to the people, You have committed a great sin. Now I will go up to Jehovah, perhaps
I will be able to make atonement for your sin. (31) So Moses returned to Jehovah and said, Oh, what a great
sin these people have committed! They have made for themselves a god of gold. (32) But now, please forgive
their sin—but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written. (Exodus 32:30-32)
6. In order to have fellowship with God what did the people of Israel have to do?
a.
b.
c.
They had to successfully undergo a period of testing to determine if they were qualified for fellowship
with God.
They had to accept God as their covenant Lord.
They had to participate in a sacrifice that established the covenant.
7. The blood of the burnt offering sprinkled on both the altar and the people symbolized the Lord and the people
pledging themselves to be committed and faithful to one another or else suffer the penalty of death. True or False
8. When the people of Israel broke the covenant by making the golden calf, what happened to them?
a.
b.
c.
They were condemned by the Lord and left to die in the wilderness without any hope of redemption.
They were excused because the Lord’s great love overruled His demand that justice must be enacted.
They were spared because Moses interceded for them and offered to be blotted out in their place.
135
9. According to the commentary, what lessons must we learn about having fellowship with God from Israel’s experience
at Sinai? Complete the sentences listed below.
a.
b.
c.
In order to live in fellowship with God we must depend on Christ’s perfect ___.
In order to live in fellowship with God we must depend on Christ’s ___ death.
In order to live in fellowship with God we must be ___ with Christ.
1. crucified
2. obedience
3. sacrificial
10. To illustrate a true saving relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ the lesson used the example of a man being
rescued from a fire in a highrise apartment. Match the various parts of the example with the spiritual truths they
represent.
a.
b.
c.
d.
The
The
The
The
1.
2.
3.
4.
man in jeopardy from the flames represents ___
man’s situation of being helpless and in need of rescue represents ___
man allowing the firefighter to enter the apartment to save his possessions represents ___
man allowing the firefighter to carry him down the ladder to safety represents ___
our perilous condition caused by our sins.
our trust in Christ’s substitutionary death.
our entrusting ourselves to Christ.
our inability to save ourselves.
MAKE YOURSELF A FIT SANCTUARY FOR THE LORD
EXODUS 24:12-25:9; EXODUS 40:1-38
EXODUS 24:12-25:9
24 12Jehovah said to Moses, “Come up to me on the mountain and stay there, and I will give you the stone
tablets with the law and the commandments I have written, so that you may instruct them.” 13So Moses set
out with Joshua his aide, and Moses ascended the mountain of God. 14He said to the elders, “Wait here for
us, until we come back to you. Aaron and Hur are with you; if anyone has a dispute, let him go to them.”
15
Moses ascended the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. 16The glory of Jehovah settled upon
Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days. On the seventh day he summoned Moses from the midst
of the cloud. 17In the eyes of the children of Israel, the appearance of the glory of Jehovah looked like a
consuming fire on the top of the mountain. 18Then Moses entered into the midst of the cloud and ascended
the mountain. Moses stayed on the mountain for forty days and forty nights.
25 Jehovah spoke to Moses, saying, 2“Tell the children of Israel to bring me an offering. You shall receive the
offering for me from every man whose heart makes him willing to give. 3This is the offering you are to receive
from them: gold and silver and bronze; 4blue and purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen; goat hair; 5rams’ skins
dyed red and goatskins;* and acacia wood; 6also olive oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the
fragrant incense; 7and onyx stones and other gems to be mounted on the ephod and the breastplate. 8Have
them make a sanctuary for me, so that I may dwell among them. 9You shall make this tabernacle and all its
furnishing exactly like the pattern I will show you.”
*Or, “sealskins”
EXODUS 40:1-38
40 Jehovah spoke to Moses, saying, 2“On the first day of the first month you shall set up the tabernacle, that
is, the Tent of Meeting. 3You shall put the ark of the Testimony into it and shield the ark with the curtain.
4
Next you shall bring in the table and place on it the items that pertain to it. Then you shall bring in the
lampstand and light its lamps. 5You shall set the golden altar of incense in front of the ark of the Testimony,
and hang the curtain across the entrance to the tabernacle. 6Place the altar of burnt offering in front of the
entrance to the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting. 7Place the basin between the Tent of Meeting and the altar
and put water in it. 8Set up the courtyard around it and hang the curtain as a gateway to the courtyard. 9You
shall take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle and all that pertains to it; you shall consecrate it and all
its furnishings, and it shall be holy. 10You shall anoint the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils; you shall
sanctify the altar and the altar shall be most holy. 11You shall anoint the basin and its stand, you shall sanctify
it. 12Then you shall bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting and wash them with
136
water. 13You shall dress Aaron in the holy garments, anoint him and sanctify him, so that he may serve me as a
priest. 14You shall bring his sons and dress them in tunics; 15then you shall anoint them just as you anointed
their father, so that they may serve me as priests. Their anointing shall consecrate them for a perpetual
priesthood extending throughout their generations.”
16
Moses did all this; he did everything just as Jehovah commanded him. 17So it was that the tabernacle
was set up on the first day of the first month of the second year. 18When Moses erected the tabernacle, he
laid down its bases, fitted the boards into their bases, inserted the cross bars, and set up the pillars. 19Then he
spread the tent over the tabernacle and put the covering over the tent, as Jehovah commanded him. 20He
took the Testimony and put it into the ark, attached the poles to the ark, and placed the mercy seat on top
of the ark. 21Then he brought the ark into the tabernacle, hung the curtain which served as a screen, and
shielded the ark of the Testimony, as Jehovah commanded him. 22He put the table in the Tent of Meeting on
the north side of the tabernacle outside the curtain; 23he arranged the bread on it in the presence of
Jehovah, as Jehovah commanded him. 24He placed the lampstand in the Tent of Meeting opposite the table on
the south side of the tabernacle. 25He lit the lamps in the presence of Jehovah, as Jehovah commanded him.
26
He set the golden altar in the Tent of Meeting directly in front of the curtain; 27and burnt fragrant incense
on it, as Jehovah commanded him. 28Then he hung up the curtain at the entrance to the tabernacle. 29He put
the altar of burnt offering near the entrance of the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, and offered on it the
burnt offering and the grain offering, as Jehovah commanded him. 30He placed the basin between the Tent of
Meeting and the altar and filled it with water for washing. 31Moses and Aaron and his sons used it to wash
their hands and feet. 32Whenever they entered the Tent of Meeting and whenever they approached the altar,
they washed, as Jehovah commanded Moses. 33Then Moses set up the courtyard around the tabernacle and
the altar and hung the screen as a gateway into the courtyard. So it was that Moses finished the work.
34
Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of Jehovah filled the tabernacle. 35Moses was
not able to enter the Tent of Meeting, because the cloud had settled upon it, and the glory of Jehovah filled
the tabernacle. 36Throughout all their journeys, the children of Israel would set out whenever the cloud lifted
from over the tabernacle; 37but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out until the day it did lift. 38The
cloud of Jehovah was over the tabernacle by day, and there was fire in the cloud by night, in the sight of the
whole house of Israel throughout all their journeys.
THEME: The great desire of God’s heart is to dwell with His people, for that purpose He instructs them to make a
sanctuary for Him.
PURPOSE: To urge the students to make ourselves into a fit sanctuary for the Lord, so that He may dwell with us.
OUTLINE:
I. Make Yourself a Fit Sanctuary for the Lord,
…Because He Desires to Fellowship with You
II. Make Yourself a Fit Sanctuary for the Lord,
…By Willingly Giving Yourself to Him
III. Make Yourself a Fit Sanctuary for the Lord,
…By Keeping Yourself Pure for Him
Introduction
1.
Suppose you were awakened one night by the wailing sirens of fire trucks and discovered that your church building
was on fire.
2.
By morning, nothing is left but charred brick and rubble, the whole structure has burned to the ground.
3.
You and the members of your congregation must completely rebuild; …and you are appointed to the building
committee.
4.
You and the other members of the committee meet to consider the question: What kind of structure should we
build? Should we build the new church building after the pattern of European cathedrals, or in the early American
colonial style, or in a modern, contemporary style?
5.
In the midst of your deliberations the Lord Himself appears and informs you: I am far more interested in the kind
of life you are building for Me than in any architectural design you may choose. Remember, you yourself are called
to be My sanctuary.
6.
As we consider the construction of the Old Testament sanctuary, let us bear in mind the fact that God’s real
desire is for our very heart and life to be His sanctuary (note 1 Corinthians 6:19a)
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Do you not realize that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received
from God? (1 Corinthians 6:19a)
7.
Just as Old Testament Israel made a fit sanctuary for the Lord, let us make ourselves a fit sanctuary for the Lord,
so that He may dwell with us.
I. Make Yourself a Fit Sanctuary for the Lord,
…Because He Desires to Fellowship with You
1.
The previous twenty-four chapters of Exodus are all preparation for the fulfillment of God’s great desire: to
dwell with His people

2.
He delivered them out of Egypt, …He established His covenant with them, …He instructed them to build
Him a sanctuary, …all this so that He may dwell with them
As you consider the construction of the Old Testament tabernacle and it’s names, you come to appreciate
God’s desire to dwell with His people:
a.
the sanctuary to be built is called a tabernacle, a place where the Lord may dwell with His people
(Exodus 25:8-9)

this name expresses the Lord’s desire to live among His people (not merely to make occasional
appearances as in the days of Abraham): the great King of glory desires to have His residence with us
and to be our royal Neighbor; …the sovereign Lord of heaven desires to be with us and be our Friend
and Companion

the fact that the Lord’s dwelling place takes the form of a tent shows His willingness to completely
identify Himself with us (Israel was living in tents, the Lord will do so also): here is a tremendous
display of condescension and humility motivated by compassion and love (note John 1:14 and
Hebrews 2:14a)
The Word (a title for the Son of God) became flesh, and lived (literally, tabernacled) among us.
We saw his glory, his glory as the one and only Son who came from the Father, full of grace
and truth. (John 1:14)
Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity (Hebrews 2:14a)

the construction of the tabernacle, especially the Holy of holies and the Holy Place, symbolizes the
Lord’s desire for His people to live with Him in His house (note Ephesians 2:19)
writing to Gentile Christians, the apostle Paul declares, you are no longer strangers and aliens,
but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the family of God. (Ephesians 2:19)
b.
the sanctuary to be built is called the Tent of Meeting (Exodus 29:42)

it was at the tabernacle that the Lord would reveal Himself to Israel and speak to them: Moses
would no longer need to ascend the height of Mt. Sinai to meet with God on behalf of the people;
…the Lord would no longer be distant from His people, now He would be in their very midst and
receive them into His very presence
referring to the birth of Jesus, the angel declares, they will call him “Immanuel”—which means,
“God with us.” (Matthew 1:23)
contrast this with the testimony of the pagan Babylonians about their so-called gods, the gods …
do not live among men. (Daniel 2:11)
c.
the sanctuary to be built is called the tabernacle of the Testimony (Exodus 38:21)

the stone tablets containing the covenant were called the tablets of the Testimony (Exodus 34:29)
and were stored in the sanctuary, in the very ark of the covenant, therefore,…

the sanctuary is called the tabernacle of the Testimony, and as such it bears witness to God’s
covenant faithfulness: the Lord’s relationship to us, His people, is not capricious, it is based upon
His covenant and His covenant faithfulness
138
d.
the structure to be built is called a sanctuary (Exodus 25:8)

it is the holy place because dwelling here is none other than the Holy One Himself: sin is an
unacceptable practice within its holy precincts

furthermore, it is the place of refuge because the Lord who dwells here invites us to find a safe and
secure haven under His protective care: the enemies of our soul are not able to enter this sacred
place (note Psalm 62:6-8)
He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. 7My salvation and
my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. 8Trust in him at all times, O
people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. (Psalm 62:6-8)
3.
As you consider the furnishings found within the tabernacle you come to appreciate the Lord’s desire to have
fellowship with His people:
a.
contained within the tabernacle was the ark of the covenant (Exodus 25:10-11, 16-22)
Have them make a chest of acacia wood—two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and
a cubit and a half high. 11Overlay it with pure gold, both inside and out, and make a gold molding
around it. … 16Then put into the ark the Testimony, which I will give you. 17Make an atonement
cover of pure gold—two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide. 18And make two
cherubim out of hammered gold at the ends of the cover. 19Make one cherub on one end and the
second cherub on the other; make the cherubim of one piece with the cover, at the two ends.
20
The cherubim are to have their wings spread upward, overshadowing the cover with them. The
cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the cover. 21Place the cover on top of the ark
and put in the ark the Testimony, which I will give you. 22There, above the cover between the two
cherubim that are over the ark of the Testimony, I will meet with you and give you all my
commandments for the Israelites. (Exodus 25:10-11, 16-22), note: a cubit equals approximately 18
inches or 0.5 meters

this was the focal point of the entire tabernacle: located within the Holy of holies, the ark was the
earthly throne of God (the cherubim who adorned the ark are the throne attendants of the Lord)

placed on top of the ark was an atonement cover, or, mercy seat (literally, the covering)
(Exodus 25:17-22)
i.
on the annual Day of Atonement the high priest would sprinkle the blood of the sin
offering upon the mercy seat (Leviticus 16:15)
ii.
the tablets of the covenant were contained within the ark and the blood-sprinkled mercy
seat served as the cover of the ark
iii.
the Lord thus demonstrates His desire for fellowship with His people by providing the
means of atonement and reconciliation (note 1 John 2:1-2)
…if anyone sins, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus
Christ, the Righteous One. 2He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins… (1 John 2:1-2)
b.
also contained within the tabernacle was the table of showbread, a table upon which rested the bread
of the Presence (Exodus 25:23-25, 30)
Make a table of acacia wood—two cubits long, a cubit wide and a cubit and a half high. 24Overlay
it with pure gold and make a gold molding around it. 25Also make around it a rim a handbreadth
wide and put a gold molding on the rim…. 30Put the bread of the Presence on this table to be
before me at all times. (Exodus 25:23-25, 30)

twelve loaves of bread were set upon this table, replaced each Sabbath with fresh loaves, and
sprinkled with frankincense as an offering to the Lord (Leviticus 24:5-9)
Take fine flour and bake twelve loaves of bread, using two-tenths of an ephah for each loaf.
6
Set them in two rows, six in each row, on the table of pure gold before Jehovah. 7Along
each row put some pure incense as a memorial portion to represent the bread and to be an
offering made to Jehovah by fire. 8This bread is to be set out before Jehovah regularly,
139
Sabbath after Sabbath, on behalf of the Israelites, as a lasting covenant. 9It belongs to
Aaron and his sons, who are to eat it in a holy place, because it is a most holy part of their
regular share of the offerings made to Jehovah by fire. (Leviticus 24:5-9)

the table of show bread portrayed the fact that all of life is lived in the presence of God—even a
man’s daily work and daily meals—and all is under His care (note Matthew 10:29-31 and 1 Peter 5:67)…
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart
from the will of your Father. 30And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31So do
not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. (Matthew 10:29-31)
…humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, (so that he may exalt you at the
appointed time), 7by casting all your cares upon him, because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:6-7)

…and all of life is to be consciously dedicated to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31)
…whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians
10:31)
c.
another piece of the furnishing of the tabernacle was the golden candlestick, or, lampstand (Exodus
25:31-40)
Make a lampstand of pure gold and hammer it out, base and shaft; its flowerlike cups, buds and
blossoms shall be of one piece with it. 32Six branches are to extend from the sides of the
lampstand—three on one side and three on the other. 33Three cups shaped like almond flowers
with buds and blossoms are to be on one branch, three on the next branch, and the same for all
six branches extending from the lampstand. 34And on the lampstand there are to be four cups
shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms. 35One bud shall be under the first pair of
branches extending from the lampstand, a second bud under the second pair, and a third bud
under the third pair—six branches in all. 36The buds and branches shall all be of one piece with
the lampstand, hammered out of pure gold. 37Then make its seven lamps and set them up on it so
that they light the space in front of it. 38Its wick trimmers and trays are to be of pure gold. 39A
talent of pure gold is to be used for the lampstand and all these accessories. 40See that you make
them according to the pattern shown you on the mountain. (Exodus 25:31-40)

this golden candlestick was made to hold seven lamps; the lamps were to burn continuously, being
filled with pure olive oil (Leviticus 24:1-4)
Jehovah said to Moses, 2Command the Israelites to bring you clear oil of pressed olives for
the light so that the lamps may be kept burning continually. 3Outside the curtain of the
Testimony in the Tent of Meeting, Aaron is to tend the lamps before Jehovah from evening
until morning, continually. This is to be a lasting ordinance for the generations to come. 4The
lamps on the pure gold lampstand before Jehovah must be tended continually. (Leviticus 24:14)

d.
the golden candlestick portrayed the fact that the people of God are to be filled with God’s Holy
Spirit and have His divine presence radiating from their lives
one other piece of furniture placed in the tabernacle was the altar of incense (Exodus 30:1-3, 6-8)
Make an altar of acacia wood for burning incense. 2It is to be square, a cubit long and a cubit
wide, and two cubits high—its horns of one piece with it. 3Overlay the top and all the sides and
the horns with pure gold, and make a gold molding around it. … 6 Put the altar in front of the
curtain that is before the ark of the Testimony—before the atonement cover that is over the
Testimony—where I will meet with you. 7Aaron must burn fragrant incense on the altar every
morning when he tends the lamps. 8He must burn incense again when he lights the lamps at
twilight so incense will burn regularly before Jehovah for the generations to come. (Exodus 30:1-3,
6-8)
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
this altar was placed immediately in front of the ark of the covenant, with only the curtain
separating the two: every day the priest was to burn incense upon this altar on behalf of the people

the fact that this was done at the hour of prayer (note Luke 1:9-10), shows that the altar with its
burning incense was representing the prayers of God’s people which are precious to the Lord (note
Proverbs 15:8b)
Zechariah the priest was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go
into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10And when the time for the burning of
incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside. (Luke 1:9-10)
…the prayer of the upright is the Lord’s delight. (Proverbs 15:8b)
4.
Make yourself a fit sanctuary for the Lord, …because He desires to hold fellowship with you.
II. Make Yourself a Fit Sanctuary for the Lord,
…By Willingly Giving Yourself to Him
1.
For the construction of the tabernacle, the Lord instructs that a free will offering be taken from every man
whose heart makes him willing to give (Exodus 25:2)

the Lord desires to have fellowship with you, but if such fellowship is to actually take place, there must
be a reciprocal desire for it on your part

you express that desire by willingly giving yourself to the Lord: Exodus 35:20-29 describes Israel’s
response to the Lord’s instruction:
Then the whole Israelite community withdrew from Moses’ presence, 21and everyone who was
willing and whose heart moved him came and brought an offering to Jehovah for the work on
the Tent of Meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments. 22All who were willing, men
and women alike, came and brought gold jewelry of all kinds: brooches, earrings, rings and
ornaments. They all presented their gold as a wave offering to Jehovah. 23Everyone who had
blue, purple or scarlet yarn or fine linen, or goat hair, ram skins dyed red or hides of sea cows
brought them. 24Those presenting an offering of silver or bronze brought it as an offering to
Jehovah, and everyone who had acacia wood for any part of the work brought it. 25Every skilled
woman spun with her hands and brought what she had spun—blue, purple or scarlet yarn or fine
linen. 26And all the women who were willing and had the skill spun the goat hair. 27The leaders
brought onyx stones and other gems to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece. 28They also
brought spices and olive oil for the light and for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense.
29
All the Israelite men and women who were willing brought to Jehovah freewill offerings for all
the work Jehovah through Moses had commanded them to do. (Exodus 35:20-29)
2.
Beside the call for the free-will offering, there also went forth a divine call for the atonement money
(Exodus 30:11-16)
Then Jehovah said to Moses, 12When you take a census of the Israelites to count them, each one
must pay Jehovah a ransom for his life at the time he is counted. Then no plague will come on them
when you number them. 13Each one who crosses over to those already counted is to give a half
shekel, according to the sanctuary shekel, which weighs twenty gerahs. This half shekel is an offering
to Jehovah; 14all who cross over, those twenty years old or more, are to give an offering to Jehovah.
15
The rich are not to give more than a half shekel and the poor are not to give less when you make
the offering to Jehovah to atone for your lives. 16Receive the atonement money from the Israelites
and use it for the service of the Tent of Meeting. It will be a memorial for the Israelites before
Jehovah, making atonement for your lives. (Exodus 30:11-16)

each one of the Israelites was required to contribute half a shekel as an offering to the Lord (verse 30)

this offering was to be used for the continual maintenance of the tabernacle and its service

our fellowship with the Lord, likewise, requires a continual maintenance; consider the testimony of a
Christian man who came to understand this important truth:
…I had been living so long in a respectable, sentimental, nominal, skin-deep religiosity and … the fire
God set within me was quenched and I was walking in the flesh and spiritually starving.
141
…The problem is that I have not been in vital fellowship with or walking with the Lord as I should have
been. I had drifted so far away that I no longer realized where I should be in my spiritual life. Words
like total surrender, complete devotion, whole-hearted commitment, faithful discipleship, … and
loving God with a pure heart, in sincerity of soul and in holiness of life returned forcefully to my heart.
I saw once again that there is no place for a lukewarm faith in my life.
The result was a renewed understanding of the need for faithfulness in using the means of grace God
gave me (the Bible, prayer, Psalms and hymns, devotional books, fellowship, witness, etc.). I’m
striving to enter into a new life of spiritual discipline, feeding daily on God’s Word, praying and
reading devotional classic …
…I want to be restored to a path of growth in ever greater pursuit of Christ-likeness. I’m already
experiencing greater joy and peace than I’ve known in quite some time. I’m no longer worried about
my future. I’m concerned now, each day, about my spiritual growth, devotion and obedience to
Christ….
3.
Make yourself a fit sanctuary for the Lord, …by willingly offering yourself to Him.

note Revelation 3:20, a passage that describes the Lord Jesus entering into a life and then becoming the
rightful Lord and Master of that life:
I am standing at the door, knocking. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in
to him. I will dine with him, and he will dine with me. (Revelation 3:20)
III. Make Yourself a Fit Sanctuary for the Lord,
…By Keeping Yourself Pure for Him
1.
Notice the measures that were taken to protect the sanctity of the tabernacle:
a.
a veil or curtain was erected to separate the sanctuary itself (the Holy of holies) from the rest of the
tabernacle (Exodus 26:31-33)
Make a curtain of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen, with cherubim worked
into it by a skilled craftsman. 32Hang it with gold hooks on four posts of acacia wood overlaid
with gold and standing on four silver bases; 33hang the curtain from the clasps and place the
ark of the Testimony behind the curtain. The curtain will separate the Holy Place from the
Most Holy Place. (Exodus 26:31-33)
…a screen was placed at the entrance way of the tabernacle (Exodus 26:36-37)
For the entrance to the tent make a curtain of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted
linen—the work of an embroiderer. 37Make gold hooks for this curtain and five posts of acacia
wood overlaid with gold. And cast five bronze bases for them. (Exodus 26:36-37)
…an enclosed court surrounded the tabernacle (Exodus 27:9-18)
Make a courtyard for the tabernacle. The south side shall be a hundred cubits long and is to
have curtains of finely twisted linen, 10with twenty posts and twenty bronze bases and with
silver hooks and bands on the posts. 11The north side shall also be a hundred cubits long and is
to have curtains, with twenty posts and twenty bronze bases and with silver hooks and bands
on the posts. 12The west end of the courtyard shall be fifty cubits wide and have curtains, with
ten posts and ten bases. 13On the east end, toward the sunrise, the courtyard shall also be fifty
cubits wide. 14Curtains fifteen cubits long are to be on one side of the entrance, with three
posts and three bases, 15and curtains fifteen cubits long are to be on the other side, with three
posts and three bases. 16For the entrance to the courtyard, provide a curtain twenty cubits
long, of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen—the work of an embroiderer—
with four posts and four bases. 17All the posts around the courtyard are to have silver bands
and hooks, and bronze bases. 18The courtyard shall be a hundred cubits long and fifty cubits
wide, with curtains of finely twisted linen five cubits high, and with bronze bases. (Exodus 27:918)
b.
note: the tapestry work of blue, and purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine twined linen (with the
cherubim embroidered on the curtain of the Holy of holies) corresponds to Genesis 3:24 where the
cherubim with flaming swords stood guard over the garden of Eden
142
…he drove the man out; and he placed the Cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and
also a flaming sword which turned in every direction, to guard the way to the tree of life.
(Genesis 3:24)
2.
The Lord also commanded Moses to cause to be made a holy anointing oil (Exodus 30:22-33)
Then Jehovah said to Moses, 23Take the following fine spices: five hundred shekels of liquid myrrh,
half as much (that is, two hundred and fifty shekels) of fragrant cinnamon, two hundred and fifty
shekels of fragrant cane, 24five hundred shekels of cassia—all according to the sanctuary shekel—
and a hin of olive oil. 25Make these into a sacred anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a
perfumer. It will be the sacred anointing oil. 26Then use it to anoint the Tent of Meeting, the ark of
the Testimony, 27the table and all its articles, the lampstand and its accessories, the altar of incense,
28
the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, and the basin with its stand. 29You shall consecrate
them so they will be most holy, and whatever touches them will be holy. 30Anoint Aaron and his sons
and consecrate them so they may serve me as priests. 31Say to the Israelites, This is to be my sacred
anointing oil for the generations to come. 32Do not pour it on men’s bodies and do not make any oil
with the same formula. It is sacred, and you are to consider it sacred. 33Whoever makes perfume like
it and whoever puts it on anyone other than a priest must be cut off from his people. (Exodus 30:2233)

3.
the tabernacle itself and all its furnishings were to be anointed with this special oil: indicating that it
had become sacred ground, dedicated to the Lord and filled with the presence of His Holy Spirit
Make yourself a fit sanctuary for the Lord, …by keeping yourself pure for Him
As obedient children, no longer conform to the passions you formerly had when you lived in
ignorance. 15But just as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16because it is
written, “Be holy, because I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:14-16)
Conclusion
1.
Just as Old Testament Israel was instructed to make a sanctuary fit for the Lord—made according to the pattern
He Himself provided; …
2.
…so may we strive by God’s grace to make ourselves (our lives and our bodies) into a fit sanctuary for the Lord,
…so that He may dwell with us and we with Him.
Questions on Exodus 24:12-25:9
1. What does the Lord instruct His people to make for Him and why? See Exodus 25:8-9 (printed below)
Have them make a sanctuary for me, so that I may dwell among them. (9) You shall make this tabernacle and all its
furnishing exactly like the pattern I will show you. (Exodus 25:8-9)
2. The tabernacle to be built for the Lord is called "a sanctuary." What is the significance of this?
3. What piece of furniture to be housed in the tabernacle is mentioned in Exodus 25:10-11,16-22 (printed below?)
Describe its construction and its location in the tabernacle. What do you think is the spiritual significance of this item?
Have them make a chest of acacia wood—two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and
a half high; (11) overlay it with pure gold, both inside and out, and make a gold molding around it... (16) Then
put into the ark the Testimony, which I will give you. (17) Make an atonement cover of pure gold—two and a
half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide. (18) And make two cherubim out of hammered gold at the ends of
the cover. (19) Make one cherub on one end and the second cherub on the other; make the cherubim of one
piece with the cover, at the two ends. (20) The cherubim are to have their wings spread upward,
overshadowing the cover with them. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the cover. (21)
Place the cover on top of the ark and put in the ark the Testimony, which I will give you. (22) There, above the
cover between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the Testimony, I will meet with you and give you all
my commandments for the Israelites. (Exodus 25:10-11, 16-22)
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note: a cubit equals approximately 18 inches or 0.5 meters
4. What piece of furniture is mentioned in Exodus 30:1-3,6-8 (printed below?) Where was it located? What do you think
was its spiritual significance?
Make an altar of acacia wood for burning incense. (2) It is to be square, a cubit long and a cubit wide, and
two cubits high—its horns of one piece with it; (3) overlay the top and all the sides and the horns with pure
gold, and make a gold molding around it... (6) Put the altar in front of the curtain that is before the ark of the
Testimony—before the atonement cover that is over the Testimony—where I will meet with you. (7) Aaron
must burn fragrant incense on the altar every morning when he tends the lamps. (8) He must burn incense
again when he lights the lamps at twilight so incense will burn regularly before Jehovah for the generations to
come. (Exodus 30:1-3, 6-8)
5. What request did the Lord make of His people in Exodus 25:2 (printed below?) How did the people respond? See
Exodus 35:20-29 (printed below)
Tell the children of Israel to bring me an offering. You shall receive the offering for me from every man whose
heart makes him willing to give. (Exodus 25:2)
Then the whole Israelite community withdrew from Moses' presence, (21) and everyone who was willing and
whose heart moved him came and brought an offering to Jehovah for the work on the Tent of Meeting, for
all its service, and for the sacred garments. (22) All who were willing, men and women alike, came and brought
gold jewelry of all kinds: brooches, earrings, rings and ornaments. They all presented their gold as a wave
offering to Jehovah. (23) Everyone who had blue, purple or scarlet yarn or fine linen, or goat hair, ram skins
dyed red or hides of sea cows brought them. (24) Those presenting an offering of silver or bronze brought it as
an offering to Jehovah, and everyone who had acacia wood for any part of the work brought it. (25) Every
skilled woman spun with her hands and brought what she had spun—blue, purple or scarlet yarn or fine linen.
(26) And all the women who were willing and had the skill spun the goat hair. (27) The leaders brought onyx
stones and other gems to be mounted on the ephod and breast piece. (28) They also brought spices and olive
oil for the light and for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense. (29) All the Israelite men and women
who were willing brought to Jehovah freewill offerings for all the work Jehovah through Moses had
commanded them to do. (Exodus 35:20-29)
6. Match the descriptions of God’s Old Testament dwelling place with the appropriate names.
a.
b.
c.
d.
This name
This name
This name
This name
1.
2.
3.
4.
The
The
The
The
expresses the Lord’s desire to live among His people. ___
expresses the Lord’s desire to have fellowship with His people. ___
bears testimony to the Lord’s covenantal commitment to His people. ___
expresses both the holiness of the Lord as well as His being a refuge for His people. ___
Tent of Meeting
Sanctuary
Tabernacle of the Testimony
Tabernacle
7. Which of the furnishings listed below was located in the Holy of holies?
a.
b.
c.
d.
The
The
The
The
Table of Showbread
Golden Candlestick
Altar of Incense
Ark of the Covenant
8. Match the furnishings listed below with their spiritual significance.
a.
b.
c.
This article of furniture portrayed the fact that all of life is lived in the presence of God and is under His
watchful care. ___
This article of furniture portrayed the fact that the people of God are to be filled with His Holy Spirit
and have His divine presence radiating from their lives. ___
This piece of furniture portrayed the fact that the prayers of His people are precious to the Lord. ___
1. The Table of Showbread
2. The Altar of Incense
144
3. The Golden Candlestick
9. Beside the call for the free will offering, the Lord also gave Moses instructions concerning the atonement money.
According to the commentary, what was the purpose of the atonement money?
a.
b.
c.
It would pay for the sins of the people.
It would be used to pay the workmen for their labor in constructing the tabernacle and making the
furniture.
It would be used for the maintenance of the tabernacle.
10. In the New Testament era we no longer have the tabernacle with all of its furnishings. Now, according to 1
Corinthians 6:19, the Christian’s _______ is a temple, or sanctuary, for the Holy Spirit. Fill in the blank
145
LESSON EIGHT : E XODUS 28:1-34:9
The student should prepare for his study by asking the Holy Spirit to enlighten his mind and open his heart to
receive not only the teaching of Scripture but Christ Himself as He is presented in the Scriptures.
Assignments:
1. Bible Study: The student will explore 3 portions of the Book of Exodus, guided by an expositional commentary
on the text. The student will then answers the questions found at the end of the expository notes. Upon the
completion of this course, the student should prepare to take the Final Exam.
2. Writing Your Essay: The student should complete work on his 8-10 page essay for Bachelor's credit or 15-20
page essay for Master's credit. (See under Syllabus, "Description of Assignments," #3. The student is also
referred to the "Guidelines for Writing an Essay," provided by the facilitator.)
Note: All Scripture texts will appear in Chalkboard font; all extended quotations from other authors will
appear in Rockwell font.
JESUS CHRIST: OUR GREAT HIGH PRIEST
EXODUS 28:1-5
28 Have Aaron your brother brought to you from among the children of Israel, along with his sons, so that he
may serve me as a priest—Aaron and his sons, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. 2You shall make holy
garments for Aaron your brother, to give him glory and beauty. 3Instruct all the skilled men, whom I have
endowed with an abundance of artistic talent, to make garments for Aaron in order to sanctify him, so that
he may serve me as a priest. 4These are the garments they shall make: a breastplate and an ephod and a robe
and a woven tunic and a turban and a sash. They shall make holy garments for Aaron and his sons, so that he
may serve me as a priest. 5They shall use gold, and blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and fine linen.
THEME: In order that there might be a reciprocal relationship between Himself and His people, God appointed a great
high priest to represent His people in their service to Him.
PURPOSE: To remind the students that we must trust in the Lord Jesus Christ to represent us before God, because He
is the great High Priest provided by God.
OUTLINE: I. Trust in Christ to Represent You before God,
…Because He has been Consecrated by God (Exodus 29:1-37)
II. Trust Christ to Represent You before God,
…Because He is Compassionate and Holy (Exodus 28:6-43)
III. Trust Christ to Represent You before God,
…Because His Work is Perfect (Exodus 29:38-43)
Introduction
1.
When James Zozzaro entered the ministry, becoming an ordained minister of the gospel, he had some explaining
to do.
2.
He had to explain to his family why he was not being ordained as a priest.
3.
After all, he was baptized as a Roman Catholic and he received his first holy communion in the Roman Catholic
Church.
4.
Having been born and raised in the Roman Catholic Church, it was assumed that if James were to pursue a fulltime Christian vocation he would enter the priesthood.
5.
In an effort to answer the questions raised by his family and relatives, James addressed to them this letter on the
occasion of his ordination:
To My Beloved Family,
146
Many of you may be wondering why I am being ordained today as a minister, rather than as a Roman Catholic
priest. This is a fair question.
In order to understand why I have not sought ordination as a priest, you must first know what a priest does. The
Catholic Church teaches, “The chief powers of the Priest are to be able to offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass
and to forgive sin” (Outline of the Catholic Faith, p.13).
The first problem with this is that the Bible teaches that the Lord Jesus offered Himself once as a sacrifice for sin.
If this is true, then the sacrifice of the Mass is a false sacrifice.
The second problem is that the Bible clearly teaches that only God can forgive sins. If this is true, then my
forgiving the sins of the people in a confessional will do them no good….
My desire is not to offend, but to explain. I hope you all can respect my decision, as I must please God rather
than people, even family whom I love. (New Horizons, March, 1996, p.3)
6.
James Zozzaro had come to recognize that the one true priest provided for us by God Himself is the Lord Jesus
Christ (note John 14:6 and 1 Timothy 2:5)
Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
(John 14:6)
…there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5)
7.
In the Old Testament era God ordained the priesthood of Aaron and his sons to represent the people in their
service to God and to be the ministers of God’s grace to them.
8.
But the New Testament teaches us that the Old Testament ministry of Aaron and his sons has been fulfilled and
superseded by the Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ, our Great High Priest:
When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here, he went through the greater
and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation. 12He did not
enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his
own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. (Hebrews 9:11-12)
9.
Let us now consider the Old Testament priestly ministry as the model that illustrates for us the ministry of the
Lord Jesus Christ, our Great High Priest.
I. Trust Christ to Represent You before God,
…Because He has been Consecrated by God (Exodus 29:1-37)
1.
In chapter 29 the Lord instructs Moses as to what he is to do to Aaron and his sons in order to consecrate them
to minister to Him in the priest’s office. There are described in that chapter five acts by which Aaron and his
sons were consecrated to the priesthood.
2.
Exodus 29:4; Aaron and his sons were brought before the door of the tent of meeting and were washed with
water

this symbolized their purification from sin and for service to the Lord who is holy

even though He is sinless, our Lord Jesus was “washed” through His baptism: He submitted to baptism to
show His obedience to His Father and His identification with us, since the act of receiving baptism was a
sacrament representing the washing away of sin
People went out to John the Baptist from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the
Jordan. 6Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. … 13Then Jesus
came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14But John tried to deter him, saying, “I
need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is
proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. (Matthew 3:5-6,13-15)
3.
Exodus 29:5-6; Aaron is then clothed with the sacred garments prepared for the high priest
a.
Aaron is dressed in the coat, the robe of the ephod, the ephod itself and the breastplate, and the mitre
(or turban) is then placed upon his head
147
b.
the priestly garments represent…

…the glory and the splendor of the priesthood, especially depicted by the robes:
You shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, to give him glory and beauty. (Exodus
28:2)
c.
4.

…the ministry of the priesthood, especially depicted by the ephod and the breastplate (which will be
discussed later under point II)

…the spiritual authority of the priesthood, especially depicted by the crown-like mitre, or turban
the divine realities of these sacred garments are seen in our Lord’s resurrection, ascension, and position
at the right hand of God the Father from where today He carries on His high priestly ministry for His
church collectively and for each individual believer personally
Exodus 29:7; next Aaron was anointed with the holy anointing oil

the anointing with the holy oil symbolized the priest being anointed with the Holy Spirit in order to carry
out his divinely ordained ministry

our Lord was so anointed at the time of His baptism:
As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was
opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. (Matthew 3:16)
The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to
release the oppressed, 19to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. (Luke 4:18-19), our Lord Jesus
quoted this passage from the prophet Isaiah at the outset of His ministry
5.
Exodus 29:10-27; these verses describe the sacrifices that were offered on behalf of Aaron and his relationship
to those sacrifices

the bull was sacrificed as a sin offering on behalf of Aaron (verses 10-14), and the offering of two rams
symbolized Aaron’s dedication to the Lord and to his priestly ministry

our Lord Jesus presented His own body on the cross of Calvary as the one true sin offering for us (Romans
8:3) and the supreme offering of dedication to God His Father (Hebrews 10:5-7,10)
God sent his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. (Romans 8:3)
…when Christ came into the world, he said: Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body
you prepared for me; 6with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased. 7Then I said,
‘Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll— I have come to do your will, O God.’… 10And by
that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
(Hebrews 10:5-7,10)
6.
Exodus 29:22-28; a portion of the sacrificial ram and the bread were placed upon Aaron’s hands and then
waved before the Lord, another portion was waved before the Lord and presented to Aaron as his portion

this symbolized the rewards of the priesthood: Aaron, for his service, receives a reward from the Lord

the reward that the Lord Jesus receives is the satisfaction of seeing His work bear fruit…
Yet it was Jehovah’s will to crush him, he caused him to suffer. Even though you have made his
life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring; his days shall continue, and Jehovah’s purpose
shall be accomplished by his hand. 11He will see the fruit of the travail of his soul and shall be
satisfied. By his knowledge my righteous servant shall justify many, and he will bear their
iniquities. 12Therefore, I will give him a portion with the great, and he will divide the spoil with the
strong; because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors—he
bore the sins of many and interceded for the transgressors. (Isaiah 53:10-12)
…and receiving His redeemed people as His holy possession
148
He gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify for himself a people
for his own possession, zealous for good works. (Titus 2:14)
7.
The significance of Exodus 29 is the fact that Aaron is appointed and consecrated by God to serve in the
capacity of priest—Aaron does not assume the role of priest by his own accord

8.
consider the fate of Korah when he sought to acquire the priesthood by himself:
…the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, with their households, as well as all
Korah’s followers and all their possessions. 33So it was that they, and all who were aligned with
them, went down alive into Sheol; the earth closed over them, and they disappeared from the
midst of the assembly. (Numbers 16:32-33)
Trust Christ to represent you before God, …because He has been consecrated by God to be our one and only
great High Priest
Every high priest is selected from among men and is appointed to represent them in matters related to
God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. … 4No one takes this honor upon himself; he must be called
by God, just as Aaron was. 5So Christ also did not take upon himself the glory of becoming a high
priest. But God said to him, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father.” (Hebrews 5:1,4-5)
…there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5)
II. Trust Christ to Represent You before God,
…Because He is Compassionate and Holy (Exodus 28:6-43)
1.
The garments of the high priest are intended to reveal his work and his character (the individual items are
listed in verse 4 of Exodus 28 and described in the remainder of the chapter)
2.
Verses 6-14 describe the ephod
a.
b.
the ephod was a type of vest, perhaps reaching no lower than the waist, joined only at the shoulders: its
main function was to carry the memorial stones and the breastplate
on top of each shoulder piece of the ephod was set an onyx stone (a precious gem stone often pale blue
in color)
c.
upon the two onyx stones were engraved the names of the twelve tribes of Israel (six names on each
stone), and the stones were encased in gold settings
d.
verse 12 indicates that the two stones were to be memorial stones for the sons of Israel. Aaron is to
bear the names on his shoulders as a memorial before Jehovah.
e.
the spiritual significance of the engraved stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod worn by the high
priest:


the high priest appeared before the Lord representing in his own person all the Lord’s people who
are precious to Him and bearing them before the Lord in intercession
consider the high priestly intercession of the Lord Jesus Christ:
Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary that was only a copy of the true one; he entered
heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence. (Hebrews 9:24)
I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those whom you have given
me, for they are yours. 10All that is mine is yours, and all that is yours is mine; and I am
glorified in them.. …15I am not asking that you would take them out of the world, but that
you would keep them from the evil one. 16They do not belong to the world, just as I do not
belong to the world. 17Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. …24Father, I desire
that those whom you have given me may also be with me where I am, so that they may see my
glory—the glory that you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the
world. (John 17:9-10,15-17,24)
3.
Verses 15-30 describe the breastplate
a.
the breastplate of (covenant) rights iwas a nine inch by eighteen inch piece of material folded over to
form a nine inch by nine inch square pouch attached to the ephod
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
note: whereas the NIV translates this item, a breastpiece for making decisions, and the ASV
gives the translation, a breastplate of judgment, a better translation would seem to be: a
breastplate of covenantal rights—the Hebrew word, fP2V5Mo, often translated “judgment,” also
has the meaning, “rights,” which seems to be the sense of the word in this passage
b.
four rows of precious gem stones (each stone different from the others) were fastened to the
breastplate in a gold setting
c.
the Urim and Thummim (literally; the Lights and the Perfections) were placed inside the
breastplate; they were used as instruments of revelation to discern the mind of God (note Numbers
27:21)
Eleazar the priest, … will obtain decisions … by inquiring of the Urim before Jehovah. (Numbers
27:21)
d.
according to verse 29; Aaron will bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the
breastplate of covenantal rights as a continuing memorial before Jehovah.
e.
the spiritual significance of the breastplate of (covenant) rights:

the people of God are precious to their high priest (they are next to his heart) and he “reminds”
the Lord that they are precious to Him and have covenantal rights before Him

each individual believer is precious to Jesus, our Great High Priest, and to our heavenly Father (as
seen by each individual tribe being represented by a unique gem stone); so much so, that they are
willing to share their heart with us (as seen by the breastplate being worn over the high priest’s
heart) and receive us into their most intimate divine fellowship (as seen by the pouch of the
breastplate containing the Urim and Thummim, the articles of revelation)—note John 15:13-15 and
John 14:20
No one has any greater love than to lay down his life for his friends. 14You are my friends, if
you do the things I command you. 15I no longer call you servants, for the servant does not
know what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because I have made known to
you everything that I have heard from my Father. (John 15:13-15)
On that day (the day of Christ’s final revelation when He returns in glory) you will know (by
personal and intimate experience) that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.
(John 14:20), here is the most intimate fellowship and union with the Lord Jesus and His Father
4.
Verses 31-35 describe the high priestly robe:
a.
immediately under the ephod Aaron was to wear the high priest’s robe: woven of blue cloth, without a
seam it was sleeveless, having only a hole for the head
b.
attached to the bottom edge of the robe were blue, purple and scarlet pomegranates alternating with
golden bells
c.
the spiritual significance of the high priestly robe:

the seamless robe represented the integrity (the undivided devotion of heart to God) that the Lord
requires for one to approach His holy throne

the pomegranates represented a life that is fruitful and well-pleasing to God

the sound of the bells heralding both the high priest’s approach to the Lord and his return would
indicate to the people that he and his offering on their behalf were acceptable to the Lord (the
sounding of the bells indicated that the high priest had not been consumed by the Lord’s holy
presence)

note Psalm 24:3-4 and its relationship to the Lord Jesus Christ, our Great High Priest:
Who may ascend the hill of Jehovah? Who may stand in his holy place? 4 He who has clean
hands and a pure heart (Psalm 24:3-4)
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Then Jesus said to her, Do not touch me; for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go to
my brothers and tell them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, and to my God and
your God. (John 20:17)
5.
Verses 36-38 describe the high priest’s mitre (or, turban)
a.
the mitre, or turban, was made of white linen
b.
attached to the turban by a blue cord was a small plate of pure gold with the inscription Holy to
Jehovah (the small gold plate, attached to the bottom edge of the mitre, was positioned across Aaron’s
forehead)
c.
Aaron was to always wear this turban with the engraved gold plate, so that he may bear the guilt
involved in the sacred gifts the Israelites consecrate…so that they may be acceptable to
Jehovah
d.
the spiritual significance of the turban and the engraved gold plate:

in his capacity as the Holy One of God, the high priest is able to provide forgiveness and
acceptance with God for the Lord’s people

with regard to the New Testament fulfillment of this ministry in the person of the Lord Jesus
Christ, note Colossians 1:13-14
…God has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of
the Son whom he loves, 14in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians
1:13-14)
6.
Trust Christ to represent you before God, …because He is both compassionate and holy (note Hebrews 2:1617 and Hebrews 4:15)
…surely it is not angels Christ helps, but Abraham’s descendants. 17For this reason he had to be made
like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in
service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. (Hebrews 2:16-17)
…we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one
who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. (Hebrews 4:15)
III. Thrust Christ to Represent You before God,
…Because His Work is Perfect (Exodus 29:38-42)
1.
Each morning and again each evening the priest would have to offer the sacrifice of a lamb as a burnt
offering unto the Lord

likewise, once a year he would have to offer the annual sin-offering on the Day of Atonement
(Leviticus 16:15)
2.
Throughout his career as high priest Aaron would have to continually offer the same animal sacrifices to the
Lord on behalf of the people…
3.
…and this same high priestly ministry would have to be carried on by his sons after him

4.
Exodus 29:29-30 specifies that the holy garments made for Aaron shall belong to his descendants.
30
The son who succeeds him as priest … is to wear them…
In contrast to this repeated offering of countless animal sacrifices, we read this of the high priestly ministry
of the Lord Jesus Christ:
Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the
same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12But when this priest had offered for all time one
sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. (Hebrews 10:11-12)
5.
Trust Christ to represent you before God, …because His work is perfect

our Lord triumphantly cried out upon the cross, “It is finished!” (John 19:30)
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…when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. 51At that moment the
curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. (Matthew 27:50-51), the tearing of the
curtain that separated the Holy of holies from the rest of the sanctuary indicated that, by virtue of the
atoning sacrifice of Christ Jesus, the way is now made open to God through Christ
Conclusion
1.
James Zozzaro came to recognize that the one true priest provided for us by God Himself is the Lord Jesus Christ.
2.
Because He is the great High Priest provided by God, we must trust in Christ alone to represent us before God.
Questions on Exodus 28:1-5
1. Describe the acts by which Aaron and his sons were consecrated to the priesthood. See Exodus 29:4-7 (printed
below)
Then bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and wash them with water. (5) Take
the garments and dress Aaron with the tunic, the robe of the ephod, the ephod itself and the breastplate.
Fasten the ephod on him by its skillfully woven waistband. (6) Put the turban on his head and attach the
sacred diadem to the turban. (7) Take the anointing oil and anoint him by pouring it on his head. (Exodus 29:4-7)
2. Describe the high priest's garment called "the ephod." See Exodus 28:6-14 (printed below)
Make the ephod of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen—the work of a
skilled craftsman. (7) It is to have two shoulder pieces attached to two of its corners, so it can be fastened.
(8) Its skillfully woven waistband is to be like it—of one piece with the ephod and made with gold, and with
blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and with finely twisted linen. (9) Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the
names of the sons of Israel (10) in the order of their birth—six names on one stone and the remaining six on
the other. (11) Engrave the names of the sons of Israel on the two stones the way a gem cutter engraves a seal.
Then mount the stones in gold filigree settings (12) and fasten them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as
memorial stones for the sons of Israel. Aaron is to bear the names on his shoulders as a memorial before the
LORD. (13) Make gold filigree settings (14) and two braided chains of pure gold, like a rope, and attach the
chains to the settings. (Exodus 28:6-14)
3. Describe the high priest's breastplate. See Exodus 28:15-30 (printed below)
Fashion a breastplate for making decisions—the work of a skilled craftsman. Make it like the ephod: of gold,
and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen. (16) It is to be square—a span long and a span
wide—and folded double. (17) Then mount four rows of precious stones on it. In the first row there shall be a
ruby, a topaz and a beryl; (18) in the second row a turquoise, a sapphire and an emerald; (19) in the third row a
jacinth, an agate and an amethyst; (20) in the fourth row a chrysolite, an onyx and a jasper. Mount them in
gold filigree settings. (21) There are to be twelve stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each
engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes. (22) For the breastplate make braided chains of
pure gold, like a rope. (23) Make two gold rings for it and fasten them to two corners of the breastplate. (24)
Fasten the two gold chains to the rings at the corners of the breastplate, (25) and the other ends of the
chains to the two settings, attaching them to the shoulder pieces of the ephod at the front. (26) Make two
gold rings and attach them to the other two corners of the breastplate on the inside edge next to the ephod.
(27) Make two more gold rings and attach them to the bottom of the shoulder pieces on the front of the
ephod, close to the seam just above the waistband of the ephod. (28) The rings of the breastplate are to be
tied to the rings of the ephod with blue cord, connecting it to the waistband, so that the breastplate will not
swing out from the ephod. (29) Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he will bear the names of the sons of
Israel over his heart on the breastplate of decision as a continuing memorial before the LORD. (30) Also put
the Urim and the Thummim in the breastplate, so they may be over Aaron's heart whenever he enters the
presence of the LORD. Thus Aaron will always bear the means of making decisions for the Israelites over his
heart before the LORD. (Exodus 28:15-30)
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4. Describe the high priest's robe. See Exodus 28:31-35 (printed below)
Make the robe of the ephod entirely of blue cloth, (32) with an opening for the head in its center. There shall
be a woven edge like a collar around this opening, so that it will not tear. (33) Make pomegranates of blue,
purple and scarlet yarn around the hem of the robe, with gold bells between them. (34) The gold bells and the
pomegranates are to alternate around the hem of the robe. (35) Aaron must wear it when he ministers. The
sound of the bells will be heard when he enters the Holy Place before the LORD and when he comes out, so
that he will not die. (Exodus 28:31-35)
5. Describe the high priest's mitre (or, turban). See Exodus 28:36-38 (printed below)
Make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal: HOLY TO JEHOVAH. (37) Fasten a blue cord to it to
attach it to the turban; it is to be on the front of the turban. (38) It will be on Aaron's forehead, and he will
bear the guilt involved in the sacred gifts the Israelites consecrate, whatever their gifts may be. It will be on
Aaron's forehead continually so that they will be acceptable to the LORD. (Exodus 28:36-38)
6. Match the things that were done to Aaron in preparing him for his high priestly office with the spiritual significance
of those acts. (Answers listed on next page)
a.
b.
c.
Aaron was brought before the door of the tent of meeting and was washed with water. This act
symbolized ___ his purification from sin his being anointed with the Holy Spirit
The sacred oil was poured out upon Aaron’s head. This act represented ___
A portion of the sacrificial ram was placed on Aaron’s hands and then waved before the Lord; another
portion was waved before the Lord and presented to Aaron. These acts symbolized ___
1. his reward for serving the Lord
2. his being anointed with the Holy Spirit
3. his being anointed with the Holy Spirit
7. Just as Aaron was washed with water as a means of cleansing him from sin so that he could serve as a high priest, so
Jesus submitted to the waters of baptism in order that He might be purged from sin so that He could serve as our great
High Priest. True or False
8. Match the various articles of the high priest’s wardrobe with the spiritual significance of those items.
a.
b.
c.
This article symbolized the fact that the high priest appeared before the Lord representing in his own
person all the Lord’s people and bearing them before the Lord in intercession. ___
This article symbolized the fact that the people of God are precious to the Lord and have covenantal
rights before Him. ___
This article symbolized the undivided devotion of the high priest unto the Lord and the fact that his
offerings were acceptable to the Lord on behalf of the people. ___
1. The Breastplate
2. The Engraved Stones on the shoulder of the ephod
3. The Seamless Robe with the Bells on the fringe
9. What is significant about the fact that throughout his career as high priest Aaron would have to continually offer the
same animal sacrifices unto the Lord on behalf of the people?
a.
b.
c.
This signified that the blood of animals could never make a true atonement for the sins of men; some
greater sacrifice would be required.
This signified the great sinfulness of God’s people; they were continually sinning and therefore were
constantly in need of another atoning sacrifice for their sins.
This signified the Lord’s divine requirement for a perfect sacrifice; until Aaron or his sons could perform
the sacrifice with perfection, there would always be the need for the act of sacrifice to be performed
again.
10. Aaron’s high priesthood was a temporary representative of the high priestly work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Match
the passages listed below with the various aspects of Christ’s high priestly ministry.
a.
Every high priest is selected from among men and is appointed to represent them in matters related to
God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. … 4No one takes this honor upon himself; he must be called by
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b.
c.
God, just as Aaron was. 5So Christ also did not take upon himself the glory of becoming a high priest.
But God said to him, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father.” (Hebrews 5:1,4-5) ___
We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who
has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. (Hebrews 4:15) ___
Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same
sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice
for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. (Hebrews 10:11-12) ___
1. Christ is both compassionate and holy.
2. Christ has been consecrated by God.
3. Christ’s high priestly work is perfect.
TAKE SIN SERIOUSLY
EXODUS 32:1-35
32 When the people saw that Moses delayed in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron
and said, “Come, make us a god who will go before us. As for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of
Egypt, we do not know what has happened to him.” 2Aaron said to them, “Break off the earrings that your
wives, your sons and your daughters are wearing, and bring them to me.” 3So all the people broke off the gold
earrings they were wearing and brought them to Aaron. 4He took what they handed over to him, and
fashioning the gold with a craving tool, he made it into an idol cast in the shape of a calf. Then they said,
“This represents your God, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!” 5When Aaron saw this, he
built an altar in front of the calf, and made a proclamation, saying, “Tomorrow there shall be a feast for
Jehovah.” 6So the next day the people rose early and offered burnt offerings and brought peace offerings.
Afterward they sat down to eat and drink and then got up to indulge in revelry.
7
Jehovah said to Moses, “Go down, because your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt,
have corrupted themselves. 8They have been quick to depart from the way I commanded them. They have
made for themselves an idol cast in the shape of a calf. They have worshipped it and offered sacrifices to it
and have said, ‘This represents your God, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.’” 9Jehovah
said to Moses, “I have observed these people, they are an obstinate* people. 10Now, therefore, leave me alone
so that my anger may burn hot against them and that I may consume them. Then I will make you into a great
nation.” 11But Moses earnestly implored Jehovah his God, saying, “Jehovah, why does your anger burn hot
against your people, whom you brought up out of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand? 12Why should the
Egyptians be permitted to say, ‘It was with evil intent that he brought them out, so that he might kill them in
the mountains and consume them from off the face of the earth’? Turn from your fierce anger and do not
bring disaster upon your people. 13Remember Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, your servants, to whom you swore by
your own self, and said to them, ‘I will multiply your descendants like the stars of the sky, and all this land of
which I have spoken I will give to your descendants, and they shall inherit it forever.” 14So Jehovah relented
and did not bring upon his people the disaster he had threatened.
15
Moses turned and went down the mountain with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands. The
tablets were inscribed on both sides; they had inscriptions on the front and the back.16The tablets were the
work of God; the writing was God’s own writing, engraved on the tablets. 17When Joshua heard the noise of
the people shouting, he said to Moses, “There is the sound of war in the camp!” 18Moses replied, “It is not the
sound of those who shout in victory, neither is it the sound of those who cry out in defeat; rather, I hear the
sound of those who sing.” 19As soon as he approached the camp, he saw the calf and the dancing. Then
Moses’ anger burned hot and he flung the tablets out of his hands, breaking them to pieces at the foot of the
mountain. 20He took the calf they had made and burned it in the fire; then he ground it to powder, scattered
it on the water and made the children of Israel drink it.
21
Then Moses said to Aaron, “What did these people do to you to cause you to bring this great sin upon
them?” 22Aaron replied, “Do not let my lord’s anger burn hot. You know these people, that they are prone to
evil. 23They said to me, ‘Make us a god who shall go before us. As for this Moses, the man who brought us up
out of Egypt, we do not know what has happened to him.” 24So I said to them, “Whoever has any gold earrings,
let him break them off.’ So they gave me the gold, and I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf!” 25When
Moses saw that the people were out of control—for Aaron had allowed them to get out of control and,
consequently, they had become a derision among their enemies—26he stood at the entrance to the camp and
said, “Whoever is on Jehovah’s side, let him come to me!” All the sons of Levi rallied around him. 27He said to
them, “This is what Jehovah, the God of Israel, says: Let each man strap on his sword. Go back and forth
throughout the camp from one end to the other. Let each man kill his brother, let each man kill his friend, let
each man kill his neighbor!” 28And the sons of Levi did as Moses commanded, and that day about three
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thousand of the people were killed. 29Moses had said, “Consecrate yourselves to Jehovah today—every man
against his son and against his brother—so that Jehovah may bestow a blessing upon you this day.”
30
The next day Moses said to the people, “You have committed a great sin. Now I will go up to Jehovah,
perhaps I will be able to make atonement for your sin.” 31So Moses returned to Jehovah and said, “Oh, what a
great sin these people have committed! They have made for themselves a god of gold. 32But now, please
forgive their sin—but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written.” 33Jehovah said to Moses,
“Whoever has sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book. 34Now go, lead these people to the place of
which I have spoken to you. My angel shall go before you. Nevertheless, on the day that I punish, I will punish
them for their sin.” 35So Jehovah struck the people with a plague because of what they had done with the calf
Aaron had made.
*Literally, “stiff-necked”
THEME: What people may regard as an acceptable, beneficial, even necessary, alternative, the Lord regards as a
serious offense.
PURPOSE: To warn the students to take sin seriously, because the violation of God’s commandments is a grievous
offense.
OUTLINE: I. Take Sin Seriously,
…Do Not Minimize It (Exodus 32:1-6,21-24)
II. Take Sin Seriously,
…By Viewing It from God’s Perspective (Exodus 32:7-10,15-20,25-29)
III. Take Sin Seriously,
…And Look to Christ for Grace (Exodus 32:11-14,25-35)
Introduction
1.
Karen was excited when she learned that she was expecting a baby.
2.
She and her friend went to the mall to shop for maternity clothes and material to make a blanket for the
expected newborn.
3.
But then something unexpected began to happen: people began to point fingers at Karen; they whispered about
her behind her back; they began to refer to her with very unkind labels.
4.
Karen was pregnant, …but she was also unmarried.
5.
Now she was confused and afraid; emotional warfare was raging within her heart; she struggled with the question,
“What should I do?” She felt betrayed and alone.
6.
A few weeks later she found herself sitting across the desk from a counselor whose kindness was able to soothe
Karen in her distraught emotional condition.
7.
The counselor sympathized with Karen and pointed her to a “solution” to her problem: something she presented
as an acceptable, beneficial, even necessary, alternative to Karen’s present dilemma.
8.
At her prompting, Karen signed her name, paid the required fee, changed into a scratchy disposable gown, and
prepared to have her child aborted.
9.
When the doctor had finished the murderous procedure, a nurse leaned over Karen and in a quiet voice informed
her, “It’s all over now.”
10. “She was wrong.” Karen writes. “I was young and healthy, so I regained my physical strength quickly enough,
…but my mind continued to fester.”
11. Her days became filled with regret. She told herself that it shouldn’t matter, it was just a blob of tissue. But she
found no rest.
12. “Unable to deal with the hurt, I determined to ‘think about it tomorrow.’ And I dressed the gaping emotional
wound with layers of denial.”
13. But she found no rest, …until the Lord removed the putrid bandages, made Karen deal honestly with her sin, and
seek forgiveness from Him. (POWER, 8/28/94, pp.4-5)
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14. What Karen had regarded as an acceptable, beneficial, even necessary alternative, the Lord regarded as a serious
offense.
15. The children of Israel found themselves in the same situation with regard to the incident described in Exodus 32.
16. The lesson we must learn is this: Because the violation of God’s commandments is a grievous offense, we must
take sin seriously.
I. Take Sin Seriously,
…Do Not Minimize It (Exodus 32:1-6,21-24)
1.
2.
3.
Here is the dilemma that Israel faced: Moses, their leader, had been up on top of Mt. Sinai for forty days…

they do not know what has become of him, and they assume the worse: he must be dead

“Now what are we to do? We need a leader, we need ‘a god’ who will visibly go before us.”

in their view they faced a serious dilemma and they were taking necessary action to remedy the
situation
Aaron all too willingly acquiesces to their demand:
a.
he instructs the people to bring to him their golden jewelry
b.
he then has the gold melted down and fashioned into a golden calf (a young bullock)
c.
when the people see the golden calf, they exclaim, “This represents your God, O Israel, who brought
you up out of the land of Egypt!” (verse 4)
d.
the next day the people present their offerings before the golden calf and they got up to indulge in
revelry (i.e.; a pagan religious orgy)
Note: the people did not view themselves as forsaking the Lord to worship another god; they viewed this as
an alternative way of worshipping the Lord—although the Lord Himself found it to be a great offense:
 it was a blatant violation of the second commandment:
You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any replica of anything that is in heaven above
or that is on the earth beneath or that is in the water below the earth. (Exodus 20:4)

4.
it was confusing the Lord with the pagan idols of the world: the golden calf (intended to represent the
Lord) was copied from the Egyptian cult of Apis (in which a bull represented the life-producing power
attributed to nature)
Are there times when we forsake Christ in everything but name, and identify our sinful choices as an
“alternative” Christian lifestyle or conduct, even though such conduct …

violates the commandments of God, or

confuses the Lord and His requirements of discipleship with the pagan practices and concepts of the
world
 the most common form of such rationalization maintains that…
5.
a.
God is dedicated to my personal happiness and He condones whatever will best achieve that
objective…
b.
as opposed to the truth: the Lord demands that I be dedicated to His glory and that I accept and
pursue whatever contributes to that objective
When Aaron is confronted by Moses concerning this incident, take careful consideration of his response:
a.
he seeks to pacify Moses and convince him that this is no big deal, it is not something about which to
become angry and upset; he urges Moses, Do not let my lord’s anger burn hot. (verse 22a)
b.
he is somewhat surprised that Moses does not know that these people… are prone to evil. (verse 22b)
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c.

Aaron’s argument is, “What else can you expect from these people? They are sinners, they act like
sinners, and they always will.”

Aaron’s counsel: accept sinners for what they are, expect them to sin and don’t get too upset over it
Aaron furthermore seeks to excuse his sinful conduct by…

pointing to the coercive demands of the people:
They said to me, “Make us a god who shall go before us. As for this Moses, the man who
brought us up out of Egypt, we do not know what has happened to him.” (verse 23)

…and presenting his sinful action as something that just happened, something that was beyond his
control, something for which he was not responsible and could not really be held accountable:
So I said to them, “Whoever has any gold earrings, let him break them off.” So they gave me
the gold, and I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf! (verse 24)
d.
but note Moses’ testimony recorded in Deuteronomy 9:20
…Jehovah was angry enough with Aaron to destroy him, but at that time I prayed for Aaron
(Deuteronomy 9:20)
6.
Take sin seriously, …do not minimize it (like Aaron and the people of Israel sought to do)
Stricken, smitten, and afflicted, see him dying on the tree!
It is the Christ by man rejected; Yes, my soul, it’s he, it’s he!
It is the long-expected Prophet, David’s Son, yet David’s Lord;
By His Son God now has spoken: It is the true and faithful Word.
Tell me, you who hear him groaning, was there ever grief like His?
Friends through fear His cause disowning, foes insulting His distress;
Many hands were raised to wound Him, none would interpose to save;
But the deepest stroke that pierced Him was the stroke that Justice gave.
You who think of sin but lightly nor suppose the evil great,
Here may view its nature rightly, here its guilt may estimate.
(Thomas Kelly, 1804)
II. Take Sin Seriously,
…By Viewing It from God’s Perspective (Exodus 32:7-10,15-20,25-29)
1.
Note that the Lord knows exactly what the people have done:
Jehovah said to Moses, “Go down, because your people, whom you brought up out of the land of
Egypt, have corrupted themselves. 8They have been quick to depart from the way I commanded
them. They have made for themselves an idol cast in the shape of a calf. They have worshipped it
and offered sacrifices to it and have said, ‘This represents your God, O Israel, who brought you up
out of the land of Egypt.’” (verses 7-8)
a.
we may not see His face, but He most assuredly sees our life and knows our heart:
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before
the eyes of him to whom we must give account. (Hebrews 4:13)
b.
note that the Lord defines their conduct as sin—they have corrupted themselves. 8They have been
quick to depart from the way I commanded them—and that He distances Himself from them,
identifying sinful Israel to Moses as your people rather than my people (note Deuteronomy 32:5, Isaiah
59:1-2 and James 4:4)
They have dealt corruptly with him, they are not his children, it is their blemish; they are a
perverse and crooked generation. (Deuteronomy 32:5)
Listen, Jehovah’s hand is not so short that it cannot save; nor is his hearing so poor that he
cannot hear. 2On the contrary, your iniquities have made a separation between you and your
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God, and your sins have caused him to hide his face from you, so that he refuses to hear you.
(Isaiah 59:1-2)
You adulterous people, do you not realize that friendship with the world is hatred toward God?
Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. (James 4:4)
2.
The Lord exhorts Moses, leave me alone so that my anger may burn hot against them and that I may
consume them, because they are an obstinate people (verses 9-10)
the Lord desires to start all over again (leave me alone so that … I may consume them) and make His
faithful servant, Moses, the father of a new nation (note Psalm 34:15-16)

The eyes of Jehovah are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry; 16the face of
Jehovah is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. (Psalm
34:15-16)
3.
4.
At the commandment of the Lord (verse 27), Moses instructs the Levites to carry out God’s judgment against
the unrepentant.
a.
Moses first issues a call for repentance: “Whoever is on Jehovah’s side, let him come to me!” here is
a call for the people to separate themselves from the pagan orgy into which their festival had
degenerated (verse 26)
b.
then Moses instructs the Levites to carry out God’s judgment against the unrepentant, without mercy or
favoritism (verse 27)
c.
the Levites did, in fact, execute the command issued to them; God’s warning of judgment was no idle
threat, it was in fact executed (verse 28)
Take sin seriously, …by viewing it from God’s perspective:
a.
see it as an offense to His holiness:
Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrong. (Habakkuk 1:13a)
b.
see it as an affront to His divine lordship and sovereign authority:
Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ but do not do what I say? (Luke 6:46)
c.
see it as rightfully meriting the judgment of God:
We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. (Luke 23:41), the testimony of
the penitent thief on the cross
d.
note that when Moses saw for himself as the Lord saw, Moses had the same reaction as the Lord:
Jehovah said to Moses, “I have observed these people, they are an obstinate people. 10Now,
therefore, leave me alone so that my anger may burn hot against them and that I may consume
them. Then I will make you into a great nation.” (Exodus 32:9-10)
As soon as he approached the camp, he saw the calf and the dancing. Then Moses’ anger
burned hot and he flung the tablets out of his hands, breaking them to pieces at the foot of the
mountain. (Exodus 32:19)
III. Take Sin Seriously,
…and Look to Christ for Grace (Exodus 32:11-14,25-35)
1.
The only thing that stood between the outbreak of the Lord’s holy wrath and the people of Israel was the
intercession of their mediator:
a.
Moses emphasizes that Israel is the Lord’s people whom He brought forth out of Egypt (verse 11)
But Moses earnestly implored Jehovah his God, saying, “Jehovah, why does your anger burn hot
against your people, whom you brought up out of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand?”
(verse 11)
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b.
in concern for the honor of the Lord’s name, Moses pleads with the Lord to not bring disaster upon His
people, but to remember His covenant (verses 12-13)
“Why should the Egyptians be permitted to say, ‘It was with evil intent that he brought them
out, so that he might kill them in the mountains and consume them from off the face of the
earth’? Turn from your fierce anger and do not bring disaster upon your people. 13Remember
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, your servants, to whom you swore by your own self, and said to
them, ‘I will multiply your descendants like the stars of the sky, and all this land of which I have
spoken I will give to your descendants, and they shall inherit it forever.” (verses 12-13)
c.
the Lord is moved by Moses’ intercession; the Lord turned from the calamity He said He would bring
upon His people, namely, the annihilation of the entire nation (verse 14)
So Jehovah relented and did not bring upon his people the disaster he had threatened. (verse
14)
d.
compare this Old Testament era ministry of mediation with its New Testament counterpart, the
mediation of our Lord Jesus Christ:
…if anyone sins, we have someone who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the
Righteous One. 2He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins (1 John 2:1b-2a), literally, he is the
propitiation for our sins (i.e., the sacrifice that satisfies the divine justice and appeases the divine
wrath of God)
2.
Their mediator confronts the people with their sin and offers to make atonement on their behalf:
a.
Moses declares to the people, “You have committed a great sin. Now I will go up to Jehovah,
perhaps I will be able to make atonement for your sin.” (verse 30)
b.
Moses pleads with the Lord to grant the people forgiveness, offering to take their place: please
forgive their sin—but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written. (verse 32)
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess
our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
(1 John 1:8-9)
3.
Their mediator calls for repentance as the only way to avoid the judgment he is commissioned by the Lord
to execute (verses 26-29)
He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
(Proverbs 28:13)
4.
Take sin seriously, …and look to Christ for grace

look to Christ for both the grace of forgiveness as well as the grace of repentance: in John 15:5, the
Lord Jesus declares, apart from me you can do nothing.
Conclusion
1.
What Karen had once regarded as an acceptable, beneficial, even necessary, alternative, the Lord regarded as a
serious offense.
2.
The lesson we must learn from the incident involving the golden calf is the same as that which Karen had to learn:
the violation of God’s commandments is a grievous offense.
3.
We must take sin seriously, …because the Lord our God takes sin seriously.
God… commands all men everywhere to repent, 31because he has set a day when he will judge the world
with justice (Acts 17:30-31)
Questions on Exodus 32:1-35
1. What "dilemma" did the people of Israel face? What course of action did they take? See Exodus 32:1 (printed below)
159
When the people saw that Moses delayed in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron
and said, Come, make us a god who will go before us. As for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of
Egypt, we do not know what has happened to him. (Exodus 32:1)
2. What does Aaron do for the people? Do they view their action as a violation of their commitment to Jehovah? See
Exodus 32:2-6 (printed below)
Aaron said to them, Break off the earrings that your wives, your sons and your daughters are wearing, and
bring them to me. (3) So all the people broke off the gold earrings they were wearing and brought them to
Aaron. (4) He took what they handed over to him, and fashioning the gold with a craving tool, he made it into
an idol cast in the shape of a calf. Then they said, This represents your God, O Israel, who brought you up out
of the land of Egypt! (5) When Aaron saw this, he built an altar in front of the calf, and made a proclamation,
saying, Tomorrow there shall be a feast for Jehovah. (6) So the next day the people rose early and offered
burnt offerings and brought peace offerings. Afterward they sat down to eat and drink and then got up to
indulge in revelry. (Exodus 32:2-6)
3. Later when Moses confronts Aaron about this incident, how does Aaron respond? See Exodus 32:21-24 (printed below)
Then Moses said to Aaron, What did these people do to you to cause you to bring this great sin upon them?
(22) Aaron replied, Do not let my lord's anger burn hot. You know these people, that they are prone to evil. (23)
They said to me, Make us a god who shall go before us. As for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of
Egypt, we do not know what has happened to him. (24) So I said to them, Whoever has any gold earrings, let
him break them off. So they gave me the gold, and I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf! (Exodus
32:21-24)
4. How does the Lord react to the peoples' conduct? See Exodus 32:7-10 (printed below) How does Moses react when he
witnesses their conduct? See Exodus 32:19 (printed below)
Jehovah said to Moses, Go down, because your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have
corrupted themselves. (8) They have been quick to depart from the way I commanded them. They have made
for themselves an idol cast in the shape of a calf. They have worshiped it and offered sacrifices to it and have
said, This represents your God, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. (9) Jehovah said to
Moses, I have observed these people, they are an obstinate people. (10) Now, therefore, leave me alone so that
my anger may burn hot against them and that I may consume them. Then I will make you into a great nation.
(Exodus 32:7-10)
As soon as he approached the camp, he saw the calf and the dancing. Then Moses' anger burned hot and he
flung the tablets out of his hands, breaking them to pieces at the foot of the mountain. (Exodus 32:19)
5. How does Moses intervene to spare the people from the righteous wrath of the Lord their God? See Exodus 32:1114,30-32 (printed below)
But Moses earnestly implored Jehovah his God, saying, Jehovah, why does your anger burn hot against your
people, whom you brought up out of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand? (12) Why should the Egyptians
be permitted to say, It was with evil intent that he brought them out, so that he might kill them in the
mountains and consume them from off the face of the earth? Turn from your fierce anger and do not bring
disaster upon your people. (13) Remember Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, your servants, to whom you swore by
your own self, and said to them, I will multiply your descendants like the stars of the sky, and all this land of
which I have spoken I will give to your descendants, and they shall inherit it forever. (14) So Jehovah relented
and did not bring upon his people the disaster he had threatened...(30) The next day Moses said to the people,
You have committed a great sin. Now I will go up to Jehovah, perhaps I will be able to make atonement for
your sin. (31) So Moses returned to Jehovah and said, Oh, what a great sin these people have committed! They
have made for themselves a god of gold. (32) But now, please forgive their sin—but if not, then blot me out of
the book you have written. (Exodus 32:11-14.30-32)
6. When the Israelites made the golden calf, what sin (or sins) were they committing?
160
a.
b.
c.
They were violating the first commandment that forbids the worship of any god beside the Lord.
They were violating the second commandment that prohibits the use of images in the worship of the
Lord.
They were confusing the Lord with the pagan gods—the golden calf was associated with the Egyptian
cult of Apis (the bull).
7. Match the reactions to sin listed below with the people who expressed them.
a.
b.
c.
He did not think the Israelites were doing anything wrong when they made the golden calf. ___
He minimized responsibility for committing sin, attributing it to peer pressure and being a victim of
circumstances. ___
He saw sin from God’s holy perspective and reacted with righteous indignation rather than tolerance.
___
1. An Israelite
2. Moses
3. Aaron
8. The lesson exhorts us to take sin seriously. Match the reasons why we must do so with the passages that express
those reasons.
a.
b.
c.
Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrong. (Habakkuk 1:13a) ___
Why do you call me, “Lord, Lord,” but do not do what I say? (Luke 6:46) ___
God… commands all men everywhere to repent, 31because he has set a day when he will judge the world
with justice (Acts 17:30-31) ___
1. See sin as meriting God’s judgment.
2. See sin as defiance against God’s lordship.
3. See sin as an offense to God’s holiness.
9. When the Israelites had sinned by making the golden calf, the only thing that spared them from being consumed by
the holy wrath of the Lord was the intercession of their ________. Fill in the blank
10. Complete the Bible verses listed below that deal with the seriousness of sin and the saving work of the Lord Jesus
Christ. (Answers listed on next page)
a.
b.
c.
d.
Your iniquities __________ between you and your God, and your sins have caused him to hide his face
from you. (Isaiah 59:2)
He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; __________ that brought us
peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5)
You are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people __________. (Matthew 1:21)
Whoever conceals his transgressions shall not succeed; but whoever __________ them shall obtain
mercy. (Proverbs 28:13)
1.
2.
3.
4.
from their sins
have caused a separation
confesses and forsakes
the punishment
THE HOPE OF RECONCILIATION WITH GOD
EXODUS 33:1-34:9
33 Then Jehovah said to Moses, “Leave this place, you and the people you have brought up out of the land of
Egypt, and go to the land I pledged to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, promising them, ‘I will give it
to your descendants.’ 2I will send an angel ahead of you and I will drive out the Canaanites, the Amorites, the
Hittites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. 3Go up to a land flowing with milk and honey; but I will
not go up in your midst, or else I might consume you along the way, for you are an obstinate* people.” 4When
the people heard these distressing words, they began to mourn and no one put on any ornamental jewelry.
5
Jehovah had said to Moses, “Tell the children of Israel, ‘You are an obstinate* people; if I were to go up in
your midst for just one moment, I would consume you. Now then, discard your ornamental jewelry, so that I
may know what to do with you.” 6So the children of Israel stripped themselves of their ornamental jewelry at
Mount Horeb and for the remainder of their journey.
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7
Now Moses used to take the tent and set it up outside the camp, at a distance from the camp. He called
it “The Tent of Meeting.” Anyone who sought Jehovah’s counsel would go out to the Tent of Meeting
located outside the camp. 8Whenever Moses went out to the tent, all the people rose and stood at the
entrance of their tents, watching Moses until he entered the tent. 9When Moses entered the tent, the pillar
of cloud descended and stayed at the entrance of the tent; and Jehovah would speak with Moses.
10
Whenever the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance of the tent, they all stood and
worshipped, each one at the entrance of his tent. 11Jehovah would speak with Moses face to face, like a man
speaks with his friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but Joshua his aide, a young man, the son of
Nun, did not leave the tent.
12
Moses said to Jehovah, “See, you have been telling me, ‘Lead these people,’ but you have not let me
know whom you will send with me. Furthermore, you have said, ‘I know you intimately** and you have found
favor in my sight’ 13Now, therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me your ways, so that I may
know you, so that I may find favor in your sight. And consider the fact that this nation is your people.” 14He
replied, “My presence shall go with you and I will give you rest.” 15Then Moses said to him, “If your presence
does not go with me, do not carry us up from here; 16for how shall it be known that I have found favor in your
sight, I and your people? Is it not by the fact that you go with us, so that we are distinguished—I and your
people—from all the other people who are on the face of the earth?” 17Jehovah said to Moses, “I will do the
very thing you have requested, because you have found favor in my sight and I know you intimately.”** 18Then
Moses said, “Please show me your glory.” 19And he said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass before you and I
will proclaim the name of Jehovah before you; I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will show
mercy to whom I will show mercy.” 20But he said, “You may not see my face; for no man can see me and live.”
21
Then Jehovah said, “Look; there is a place near me, and there you may stand upon the rock. 22While my glory
passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. 23Then I will
remove my hand and you shall see my back; but my face must not be seen.”
34 Jehovah said to Moses, “Chisel out two stone tablets like the first ones. I will write on them the words that
were inscribed on the first tablets, the ones you broke. 2Be ready in the morning and then come up to Mount
Sinai. Present yourself to me there on top of the mountain. 3No man shall come up with you, nor is anyone to
be seen anywhere on the mountain; and do not allow the flocks and herds to graze in front of that mountain.”
4
So Moses chiseled out two stone tablets like the first ones. He got up early the next morning and ascended
Mount Sinai, as Jehovah had commanded him; and he carried the two stone tablets in his hands.
5
Jehovah descended in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed the name of Jehovah. 6Jehovah
passed before him and proclaimed, “Jehovah, Jehovah, a God who is merciful and gracious, slow to anger,
abounding in lovingkindness and truth, 7maintaining his covenant relationship for thousands of generations,***
forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin. But by no means will he leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes
the children and their children for the sins of the fathers to the third and fourth generation.” 8Moses quickly
bowed his head to the ground and worshipped. 9He said, “If I have now found favor in your sight, O Lord,
please let the Lord travel with us in our midst, for they are an obstinate* people. Pardon our iniquity and our
sin, and receive us as your inheritance.”
*Or, “stiff-necked”
**Literally, “I know you by name”
***Literally, “keeping lovingkindness for thousands”
THEME: The repentant sinner’s reconciliation to God is possible because the Lord does not despise a contrite heart.
PURPOSE: To encourage the students to seek reconciliation with the Lord when that fellowship has been broken,
knowing that the Lord will not turn you away when you seek restoration with Him.
OUTLINE: I. Seek Reconciliation with the Lord Your God,
…by Coming to Him with a Repentant Spirit
(Exodus 33:1-11)
II. Seek Reconciliation with the Lord Your God,
…Knowing that the Lord is Gracious
(Exodus 33:18-34:7)
III. Seek Reconciliation with the Lord Your God,
…and Rely upon His Transforming Power
Exodus 34:8-9)
Introduction
162
1.
As the train drew closer and closer to his hometown, Gary wondered what kind of Thanksgiving this would be.
2.
He had committed a crime and had been sentenced to prison; he had betrayed his family’s trust and had brought
disgrace to the family name.
3.
While serving his time in prison, Gary had had a change of heart: he felt remorse over what he had done, he
intended to change his ways; most of all, he wanted to be reconciled to his family.
4.
As the date of his release approached, Gary decided he would write a letter home: admitting his wrong doing,
asking their forgiveness, and expressing his desire for reconciliation.
5.
He closed his letter by saying,
On Thanksgiving Eve I’ll be arriving home on the four o’clock train. As you know, the train passes by our
backyard on its way to the station.
If you are willing to forgive me and receive me back into the family, please tie a yellow ribbon from the old
oak tree standing in our backyard. If I see no yellow ribbon, I’ll just stay on the train and keep going.
I do wish you a happy Thanksgiving and do hope it will be a happy one for all of us.
Your repentant son,
Gary
6.
The long hours aboard the train were passed with anxiety: the anticipation of coming home for Thanksgiving, the
fear of not being welcomed back home.
7.
Four o’clock was rapidly approaching, so was Gary’s hometown station, so was the backyard of his childhood home
and so was the old oak tree.
8.
By now the young man’s stomach was tied in knots: Would his family receive him back? Would there be a yellow
ribbon on the old oak tree?
9.
When he felt that he could no longer bear the anxiety by himself, Gary turned to the stranger seated next to him,
related his whole story to the man, and asked,
Sir, when we enter my hometown, would you look to see if there is any yellow ribbon on that old oak tree? I
can’t bear to look myself.
10. The conductor called out the name of Gary’s hometown as the next stop, …the train began to slow down as it
approached the outskirts of the town.
11. As they passed the backyard of Gary’s childhood home, the helpful stranger peered out the window, looking for a
yellow ribbon dangling from the branch of the old oak tree.
12. Just like that the house and the yard and the old oak tree were passed as the train pulled into the station.
13. Hesitantly, Gary uncovered his eyes, looked over at the stranger, and inquired, “Did you see a yellow ribbon?”
14. “No,” replied the man, “I did not see a single yellow ribbon. I saw a whole tree full of yellow ribbons!”
15. For Gary, it proved to be a Thanksgiving not to be forgotten.
16. For the people of Israel, there was a similar experience in the wilderness of Sinai: after what they had done
(making the golden calf), they, too, wondered if their relationship with the Lord could be restored.
17. What they found is that the repentant sinner’s reconciliation to God is possible, and it is possible because the
Lord does not despise a contrite heart.
18. When your fellowship with the Lord has been broken, seek reconciliation with Him, knowing that the Lord will not
turn you away when you seek reconciliation with Him.
I. Seek Reconciliation with the Lord Your God,
…by Coming to Him with a Repentant Spirit (Exodus 33:1-11)
163
1.
Although the Lord instructed Moses to continue to lead Israel to the land of Canaan, the people recognize that
they were still estranged from their God…
a.
the Lord does not identify them as His people, but rather as the people whom (Moses) has brought up
out of the land of Egypt (verse 1a)
b.
Canaan is identified as the land the Lord promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, not the land the Lord
promised to the people of Israel (verse 1b)

c.
it is as though the Lord wants nothing to do with these people, He is merely tolerating them in order
to fulfill His promise to their faithful forefathers
the Lord declares, I will not go up in your midst, or else I might consume you along the way, for you
are an obstinate people. (verse 3)

2.
When the people heard this distressing report they mourned, …and no one put on his ornamental jewelry
(verse 4)

3.
this was an indication of their sorrow and remorse over the fact that their relationship with their God had
been broken and they were estranged from Him
In response to the people’s action, the Lord issues the command, Now then, discard your ornamental
jewelry, so that I may know what to do with you. (verse 5)
a.
b.
4.
the Lord is maintaining His distance from them so that their stubborn and rebellious conduct will not
incite His holy anger against them
i.e.; don’t just take off your ornamental jewelry for a little while, discard it Why?

to indicate not just a passing sense of sorrow, but a genuine change of heart

just as the contribution of their ornaments made the golden calf, so now the discarding of those
ornaments was tantamount to an act of repentance
…in response to the Lord’s command, the people of Israel discard their ornamental jewelry from this
point on (verse 6)
The people’s estrangement from the Lord their God and their regret is also seen in the provisional tabernacle
Moses erects:
a.
Moses pitched this tent outside the camp, at a distance from the camp (verse 7), whereas the Lord’s
tabernacle was supposed to be erected in the very midst of the people (note Exodus 25:8)
…have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them. (Exodus 25:8)
b.
whenever Moses would go out to the tent, all the people would arise, stand at the doorway of their
tents, and longingly watch Moses as he entered the tent (verse 8)

5.
this was an indication of their remorse and their desire for a restored relationship with their God
Seek reconciliation with your God, …by coming to Him with a repentant spirit.

consider the case of the prodigal son:
When he came to his senses, he said, “How many of my father’s hired men have food to spare, and
here I am starving to death! 18I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have
sinned against heaven and against you. 19I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like
one of your hired men.” 20So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way
off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms
around him and kissed him. (Luke 15:17-20)
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not
despise. (Psalm 51:17)
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who have a contrite spirit. (Psalm 34:18)
164
He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds
mercy. (Proverbs 28:13)
II. Seek Reconciliation with the Lord Your God,
…Knowing that the Lord is Gracious (Exodus 33:18-34:7)
1.
The Lord summons Moses to return to the top of Mt. Sinai, bringing with him two stone tablets, so that the
Lord may rewrite His ten commandments

2.
this fact demonstrates the Lord’s graciousness, His willingness to renew His covenant, His willingness to
receive His people back into His covenant but on His terms
While Moses is there atop Mt. Sinai the Lord comes to him and reveals Himself to him, declaring, Jehovah,
Jehovah…
a.
a God who is merciful and gracious…

a God who is compassionate and who takes pity upon us when we cry out to Him for forgiveness
…the prodigal son got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his
father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms
around him and kissed him. (Luke 15:20)
b.
a God who is slow to anger…

a God of great patience and long-suffering and restraint
The Lord is not negligent with regard to the promise (i.e.; the warning of judgment), as some
consider negligence; on the contrary, he is exhibiting great patience toward you. He does
not desire anyone to perish, but all to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)
Say to them, As surely as I live, declares the Lord Jehovah, I take no pleasure in the death
of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil
ways! Why will you die, O house of Israel? (Ezekiel 33:11)
c.
a God who is abounding in lovingkindness and truth…

a God who is full to overflowing with goodness, kindness and love; and at the same time is wholeheartedly committed to truth (note Romans 3:25-26)
God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, … 26he did it to demonstrate his justice
at the present time, so as to be both just and the one who justifies those who have faith in
Jesus. (Romans 3:25-26); at Calvary God displayed both His mercy and His justice, neither
attribute was sacrificed for the sake of the other
d.
a God who maintains his covenant relationship for thousands of generations…

in His mercy and covenant faithfulness the Lord stands ready to forgive repentant sinners and
receive them back into His fellowship
Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his
inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. 19You will again have
compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the
depths of the sea. (Micah 7:18-19)
Seek Jehovah while he may be found; call to him while he is near. 7Let the wicked man
forsake his way, and let the unrighteous man forsake his thoughts. Let him return to
Jehovah, and he will have mercy on him. Let him return to our God, for he will abundantly
pardon (Isaiah 55:6-7)
I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my
transgressions to Jehovah”— and you forgave the guilt of my sin. (Psalm 32:5)
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e.
but He is also a God who by no means will … leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children
and their children for the sins of the fathers to the third and fourth generations—as Exodus 20:5
indicates, this is referring to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me; i.e., here is a
generational hatred against the Lord, one that is passed on from father to son

if you reject or abuse the divine mercy of God and the atoning work of Christ you will be
confronted with the justice of God and His holy wrath in full measure

the Peanuts’ cartoon character, Lucy, once made the statement, “Ask for forgiveness? Admit I’m
wrong? I’d rather die!” (such is the attitude and the fate of stubborn, unrepentant sinners)
…do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not
realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? 5But because of your
stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the
day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed. 6God will give to each
person according to what he has done. (Romans 2:4-6)
3.
The revelation of God’s character given on this occasion (Exodus 34:6-7) is the same as that revealed to
Moses on the first occasion (recorded in Exodus 20:5-6), but with this distinction:
a.
in Exodus 20:5-6 the Lord’s justice receives the pre-dominant emphasis while in Exodus 34:6-7 His mercy
is foremost
… I, Jehovah your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the iniquities of the
fathers to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, 6but showing
lovingkindness to thousands of generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.
(Exodus 20:5-6)
Jehovah passed before him and proclaimed, “Jehovah, Jehovah, a God who is merciful and
gracious, slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness and truth, 7maintaining his covenant
relationship for thousands of generations, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin. But by no
means will he leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the
sins of the fathers to the third and fourth generation.” (Exodus 34:6-7)
b.
4.
a people who are aware of their sin, have experienced something of its consequences in separating
them from their God, and truly desire to be reconciled to the Lord, need to be assured of His mercy
Seek reconciliation with the Lord your God, …knowing that the Lord is gracious
I tell you that …there is more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine
righteous persons who do not need to repent. (Luke 15:7)
III. Seek Reconciliation with the Lord Your God,
…and Rely upon His Transforming Power (Exodus 34:8-9)
1.
Bear in mind the word spoken by the Lord in Exodus 33:3
I will not go up in your midst, or else I might consume you along the way
2.
Now listen to Moses’ prayer in Exodus 34:8-9;
If I have now found favor in your sight, O Lord, please let the Lord travel with us in our midst, for
they are an obstinate people
3.
This is the Lord’s argument presented in Exodus 33:3:
I cannot tolerate your stiff-necked nature; it will aggravate My righteous indignation and incite My anger
against you (note Zechariah 7:12)
They made their hearts as hard as flint and would not listen to the law, … therefore great wrath
came from Jehovah of hosts. (Zechariah 7:12)
4.
This is Moses’ counter argument in Exodus 34:9:
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Only You, O Lord, can change our stiff-necked nature. If You do not come among us and apply Your
transforming grace to our hearts, we will be doomed to live and die with our stiff-necked nature
5.
Seek reconciliation with the Lord your God, …and rely upon His transforming power
a.
Do not come to Him with the promise: If You take me back, I’ll never do it again. (sincere as that
promise may be, you do not have within yourself the ability to keep it)
b.
On the contrary, return to the Lord with the plea and petition presented by David:
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11Do not cast me
away from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12Restore me to the joy of your
salvation and uphold me with a willing spirit. (Psalm 51:10-12)
c.
claim the promise the Lord makes to His people in Ezekiel 11:19-20 and Ezekiel 36:25-27
I will put a new spirit within you and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh and I will give
them a heart of flesh; 20so that they may walk in my statutes and keep my ordinances and do
them; and they shall be my people and I will be their God. (Ezekiel 11:19-20)
…I will cleanse you from all your idols. 26I will also give you a new heart and put a new spirit in
you; and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh and I will give you a heart of flesh.
27
And I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes, and you shall keep my
ordinances and do them. (Ezekiel 36:25-27)
Conclusion
1.
When your fellowship with the Lord has been broken, seek reconciliation; …
2.
…because the Lord, who is merciful and gracious, will not turn you away when you come with a repentant spirit.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all
unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
Questions on Exodus 33:1-34:9
1. In what ways does the Lord distance Himself from the Israelites because of their sin in making the golden calf? See
Exodus 33:1-3 (printed below)
Then Jehovah said to Moses, Leave this place, you and the people you have brought up out of the land of
Egypt, and go to the land I pledged to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, promising them, I will give it to
your descendants. (2) I will send an angel ahead of you and I will drive out the Canaanites, the Amorites, the
Hittites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. (3) Go up to a land flowing with milk and honey; but I
will not go up in your midst, or else I might consume you along the way, for you are an obstinate people.
(Exodus 33:1-3)
2. When the people learn that the Lord has distanced Himself from them, what do they do (see Exodus 33:4 printed
below?) How does the Lord respond to this (see Exodus 33:5 printed below?)
When the people heard these distressing words, they began to mourn and no one put on any ornamental
jewelry. (Exodus 33:4)
Jehovah had said to Moses, Tell the children of Israel, You are an obstinate people; if I were to go up in your
midst for just one moment, I would consume you. Now then, discard your ornamental jewelry, so that I may
know what to do with you. (Exodus 33:5)
3. How is the peoples' estrangement from the Lord as well as their remorse expressed by the location of the provisional
tabernacle Moses erected and their action whenever Moses visited that tabernacle? See Exodus 33:7-8 (printed below)
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Now Moses used to take the tent and set it up outside the camp, at a distance from the camp. He called it
"The Tent of Meeting." Anyone who sought Jehovah's counsel would go out to the Tent of Meeting located
outside the camp. (9) Whenever Moses went out to the tent, all the people rose and stood at the entrance of
their tents, watching Moses until he entered the tent. (Exodus 33:7-8)
4. What divine attributes does the Lord (Jehovah) reveal to Moses atop Mt. Sinai? See Exodus 34:6-7 (printed below)
Jehovah passed before him and proclaimed, Jehovah, Jehovah, a God who is merciful and gracious, slow to
anger, abounding in lovingkindness and truth, (7) maintaining his covenant relationship for thousands of
generations forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin. But by no means will he leave the guilty unpunished;
he punishes the children and their children for the sins of the fathers to the third and fourth generation.
(Exodus 34:6-7)
5. Contrast what the Lord Himself has said (see Exodus 33:3b printed below) with the request Moses makes in Exodus
34:8-9 (printed below). Why do you suppose Moses makes this request?
I will not go up in your midst, or else I might consume you along the way, for you are an obstinate people.
(Exodus 33:3b)
Moses quickly bowed his head to the ground and worshiped. (9) He said, If I have now found favor in your
sight, O Lord, please let the Lord travel with us in our midst, for they are an obstinate people. Pardon our
iniquity and our sin, and receive us as your inheritance. (Exodus 34:8-9)
6. Why does the Lord distance Himself from the people of Israel after they made the golden calf?
a.
b.
c.
The Lord distances Himself from the Israelites because they have made it clear that they do not want
the Lord to be their God.
The Lord distances Himself from the Israelites so that their stubborn and rebellious character will not
incite His holy anger against them.
The Lord distances Himself from the Israelites because His divine dignity does not permit Him to
condescend to have fellowship with them on an intimate level.
7. How do the people of Israel express their remorse concerning their estrangement from the Lord their God?
a.
b.
c.
They requested Aaron to sacrifice a sin offering on their behalf.
They remove their ornamental jewelry.
They would longingly watch Moses enter the distant tabernacle.
8. While Moses is atop Mt. Sinai the Lord reveals His attributes to him. Match the descriptions given below with those
divine attributes.
a.
b.
c.
The Lord takes pity upon us when we cry out to Him for forgiveness. ___
The Lord displays great patience, longsuffering and restraint. ___
The Lord is committed to justice. ___
1. God is slow to anger.
2. God is merciful and gracious.
3. God will not leave the guilty unpunished.
9. Moses pleads with the Lord to travel in the midst of Israel precisely because they are an obstinate people. Moses
makes this request because he realizes that only the Lord can ________ the hearts and lives of His people. Fill in the
blank
10. The lesson derived from this passage of Exodus teaches us that when we have sinned there is the hope of
reconciliation with the Lord. The passages listed below describe the steps necessary to bring about that reconciliation.
Match each step with the appropriate passage. (Answers listed on next page)
a.
b.
c.
He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
(Proverbs 28:13) ___
Seek Jehovah while he may be found; call to him while he is near. 7Let the wicked man forsake his way,
and let the unrighteous man forsake his thoughts. Let him return to Jehovah, and he will have mercy on
him. Let him return to our God, for he will abundantly pardon (Isaiah 55:6-7) ___
I will cleanse you from all your idols. 26I will also give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; and I
will take away the stony heart out of your flesh and I will give you a heart of flesh. 27And I will put my
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Spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes, and you shall keep my ordinances and do them.
(Ezekiel 36:25-27) ___
1. We must rely upon God’s transforming grace.
2. We must approach God with a repentant spirit.
3. We must be confident that God is gracious.
(At some point, perhaps after a time of review, the facilitator should administer the Final Exam on the
Book of Exodus.)