Free group study handout
Exodus 1: Group Study Handout
How to use: read Exodus 1 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.
Overview
The names of the sons of Israel who came into Egypt include Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Benjamin, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher (vv. 1-4). In total, there are seventy souls from Jacob's line, and Joseph is already in Egypt.
Key verse
“But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and the more they spread out. They were grieved because of the children of Israel.”
Exodus 1:12 (WEB)
Outline
- Exodus 1:1–5 The Names of the Sons of Israel
- Exodus 1:6–7 The Death of Joseph and Growth of Israelites
- Exodus 1:8–12 New Pharaoh's Concern and Oppression
- Exodus 1:13–14 Harsh Treatment of Israelites
- Exodus 1:15–21 The Midwives' Defiance
- Exodus 1:22 Pharaoh's Final Decree
Discussion questions
- In v5, how many souls came out of Jacob's body?
- In v14, what kind of service did the Egyptians impose on the Israelites?
- Pharaoh's statement in vv. 9-10: what do his concerns about the Israelites indicate?
- The midwives' actions in vv. 17-19: how do they challenge Pharaoh's authority?
- When have you faced pressure to conform to unfair demands like the Israelites did?
Go deeper
Passages that echo Exodus 1: Psalm 33, Acts 7, Exodus 3.
Before next time: read Exodus 2.