Free group study handout
Exodus 17: Group Study Handout
How to use: read Exodus 17 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.
Overview
The congregation of the children of Israel traveled to Rephidim, where there was no water for them to drink (vv. 1-2). They quarreled with Moses, expressing their distress over thirst.
Key verse
“Moses cried to Yahweh, saying, “What shall I do with these people? They are almost ready to stone me.”
Exodus 17:4 (WEB)
Outline
- Exodus 17:1–2 Israel's Complaint for Water
- Exodus 17:3–7 God Provides Water from the Rock
- Exodus 17:8–10 Amalek Attacks Israel
- Exodus 17:11–12 Moses' Raised Hands in Battle
- Exodus 17:13–14 Victory Over Amalek
- Exodus 17:15–16 Yahweh Our Banner
Discussion questions
- In v6, what does God instruct Moses to do with the rock?
- What action does Moses take in vv. 11-12 to influence the battle?
- In v7, when the people ask, 'Is Yahweh among us, or not?', what tension does this create regarding their trust?
- Why does Yahweh command Moses to write a memorial in v14, and what might that imply for future generations?
- When have you experienced support from others, like Aaron and Hur helped Moses in v12?
Go deeper
Passages that echo Exodus 17: 1 Corinthians 10, Numbers 20, Judges 6.
Before next time: read Exodus 18.