Free group study handout
Exodus 5: Group Study Handout
How to use: read Exodus 5 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.
Overview
Moses and Aaron came to Pharaoh and said, 'Let my people go, that they may hold a feast to me in the wilderness' (vv. 1-2). Pharaoh did not know Yahweh and refused to let Israel go.
Key verse
“But he said, “You are idle! You are idle! Therefore you say, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to Yahweh.’
Exodus 5:17 (WEB)
Outline
- Exodus 5:1–3 Moses and Aaron Confront Pharaoh
- Exodus 5:4–9 Pharaoh Increases Israel's Burden
- Exodus 5:10–14 Taskmasters Enforce New Orders
- Exodus 5:15–21 Israelite Officers' Plea to Pharaoh
- Exodus 5:22–23 Moses Questions God
Discussion questions
- In v2, what question does Pharaoh ask about Yahweh's authority?
- In v8, what task does Pharaoh demand be placed on the Israelites?
- The Israelites’ statement in v21 expresses what feelings toward Moses and Aaron?
- Moses' complaint in v23 questions what specific aspect of his mission from God?
- When have you faced increased pressure after trying to pursue a good goal, as seen in v18?
Go deeper
Passages that echo Exodus 5: Exodus 3, Job 21, Exodus 1.
Before next time: read Exodus 6.