Exodus 20: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Exodus 20 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

God speaks to the Israelites, declaring, 'I am Yahweh your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt' (vv. 1-2). He commands them to have no gods before Him. They must not make idols or serve them (vv. 3-4). They must respect His name and keep the Sabbath holy, working six days and resting on the seventh (vv. 7-11).

Key verse

“You shall have no other gods before me.”
Exodus 20:3 (WEB)

Outline

Exodus 20:1–2 God's Declaration and Authority
Exodus 20:3–11 The First Table of the Law
Exodus 20:12–17 The Second Table of the Law
Exodus 20:18–21 The People's Reaction
Exodus 20:22–26 Instructions for Worship

Discussion questions

In v6, what does God promise to those who love Him and keep His commandments?
What does God mean by 'my name' in v24?
In v19, why do the people ask Moses to speak to them instead of God?
The phrase 'jealous God' in v5: how does this affect our understanding of God's character?
When have you felt challenged by the command to 'honor your father and your mother' (v12)?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Exodus 20: Deuteronomy 5, Leviticus 19, Romans 13.

Before next time: read Exodus 21.