Free group study handout
Exodus 33: Group Study Handout
How to use: read Exodus 33 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.
Overview
Yahweh commands Moses to lead the people to the promised land, but He will not go with them due to their stiff-necked nature (vv. 1-3). The people mourn this news and remove their jewelry in response to Yahweh's warning (vv.
Key verse
“He said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
Exodus 33:14 (WEB)
Outline
- Exodus 33:1–3 God's Command to Depart
- Exodus 33:4–6 People's Mourning and Response
- Exodus 33:7–10 The Tent of Meeting
- Exodus 33:11–14 Moses' Intercession
- Exodus 33:15–17 Importance of God's Presence
- Exodus 33:18–20 Desire to See God's Glory
- Exodus 33:21–23 God's Revelation to Moses
Discussion questions
- In v6, why do the children of Israel strip off their jewelry?
- What does Moses do with the Tent of Meeting in v7?
- Moses' plea in vv. 12-13: why does he emphasize knowing God's 'way'?
- Yahweh's promise in v19: what does it mean that He will show mercy to whom He will?
- When have you felt the distance implied in 'If your presence doesn’t go with me' (v15)?
Go deeper
Passages that echo Exodus 33: Romans 8, 1 Corinthians 8, Deuteronomy 31.
Before next time: read Exodus 34.