Exodus 19: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Exodus 19 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The children of Israel arrive at the wilderness of Sinai after leaving Egypt (vv. 1-2). God instructs Moses to tell the Israelites they will be His treasured possession if they obey Him and keep His covenant (vv.

Key verse

“Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice, and keep my covenant, then you shall be my own possession from among all peoples; for all the earth is mine;”
Exodus 19:5 (WEB)

Outline

Exodus 19:1–2 Arrival at Mount Sinai
Exodus 19:3–6 God's Instructions through Moses
Exodus 19:7–8 People's Affirmation
Exodus 19:9–13 Preparation for God's Presence
Exodus 19:14–15 Sanctification of the People
Exodus 19:16–19 God's Majestic Presence
Exodus 19:20–25 Warning and Final Preparations

Discussion questions

In v4, what does God mean by saying He bore Israel 'on eagles’ wings'?
What does Moses tell the people to do in v15 to prepare for God's coming?
God's declaration in v6 about Israel being a 'kingdom of priests': what implications does this carry for their identity?
In vv. 21-23, what does God's warning to Moses indicate about His holiness and the people's access to Him?
When have you felt the need to prepare yourself for a significant encounter, as the people did in v10?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Exodus 19: 1 Peter 2, Isaiah 40, 1 Samuel 15.

Before next time: read Exodus 20.