Exodus 4: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Exodus 4 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Moses expresses doubt about his calling, fearing that the people will not believe him or listen to his voice (vv. 1-2). Yahweh provides signs to prove His presence, starting with a rod that becomes a snake and then returning to a rod (vv. 3-5). Moses is given a second sign of leprous flesh that returns to normal, and a third sign involving water turning to blood (vv. 6-9).

Key verse

“Yahweh said to him, “Who made man’s mouth? Or who makes one mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Isn’t it I, Yahweh?”
Exodus 4:11 (WEB)

Outline

Exodus 4:1–9 Moses expresses doubt about his calling
Exodus 4:10–17 God addresses Moses' inadequacies
Exodus 4:18–26 Moses prepares to return to Egypt
Exodus 4:27–31 Moses and Aaron meet and prepare the people

Discussion questions

In v1, what does Moses express about the people's reaction to him?
What are the two signs given to Moses in vv. 6-9?
Moses' reluctance in v10: why does he feel 'slow of speech' and request another?
In v24, why does Yahweh seek to kill Moses on the way?
When has someone stepped in to help you because you felt inadequate like Moses did in v13?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Exodus 4: Jeremiah 1, Exodus 3, Exodus 7.

Before next time: read Exodus 5.