Bible Story Questions

Volume One

Creation through the Period of the Judges

Norlan De Groot

Copyright © 2013 Norlan De Groot

Cover artwork adapted from The Creation of Light by Gustave Doré.

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from the English Standard Version, 2001, 2007.

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, 171 Second Street, Suite 300, San Francisco, California, 94105, USA.

In plain English, it means that you are free share (copy, distribute and transmit) this work under the following conditions:

- You must attribute the work to Norlan De Groot.

- You may not use this work for commercial purposes.

- You may not alter, transform, or build upon this work. Among other things, that means you must include all pages, including this one, in any copies you share.

If someone has shared a copy of this book with you and you would like to support this work, please consider purchasing your own copy at

www.norlandegroot.com

While at the website you can:

- purchase additional copies, updated editions, or different formats (print or electronic) of this book.

- purchase other books written by Norlan De Groot.

To my wife Julie

and our four children:

Christopher, Philip, Megan, and Amy

Thank you for the privilege

of being your husband and father.

Series Preface

I originally wrote Bible Story Questions for my family. My wife and I wanted a way to teach our children how to study the Bible using the stories of the Bible. What we came up with is a unique way for parents to study Bible stories with their children.

It is unique in the way that the stories are presented. The readings are not a retelling of biblical stories. Rather, they are taken straight from the Bible. That’s the way it should be. Devotions with the family should serve to get the whole family into the Word, not take them away from it. I would encourage you to read each passage with your family, and if your children are old enough, to ask them to participate in reading each story. I divided the stories of the Bible into sections small enough for a family to read and still have time for discussion.

The approach of this book is also unique in the types of stories that are presented. While all the Bible is profitable for us, different genres in the Bible are profitable in different ways. Chronologies, poetry, and prophecy all have their place, but I chose predominantly narrative passages that I thought would be profitable to use as Bible stories.

At the same time, some of the stories chosen are ones that you probably have not seen in other Bible story books. Most Bible story books focus on stories with positive and uplifting themes. But many stories in the Bible speak of sin and sinful people in very straightforward ways. Some of them graphically describe the pain and tragedy that sin has brought into the world and into our lives. I have chosen not to avoid these stories. What better place to confront sin head-on than as a family gathered around God’s Word? Of course, if your children are very young, you may wish to skip over some of the more graphic stories, like the story of the Levite and his concubine in Judges 19, until your children have reached an age where they are mature enough to respond to such stories appropriately.

Another unique aspect of this book is the division of each lesson into four sections: a main thought and three sets of questions corresponding to the head, heart, and hands. The intent it to provide tools for the parent to set the passage in context and also to analyze it according to the traditional theological concepts of knowledge, piety, and practice.

The main thought that is identified for each story is intended to focus the discussion on a foundational concept to be learned from the story. Certainly much more can and should be discussed about each story, but the main thought will encourage a deeper discussion than simply a review of the plot. The main thought can be shared with the family before the discussion begins, or can simply be kept in mind by the parent(s) leading the discussion.

Head questions probe children’s understanding of the text. Do the children know what happened in the story? Can the children relate this story to similar Bible stories? Can they see God at work within the plot of the story?

Heart questions help children connect their understanding of the text with their heart attitudes. They expose children’s understanding of their relationship to God and others. They show how God reveals himself as one who loves his children and expects their love in return. They probe how the characters in the story show their love, or lack of love, for God and others. They also encourage children to probe their own hearts.

Hand questions probe how the hearts of biblical characters or the hearts of children affect what they do and say. Proverbs 4:23 says, “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” Hand questions probe the springs of life, pointing back to the state of the heart that produced those springs.

Generally, each lesson will include a mix of concrete and abstract questions. Concrete questions will be more appropriate for younger children and abstract questions will be more appropriate for those who are older.  Use whatever questions you feel are appropriate for your family. Don’t feel that you need to ask all the questions in each lesson, or that you have to answer them in the order they are listed. You may even want to read over the questions beforehand and choose the top three or four that you want to be sure to ask. Feel free to mix the questions around as they fit in the conversation you are having with your family. The point is to lead your family in a directed discussion of the text that affects the head, heart, and hands. In fact, I would encourage you to also come up with questions of your own that fit your family situation even better than the ones I have written.

The questions are not an end in themselves. They are meant to encourage a deeper study of Scripture. The answers are not given, but should be readily available from the text itself or from a good commentary or Bible atlas. The questions will have served their purpose if they help train your family to determine what kind of questions to ask when approaching the text of Scripture. These are not the only questions to ask, but a sampling of what can be asked. If your family asks other questions, be encouraged that they are learning what they need to learn to approach Scripture on their own.

As you study these Bible stories using the questions supplied, my hope is that you and your children will also learn strategies for approaching the text of Scripture that will serve you and them for a lifetime. Let’s teach our children to be more than passive participants in our devotions. Let’s teach them how to dig into the Word, to get their hands dirty, so to speak, and to engage the text for themselves.

Norlan De Groot

The Creation

Genesis 1:1–2:3

Main Thought

God creates a world that is good.

Head

1. According to verse one, who existed before the heavens and the earth were created?

2. Who is the main character in this story? What does he do?

3. What happened during the different days of creation? Are any days similar to other days?

4. Why does each creation day begin with, “And God said...”?

5. When did God look and see that his creation was good? When did he see that is was very good?

6. Who was made in the image of God? What  does it mean to be made in the image of God?

7. What did God do on the seventh day? Why?

Heart

1. Did God need to create the world? Why do you think he created it?

2. Think about all that God created. Did you know that he did something even before he started creating? Read Ephesians 1:4 and discuss what God did for you before the creation of the world.

3. According to Psalm 29, how does God show his glory in his interaction with his creation?

Hands

1. Who did God make responsible to take care of the world?

2. What did God command Adam and Eve to do?

3. How does your understanding of creation affect how you treat the world around you?

4. How does it affect how you treat other people?

Adam and Eve

Genesis 2:4-25

Main Thought

God creates his image bearers.

Head

1. Why does verse four mention the “generations of the heavens and the earth” instead of saying something like, “the generations of Adam and Eve”?

2. What was the world like when man was created?

3. What flowed out of the garden? What happened to it after that?

4. Why did God put the man in the garden?

5. What command did God give regarding the tree of the knowledge of good and evil?

6. What did man do for every creature that God brought before him?

7. How did naming the animals show man’s authority over them?

8. Why was no creature suitable for Adam as a companion?

Heart

1. Why did God treat Adam differently than the other creatures of his creation? Does God do the same for you?

2. What was special about Adam’s relationship to Eve?

Hands

1. Verse 15 tells us that God “took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.” How would you describe some of Adam’s responsibilities?

2. If we were given a list of responsibilities for taking care of creation after sin entered into the world, how would the list be the same as Adam’s? How would it be different?

3. Should you treat other human beings differently than the animals that God created? Why or why not?

The Fall and the Promise

Genesis 3:1-24

Main Thought

God shows his mercy and grace to fallen humanity.

Head

1. What was different about the serpent than any other beast of the field?

2. What did God say about the tree in the middle of the garden?

3. What lie did the serpent tell Eve?

4. How was Adam tempted to eat the fruit?

5. What did Adam and Eve realize after they ate the fruit?

6. Why was God walking in the garden?

7. Why did Adam and Eve try to hide themselves from God?

8. What curse did God declare for the serpent? For Eve? For Adam?

9. What promise did God make for the offspring of Eve?

Heart

1. Do you think God loves the world in the same way after the Fall as when he first created it? Explain.

2. Why did God ask, “Where are you?” Did he really not know where Adam and Eve were?

3. Do you ever try to hide from God?

Hands

1. Why do you think God placed a tree in the middle of the garden and then told Adam and Eve not to eat from it?

2. Adam and Eve went through a series of steps that led them to sin against God and break their relationship with him. Go back through the story and trace these steps from Eve’s original temptation to the sin of Adam and Eve and its consequences.

3. How does the curse of the Fall affect you? How do you deal with it?

Cain, Abel, and Seth

Genesis 4:1-26

Main Thought

God provides living seed from ruined lives.

Head

1. What did Cain and Abel offer to God?

2. What was so different about Cain, Abel, and their offerings that God had regard for Abel and his offering but had no regard for Cain and his offering?

3. Why did Cain kill Abel?

4. How did Cain answer God when God asked “Where is Abel your brother?”

5. Why might the curse in verses 11-12 be such a problem for Cain?

6. How did Cain react to God’s curse?

7. What did God do to protect Cain?

8. Why is the birth of Seth mentioned at the end of this story?

Heart

1. If mercy can be defined as not getting what you deserve, how did God show mercy to Cain in this story?

2. If grace can be defined as getting what you don’t deserve, how did God show his grace to Adam and Eve at the end of this story?

3. How has God shown you mercy and grace?

Hands

1. Is it possible to “do well” as the Lord told Cain in verse seven? How can we be seen as perfect in God’s sight?

2. The end of the story says that “at that time people began to call upon the name of the Lord” (4:26). How do you think the people of Seth and Enosh’s day called upon the name of the Lord?

3. How do you call upon the name of the Lord?

Noah Prepares for the Flood

Genesis 6:1-22

Main Thought

The line of the promise is saved through water.

Head

1. Who were the sons of God?

2. Who were the daughters of man?

3. Who were the Nephilim?

4. Why was God sorry that he made man?

5. Who found favor in the eyes of the Lord?

6. What did the Lord command Noah to make?

7. How big was the ark?

8. What did God promise to establish with Noah?

9. What went inside the ark?

Heart

1. When the Lord saw that “every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (v. 5), why didn’t he just destroy the entire earth right away?

2. Why did God treat Noah in a special way? (see vv. 8-9) Was there was something special in Noah, or something special in God?

3. Verse eight says that Noah found favor with the Lord, but does this chapter ever say that Noah’s wife, sons and daughters-in-law found favor with the Lord? Why did the Lord allow them to be saved in the ark along with Noah?

4. Does God treat you in a special way? Explain.

Hands

1. Why might it have been hard for Noah to be obedient to God’s command?

2. What kind of obedience might God ask of you this week?

God Sends the Flood

Genesis 7:1-24

Main Thought

God shows his justice and mercy by destroying the world but saving some.

Head

1. What made Noah different than other people of his generation?

2. Why did God want Noah to take seven pairs of all clean animals?

3. How did Noah know which animals were clean?

4. How old was Noah when the flood began?

5. After the Lord told Noah to go into the ark, how much time passed before the flood waters came?

6. Who all entered the ark?

7. Who shut Noah, his family, and the animals in the ark?

8. How long did the flood continue on the earth?

9. How high did the waters rise?

10. Who died as a result of the flood?

11. Who were the only living beings left after the flood?

12. How long did the waters of the flood last on the earth?

Heart

1. If you were Noah, how would you describe God?

2. In what way does the flood show God’s righteousness?

3. In what way does the flood show God’s mercy?

Hands

1. In what ways did Noah actively obey God?

2. In what ways did Noah obey God by allowing things to happen to him?

3. How can you obey God through active and passive means?

The Flood Subsides

Genesis 8:1-19

Main Thought

God remembers Noah, his family, and all the animals in the ark.

Head

1. What does verse one mean when it says, “God remembered Noah....”?

2. How long did it take for the waters to abate?

3. Where did the ark come to rest?

4. When were the tops of the mountains first seen?

5. What kind of bird did Noah send out of the ark first?

6. What bird did Noah send out second? What happened?

7. What happened when Noah sent out the dove seven days later?

8. What happened when Noah sent the dove out a third time?

9. What was significant about the freshly plucked olive leaf?

10. How long were Noah and his family in the ark? (Compare 8:14-16 with 7:11-13.)

Heart

1. Explain how God protected and provided for Noah and his family while they were in the ark.

2. Do you think Noah and his family worshiped God while they were in the ark? What would their worship have looked like?

Hands

1. What do you think Noah and his family did while they were in the ark?

2. Why do you think Noah waited to leave the ark until God commanded him to leave it?

3. If you had been a member  of Noah’s family, would you have wanted to leave earlier? Why or why not?

God’s Covenant with Noah

Genesis 8:20–9:17

Main Thought

God promises to sustain the earth.

Head

1. What did Noah build after he left the ark?

2. What did he do with it?

3. How did Noah know that a sacrifice would be pleasing to God?

4. What did God promise when he smelled the pleasing aroma of Noah’s sacrifice?

5. Compare Genesis 9:1-2 with Genesis 1:28-29. How are they alike? How are they different?

6. Why would God require a reckoning from any person or animal that took the life of a human being?

7. What did God establish with Noah, his descendants, and the animals? (see v. 8)

8. What did God promise in the covenant?

9. What sign did God give to confirm the covenant whenever it rained?

10. Why did he give this sign?

Heart

1. As a descendant of Noah, how does God’s covenant with Noah affect you?

2. How can you know that God will keep his promises?

Hands

1. How does God’s promise to maintain the seasons and days affect how we live and plan our lives?

2. When you see a rainbow, how do you react? What words do you say? Are you more impressed by the beauty of the rainbow or the promises of God that produced it?

Noah’s Sin

Genesis 9:18-28

Main Thought

Noah pronounces blessings and curses on his descendants.

Head

1. What were the names of the sons of Noah?

2. Who was the father of Canaan?

3. How were the people of the whole earth dispersed based on the three sons of Noah?

4. What did Noah plant?

5. What did Noah make from what he planted?

6. What happened to Noah when he drank the wine?

7. Who was the first son to see Noah?

8. What did Shem and Japheth do when they learned of Noah’s situation?

9. Why did Noah curse Ham?

10. What was Canaan’s curse?

11. What was Shem’s blessing?

12. What was Japheth’s blessing?

13. How long did Noah live after the flood?

14. How old was Noah when he died?

Heart

1. In what ways were the blessings and curses on Noah’s sons fulfilled?

2. What does this story tell us about the hearts of men after the flood?

Hands

1. Which actions of Noah and his sons should be condemned? Why?

2. Which actions of Noah and his sons should be praised? Why?

The Tower of Babel

Genesis 11:1-9

Main Thought

God ensures obedience to the mandate he gave humanity at creation.

Head

1. At this time, how many languages did the people of the earth speak?

2. From where did the people come who settled in the land of Shinar?

3. Why would people want to burn bricks? How would that help them build their tower?

4. What materials did the people of Babel use to make the tower?

5. What reasons did they give for building the tower?

6. What reason did God give for wanting to stop the people from building the tower?

7. What did God do to make sure the work could not continue?

8. Besides stopping the work, what else did the confusion of languages accomplish?

9. Why was the city called Babel?

Heart

1. Do you think God actually feared that the people would be able to build a tower to heaven?

2. What was it about the people of Babel that made God want to stop them?

3. Do people today have any similarities to the people of Babel?

Hands

1. What command did God give at creation that the people of Babel rejected?

2. How can we obey this command?

3. What might make it hard for us to obey this command?

Job Is Tested

Job 1:1-22

Main Thought

God is in control even when God’s people suffer.

Head

1. Where did Job live?

2. How many children did Job have?

3. What did Job do for his children after their feasts? Why?

4. Where did the meeting between God and Satan take place?

5. Who were the “sons of God”?

6. Who mentioned Job’s righteousness to Satan?

7. What reason did Satan give to explain Job’s obedience to God?

8. How did Satan think he could get Job to curse God?

9. What did God allow Satan to do? What did he not allow Satan to do?

10. What news did the first messenger bring?

11. What news did the second messenger bring?

12. What news did the third messenger bring?

13. What news did the fourth messenger bring?

14. What did Job say about the Lord when trouble came?

Heart

1. Did God still love Job, even though he made him suffer?

2. If God allows you to suffer, do you think he still loves you?

Hands

1. How did Job deal with suffering in his life?

2. How do you deal with suffering when it comes in your life?

3. What is the purpose of suffering? If our chief end is to glorify God, is it possible to glorify God through our suffering?

Job Is Tested Again

Job 2:1-13

Main Thought

Although Job’s suffering increased, he remained faithful to his God.

Head

1. Compare this second meeting between God and Satan with the first meeting in chapter one. What was similar about it? What was different?

2. What excuse did Satan give for not being able to get Job to curse God?

3. What had the Lord not allowed Satan to do before, but did allow Satan to do this time?

4. What did Satan do to Job?

5. What did Job do to try to relieve himself of the pain?

6. What did Job’s wife tell him to do?

7. Who were Job’s three friends?

8. Why did they come to visit Job?

9. How did they respond when they saw Job?

10. Can you describe the kind of advice they gave to Job in later chapters?

Heart

1. What do you think about Job’s question in verse ten, “Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?” Does God provide both good and bad things in our lives?

2. Did God allowed Satan to afflict Job just to prove Satan wrong?

3. How would you compare Job’s faith with the faith of his wife?

Hands

1. How did Job respond to his wife when she told him to curse God?

2. Have you ever been given advice that you knew was wrong? How did you respond?

Job Cries Out in His Misery

Job 19:18-26

Main Thought

Job cries out for his Redeemer.

Head

1. Why did young children despise Job?

2. When Job talked about all his intimate friends in verse 19, to whom was he likely referring?

3. What did Job mean when he said that his bones stuck to his skin and his flesh?

4. What did Job mean when he said that he escaped by the skin of his teeth?

5. What had Job’s friends done that made Job cry out for mercy in verse 21?

6. Besides his three friends, who else did Job blame for his troubles in verses 21-22?

7. Why did Job want his words to be written? Why might he have wanted his words to remain after he was dead?

8. What is the connection between Job’s words being written down and Job’s Redeemer?

Heart

1. Why would Job think God was against him?

2. Would it be possible for Job’s Redeemer to vindicate Job after Job died?

3. Who is Job’s Redeemer?

Hands

1. Even though Job’s flesh was nearly destroyed, what hope did Job have?

2. What hope do you have in whatever circumstances you are placed?

The Lord Rebukes Job

Job 38:1-7 and 39:26–40:5

Main Thought

The Lord reminds Job that he is sovereign over his creation and controls it as he wills.

Head

1. What complaints of Job did the Lord answer?

2. Why do you think God answered Job out of a whirlwind? Can you think of other places in the Bible where God shows his power in a whirlwind?

3. To whom was God referring in verse two? What was God saying about Job?

4. What does it mean to “dress for action like a man”? (38:3)

5. How did God show Job the limitations of Job’s knowledge?

6. What did God communicate about his relationship to creation in 39:26-27?

Heart

1. How did God prove to Job that Job had no right to contend with God?

2. Have you ever thought that God was being unfair to you? Have you ever wished you could talk to God about it? How do you think God would answer you?

3. Read 39:27-30 again. Have you ever considered that God controls all these aspects of an eagle’s life?

4. If the Lord controls all the details of an eagle’s life, what do you think he does for you?

Hands

1. When God finished speaking with Job, what was the only thing that Job could do?

2. Why was Job’s silence an appropriate response for one who so recently tried to contend with God?

Job’s Fortunes Are Restored

Job 40:6-8 and 42:1-17

Main Thought

God rebukes and restores.

Head

1. In 40:6-8, what challenge from Job did God address?

2. What had Job said in earlier chapters that made him confess in 42:3, “I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know”?

3. With whom was the Lord angry in chapter 42? Why?

4. What did Job’s friends have to do to appease the Lord’s anger?

5. Describe some of the things Job received from the Lord in this chapter.

6. Why do you think verse 15 mentions that Job gave his daughters an inheritance among their brothers?

7. How long did Job live after this?

Heart

1. What did Job learn about God and himself that made him despise himself and repent in dust and ashes?

2. How does our knowledge of God help us to understand ourselves?

3. When God restored Job’s fortunes, why did God give Job twice as much as he had before?

Hands

1. What did Job do for his friends? If your friends had treated you the way Job’s friends treated him, would you have responded like Job?

2. If God had not restored Job’s fortunes, do you think Job would have remained faithful to him? Why or why not?

3. Verse 11 talks about all the friends who came back to Job. Where were they when he was suffering?

The Call of Abram

Genesis 11:27–12:9

Main Thought

God blesses Abram so that Abram will be a blessing to the world.

Head

1. Why do you think today’s passage begins with, “These are the generations of Terah?” Who was Terah?

2. What were the names of Abram’s two brothers? Who was the father of Lot?

3. What happened to Haran?

4. Where did Terah plan to take Abram, Lot, and Sarai? Where did he end up settling instead?

5. What did God ask Abram to do?

6. What did God promise Abram would become?

7. What did God promise to give to Abram?

8. Who would be blessed in Abram?

9. How old was Abram when he left Haran?

10. How did Abram know he was in the land God had promised him?

11. What did Abram build when he got to the land of Canaan? How many did he build?

Heart

1. How was Abram a blessing to the nations?

2. How might you be a blessing to the nations?

Hands

1. How did Abram respond to God’s call?

2. Do you think Abram found it difficult to do what God asked?

3. Do you sometimes find it difficult to obey God?

4. Where might God be calling you?

Abram and Sarai Travel to Egypt

Genesis 12:10-20

Main Thought

Abram’s faith weakens in the presence of the Egyptians.

Head

1. Why did Abram go down to Egypt?

2. What was Abram afraid would happen in Egypt?

3. What did Abram ask Sarai to tell the Egyptians?

4. What did Pharaoh do to Sarai?

5. How did Pharaoh treat Abram because of Sarai?

6. What did the Lord do to Pharaoh and his house?

7. How did Pharaoh discover that Sarai was Abram’s wife?

8. What did Pharaoh do to Abram and Sarai once he discovered that Sarai was Abram’s wife?

Heart

1. How did the Lord protect Abram and Sarai in this story?

2. Besides Abram and Sarai, what else was the Lord protecting?

3. If Pharaoh had not returned Sarai to Abram, do you think God would have punished Pharaoh and his household more?

4. Should God have also punished Abram and Sarai?

5. Do you think Abram deserved all the riches he acquired in Egypt?

Hands

1. Between Abram, Sarai, and Pharaoh, who had the most integrity?

2. Was Abram’s decision to mislead the Egyptians regarding Sarai a result of Abram’s fear of the Egyptians, Abram’s lack of trust in God, or both?

3. When you are tempted to lie, what motivates the temptation?

4. Do you think Abram loved and valued Sarai? Explain.

Abram and Lot Separate

Genesis 13:1-18

Main Thought

Lot seeks his own blessing, while Abram is blessed by God.

Head

1. Why had Abram been in Egypt?

2. How did Abram get so rich in livestock, in silver, and gold?  (For a possible answer see 12:16.)

3. When Abram called upon the name of the Lord in verse four, where was he? Was this a place where Abram had been before?

4. Why couldn’t Abram and Lot live near each other?

5. What suggestion did Abram make to Lot in order to avoid strife between them?

6. Why do you think Abram gave Lot the opportunity to choose which land he wanted?

7. What land did Lot choose? Why did he choose it?

8. Why do you think verse ten mentions, “like the land of Egypt”?

Heart

1. What blessings did God promise Abram in verses 14-16?

2. Why would God bless Abram in this way?

3. How does God’s blessing of Abram affect us?

4. How does God tell Christians today about the blessings he gives them?

5. What blessings from God can Christians of today count on?

Hands

1. After God told Abram about the blessing he would give him, what did God ask Abram to do? Why?

2. When we understand how God has blessed us, what do you think God expects us to do with that understanding?

Abram Goes to War

Genesis 14:1-16

Main Thought

Abram asserts his power and authority in the land of Canaan.

Head

1. Why did Chedorlaomer and the kings allied to him make war on the other kings mentioned in this story?

2. Who won the battle?

3. Where did the battle take place?

4. What are bitumen pits? What would happen if someone fell into a bitumen pit?

5. What happened to Lot and his family?

6. Why might Lot have been in Sodom instead of fighting in the battle?

7. Who told Abram what happened?

8. How many men from Abram’s household were able to fight?

9. Where is Hobah in relation to Sodom? How far did Abram pursue the enemy?

Heart

1. What had Abram and Lot decided just prior to this in chapter 13? Was Abram obligated to do anything for Lot at this point?

2. Why do you think Abram decided to risk his life and the lives of his household to rescue Lot?

3. How do you think Lot reacted to Abram rescuing him? Do you think he reconsidered his decision to choose the land of the Jordan Valley for himself?

Hands

1. In 13:14-16, God made some promises to Abram. How might these promises have affected Abram’s decision to pursue Lot’s captors? Would these promises have made Abram think twice before going, or would they have emboldened Abram to pursue right away?

Melchizedek Blesses Abram

Genesis 14:17-24

Main Thought

Abram honors God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth.

Head

1. Who brought bread and wine?

2. What does “Melchizedek” mean?

3. What does “Salem” mean? What other names did this city later acquire? (For an example of one other name see Psalm 76:2.)

4. What details from this story confirm that Melchizedek was a true priest of God Most High?

5. What did Abram mean when he said in verse 22, “I have lifted my hand to the Lord, God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth?”

6. What did Abram allow to be accepted from the king of Sodom?

7. Why isn’t Lot mentioned in this story?

Heart

1. How was Abram blessed by God Most High?

2. How did Abram show his gratitude to God Most High for delivering his enemies into his hand?

3. Verse 23 shows that Abram didn’t want the king of Sodom to say that he made Abram rich. To whom did Abram want to give credit for making him rich?

Hands

1. Why did Abram give Melchizedek a tenth of everything?

2. Why did Abram refuse to accept the goods that the king of Sodom offered him?

3. How were Abram’s actions in this story a testimony to the king of Sodom? Do you think the king of Sodom was positively affected by Abram’s actions?

God’s Covenant with Abram

Genesis 15:1-21

Main Thought

God is the one in whom all promises are fulfilled.

Head

1. How did God serve as Abram’s “shield” (v. 1)?

2. What concern did Abram bring before the Lord?

3. How many offspring did God promise Abram?

4. What does verse six mean when it says that “[Abram] believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness”? (see also Rom. 4:3; Gal. 3:6; and James 2:23)

5. What animals did Abram bring to the sacrifice?

6. What did Abram do to the animals?

7. How did Abram protect the sacrifice?

8. What was the “dreadful and great darkness” that fell upon Abram in verse 12?

9. What promise did God make to Abram?

10. What two things passed between the pieces of the offering, and whom did they represent?

Heart

1. Read verse eight again. Was Abram questioning God’s providence in his life?

2. Why did Abram break with custom by not passing between the pieces of the offering?

3. Has God made any unconditional promises to you? Have you ever questioned them?

Hands

1. How could Abram respond to the covenant God made with him?

2. How can you respond to the covenant God has made with you?

Sarai and Hagar

Genesis 16:1-16

Main Thought

God reveals himself as the God who sees and hears.

Head

1. Why did Sarai want Abram to have a child with Hagar?

2. Why did Hagar treat Sarai with contempt?

3. Why did Sarai deal harshly with Hagar?

4. Where did Hagar go when she fled from Sarai? Who found her there?

5. Why do you think the angel of the Lord called Hagar the “servant of Sarai” and not the “wife of Abram”?

6. How did God describe Ishmael?

Heart

1. Why do you think the angel of the Lord asked Hagar, “where have you come from and where are you going?”

2. In verse 13 Hagar called God a “God of seeing.” What did she mean?

3. How did God look after Hagar?

4. How does God look after you?

Hands

1. When Abram took Hagar as a wife, was he listening to God or Sarai?

2. What other problems arose because of Abram’s actions with Hagar?

3. Why do you think Abram allowed Sarai to do what she wanted with Hagar?

4. How difficult do you think it was for Hagar to return to Sarai and submit to her?

5. How do you respond when people treat you unfairly? Do you focus on the person who it treating you unfairly, or do you focus on God who sees and looks after you?

God Makes a Covenant with Abraham

Genesis 17:1-14

Main Thought

God establishes his covenant with Abraham.

Head

1. Why did God change Abram’s name to Abraham? (Hint: the meaning of the names may be in your Bible’s footnotes.)

2. When God made his covenant with Abraham, what did he promise?

3. In verse five God said, “for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations.” Why didn't he say, “for I will make you the father of a multitude of nations”?

4. Besides Abraham, who else was included in the covenant God made?

5. How was it possible for Abraham to establish this covenant on behalf of descendants that weren’t even born to him?

6. What sign did God establish to confirm this covenant with Abraham and his descendants?

Heart

1. Did God have a relationship with Abraham before he made this covenant with him? (see Rom. 4:9-12)

2. On what was God’s covenant with Abraham based? Abraham’s good nature? Abraham’s obedience? God’s character?

Hands

1. When God established his covenant with Abraham why did he demand obedience from him?

2. What kind of relationship do you have with God, and what kind of obedience do you think he expects from you?

3. When you obey God are you doing it to try and gain favor with God, or because you already are in a relationship with him?

4. Is it possible for you to obey God to the degree that he expects?

5. Who makes it possible for you to obey God at all?

God Promises to Give Sarah a Son

Genesis 17:15-27

Main Thought

God assures Abraham that his covenant promises will be fulfilled despite seemingly impossible circumstances.

Head

1. What name did God give Sarai? What does Sarah mean?

2. What blessings did God specifically say he would give to Sarah?

3. Why did Abraham laugh?

4. Whom did Abraham suggest should be his heir?

5. What did God promise to do for Ishmael? Why would he do this?

6. What specific facts did God give Abraham about the birth if Isaac?

7. What did Abraham do as soon as God left him?

8. How old was Abraham when he was circumcised? How old was Ishmael?

Heart

1. Why do you think Abraham suggested that Ishmael should be his heir? Do you think Abraham believed God’s promise? Was Abraham not certain that God could follow through on his promise?

2. Why do you think God was so adamant that Sarah would bear Abraham’s heir?

3. How did God use his promise to Sarah to strengthen Abraham’s faith?

4. Why do you think God told Abraham the name of the child even before the child was born?

Hands

1. If God had just told Abraham that Isaac was going to be his heir instead of Ishmael, why did Abraham circumcise Ishmael as soon as God left Abraham?

2. Why were all the males of Abraham’s household circumcised?

Sarah Laughs

Genesis 18:1-15

Main Thought

The Lord tells Abraham his plans for Sarah

Head

1. Who visited Abraham by the oaks of Mamre?

2. When Abraham offered to prepare a meal for the men he referred to it as a morsel of bread (v. 5). Why do you think he said that, and then proceeded to prepare a feast?

3. Why did Abraham stand by the men under the tree while they ate instead of eating with them?

4. When the men asked, “Where is Sarah your wife?” in verse nine, do you think they really were ignorant of where she was?

5. Can you think of another place in Scripture where the Lord called out, “Where are you”? (see Gen. 3:9)

6. What did the Lord promise Sarah? When did the Lord say this would happen?

7. Why did Sarah laugh?

8. Read Genesis 17:17. Did Abraham laugh for the same reason that Sarah laughed?

Heart

1. Have you ever wished that God would reveal his plans for your future like he did for Abraham and Sarah? Why do you think he did it for them?

2. Do you sometimes find it hard to trust that nothing is too hard for the Lord?

Hands

1. In this passage, God revealed his will for Abraham and Sarah and expected them to accept it. God reveals his will for you in the Bible. Do you live in such a way that shows you accept it?

Abraham Pleads for Sodom

Genesis 18:16-33

Main Thought

God reveals his plans for Sodom.

Head

1. Who was the Lord speaking to in verses 17-19?

2. What plans did God reveal to Abraham?

3. What reasons did God give for revealing his plans to Abraham?

4. Do you think God needed to go to Sodom in order to see if its sin was as bad as he had heard? (see vv. 20-21) Why do you think God approached the sin of Sodom in this way? And why do you you think he stopped by Abraham before he went there?

5. What did Abraham ask God to do?

6. Why didn’t Abraham just ask God to save Lot and his family right from the start? Why did he start out with fifty righteous and narrow it down from there? Does it have anything to do with who these three men were?

7. Do you think there was a chance that the Lord could have gotten angry with Abraham when he kept questioning him? Why or why not?

Heart

1. When Abraham pleaded with God, was he concerned for the righteous or the wicked?

2. Doesn’t God want us to be concerned about the righteous and the wicked? What makes our situation different from Abraham’s?

Hands

1. How can  we show our concern for the righteous and the wicked?

2. When you pray to God, how do you approach him? Are you more formal or more casual in your approach to him? Why? Does your approach differ depending on the circumstances, like prayer in worship, personal prayer, etc.?

God Saves Lot and His Family

Genesis 19:1-22

Main Thought

God reveals his justice and mercy.

Head

1. Why does this story mention only two angels? Of the three men who visited Abraham, who did not go to Sodom? (see Gen. 18:22)

2. How did Lot greet the angels? How was Lot’s greeting similar to Abraham’s in Genesis 18:2? Do you think Lot knew these angels were more than just men?

3. How was the meal that Lot served the angels different than the meal that Abraham served in chapter 18?

4. Why was Lot so eager to have the two angels spend the night in his house instead of in the city square?

5. Why did the men of the city surround Lot’s house?

6. How did the angels and Lot’s family get away?

7. Who left the city with Lot?

8. Where did the angels tell Lot to go? Where did Lot want to go instead?

Heart

1. Why do you think the Lord sent just the two angels to Sodom? Was there a reason he decided not to show his presence there?

2. Why did the angels grant Lot’s request to go to Zoar?

Hands

1. Do you think the punishment of Lot’s wife was too severe, not severe enough, or just about right? Why?

2. What kind of punishment might you expect if you disobey God?

3. Do you always receive the full punishment you deserve? Do you sometimes receive a taste of God’s punishment in your life? Who, ultimately, has taken on your punishment for you?

God Destroys Sodom and Gomorrah

Genesis 19:23-38

Main Thought

God reveals his righteousness while Lot and his daughters reveal their sin.

Head

1. At what time of the day did God destroy Sodom and Gomorrah?

2. What had to happen before God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah?

3. What happened to Lot’s wife? Why?

4. How did Abraham find out about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah?

5. Why did Lot leave Zoar?

6. What concern did Lot’s daughters have?

7. What did they do about their concern?

8. What two nations came from the sons born to Lot’s daughters?

Heart

1. Read verse 29 again. In this story, God showed not only his righteousness, but also his grace in remembering Abraham’s request and saving Lot and his family. How does the Lord show his righteousness against sin, but also his grace in your life? (see also 2 Pet. 2:4-10a)

2. Do you think Abraham knew that Lot was safe when he saw the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah?

Hands

1. Why was Lot’s fear of living in Zoar unfounded?

2. Did Lot’s actions in this story showed that he trusted in the Lord or in his own ability to protect himself?

3. Why was the concern of Lot’s daughters unfounded?

4. Did the actions of Lot’s daughters in this story show that they trusted in the Lord or in their own ability to provide for themselves?

Abraham Lies to Abimelech

Genesis 20:1-18

Main Thought

God saves the line of the promise.

Head

1. Were Abraham and Sarah telling a lie when they said they were brother and sister?

2. Why did God threaten Abimelech with death?

3. How did Abimelech respond to God?

4. What excuse did Abraham give to Abimelech?

5. Why was God so concerned about saving Sarah from Abimelech and keeping her as Abraham’s wife?

Heart

1. In this story, did Abimelech sin even though he didn’t know it? Was he about to sin unintentionally?

2. Is it possible to sin unintentionally, or in ignorance? Look up Hebrews 9:7. What sins of the people did the High Priest atone for?

3. Are unintentional sins equally bad in God’s eyes? Read Numbers 15:22-31. How were people who committed unintentional sins treated differently than those who sinned defiantly?

4. In this story, did Abraham sin intentionally, or unintentionally? Why did God treat him differently than Abimelech?

5. Why might it be important to you that God saved Sarah from Abimelech?

Hands

1. If you are made aware of an unintentional sin you committed, what should you do?

2. Did Abraham’s actions in this story show that he trusted in God or in his own ability to protect himself?

3. What makes a lie a lie?

Isaac Is Born

Genesis 21:1-7

Main Thought

The Lord fulfills his promise to Abraham and Sarah.

Head

1. What did God do for Sarah and Abraham?

2. Why did Abraham name his son Isaac? (see Gen. 17:19)

3. Why did Abraham circumcise Isaac? (see Gen. 17:12)

4. How old was Abraham when Isaac was born?

5. How old was Sarah? (see Gen. 17:17)

6. Why did Sarah laugh? How was this laughter different than her laughter when God told her she would have a son?

7. Who else would laugh with Sarah?

Heart

1. Was the birth of Isaac a miracle? Would Sarah have been able to give birth to Isaac without special intervention from God?

2. Why do you think God made Abraham and Sarah wait so long to have a child?

3. Does God always fulfill his promises?

Hands

1. What promises has God made to you in the Bible?

2. How certain can you be that God will fulfill his promises to you?

3. How does your certainty of God’s faithfulness affect what you do?

4. In Genesis 17 God promised that Abraham and Sarah would have a son. In chapter 21 God fulfilled that promise. In the chapters in between (chaps. 18–20) what other promises did God make to Abraham or others, and how did those people respond to God’s promises? Did they trust God or did they try to work out those promises on their own?

Ishmael Is Sent Away

Genesis 21:8-21

Main Thought

God distinguishes the promised line from other descendants of Abraham.

Head

1. Why was Abraham’s household celebrating?

2. What was Ishmael doing that made Sarah angry?

3. What did Sarah ask Abraham to do? Why?

4. What did Abraham think about Sarah’s request?

5. What did God say about Sarah’s request?

6. What did Abraham give Hagar when he sent her away?

7. What happened when Hagar ran out of water?

8. How was Ishmael saved?

9. What did God promise he would do for Ishmael? Why?

Heart

1. Do you feel bad for the way Abraham and Sarah treated Ishmael?

2. Why did Abraham and Sarah treat Isaac in a special way?

3. Why did God treat Isaac and Ishmael differently?

4. Did Hagar remember the promises God made to her in Genesis 16?

Hands

1. Think back to the reason Sarah allowed Hagar to have a child with Abraham. If Abraham and Sarah had trusted in the Lord to fulfill his promises instead of trying to work things out themselves, would Ishmael have been born?

2. Ishmael was blessed because of his connection to Abraham. Today, Muslims claim that their spiritual leader, Muhammad, and many other Muslims were descendants of Ishmael. If you are a true, spiritual descendant of Abraham, is there a way that you can be a blessing to the spiritual descendants of Ishmael today?

Abraham Makes a Treaty with Abimelech

Genesis 21:22-34

Main Thought

God provides for Abraham’s well-being in the land of the Philistines.

Head

1. What had Abraham done to Abimelech in the previous chapter?

2. How did Abimelech know that God was with Abraham?

3. Who would benefit from the treaty? Abimelech? Abraham? Both?

4. Why did Abraham bring up the problem with the well that Abimelech’s servants had seized?

5. Why was a well important to Abraham?

6. How did Abraham make sure that ownership of the well would not be disputed again?

7. What does Beersheba mean?

8. Why is Beersheba often mentioned later in the history of Israel, for example in Judges 20:1?

9. If the Philistines didn’t move into the land of Canaan until after Abraham, why was it called the land of the Philistines in this story?

10. What did Abraham do after Abimelech left?

Heart

1. Why did Abraham worship God after this event?

2. Why did he use the name, “the Lord, the Everlasting God” when he called on him?

Hands

1. Should Abraham have made a covenant with Abimelech even though Abimelech wasn’t a part of the covenant between God and Abraham?

2. In what ways does Abraham serve as an example for us in dealing with people who are not Christians?

3. At what times might it be appropriate for us to formally worship God?

Abraham Sacrifices Isaac

Genesis 22:1-24

Main Thought

God strengthens Abraham’s faith by testing it.

Head

1. What did God ask Abraham to do?

2. How quickly did Abraham obey God?

3. Who carried the wood for the burnt offering?

4. What did Isaac ask Abraham as they walked to the place of the offering? What was Abraham’s answer?

5. What did the angel of the Lord say just after Abraham took the knife in his hand?

6. What animal did the Lord provide for the sacrifice?

7. What name did Abraham give to the mountain? Why?

Heart

1. How did God show his love to Abraham in this story? Why might Abraham have questioned God’s love in this story?

2. In the past, did the Lord ask Abraham to treat Isaac as special? Why? Give some examples.

3. Do you sometimes need experiences in your life to stretch your faith? Can you give some examples?

4. In this story God provided a lamb for the burnt offering. Can you name another time when God provided a lamb? Which father was giving up his son then? (see John 1:29)

Hands

1. In your relationship with God have you ever thought that God wasn’t being fair with you, or that he wasn’t treating you the way you deserved? What should you do when those thoughts arise?

2. Is there anything in your life that you would be unwilling to give up if God asked?

Abraham Buries Sarah

Genesis 23:1-20

Main Thought

Abraham claims God’s promise of the land.

Head

1. How old was Sarah when she died?

2. From whom did Abraham buy the field?

3. How did Abraham describe himself to the Hittites in verse four?

4. How did the Hittites describe Abraham in verse five?

5. Why was Abraham’s description of himself so different from the Hittites description of him?

6. Did Abraham already have a field picked out before he went to the Hittites?

7. Why do you think Ephron offered to give the field to Abraham? Do you think he really wanted Abraham to have it, or was this just part of the bargaining process?

8. How much did Abraham pay for the field?

9. Why did Abraham not accept the field as a gift?

10. Who else would be buried here? (see Gen. 49:29-32)

Heart

1. What comfort might Abraham have had in burying Sarah in Canaan in a field that he had purchased?

2. Read Jeremiah 32:6-15. What reason did Jeremiah have for buying the field that was offered to him? Could Abraham have had a similar reason for buying the field and cave of Machpelah?

Hands

1. How did Abraham demonstrate his faith in God’s covenant promises in this story?

2. How do you demonstrate your faith in God in your life?

Abraham Finds a Wife for Isaac

Genesis 24:1-28

Main Thought

Abraham claims God’s promises for the next generation.

Head

1. How old was Abraham in this story?

2. How did Abraham indicate to his servant that he was entrusting him with a very important task?

3. Why did Abraham not want a wife for Isaac from the Canaanites?

4. Where did Abraham want Isaac’s wife to come from?

5. Why didn’t Abraham want Isaac to go back to the land of his kindred?

6. What assurance did Abraham give to his servant if the woman would not be willing to go back to Canaan with him?

7. Why did the servant take ten camels with him?

8. What did the servant pray for? How did the Lord answer his prayer?

9. What did Abraham’s servant do when he realized Rebekah was the chosen wife for Isaac?

Heart

1. In what ways does this story show the extent of Abraham’s faith? How did Abraham acquire faith like this?

2. How did God show his steadfast love to Abraham in this story?

3. Did Abraham’s servant believe in Abraham’s God? Give evidence from the story to support your answer.

4. Do you think Abraham’s servant did more than was required of servants? Why do you think he served Abraham in this way?

Hands

1. What did it cost Abraham to be faithful to God in this story?

2. In what ways did the Lord bless the faithfulness of Abraham and Abraham’s servant?

Abraham’s Servant Explains Himself

Genesis 24:29-49

Main Thought

God provides a wife for Isaac and preserves the covenant seed.

Head

1. Why did Laban quickly run to meet the servant of Abraham?

2. Why was the servant in such a hurry to tell Rebekah’s family why he had come?

3. How did Abraham’s servant describe Abraham?

4. Why did the servant retell the story of how he met Rebekah?

5. Why was it important for the servant that the Lord led him to Abraham’s kinsmen?

6. In the previous story, the servant praised God for showing steadfast love to Abraham. In this story, whom does the servant ask to show steadfast love to Abraham?

Heart

1. Abraham promised the servant that the Lord would send an angel to prosper his way. How did the Lord prosper the way of the servant?

2. If you were looking for a spouse, would it be proper for you to pray a prayer like Abraham’s servant? Why or why not?

3. Is it possible for us to pray in ways that show we are trying to manipulate God? What was different about this servant’s prayer that shows it wasn’t an attempt to manipulate God?

Hands

1. What criteria did Abraham use in choosing a wife for Isaac?

2. Would you like it if your parents chose a spouse for you the way Abraham chose a wife for Isaac? Why do you think Abraham chose a wife for Isaac in this way?

3. Do your parents have a role in deciding who your spouse will be?

4. What criteria should Christians of today use to choose a spouse?

Isaac Marries Rebekah

Genesis 24:50-67

Main Thought

God establishes the next generation of the covenant in marriage.

Head

1. How did Laban and Bethuel become convinced that the proposal for Rebekah to marry Isaac had come from the Lord?

2. How did Abraham’s servant acknowledge that the proposal was from the Lord?

3. What did Abraham’s servant want to do the next morning? Why?

4. Why did Rebekah’s family not ask her about marrying Isaac, but they did ask her about leaving right away in the morning?

5. Compare and contrast Genesis 24:60 with Genesis 22:17-18. In what ways are these verses similar? In what ways are they different?

6. What was Isaac doing in the field when the servant returned with Rebekah?

7. Why did Rebekah cover herself with a veil when she first saw Isaac?

8. To whose tent did Isaac take Rebekah?

9. Did Sarah ever meet Rebekah?

10. Why does this story not record Abraham doing anything?

Heart

1. How does this story show God’s providential care for Abraham and the covenant he made with him?

2. How does this story show God’s direction in Isaac’s life?

Hands

1. If you had been Rebekah, would you have left with Abraham’s servant? Why or why not?

2. If you had been Isaac, would you have let a servant pick out your wife?

The Death of Abraham

Genesis 25:1-11

Main Thought

As Abraham’s life comes to a close, God reminds Isaac that he watches over and blesses him.

Head

1. Was Keturah Abraham’s wife or concubine? (see v. 6; 1 Chron. 1:32)

2. What did Abraham give the sons of Keturah? Where did he send them?

3. Why did Abraham save the inheritance for Isaac?

4. How long did Abraham live?

5. When Abraham died, who buried him? Why weren’t the sons of Keturah there?

6. After the death of Abraham, who was blessed by God?

7. Where was Beer-lahai-roi? What had happened at Beer-lahai-roi prior to Isaac settling there? (see Gen. 16:7-14)

8. What does Beer-lahai-roi mean? (see Gen. 16:13)

Heart

1. Looking back over Abraham’s life, what would you list as the high points?

2. Looking back over Abraham’s life, what would you list as the low points?

3. In what way was God now watching over Isaac? How is this reflected in the place where Isaac settled?

Hands

1. Do you agree with the way that Abraham treated the sons of Keturah?

2. Did Abraham treat Hagar and Keturah differently than he treated Sarah?  Describe incidents in the life of Abraham that support your answer.

Rebekah Gives Birth to Twins

Genesis 25:19-26

Main Thought

The Lord continues to distinguish his chosen line, creating two nations.

Head

1. Why is the word “Aramean” repeated at the beginning of this story?

2. Why might Laban be mentioned in this story?

3. How was Rebekah similar to Sarah?

4. How long did Isaac and Rebekah have to wait before they had children?

5. Why did Rebekah ask, “Why is this happening to me?”

6. What was the Lord’s answer?

7. What does the name Esau mean?

8. What does the name Jacob mean?

9. How does the description of Esau as a baby match what he was like during his lifetime?

10. How does the description of Jacob as a baby match what he was like during his lifetime?

Heart

1. Why did the Lord listen to Isaac’s prayer regarding Rebekah’s barrenness, while he made Abraham wait much longer before he gave Sarah a child?

2. Why do you think God determined that the older would serve the younger?

3. Has God determined what will happen in your life like he did to Esau and Jacob?

Hands

1. What can you do to understand God’s plan for your life?

2. What can you do to acknowledge God’s plan in your life?

Esau Despises His Birthright

Genesis 25:27-34

Main Thought

Esau shows the true state of his heart.

Head

1. What skill did Esau have?

2. What skill did Jacob show in this story?

3. Between Esau and Jacob, who was Isaac’s favorite? Why?

4. Between Esau and Jacob, who was Rebekah’s favorite? Why?

5. Why was Esau also called Edom?

6. How did Jacob use his skill to manipulate Esau?

7. Why was Esau so intent on getting some of Jacob’s stew quickly?

8. In what way did Esau show that he truly did despise his birthright?

Heart

1. Was it right of Jacob to extort the birthright from Esau?

2. Was it right of Esau to care so little for his birthright that he would sell it for a bowl of stew?

3. In despising his birthright, do you think Esau also showed that he despised God? Explain.

4. What does Jacob’s manipulation of Esau show you about his ability to trust in God’s providence?

Hands

1. What problems resulted from Isaac and Rebekah each having a favorite son?

2. In what ways was the family of Isaac and Rebekah dysfunctional?

3. What made Isaac and Rebekah’s family dysfunctional?

4. What birthright has God given you as a child of the covenant? How do you care for it?

Isaac Lies to Abimelech

Genesis 26:1-16

Main Thought

Isaac follows in Abraham’s footsteps

Head

1. What similarities do you see in this story and the story of Abraham and Abimelech in Genesis 20?

2. Was the Abimelech mentioned in Genesis 20 the same Abimelech mentioned in this chapter?

3. Why do you think God didn’t want Isaac to go down to Egypt?

4. How was the blessing God gave Isaac in verses 3-5 similar to the blessing God gave Abraham in Genesis 17:1-8?

5. What reason did God give for blessing Isaac in this way? (see v. 5)

6. How was Isaac’s sin different from Abraham’s?

7. How did Abimelech discover Isaac’s lie?

8. What did Abimelech do as soon has he discovered the lie?

9. In what way did Isaac’s sojourning in Gerar make him rich?

10. How do we know the Philistines were jealous of Isaac’s wealth?

11. How do we know the Philistines were afraid of Isaac’s strength?

Heart

1. Do you think Isaac deserved the blessing he received at the end of this story? Why did he get it?

2. How were Isaac’s blessings connected to the land of Canaan?

Hands

1. If you were placed in a situation similar to Isaac’s, what would you do?

2. Did Isaac need to lie? Why do you think he did so?

3. Who was more righteous in this story, Isaac or Abimelech?

Rehoboth

Genesis 26:17-35

Main Thought

Isaac recognizes that he is the heir to God’s promises.

Head

1. Why did Isaac move away from the Philistines?

2. What did Isaac do when he settled in the Valley of Gerar?

3. Why did the herdsmen of Gerar quarrel with Isaac’s herdsmen?

4. Why did Isaac move from the first two wells that he reopened if he was in the right? Why did he name the third well Rehoboth?

5. What did God tell Isaac in his dream at Beersheba?

6. What did Isaac think of Abimelech?

7. What reason did Abimelech give for wanting to make a treaty with Isaac?

8. Why did Esau’s actions cause bitterness in the lives of Isaac and Rebekah?

Heart

1. When Isaac went to Beersheba, why might he have needed God’s assurance of his covenant love in a dream?

2. How did Isaac’s actions change from what happened in yesterday’s story to what happened in this story? What can account for the change?

Hands

1. What did Isaac do to keep the peace between him and the people of the land?

2. Have you ever done anything just to keep the peace?

3. What did Esau do to cause bitterness for his parents?

4. Have you ever done anything that has caused bitterness for your parents?

Rebekah Hatches a Plan

Genesis 27:1-25

Main Thought

Isaac, Rebekah, Esau, and Jacob all try to control God’s blessing.

Head

1. What did Isaac want to do for Esau?

2. What did Esau have to do first? Why?

3. What plan did Rebekah come up with?

4. Why didn’t Jacob like Rebekah’s plan?

5. What assurance did Rebekah give that Jacob would not be cursed?

6. Who prepared the food for Isaac? Why didn’t Jacob prepare it?

7. Why was Isaac suspicious when Jacob brought him the food?

Heart

1. When did Isaac and Rebekah learn that Jacob was the son who would be blessed by God? (see Gen. 25:23)

2. What was God’s will for Esau and Jacob?

3. Was it right of Isaac and Esau to try and claim the blessing for Esau?

4. Was it right of Rebekah and Jacob to try and steal the blessing for Jacob?

5. When you know God’s will, does it ever make sense to go against it or even to try and make it happen in your own strength? Does God need your help in order for his will to be done?

Hands

1. Do you think Rebekah simply overheard Isaac and Esau talking, or was she listening on purpose? Do you think she had been planning to deceive Isaac for a long time?

2. What lies did Jacob tell in order to receive Isaac’s blessing?

3. Have you ever wanted to change God’s will for your life? How important is the Holy Spirit in helping you accept it?

Jacob Claims the Blessing

Genesis 27:26-40

Main Thought

Jacob is given the greater blessing, according to God’s plan.

Head

1. According to the blessing given to Jacob, what material blessings would God give Jacob?

2. How would other nations treat Jacob?

3. How would Jacob’s brother treat Jacob?

4. Who would be cursed and who would be blessed?

5. How soon after Jacob left did Esau enter? Who prepared Esau’s meal?

6. What was Isaac’s reaction when Esau told him who he was?

7. Do you think Isaac realized right away that he had been tricked?

8. What did Esau think of Jacob?

9. According to the blessing given to Esau, would Esau live at peace or live by the sword?

10. Who would Esau serve?

11. What would Esau finally be able to do?

Heart

1. Do you think Jacob felt guilty for getting the blessing the way he did?

2. If you had been Esau, how would you have responded to what Jacob did?

3. Do you think Esau was  satisfied with the blessing he received?

4. Do you think God was concerned that Jacob or Esau might disrupt his plans?

Hands

1. God has proclaimed many blessing for us in the Bible. How can we properly claim those blessings?

Jacob Flees to Laban

Genesis 27:41–28:9

Main Thought

Jacob receives the blessing of Abraham.

Head

1. Why did Esau hate Jacob? What did Esau plan to do about it?

2. What did Esau mean when he said, “The days of mourning for my father are approaching...”?

3. Why would he wait until then to kill Jacob?

4. How did Rebekah find out about Esau’s plans?

5. Why would Laban help Jacob?

6. Was Rebekah correct when she suggested that Esau would one day forget what Jacob had done to him? How do you know?

7. Did Rebekah plan on seeing Jacob again after she sent him away?

8. What did Rebekah tell Isaac to convince him to send Jacob to Laban?

9. What instructions did Isaac give Jacob before he sent him away?

10. What blessing did Isaac give Jacob before he sent him away?

11. What blessing of Abraham did Isaac mention in verse four?

12. What did Esau do when he realized that his Canaanite wives didn’t please his parents?

Heart

1. In what way was Rebekah still trying to manipulate things for Jacob?

2. How did Esau show that he really didn’t understand God’s will?

Hands

1. When Abraham got a wife for Isaac, he sent a servant and made sure that Isaac didn’t go with him. Would it have been wise of Isaac to do the same thing with Jacob?

2. Do you think Isaac had forgiven Jacob for stealing Esau’s blessing?

Jacob’s Dream

Genesis 28:10-22

Main Thought

God assures Jacob of his covenant plans and promises.

Head

1. Why was Jacob going to Haran?

2. What did Jacob use for a pillow?

3. Where was one end of the ladder located? Where was the other end?

4. What were the angels doing in Jacob’s dream?

5. What did God promise Jacob in the dream? Does this promise sound familiar? To what other people did God make a similar promise?

6. Why was Jacob afraid when he realized that God was in this place?

7. What did Jacob do with the stone he had  used for a pillow?

8. What name did Jacob give that place? What does the name mean?

9. What did Jacob promise in his vow?

Heart

1. Why was it important for God to give Jacob this dream and the promise that went with it at this time in Jacob’s life? Are there times in your life when you need to feel God’s assurance in a special way?

2. In Jacob’s dream a ladder provided a bridge between heaven and earth. Who provides that bridge now? (see John 1:51)

3. Compare God’s promise in verses 13-15 with Jacob’s vow in verses 20-22. Does God list any conditions for Jacob in his promise? What conditions for God does Jacob list in his vow?

Hands

1. In this story, God revealed himself to Jacob in a special way through a dream. What means does God use today to reveal himself to you?

2. Why do you think Jacob included conditions before he promised what he would do?

Jacob Meets Rachel

Genesis 29:1-14

Main Thought

Jacob gets a first taste of God’s blessing.

Head

1. How does the story of Abraham’s servant finding a wife for Isaac in Genesis 24 compare with this story of Jacob finding a wife for himself? What are the similarities? What are the differences?

2. What did Jacob see in the field? What was it used for?

3. Why were flocks waiting by the well without being watered?

4. Who came to the well with her father’s sheep?

5. Why does the text say that Jacob “watered the flock of Laban his mother’s brother,” instead of saying that he watered Rachel’s sheep for her?

6. Do you think Jacob kissed Rachel for romantic reasons or because she was his cousin?

7. What do you think Rachel thought of Jacob when she first met him?

8. Who came to get Jacob and bring him back to his house? What was his relationship to Rebekah?

9. How long did Jacob stay with Laban as a guest?

Heart

1. How did God bless Jacob in this story?

2. Did Jacob acknowledge God’s blessing? Explain.

3. Do you think Laban considered Jacob’s presence a blessing from God? Why or why not?

Hands

1. Would it have been important for Jacob to seek the Lord’s guidance in this story? Why do you think the story doesn’t record him doing so?

2. How do you respond to God’s blessings in your life?

Jacob Marries Leah and Rachel

Genesis 29:15-30

Main Thought

Jacob marries into strife.

Head

1. When Laban suggested he start paying for Jacob’s labor, do you think he already had an idea that Jacob had come to find a wife?

2. What agreement did Jacob make with Laban? Why did Jacob ask to marry Rachel and not Leah?

3. Did Laban mention anything about Leah before making his arrangement regarding Jacob and Rachel?

4. How difficult was it for Jacob to serve seven years for Rachel?

5. How did Laban trick Jacob?

6. How was it possible for Jacob to be tricked in this way?

7. After Jacob was married to Leah, what else did Jacob have to do in order to also receive Rachel as his wife?

8. Why were Zilpah and Bilhah also mentioned? (see Gen. 30)

Heart

1. Did Jacob love Leah and Rachel equally?

2. After Jacob married Leah and Rachel, do you think it was possible to avoid strife in that family? Is it possible to be married to more than one person and love everyone equally?

Hands

1. When did God define marriage as the union between one man and one woman? (see Gen. 2:24)

2. Read Ephesians 5:22-33, Colossians 3:18-19, Titus 2:4-5, and 1 Peter 3:1-7. How does God say marriage ought to work?

3. When you consider your own marriage someday, how will you be guided by God’s definition of marriage?

Leah Competes with Rachel for Children

Genesis 29:3–30:13

Main Thought

Despite questionable motives, Leah and Rachel are blessed by the Lord.

Head

1. What were the names of the first four sons of Jacob? Who was their mother? Why did she give them those names?

2. What did Rachel say to Jacob after Leah bore Jacob four sons? How did Jacob respond to her?

3. What were the names of the fifth and sixth sons of Jacob? Who was their mother? What was her relationship to Rachel? What names did Rachel give them and why?

4. What were the names of the seventh and eighth sons of Jacob? Who was their mother? What was her relationship to Leah? What names did Leah give them and why?

Heart

1. Why did the Lord allow Leah to have children? Why do you think the Lord didn’t do the same thing for Rachel?

2. What can you learn about Leah and Rachel from the names they gave their children?

3. What blessing would come from Leah’s fourth son Judah? Who would be born in his line?

4. Psalm 127:3 says, “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.” If you had to choose would you say that Leah and Rachel thought of their children as: a) a heritage from the Lord, or b) prizes in a contest between two sisters. Explain.

Hands

1. Rachel acknowledged wrestling with her sister Leah by competing for babies. Is it right to compete for the  blessings of the Lord?

2. Why did Rachel tell Jacob, “Give me children, or I shall die!”? Whom should she have asked?

Rachel Buys Reuben’s Mandrakes

Genesis 30:14-24

Main Thought

Despite Rachel’s actions, God gives her a son.

Head

1. What did Reuben find in the field?

2. What did Leah buy from Rachel for Reuben’s mandrakes?

3. In the days of Rachel and Leah, what were mandrakes often used for? (You may need to consult a Bible dictionary or encyclopedia.) Why is it ironic that Rachel got the mandrakes, but Leah became pregnant?

4. What two sons were born to Leah in this story? What did she name them? Why?

5. What son was born to Rachel? What did she name him? Why?

Heart

1. Compare and contrast the story of Leah selling Reuben’s mandrakes to Esau selling his birthright (Gen. 25:29-34). How are the stories alike? How are they different?

2. Do you think Rachel was giving up on having children of her own?

3. When God blessed Rachel with a son, what else did she want?

4. Do you think Rachel fully understood the blessing God gave when he gave her Joseph? How would God use Joseph in the history of his people?

Hands

1. How was Jacob being used by his wives in this story? How should he have responded to his wives?

2. Do you think mandrakes helped Rachel become pregnant? Who was able to open Rachel’s womb? Why do you think Rachel sought help from mandrakes instead of God?

3. Do people today sometimes seek remedies in the wrong places? Can you give some examples?

Jacob Tricks Laban

Genesis 30:25-43

Main Thought

In his grace, God blesses Jacob despite his deceitfulness.

Head

1. Why did Jacob want to go back to Canaan? (see Gen. 28:4, 21)

2. Why didn’t Laban want Jacob to leave? What was Laban willing to do to keep Jacob with him?

3. What deal did Jacob make with Laban to continue working for him?

4. What happened to Jacob’s wealth after he made a deal to stay with Laban?

5. How did Laban try to cheat Jacob?

6. What did Jacob do in response?

7. Do you think Jacob’s manipulation of the sticks when the flocks came to drink was effective? Why or why not?

Heart

1. Should Jacob have made a deal with Laban, or should he have gone back to Canaan right away?

2. Who blessed Laban? (see v. 27)

3. Who do you think was the most deceptive, Jacob or Laban?

4. Do you think Jacob or Laban were blessed because of their cheating?

5. Who blessed Jacob? Why did he bless him? (see also Gen. 31:6-12)

Hands

1. Do you think it was right of Jacob to claim to be honest with Laban?

2. In the context of God’s blessings, is it ever right to deceive someone else for personal gain?

3. Where should you look for blessing in this life and the next?

Jacob Flees from Laban

Genesis 31:1-21

Main Thought

God sends Jacob back to the Promised Land.

Head

1. Why were the sons of Laban angry at Jacob? Was their anger justified?

2. Describe the relationship between Jacob and Laban.

3. What did God tell Jacob to do?

4. What did Laban do to try to stop Jacob from gaining so many goats?

5. How did God use dreams to help Jacob acquire wealth?

6. What did Rachel steal?

7. Where did Jacob set his face after he crossed the Euphrates?

Heart

1. When was the last time God spoke directly to Jacob? (see Gen. 28:15) Compare what God said then to what he told Jacob in this story.

2. When Laban attempted to stop Jacob from acquiring so many goats, were his attempts successful? Why or why not? Why was God helping Jacob in this way?

3. Why did God remind Jacob that he was the God of Bethel?

4. Why do you think Rachel stole her father’s gods? Do you think Rachel loved the God of Jacob?

Hands

1. How did Jacob describe Laban’s treatment of him and his treatment of Laban? Were his descriptions accurate?

2. Why did Jacob talk to his wives about his move back to Canaan before he took any action?

3. Did Jacob need to trick Laban in order to obey God? What is the best way to obey God?

Laban Pursues Jacob

Genesis 31:22-35

Main Thought

The line of Jacob is distinguished from the line of Laban.

Head

1. Why do you think it took three days for Laban to hear that Jacob had fled?

2. Where was Jacob when Laban finally caught up with him?

3. What did Laban do when he heard that Jacob had run away?

4. What did God tell Laban in a dream? Did Laban obey God?

5. What was Laban searching for when he looked through Jacob’s tents?

6. Why didn’t Rachel get up when Laban searched her tent? What lie did she tell him?

Heart

1. Do you think Laban really would have sent Jacob away with “mirth and songs, with tambourine and lyre”? Why or why not?

2. Would it have made a difference to Laban if he knew that God had told Jacob to go back to Canaan?

3. In verse 29 Laban told Jacob, “It is in my power to do you harm.” Was he correct? Explain.

4. This story records Jacob leaving the land of Aram and setting his face toward Gilead. What does it say about Laban that he is described as Laban the Aramean in this story?

Hands

1. Did Jacob speak rashly when he said that anyone found with Laban’s gods would not live? Should he have said that?

2. Can you tell from this story that Laban was not a child of God? Explain.

3. How can you tell if your friends are or are not Christians?

Jacob Makes a Covenant with Laban

Genesis 31:36-55

Main Thought

Jacob and Laban confirm the division between them.

Head

1. Why was Jacob angry with Laban? Was he right to be angry with him?

2. How did Jacob describe his life under Laban? Was his description accurate?

3. How was Laban’s understanding of the situation different than Jacob’s?

4. Why did Laban want to make a covenant with Jacob?

5. Why did they pile up stones?

6. What names did they give the heap of stones? Why did they give them those names?

7. What Jacob mean when he mentioned the Fear of Isaac in verses 42 and 53?

Heart

1. How did Jacob describe God’s care for him?

2. The heap of stones marked a physical separation between Jacob and Laban. In what other ways were these two men separated?

Hands

1. For the rest of his life, Jacob never passed  the heap of stones with hostile intent. But his spiritual descendants (Christians) did return to Aram (Syria), albeit with loving intentions. Read about what happened in Antioch, Syria, in Acts 11:19-26. What did God’s people do for the Gentiles in Antioch?

2. Read Acts 11:27-30. What did the Christians in Antioch do for the Christians in Judea? What does this teach you about divisions between you and others in your life?

Jacob Prepares to Meet Esau

Genesis 32:1-21

Main Thought

Fearing for his life and the life of his family, Jacob prays to God.

Head

1. What name did Jacob give his camp? Why?

2. To whom did Jacob send messengers?

3. What did the messengers say that made Jacob afraid?

4. Why did he divide the people that were with him into two camps?

5. In his prayer to God, what did Jacob recall that God had previously told him?

6. What did Jacob ask God to do?

7. What did Jacob send to Esau before he approached with the two camps? Why?

Heart

1. Why did Jacob pray in this story? What was his motivation?

2. Do you think Jacob’s prayer was heartfelt? Did he really mean what he said, or was he just trying to get himself out of trouble?

3. What are some good reasons to pray?

4. What are some poor reasons to pray?

Hands

1. Was Jacob’s fear of Esau justified?

2. Would you consider Jacob’s presents to Esau a bribe to get Esau to like him? Explain.

3. If you had been in Jacob’s place, would you have acted similarly to Jacob, or would you have done something different?

4. Have you ever done something that later made you afraid of how your parents (or siblings, or friends, or teachers, etc.) might react? How could you have avoided that fear?

Jacob Wrestles with God

Genesis 32:22-32

Main Thought

Jacob receives God’s blessing.

Head

1. Where did Jacob send the remaining family members who were with him?

2. With whom did Jacob wrestle? Why is he called “a man.”

3. What did God do to Jacob’s hip? Why did he do it?

4. What did Jacob demand from God?

5. What name did God give Jacob? Why?

6. Why didn’t God tell Jacob his name?

7. What did Jacob name the place? Why?

Heart

1. Jacob had many struggles in his life, especially when he attempted to gain blessings for himself. Describe some of his struggles with people like Esau and Laban.

2. Do you think Jacob’s struggle with God in this story was similar to his previous struggles? Why or why not?

3. What reason might God have had for meeting Jacob at this place and at this time?

4. If Jacob was so afraid of meeting Esau, why was he not afraid of meeting God?

Hands

1. If Jacob’s wrestling with God can be compared to his struggles throughout his life, what do you think it means that God permanently disabled Jacob’s hip?

2. Do you have struggles in your life? Are they similar to Jacob’s struggles? How should you deal with them?

Jacob Meets Esau

Genesis 33:1-20

Main Thought

Jacob and Esau are reconciled.

Head

1. Why was Jacob so frightened when he saw Esau coming?

2. How did Jacob approach Esau?

3. What did Esau do when he came near to Jacob?

4. Did Esau accept the gifts that Jacob gave him?

5. What did Esau ask Jacob to do?

6. Did Jacob agree to Esau’s request?

7. Where did Jacob say he would go with Esau? Where did Jacob go instead?

8. At the end of the story, Jacob settled in Shechem. Can you list some other biblical events that happened at Shechem? (see Gen. 12:6; Josh. 24:25, 32; 1 Kings 12:1 John 4:5[Sychar is near Shechem])

Heart

1. What did it take for Jacob and Esau to be reconciled?

2. Do you think Jacob and Esau were fully reconciled?

3. Is this story an illustration of Jacob’s trust in God or his trust in himself? Explain.

Hands

1. Why do you think Jacob told Esau he was going one place but then went another? Do you think Jacob was still afraid of Esau? Did he need to be afraid of him?

2. When Jacob had finally settled in the Promised Land, he built an altar and worshiped the Lord. Is there a connection between Jacob’s obedience in returning to Canaan and his desire to worship?

3. Is there a connection between our obedience and worship?

Shechem Seeks Dinah for a Wife

Genesis 34:1-12

Main Thought

Jacob is tempted to allow his family to intermarry with the Canaanites.

Head

1. Who was Dinah?

2. Who wanted to marry Dinah?

3. Why was Jacob so angry with Shechem?

4. What agreement did Hamor want to make between his people and the people of God?

5. In verses nine and ten, Hamor described what Jacob’s family could do in the land of Canaan if they made an agreement with him. Of the things Hamor listed, what had Jacob already done? (see Gen. 33:18-20)

6. What was Shechem willing to give in order to obtain Dinah as his wife?

Heart

1. What do you think Dinah was doing by going to see the women of the land?

2. How are you affected by the culture around you?

3. What kind of compromises might you be tempted to make with today’s culture?

Hands

1. What was the problem with Jacob’s family intermarrying with the Shechemites?

2. What does it mean to be in the world but not of the world?

3. In describing what Shechem did to Dinah, verse seven states, “such a thing must not be done.” How did the people know that such a thing should not be done, when the ten commandments had not yet been written?

Simeon and Levi Get Revenge

Genesis 34:13-31

Main Thought

Simeon and Levi pursue a just end through sinful means.

Head

1. What lie did the sons of Jacob tell Shechem and Hamor?

2. Why were Shechem and Hamor pleased with the conditions for marrying Dinah?

3. What did Shechem and Hamor tell their people?

4. Besides being able to intermarry with the children of Jacob, what do you think Shechem and Hamor liked most about the agreement they made with the sons of Jacob? (see v. 23)

5. What did Simeon and Levi do to Shechem, Hamor, and the rest of the men of the city?

6. How was it possible for two men to kill so many other men?

7. What did the other sons of Jacob do to the city?

8. What did Jacob think about Simeon and Levi’s actions?

Heart

1. Were Simeon and Levi correct in not wanting Dinah to marry someone who wasn’t circumcised?

2. Why would God not be pleased with what the sons of Jacob said in verse 16?

3. What reason did Jacob give in verses 30-31 for why he was so outraged at Simeon and Levi’s actions? What other reason should he have had for being outraged?

Hands

1. What reason did the writer give for why the sons of Jacob lied to Shechem and his father? Was this a good reason?

2. Is it possible to know the right thing to do, but use sinful means to do it? Explain.

Jacob Worships at Bethel

Genesis 35:1-15

Main Thought

God renews his promises to Jacob, and Jacob responds in worship.

Head

1. After Jacob left Shechem, where did God tell Jacob to go?

2. What did God tell Jacob to do there?

3. How had God appeared to Jacob previously at Bethel? What promises did Jacob make at that time? (see Gen. 28:10-22)

4. What did God do to the cities that were near Jacob and  his household as they traveled? Why did he need to do this? (see chap. 34)

5. Who died while Jacob was at Bethel? Why was she with Jacob? (For a possible answer see Gen. 27:45.)

6. When God appeared to Jacob, what promises did he make to him?

7. Had God made similar promises to Abraham and Isaac?

8. Why did God make these promises to Jacob at this time?

9. How did Jacob respond to God’s promises?

Heart

1. Why was it important for the members of Jacob’s household to put away all their foreign gods and to purify themselves?

2. Why do you think at this particular time Jacob needed to be reminded of God’s previous promise to him at Bethel and God renaming him as Israel?

3. Do you sometimes need to be reminded of God’s blessings and his promises to you?

Hands

1. What ways can you remind yourself of God’s promises to you?

2. When God confronts you with his blessings, what is the proper way for you to respond?

Life and Death in Jacob and Esau’s Family

Genesis 35:16-29

Main Thought

Rachel and Isaac die, but Benjamin is born, and the ancestors of the tribes of Israel are complete.

Head

1. What two people died in this story?

2. Who was born in this story?

3. What did Rachel name her newborn son? What did Jacob rename him?

4. What did Jacob set up over Rachel’s tomb?

5. Jacob’s three oldest sons were Reuben, Simeon, and Levi. What sins had they committed just prior to this story?(see Gen. 35:22; 34:25-31)

6. The fourth son of Jacob was Judah. What famous people would come from Judah’s line?

7. Why aren’t the sons of Jacob listed in their birth order? In what order are they listed?

8. Who buried Isaac?

9. Where was Isaac buried? Who was also buried there? (see Gen. 49:30-31)

10. What did Esau do after this? (see Gen. 36:6-8)

Heart

1. This story shows Jacob having to deal with sadness in the loss of two people close to him and in the sin of one of his children. In this midst of this sin and sadness, does this story give any cause for rejoicing?

2. How does this story show that God still loved his covenant people?

Hands

1. When God brings sadness into your life, how do you respond?

2. Why do you think Jacob changed Ben-oni’s name to Benjamin?

Joseph’s Dreams

Genesis 37:1-11

Main Thought

The Lord shows Joseph his plans for him and lays the foundation for executing his plans by solidifying the attitudes of Joseph’s brothers.

Head

1. Joseph brought a bad report to Jacob about some of Jacob’s sons. Which sons were they? (see v. 2)

2. What did Jacob do for Joseph that he didn’t do for any of Joseph’s brothers?

3. Describe Joseph’s two dreams. What did they mean?

4. Why do you think Joseph had two similar dreams? (For a possible answer see Gen. 41:32.)

5. How did Joseph’s brothers react to Joseph’s dreams? Why?

6. How did Jacob react to Joseph’s dreams?

7. What reason might Jacob have had for keeping in mind what Joseph said? (v. 11)

Heart

1. Why did Joseph’s brothers hate him so much? (see vv. 4, 8)

2. How did God use Joseph’s dreams and the hatred of Joseph’s brothers to fulfill his purposes for Joseph?

Hands

1. Jacob had sons by four different women. What problems did Jacob’s family have as a result?

2. Were Joseph’s brothers justified in their hatred of him?

3. What could Jacob have done differently to ease the tension between the brothers?

4. After Joseph told his first dream to his brothers, they made it very clear that they hated him for it. Since that was the case, why do you think Joseph told his brothers about his second dream?

Joseph’s Brothers Cast Him in a Pit

Genesis 37:12-24

Main Thought

In his suffering, Joseph foreshadows Christ’s suffering and death.

Head

1. What did Jacob ask Joseph to do?

2. Why do you think Jacob wanted Joseph to check on his brothers?

3. Where did Joseph go to look for his brothers?

4. What did Joseph’s brothers first want to do to Joseph?

5. Did Joseph’s brothers act on the spur of the moment, or did they plan their actions?

6. How did Reuben change the brothers’ plans?

7. What did Reuben plan to do later to help Joseph?

8. What did Joseph’s brothers take from Joseph before they threw him in th pit?

Heart

1. What do you think Joseph was feeling when he was cast into the pit?

2. Why do you think Joseph’s brothers hated him so much that they literally wanted to kill him?

3. In what ways was Joseph like Jesus Christ in this story? In what ways was he different?

4. Can you think of times when Jesus might have had feelings similar to the feelings Joseph had in this story?

Hands

1. Is there anything Reuben could have done to have changed the outcome of the story?

2. Is there anything Joseph could have done to have changed his brothers’ opinions of him?

3. If you have brothers or sisters, do you always get along with them?

Joseph Is Sold by His Brothers

Genesis 37:25-36

Main Thought

Joseph’s brothers intend evil against him, but Joseph is not removed from God’s providential care.

Head

1. Who were the Ishmaelites? How were they related to Joseph and his brothers?

2. Why were the Ishmaelites traveling toward Egypt?

3. Why were the traders later called Midianites? Could “Ishmaelite” and “Midianite” be used interchangeably? (see Judg. 8:22-24)

4. Whose idea was it to sell Joseph instead of kill him?

5. What was Reuben’s reaction when he saw that the pit was empty?

6. What did the brothers do to cover up their sin against Joseph?

7. What was Jacob’s reaction when he thought Joseph was dead?

8. What did the Midianites do with Joseph?

Heart

1. How did God use the sin of Joseph’s brothers for the good of his people? (see Gen 50:20)

2. Can God can bring good out of evil events? Explain.

Hands

1. What were Joseph’s brothers doing when they first saw the Ishmaelites? Do you think they gave any food to Joseph?

2. Although Reuben had good intentions in this story why wasn’t he able to follow through with them?

3. Did the brothers ever feel guilty for what they did to Joseph? (see Gen. 42:21-22)

4. Have you ever felt guilty for things you have done to others? Were there other consequences besides guilt?

Judah and Tamar

Genesis 38:1-30

Main Thought

God’s own people almost destroy the line of the covenant, but Tamar continues the line of the promise.

Head

1. Why do you think Judah separated from his brothers?

2. What nationality was Judah’s wife?

3. What was Tamar’s relationship to Judah?

4. What happened to Tamar’s husband?

5. Why did Er and Onan die?

6. When Er died, what was Onan expected to do?

7. Why did Judah not want Tamar to marry his youngest son Shelah?

8. What pledge did Judah give Tamar? Why did he give it to her?

9. How did Tamar use Judah’s pledge to save her life?

Heart

1. The story of Judah and Tamar took place at the time the Bible says, but it still seems to interrupt the story of Joseph. Can you think of any reasons why it would be told right before the story of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife in chapter 39? How are the stories alike? How are they different?

2. The passage we read today seems to contain only sin and evil. Do you think God can bring good from this situation?

3. Why is Tamar mentioned in Matthew 1:3?

Hands

1. What problems could have come from Judah separating from his brothers and turning to a Canaanite from Adullam?

2. In the story, Onan tried to disobey God and destroy his plans. Does that ever work?

The Lord Blesses Potiphar’s House

Genesis 39:1-6a

Main Thought

The Lord blesses Potiphar’s house because of the presence of Joseph.

Head

1. Who bought Joseph?

2. What office did Potiphar hold?

3. How was it possible for Joseph to be a successful man and still be a slave?

4. In what way did Joseph serve as a witness of God’s providential grace to Potiphar?

5. What promotion did Joseph receive?

6. How well did Potiphar trust Joseph?

Heart

1. Knowing what you know about Joseph’s future dealings with Pharaoh, how can you tell from this story that God was working out his plan for Joseph during this time?

2. The passage we read today makes it sound like everything was going very well for Joseph. But don’t forget that while all this was going on, Joseph was still a slave. Do you think Joseph focused on his successes or his slavery?

3. In your life, do you focus on the successes God brings to you or the trials?

Hands

1. Verse five says that the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake. Do you think that in our day the Lord blesses non-Christians for the sake of Christians around them? Can you give any examples?

2. If you were in Joseph’s position as a slave, would you try to serve Potiphar as best you could, or would you try to get by with doing just the minimum? What should you do? (see Eph. 6:5-8)

Joseph and Potiphar’s Wife

Genesis 39:6b-23

Main Thought

Joseph successfully resists temptations in Egypt.

Head

1. How does the Bible describe Joseph’s appearance?

2. How did Joseph describe his position in Potiphar’s house?

3. What did Joseph have to leave behind in order to flee from Potiphar’s wife? How was this used against him later?

4. What lie did Potiphar’s wife tell about Joseph?

5. Why do you think Potiphar’s wife lied about Joseph? What do you think might have happened if the truth came out before she had an opportunity to spread her lie?

6. What did Potiphar do to Joseph?

7. Where was Joseph imprisoned? Why would this particular prison become important later on?

Heart

1. In verse nine whom did Joseph say he would sin against if he did what Potiphar’s wife asked? Was he right? Explain.

2. At the end of this story, Joseph found himself in prison. But the last line of the story says, “And whatever he (Joseph) did, the Lord made it succeed.” Do you think this story shows Joseph as successful?

3. In God’s eyes, what makes us successful?

Hands

1. In this story, Joseph was a young man faced with incredible temptation. What things did he do and say to resist temptation when confronted with it?

2. What injustices were done to Joseph in this story? Why were they done?

3. How did Joseph respond to these injustices?

Joseph Interprets the Prisoners’ Dreams

Genesis 40:1-23

Main Thought

Even in prison, Joseph encounters God’s favor.

Head

1. Why were the cupbearer and the baker in prison?

2. After the cupbearer and the baker were put in prison, what happened that troubled them?

3. To whom did Joseph say the interpretation of dreams belonged?

4. What was the cupbearer’s dream?

5. What interpretation did Joseph give to the cupbearer?

6. What did Joseph ask the cupbearer to do? Did the cupbearer remember to do this for Joseph?

7. What was the baker’s dream?

8. What interpretation did Joseph give to the baker?

Heart

1. How did Joseph show his reliance upon God in this story?

2. What previous dreams did Joseph have? At this point in Joseph’s life, do you think he still believed his dreams would come true? Explain.

3. In what ways did God still show his control over Joseph’s life in this story? Why might it not have seemed like God was in control?

Hands

1. Did Joseph continue to obey God even after he was thrown in prison? Give evidence from today’s story.

2. How was Joseph’s experience in prison similar to his experience in Potiphar’s house?

3. Compare the reasons why the cupbearer and baker were thrown into prison and why Joseph was thrown into prison. How are they alike and how are they different?

Joseph Interprets Pharaoh’s Dreams

Genesis 41:1-36

Main Thought

God prepares Egypt to receive Israel.

Head

1. Where was Joseph for two whole years prior to this story? Why?

2. Describe Pharaoh’s first dream.

3. Describe Pharaoh’s second dream.

4. To whom did Pharaoh first turn for an interpretation of his dreams?

5. Who told Pharaoh about Joseph?

6. What interpretation did Joseph give of the dreams?

7. Why did Pharaoh’s two dreams essentially say the same thing?

8. What advice did Joseph give to Pharaoh?

Heart

1. Why weren’t Pharaoh’s magicians able to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams?

2. If you had been Joseph sitting in prison for two years after interpreting the cupbearer’s dream, what would your attitude have been toward God?

3. To whom did Joseph give the credit for interpreting Pharaoh’s dreams?

4. Why did God reveal his plans to Pharaoh?

5. How do Pharaoh’s dreams fit with God’s larger plan for his people?

Hands

1. What did Joseph do and say in this story that proved he was the wisest man available to oversee the gathering of food?

2. If you were Joseph and you saw the cupbearer after two years, would you have thanked him for remembering, or complained that it took two years? What do you think Joseph did? Explain.

Joseph Rises to Power

Genesis 41:37-57

Main Thought

Joseph becomes a preserver of life.

Head

1. How much power and authority did Pharaoh give Joseph?

2. Why was it important for Joseph to receive Pharaoh’s signet ring?

3. What was Joseph’s Egyptian name? Why did Pharaoh give him this new name?

4. How would Joseph’s marriage to Asenath help him in his new role?

5. How did Joseph prepare Egypt for the drought?

6. How much grain did Joseph store up?

7. From what parts of the world did people come to buy food from Joseph?

Heart

1. What did Pharaoh see in Joseph that made him declare that the Spirit of God was in him? Can you give any examples from Joseph’s life prior to this story that show the Spirit of God in him?

2. Why did Joseph name his sons Manasseh and Ephraim? What do these names say about Joseph’s dependence on God?

3. Joseph experienced many highs and lows in his life. Do you think he looked at God differently depending on whether he was in a high or low part of his life? Do you look at God differently depending on the circumstances of your life?

Hands

1. For seven years, Joseph collected massive amounts of grain in Egypt based on a single night of dreams that Pharaoh had. Do you think he was ever tempted to stop?

2. During this time, do you think Joseph ever thought about his family in Canaan? Do you think he was ever tempted to return there?

Joseph’s Brothers Buy Grain in Egypt

Genesis 42:1-38

Main Thought

Joseph spares his brothers, provides for them, but is still wary of them.

Head

1. Who told Joseph’s brothers to buy grain in Egypt?

2. Which one of Joseph’s brothers did not go along to buy grain? Why didn’t he?

3. How long had it been since the brothers had seen Joseph?

4. What did Joseph accuse his brothers of being?

5. How did the brothers describe themselves to Joseph?

6. Who stayed behind while the others brought grain back to Jacob? Why did he stay behind?

7. What did the brothers find in their sacks when they stopped at the lodging place?

8. What did Jacob think of Benjamin traveling to Egypt?

Heart

1. It had been at least twenty years since the brothers sold Joseph into slavery. How can you tell from this story that they still felt guilty?

2. What reasons might Joseph have had for not revealing himself to his brothers?

Hands

1. Did Joseph say or do things in this story that showed he was different from the last time he saw his brothers twenty years prior? Or was he pretty much the same? How about Jacob? Reuben? Simeon? Joseph’s other brothers?

2. In your opinion, when the brothers found the money in their sacks, why didn’t they return immediately to Egypt?

3. Do you think Joseph knew how hard it would be for Jacob to let Benjamin go to Egypt? Why do you think he made him do this?

Joseph’s Brothers Return to Egypt

Genesis 43:1-34

Main Thought

Joseph’s brothers are still not reconciled to Joseph.

Head

1. How long did Joseph’s brothers wait before returning to Egypt?

2. What agreement did Judah make with Jacob so that the brothers could return to Egypt with Benjamin?

3. Why did Jacob tell the brothers to take double their money with them?

4. Why were Joseph’s brothers afraid when they were brought to Joseph’s house?

5. What did the steward of Joseph’s house tell the brothers when they tried to explain why they had previously found money in their sacks?

6. Why did Joseph hurry out of the house when he saw Benjamin?

7. From whose table was food for the brothers taken? Why might this have been a clue to the brothers that this man was also a Hebrew?

Heart

1. When Jacob sent Benjamin with the brothers to Egypt he thought he might never see Benjamin again. Do you think he was showing great faith in sending Benjamin, or was he showing weak faith in being concerned that Benjamin might die?

2. How do you think Joseph felt toward his brothers at this time? Did he love them? Did he want revenge? Was he angry with them? Was he ready to forgive them?

Hands

1. Was Jacob just being stubborn in not letting Benjamin leave?

2. Why do you think Joseph still did not reveal himself to his brothers?

3. At this point in the story, had the brothers done anything to make up for what they did to Joseph?

4. How do you think Joseph treated Simeon when he was in prison?

Joseph Tests His Brothers

Genesis 44:1-17

Main Thought

Joseph makes sure his half brothers have changed their attitudes toward Rachel’s other son Benjamin.

Head

1. What did Joseph command the steward to place in the mouth of each of his brothers’ sacks? Had he done this before? What was different about where the steward placed the money this time? (see Gen. 42:25)

2. What additional thing did Joseph command to be placed in Benjamin’s sack? Why did Joseph want it placed there?

3. Why did the steward pursue Joseph’s brothers, and what did he do when he caught up with them?

4. How did Joseph’s brothers try to prove to the steward that they would never steal from Joseph?

5. How confident were Joseph’s brothers that nothing would be found in their sacks?

6. Why did the brothers tear their clothes?

7. What did Joseph say should be done with Benjamin? What did Joseph say should be done with the other brothers?

Heart

1. Do you think it was right of Joseph to treat his brothers the way he did in this story? Why or why not?

2. Did Joseph lie to his brothers when he asked, “Don’t you know that a man like me can practice divination?” Was it right of him to ask that?

Hands

1. If you were one of Joseph’s brothers, how would you have reacted to Joseph’s steward?

2. Do you think Joseph wanted to keep Benjamin in Egypt, or was he just testing his brothers?

Judah Offers Himself

Genesis 44:18-34

Main Thought

Judah proves himself to have changed since he sold Joseph into slavery.

Head

1. To whom did Judah compare Joseph?

2. In what difficult situation had Joseph placed the brothers?

3. According to Judah, what circumstances took place that brought Benjamin to Egypt?

4. Why did Judah offer to take Benjamin’s place? (see Gen. 43:9; 44:32)

5. What did Judah say would happen to Jacob if the brothers returned to Canaan without him?

6. What is Sheol?

7. What is a pledge of safety?

Heart

1. How had Judah’s attitude changed from the time when he and his brothers sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites? (Compare Gen. 37:26 with Gen. 44:34.)

2. What do you think Joseph remembered about his prior relationship with his brothers?

3. If Benjamin’s relationship with his brothers had been the same as Joseph’s prior relationship with them, what do you think the brothers would have done with Benjamin?

4. How did Joseph use these events to discern the hearts of his brothers?

Hands

1. How did Judah act as a pledge of safety in this story? What do Judah’s actions say about his relationship with Jacob?

2. How would Judah’s life have changed if Joseph had taken him up on his offer? When he made the offer, do you think Judah was ready to accept its terms?

Joseph Reveals Himself to His Brothers

Genesis 45:1-15

Main Thought

Joseph shows his brothers that he has forgiven them and understands God’s purpose in their actions.

Head

1. Why did Joseph ask everyone except his brothers to leave the room?

2. How did Joseph prove to his brothers that he really was Joseph?

3. What did Joseph say was God’s purpose in sending Joseph to Egypt before his brothers?

4. Do you think Joseph had truly forgiven his brothers? Explain.

5. Do you think Joseph’s brothers believed that Joseph had truly forgiven them?

6. What did Joseph promise to do for Jacob when he came to Egypt?

Heart

1. Joseph told his brothers that God sent him to Egypt, not them. Do you agree with him?

2. What can we learn from this story about God’s grace?

3. What can we learn from this story about God’s providence?

4. What can we learn from this story about God’s justice?

5. How difficult or easy is it for you to see God’s purposes in the actions of others toward you?

Hands

1. What did Joseph tell his brothers to do with the news that he was still alive? Why would this be hard for the brothers to do?

2. Have you ever had a hard time admitting that you have done something wrong? How did you handle it?

3. Now that Joseph was reunited with his family, how did he plan to treat them? Would this kind of treatment from Joseph be expected?

Jacob Moves to Egypt

Genesis 45:16–46:7

Main Thought

God provides for Israel—but outside of the promised land.

Head

1. Why did the report of Joseph finding his family please Pharaoh?

2. What did Pharaoh promise Joseph’s brothers? What did Pharaoh tell Joseph to do?

3. What did Jacob decide to do?

4. Why is it significant that Jacob stopped at Beersheba to offer sacrifices? Where was Beersheba located?

5. What did Jacob bring to Egypt? Why?

6. When God appeared to Jacob at Beersheba, how did he assure Jacob that going to Egypt was the right thing to do?

7. What did God promise would happen in Egypt?

8. What did God mean when he told Jacob that he would bring him up again from Egypt? Didn’t he also tell Jacob that Jacob would die in Egypt and that Joseph would close his eyes?

Heart

1. Do you think Joseph needed to remind his brothers not to quarrel along the way? Why or why not?

2. At what other times did God appear to Jacob in a vision? Why did Jacob need such a close encounter with God at those particular times?

Hands

1. Do you think Jacob would have moved to Egypt if Joseph had not been there?

2. Do you think God manages circumstances in your life so that you will do some things and not others?

3. Do you think Jacob was sad that he would never see land of Canaan again?

Jacob Meets Pharaoh

Genesis 46:26–47:12

Main Thought

Jacob reveals his perspective on life.

Head

1. Why did Judah go ahead of Jacob?

2. What did Joseph do when he finally saw his father again? What did Jacob say when he finally saw Joseph again?

3. Why did Joseph instruct his brothers to tell Pharaoh that they were shepherds?

4. What question did Pharaoh ask Jacob? What was Jacob’s answer?

5. How did Jacob respond to Pharaoh?

6. How did Jacob compare himself with Abraham and Isaac?

7. What did Joseph do for his family?

Heart

1. Why did Jacob refer to his life as “sojourning”?

2. In this passage, who else besides Jacob used the term “sojourning”? (see 47:4) How could their move to Egypt be considered a sojourn?

3. Why do you think Jacob described the days of his life as being “few and evil”? Was his description accurate?

4. Throughout his life, Jacob frequently resorted to trickery to provide for himself. Was the provision given to Jacob in this story also a result of Jacob’s trickery or  was did it come because of God’s grace?

Hands

1. Do you think Joseph manipulated Pharaoh to get the land of Goshen for his family?

2. Why did Jacob bless Pharaoh?

3. Why didn’t Pharaoh bless Jacob?

4. How was Joseph already a blessing to Pharaoh?

Joseph Enslaves the Egyptians

Genesis 47:13-31

Main Thought

Joseph preserves the lives of the Egyptians but at the cost of their freedom.

Head

1. When the Egyptians had spent all their money on grain, what did they give so they could get more grain? When that was gone, what did they give next?

2. Why didn’t the priests have to sell their land?

3. After the Egyptians had sold the land and themselves to Pharaoh, and had become slaves to Pharaoh, how much of the future harvests did Joseph require of them for Pharaoh?

4. How long did this arrangement with Pharaoh last?

5. What did Jacob make Joseph promise?

Heart

1. Were the Egyptians slaves to Pharaoh in the same way that the Israelites would later be slaves to Pharaoh?

2. Why do you think Jacob earnestly desired to be buried with his fathers in the land of Canaan?

3. Compare the situation of the Egyptians in this story with the situation of the Israelites as described in verse 27. Why were their situations so different?

4. Do you think Joseph’s brothers had to sell their animals and themselves to get food?

Hands

1. The Egyptians gave a percentage of their income to Pharaoh because he bought them in return for their lives. How might this  situation be the same or different to a Christian giving a tithe to the Lord?

2. Was it fair of Joseph to take food from the Egyptians in the good years and then sell it back to them in the bad years?

Jacob Blesses Manasseh and Ephraim

Genesis 48:1-22

Main Thought

Jacob shows that God is not governed by the world’s concept of who should be blessed.

Head

1. What were the names of Joseph’s two sons? Who was the oldest son?

2. To what event was Jacob referring in verse three? (see Gen. 28:11-19)

3. What did Jacob mean when he told Joseph in verse five, “your two sons ... are mine”?

4. Do you think Jacob claimed Manasseh and Ephraim as his own sons to make up for the sons that weren’t born to him because of Rachel’s untimely death?

5. Why do you think Jacob wanted to make sure he positively identified Manasseh and Ephraim in verse eight before pronouncing a blessing on them? What earlier incident in his life might he be remembering?

6. Why did Jacob cross his hands when he blessed Manasseh and Ephraim? Why was Joseph displeased that Jacob laid his right hand on Ephraim?

7. What special gift in the land of Canaan did Jacob give to Joseph?

Heart

1. What promises of God did Jacob recall in verse four? Why did God make these promises to Jacob? Had God made similar promises before?

2. Why do you think Jacob gave Ephraim the blessing of the firstborn? Did this kind of thing happen in previous generations?

Hands

1. Does God still bless his people? What does God expect from those whom he blesses?

2. How did Jacob’s blessings work themselves out in Israel’s history?

Jacob Blesses His Sons

Genesis 49:1-27

Main Thought

Jacob extends the grace and mercy of God to future generations.

Head

1. Although Reuben was Jacob’s firstborn, why would he not have preeminence among his brothers?

2. Why would Simeon and Levi be scattered in Israel? How was the tribe of Simeon scattered? How was the tribe of Levi scattered?

3. How would the scepter not depart from Judah?

4. In what ways did Jacob bless Zebulun and Issachar?

5. How did Jacob see Dan both positively and negatively?

6. Where did the tribe of Gad settle? Why would Gad’s location be a prime target for raiders?

7. How would the location of Asher provide it with rich food?

8. How would Naphtali be blessed?

9. How did Jacob’s blessing of Joseph describe his life? How would it describe the tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim?

10. How would the tribe of Benjamin become like a ravenous wolf?

Heart

1. How did God show his purposes for the tribes of Israel through the lives of the sons of Jacob?

2. Can you see foreshadowings of the work of Jesus Christ in these blessings?

3. Do you think these brothers deserved the blessing that Jacob gave them? Explain.

Hands

1. In what way did the actions of Jacob’s sons affect the descendants that followed them?

The Death of Jacob

Genesis 49:28–50:14

Main Thought

Jacob is gathered to his people.

Head

1. Where did Jacob ask to be buried?

2. If it was so important for Jacob to be buried in Canaan, why did he go down to Egypt in the first place? (see Gen. 46:3-4)

3. Why was Jacob embalmed? What kind of people were normally embalmed in Egypt?

4. Why did Joseph need permission from Pharaoh to bury Jacob in Canaan? Why did he promise to return?

5. Who went with Joseph to bury Jacob?

6. What did Joseph and his brothers leave in the land of Goshen when they went to Canaan? What did this guarantee?

7. What did Joseph and the group with him do at the threshing floor of Atad?

8. Jacob’s grave was near only one of his wives. Which one?

9. After Jacob’s death who do you think was considered the head of the family? Reuben? Joseph? Someone else? Explain.

Heart

1. Why was it so important for Jacob to be buried in the cave at Machpelah in the land of Canaan?

2. How did Jacob’s desire to be buried in Canaan show his reliance on the promises of God?

Hands

1. How did Joseph honor his father Jacob in this story?

2. How did the return to Egypt of Joseph and his brothers fit into God’s plan of redemption?

Joseph Comforts His Brothers

Genesis 50:15-26

Main Thought

Joseph acknowledges God’s providence in his life.

Head

1. Why were Joseph’s brothers afraid of Joseph after Jacob died?

2. What did Joseph’s brothers tell Joseph?

3. Why do you think Joseph’s brothers first sent a messenger to Joseph before talking to him in person?

4. How did Joseph’s brothers describe themselves to Joseph toward the end of verse 17?

5. What did Joseph mean when he asked, “Am I in the place of God”?

6. How did Joseph explain the good that came from his brothers’ evil action toward him?

7. What did Joseph make the sons of Israel promise to do?

8. How old was Joseph when he died?

Heart

1. Do you think Jacob actually gave the command to Joseph, or did Joseph’s brothers make it up? Support your answer with details from the story.

2. Why did Joseph weep?

3. Had Joseph forgiven his brothers? How do you know?

4. When Joseph grew old, how did God bless him?

Hands

1. In addition to not holding their sins against them, what else did Joseph promise to do for his brothers?

2. What did Joseph make the sons of Israel promise to do for him after he died? How would this action help to preserve Israel’s hope in God’s promises?

The Israelites Are Oppressed in Egypt

Exodus 1:1-22

Main Thought

God protects his people during severe trial.

Head

1. In what order are Jacob’s sons listed in verse two? Why? (See Gen. 29:31–30:20)

2. According to Exodus chapter one, how large had Israel become?

3. What changed regarding the king of Egypt that made it hard for the people of Israel?

4. Why was the king of Egypt afraid of the people of Israel?

5. Why wouldn’t Pharaoh want the Israelites to escape from the land?

6. Describe how the Egyptians treated the people of Israel.

7. What happened to the Israelites the more they were oppressed?

8. What were the names of the Hebrew midwives?

9. What did the king of Egypt ask the midwives to do? Did the midwives obey him?

10. What new command did Pharaoh give when he saw that his command to the midwives didn’t work?

Heart

1. Why didn’t the midwives obey the king of Egypt?

2. What did the Lord do because of the faithfulness of the midwives?

3. Does the Lord still bless faithfulness today? Explain.

Hands

1. Did the midwives lie when they told the king of Egypt why they let the boy babies live? (see v. 19) Was it right or wrong of them to tell this to the king of Egypt?

2. What personal blessing did the midwives receive from God because they feared God and defied Pharaoh’s order?

Moses Is Born

Exodus 2:1-10

Main Thought

God begins the redemption of Israel by saving Moses.

Head

1. To what tribe of Israel did Moses belong?

2. How long did Moses’ mother hide him? When Moses’ mother could no longer hide him, what did she do with him?

3. Why did Moses’ mother daub the basket with bitumen and pitch?

4. What was Miriam’s role in saving Moses?

5. Why did Pharaoh’s daughter go down to the river?

6. What name did Pharaoh’s daughter give the baby? Why?

Heart

1. The birth of Moses shows that God was getting ready to redeem his people from Egypt. Why do you think God chose such dangerous circumstances for Moses at the beginning of his life?

2. Why do you think Pharaoh’s daughter decided to keep the baby instead of throwing him in the river as Pharaoh had commanded?

3. God managed the circumstances of Moses’ birth so that he was raised in the court of Pharaoh. Was it important that Moses be raised in this environment? How was this experience helpful to Moses later in his life?

4. How did God show his grace to Moses’ parents in this story?

Hands

1. Did Moses’ mother go against Pharaoh’s orders when she placed him in a basket by the river?

2. When might it be acceptable to disobey those in authority over you?

3. How much courage do you think it took for Miriam to approach Pharaoh’s daughter with her suggestion?

Moses Flees from Egypt

Exodus 2:11-25

Main Thought

God prepares Moses for his special task.

Head

1. What did Moses do to the Egyptian who was beating the Hebrew slave?

2. How did Moses know that his deed would be discovered by Pharaoh?

3. What did Pharaoh seek to do to Moses when he heard of it?

4. Where did Moses flee?

5. Whom did Moses meet in the place where he fled? What did Moses do for them? Is this similar to any other stories you know of from the Bible? (see Gen. 29)

6. When Reuel’s daughters told him what Moses had done for them, what did he do for Moses in return?

7. Why did God respond to the groaning of the Israelites?

Heart

1. Give details from this story to show that Moses identified more with the Hebrews than with the Egyptians who raised him.

2. Why did Moses identify more with the Hebrews than the Egyptians? (see Heb. 11: 24-26)

3. Verse 24 says that “God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.” Does this mean that he had forgotten it? Is there another way to understand this verse?

Hands

1. Was Moses right in killing the Egyptian?

2. How can we tell from the story that Moses knew it was wrong to kill the Egyptian?

3. How did God use even Moses’ sin in his plan to redeem the people of Israel? Can God use you, even though you still sin?

The Burning Bush

Exodus 3:1-15

Main Thought

The Lord remembers his people and calls Moses to begin his work.

Head

1. What was Moses’ job when he lived in Midian?

2. What was strange about the bush that Moses saw?

3. Why did Moses have to take the sandals off his feet?

4. How did God identify himself to Moses?

5. Why did Moses hide his face?

6. What did God say he was going to do for the Israelites?

7. What did God want Moses to do? How did Moses react to God’s command?

8. What name did God give when Moses asked him what he should call him?

9. How does this name describe God?

Heart

1. Why do you think the Lord appeared to Moses in such a dramatic way?

2. From the story, give examples of the Lord’s concern for his people.

3. What hope did God give for Moses and Israel?

Hands

1. What plans did God have for his people?

2. Are God’s plans for you as special as his plans were for Israel? (see Jer. 29:11; Rom. 8:28)

3. What did Moses have to do as part of God’s plan?

4. When you consider God’s plans for you, how important is it for you to also consider your role in those plans?

God Gives Moses a Job To Do

Exodus 3:16-22

Main Thought

God tells Moses his plans and directs him to begin putting those plans into place.

Head

1. Whom did God command Moses to gather together?

2. What did God tell Moses to say to them? What promise did God make to them through Moses?

3. What was Moses supposed to request from Pharaoh?

4. According to verse 19, what was the only way Pharaoh would let the people of Israel go?

5. How would the Israelites be able to leave Egypt with great wealth?

Heart

1. Why do you think God told Moses to ask Pharaoh only for permission to go a three-day journey into the wilderness?

2. Why did God tell Moses to ask this of Pharaoh when he knew Pharaoh would say no?

3. What was God’s plan for Pharaoh? Was it right of God to make these plans? (see Rom. 9:17-24)

4. God made a wonderful promise to his people in this story, and he expected them to trust him to bring it about. Do you think they would be able to trust him the way they should? Explain.

5. Do you always trust God the way you should? Why or why not?

Hands

1. How did Pharaoh’s stubbornness fit into God’s plan?

2. How hard do you think it was for the women of Israel to go to their Egyptian neighbors and ask for silver, gold jewelry, and clothing? Do you think you could have done it? Explain.

3. List some ways that you can trust God more this week.

Moses Makes Excuses

Exodus 4:1-17

Main Thought

God shows patience with his chosen servant and empowers him to serve.

Head

1. What excuse did Moses give in verse one?

2. Do you think Moses’ excuse was valid? Explain.

3. What three signs did God give to Moses to convince the people to believe him?

4. Were these signs for the people of Israel or for Pharaoh? What similar signs would Pharaoh later receive?

5. What was Moses’ second excuse? Do you think it was valid?

6. How did God respond to Moses’ second excuse?

7. What additional request did Moses make of God?

8. How did God respond?

9. Why was Aaron identified as a Levite in verse 14? Wasn’t Moses also a Levite?

10. What was Moses called to do that would make him as God to Aaron?

Heart

1. Why do you think God stuck with Moses instead of finding someone else more willing to execute his plans?

2. Do you think Moses was more afraid of God or more afraid of the task God had called him to do? Explain.

Hands

1. If you were Moses, would you have been afraid to take on the task God was asking of you? How would you have responded to God?

2. Does God ever ask people to do more than they are able to do? How are God’s servants able to do what he asks of them?

3. Are you ever afraid to do what you know God wants you to do?

Moses Returns to Egypt

Exodus 4:18-31

Main Thought

Moses obeys God.

Head

1. What reason did Moses give for wanting to go back to Egypt?

2. What was Jethro’s response?

3. How was Jethro’s response to Moses different than what Moses could expect from Pharaoh?

4. What assurance did the Lord give to Moses that it would be safe to return to Egypt?

5. From your reading of verses 21-23, do you think Moses already knew all the plagues God was planning for Pharaoh and the Egyptians?

6. If Pharaoh mistreated God’s firstborn son, what would God do to Pharaoh’s son?

7. What happened at a lodging place on the way back to Egypt?

8. What did God ask Aaron to do? Why didn’t he make excuses?

Heart

1. Why would God want to harden Pharaoh’s heart?

2. Why did God call Israel his “firstborn son”? What other “sons” does God have?

3. Do you think Aaron was surprised when God told him to go into the wilderness to meet Moses? Do you think he had a suspicion that something big was happening?

Hands

1. How do we know that Moses sinned when he didn’t circumcise his boys? (see Gen. 17:10-14)

2. What was the response of the people of Israel after they heard the word of the Lord spoken through Moses and Aaron? Why was that response appropriate?

Bricks Without Straw

Exodus 5:1-23

Main Thought

Pharaoh punishes the Israelites, who in turn blame Moses, Aaron, and God.

Head

1. What did Pharaoh answer Moses and Aaron when they asked him to let the people go to hold a feast in the wilderness?

2. What did Pharaoh accuse Moses and Aaron of doing?

3. What extra work did Pharaoh make the Israelites do?

4. What happened to the foremen of the people of Israel when the Israelites were not able to complete their extra work?

5. What did the foremen of the people of Israel say to Moses and Aaron after they met with Pharaoh?

6. What did Moses say to God about these concerns?

Heart

1. What was Pharaoh’s attitude toward God in this story?

2. What was the attitude of the people of Israel toward God? Do you think they still considered him sovereign and good?

3. What was the attitude of the people toward Moses and Aaron in this story?

4. What was Moses’ attitude toward God in this story? Do you think he still considered him sovereign and good?

5. What is your attitude toward God when you experience trouble in your life? Do you assume that God is still in control, even of the trouble, or do you think that somehow God has forgotten you, or messed up in some other way?

Hands

1. When you experience trouble in your life, what things can you do to maintain a right attitude toward God?

God Renews His Promise of Deliverance

Exodus 6:1-13

Main Thought

God reminds his people of his promise to deliver them, and assures them that he will bring about their complete deliverance.

Head

1. How did God reply to Moses? (see Moses’ questions in 5:22-23)

2. What did God mean when he said that Pharaoh would drive the Israelites out “with a strong hand”?

3. How did God show that he was more intimately connected with the Israelites than even Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob? (see v. 3)

4. What did God establish with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that he continued with the people of Israel?

5. What promise did God give the Israelites regarding Egypt? What promise did he make regarding the land of Canaan?

6. How did the Israelites respond when they heard God’s promise? Why did they respond that way?

7. What did God tell Moses to do? How did Moses respond?

Heart

1. Why do you think God redeemed Israel “with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment”? Why didn’t he just find a quiet way to redeem them from slavery in Egypt?

2. What did God do when he saw that the Israelites refused to listen to him? Would you have responded that way? Explain.

3. At the end of this story, Moses wondered how Pharaoh would listen to him if the people of Israel wouldn’t even listen to him. What was Moses forgetting about when it comes to who controls the heart?

Hands

1. Although Moses questioned God, God still commanded Moses and Aaron to do his will. Do you think you will ever have to obey God before you fully understand his will? Explain.

Moses and Aaron Go Before Pharaoh

Exodus 7:1-13

Main Thought

Pharaoh’s heart becomes increasingly hard.

Head

1. At the beginning of this story, what did Pharaoh think of Moses and Aaron?

2. How were Moses and Aaron like God to Pharaoh? How were they not like God?

3. How did Aaron act like a prophet for Moses?

4. What was God’s plan for Egypt? What effect would God’s actions toward Egypt have on the people of Israel?

5. What did God to do Pharaoh’s heart?

6. What miracle did Moses and Aaron perform to prove themselves to Pharaoh?

7. What did the magicians do after Aaron’s staff changed? How did this help to further harden Pharaoh’s heart?

8. What did Aaron’s staff do to the magicians’ staffs?

Heart

1. Why did God want Moses and Aaron to do signs and wonders if he knew that Pharaoh would not listen to them?

2. After God did signs and wonders in Egypt, what did the Egyptians know? (see v. 5)

3. Why was Pharaoh’s heart was still hardened even after Aaron’s staff swallowed up the other staffs? Who was hardening it?

Hands

1. Compare and contrast Moses and Aaron’s response to God in verse six with Pharaoh’s response to Moses and Aaron in verse 13.

2. Why did Moses and Aaron obey God, even though they had serious doubts? (see 6:12)

The First Plague: Water Turned to Blood

Exodus 7:14-25

Main Thought

God reminds Pharaoh that disobeying the sovereign Lord has consequences.

Head

1. Where was Moses told to go meet Pharaoh? What would Pharaoh be doing when Moses went to him?

2. What was Moses told to take with him? Why?

3. What happened to the Nile river and the fish in it?

4. Who actually stretched the staff over the waters of Egypt? Why?

5. What happened to water stored in wood or stone vessels?

6. Why did Aaron strike the waters of the Nile? Was he supposed to do this?

7. How was the magicians’ trick different from what Moses and Aaron did? Do you think the magicians were able to change all the waters of Egypt, or just the water that was in front of them?

8. Where did the magicians get the water they used for their trick? (see v. 24)

Heart

1. How did the Lord know that Pharaoh’s heart was hardened?

2. Why might Pharaoh be offended at what Moses said in verse 16?

3. How do we know from verse 17 that God was not only Lord of Israel but of all nations and all creation?

4. Do you think Moses was afraid of Pharaoh when he confronted him in this way?

Hands

1. What effect did the magicians’ trick have on Pharaoh?

2. Is it sometimes easier to believe a lie than to accept the truth?

The Second Plague: Frogs

Exodus 8:1-15

Main Thought

God shows Pharaoh his sovereignty by allowing Pharaoh to choose the time of his relief from the frogs.

Head

1. What did God promise to send if Pharaoh did not let the people go?

2. How was the Nile river connected to both the first and the second plagues?

3. How did the second plague reach further beyond the Nile than the first plague?

4. List some of the places where the frogs appeared.

5. How did the second plague affect Pharaoh’s household?

6. What did Aaron do to make the frogs appear?

7. How do you think the magicians were able to duplicate this plague?

8. What time did Pharaoh set for the frogs to die?

9. What did the Egyptians have to do after the frogs died?

10. What did Pharaoh do after the frogs died?

Heart

1. If someone threatened that they were going to send you many frogs, would you be afraid, angry, or just annoyed?

2. In verse nine, Moses told Pharaoh to name the time when the frogs would die. How would this confirm to Pharaoh that God really did control these events?

3. Why do you think God made the frogs die instead of simply making them hop away?

Hands

1. What did Pharaoh do when he saw the frogs were dead?

2. Is it sometimes tempting to follow Pharaoh’s example?

The Third Plague: Gnats

Exodus 8:16-19

Main Thought

God demonstrates his prerogative in dispensing punishment.

Head

1. Did Moses and Aaron talk to Pharaoh before they sent the plague of gnats?

2. What did Aaron do to begin the plague?

3. Compare this plague with the first plague. How were they alike? How were they different?

4. How extensive was this plague?

5. Were the magicians able to also produce gnats?

6. What did the magicians tell Pharaoh?

Heart

1. Why didn’t God warn Pharaoh about this plague?

2. What happened to make the magicians finally acknowledge God’s hand at work in this plague?

3. If the magicians could have explained away this plague, like they did with the previous ones, do you think they would have?

4. How can you tell that Pharaoh’s heart had become harder since the last plague?

5. Do you think God was using these plagues to harden Pharaoh’s heart even more? Explain.

Hands

1. Does God need to warn us before he shows us the consequences of our sin?

2. Do you expect your parents to warn you before they punish you for something you do wrong? If you know the rules, should you expect to also receive a warning when you go against them?

The Fourth Plague: Flies

Exodus 8:20-32

Main Thought

God’s will wins the day, and Pharaoh’s heart remains hard.

Head

1. When and where did Moses go to meet Pharaoh?

2. Had Moses met Pharaoh here before?

3. How was this plague like the third plague? How was it different?

4. What division did God put in place with the plague?

5. In verse 25, when Pharaoh told Moses and Aaron to sacrifice to God what limitations did he add?

6. How did Moses respond to Pharaoh’s limitations?

7. What did Pharaoh ask Moses to do for him?

8. Did Pharaoh keep his word?

Heart

1. Why did Pharaoh add the words, “Plead for me.” in verse 28? What was he asking of God?

2. Why do you think God set apart the land of Goshen so that no swarms of flies would go there?

3. If you could describe Pharaoh’s state of mind in this story, would you say he was angry? afraid? confused? frustrated?

4. Even after four plagues, why was Pharaoh’s heart still hard?

Hands

1. In verses 29-30, Moses stated his suspicion that Pharaoh would try to cheat again, but he still prayed to the Lord for him. Was Moses being manipulated? Should Moses have prayed for Pharaoh?  Why or why not?

2. Should you pray for your enemies, even if you know you are being manipulated?

The Fifth Plague: Egyptian Livestock Die

Exodus 9:1-7

Main Thought

The Lord destroys Egypt’s livestock, but protects the livestock of his people.

Head

1. In this plague, what happened to the livestock of Egypt? What happened to the livestock of Israel?

2. What do you think happened to Egypt’s economy when it lost all its livestock?

3. Who determined when the plague started?

4. How soon did the plague start? Was that enough time for Pharaoh to have stopped the plague if he had wanted?

5. Why did Pharaoh send people to check on Israel’s livestock?

Heart

1. When Moses described God as “the God of the Hebrews” what was he implying about Pharaoh’s relationship to God?

2. With the plague of frogs, the Lord let Pharaoh determine when the plague would end. In this plague, the Lord himself determined the time of the plague. What do you think was the reason for this change?

3. Why did God send this plague on Egypt but protect Israel from it?

4. As Pharaoh’s heart grew harder toward the Lord, what do you think was happening to the hearts of the Israelites?

Hands

1. When Pharaoh learned that Israel’s livestock was not affected, what was his response? How should he have responded to the Lord? Why didn’t he?

2. When the Israelites witnessed this plague against Egypt, how do you think they responded to God? Did they show greater fear of God for his show of power? Do you think they praised him for his mercy to them?

The Sixth Plague: Boils

Exodus 9:8-12

Main Thought

God’s plagues get personal, affecting the physical bodies of the Egyptians.

Head

1. What did Moses throw into the air?

2. Where did Moses get the soot?

3. How else might the Israelites have used the kilns? (see Exod. 5:16)

4. What might the kilns represent for the Israelites?

5. What would the soot now represent for the Egyptians?

6. What happened when Moses threw the soot into the air?

7. Why do you think Moses threw the soot into the air? Why didn’t Aaron?

8. Why did Pharaoh need to see Moses throwing the soot into the air?

9. What happened to the magicians?

10. Was Pharaoh’s heart still hard?

Heart

1. Had any plague before this affected the physical bodies of the Egyptians?

2. What was God telling the Egyptians by affecting their physical bodies after five plagues had already come and gone?

3. Do you think the Israelites were affected by boils?

4. Do you think Pharaoh was affected by boils? If he was, do you think the boils helped to soften his heart, or did they harden it even further?

Hands

1. When God made the Egyptians suffer physically, do you think they responded by trying to obey God, or by trying to get rid of the boils?

2. What should their response have been? Why?

The Seventh Plague: Hail

Exodus 9:13-35

Main Thought

Pharaoh is forced to admit his sin, but his heart is still hard.

Head

1. What did God say would be different about this plague?

2. For what purpose did God raise Pharaoh up?

3. What was Pharaoh still doing that made God angry?

4. How bad was the hail in Egypt?

5. What was the “fire that ran down to the earth” in verse 23?

6. How bad was the hail in the land of Goshen, where the Israelites lived?

7. What kind of crops were damaged by the hail? What crops were spared?

Heart

1. Why did God want to show his power to Pharaoh?

2. Why do you think God warned Pharaoh to get his livestock and servants inside? Do you think Pharaoh obeyed?

3. When Pharaoh admitted that he had sinned in verse 27, do you think he meant it? What other reason could there be for Pharaoh making this admission now?

Hands

1. When God confronts you with your sin, do you admit it before God? Do you do it because you are ashamed of your sin, or because you are afraid of the consequences that might be coming?

2. If Moses knew that Pharaoh was not sincere in his confession of sin, why did he still ask the Lord to stop the thunder and hail?

3. What did Pharaoh do after he saw that the hail and thunder had stopped? Do you think this is a common reaction among people when God’s gives them rest from the consequences of their sin?

The Eighth Plague: Locusts

Exodus 10:1-20

Main Thought

Pharaoh tries to make a deal with God instead of humbly bowing before him.

Head

1. Who was Moses supposed to tell about how the Lord dealt with the Egyptians? What would they know as a result?

2. How did the locusts continue the devastation from the last plague?

3. How did Pharaoh’s servants convince Pharaoh to call Moses and Aaron back? Why did he drive them out of his presence again?

4. Whom did Pharaoh ask to forgive his sin? Why did he ask him to forgive it “only this once”? (see v. 16)

5. Why did Pharaoh describe the locusts as “death” in verse 17?

6. Describe what the east wind brought.

7. Describe what the west wind did.

8. How did Pharaoh’s heart become hard again?

Heart

1. Do you think God struck Egypt with the plagues for the sake of the Egyptians or for the sake of the Israelites? Explain.

2. Why did Moses describe God to Pharaoh as “the God of the Hebrews”? Isn’t God the God of all nations? What did Moses mean when he said that?

3. In verses 10-11, what compromise did Pharaoh try to make with Moses and Aaron. What was Pharaoh trying to hang on to?

Hands

1. In verse three, what was Pharaoh refusing to do before the Lord? Why was this so hard for Pharaoh?

2. In verse 16 Pharaoh admitted his sin. How do we know that this admission was not true repentance?

The Ninth Plague: Darkness

Exodus 10:21-29

Main Thought

Pharaoh and Moses part ways.

Head

1. Who stretched out his hand toward heaven: Moses or Aaron?

2. Describe the kind of darkness the Lord sent.

3. How long did the darkness last?

4. How were the lives of the Egyptians affected by the darkness?

5. Was it dark where the people of Israel lived?

6. How do you think Pharaoh summoned Moses if it was so dark?

7. Why did Moses want to take all the animals along with all the people of Israel?

8. How did Pharaoh threaten Moses?

Heart

1. In the eighth plague, Pharaoh tried to compromise with Moses. In this plague, he tried to compromise again. What additional concessions did he make? What was he still unwilling to let go? Why?

2. Why was Pharaoh so angry with Moses?

3. Do you think Moses was also angry with Pharaoh? Was Moses’ anger toward Pharaoh different than Pharaoh’s anger toward Moses?

Hands

1. Why did Moses respond to Pharaoh’s threat by saying, “As you say! I will not see your face again”? Whom would this hurt more, Pharaoh or Moses?

2. Do you think it is possible for parents to sometimes punish their children by giving them what they want?

3. Do you think God sometimes punishes his people by giving them what they want?

Moses Prepares for the Final Plague

Exodus 11:1-10

Main Thought

The Lord distinguishes between his people and the Egyptians.

Head

1. What did God say would happen after the final plague?

2. How was Moses viewed by the Israelites? By the Egyptians?

3. To whom was Moses talking in verses four and following?

4. What did God say he would do to the Egyptians? What would he do to their cattle?

5. How did the Lord describe the distinction he would make between Egypt and Israel?

6. What would Pharaoh’s servants say and do to Moses after they saw what happened to their firstborn?

Heart

1. How did God know that Pharaoh would let the Israelites go after the tenth plague?

2. Why do you think God brought ten plagues before making Pharaoh change his mind and let the people of Israel go?

3. Why do you think verse eight records that Moses went out from Pharaoh “in hot anger”? Could it have something to do with what is recorded in verse nine? Explain.

Hands

1. Before this story, did Moses know how many plagues the Lord would inflict upon Egypt? Do you think it was hard for him to keep going without knowing when it would end?

2. What was one good way the Israelites used the gold and silver they received from the Egyptians? (see Exod. 25:3)

3. How did the Israelites use some of this gold in a disobedient way? (see Exod. 32:1-4)

The Passover and the Tenth Plague

Exodus 12:1-32

Main Thought

God marks his people with the blood of the covenant and strikes the firstborn of Egypt

Head

1. What had to be killed for the Passover? What were the people to do with the blood?

2. What did the Lord do when he saw the blood where it was spread?

3. What did the Lord do to the Egyptians, who did not celebrate the Passover?

4. What did the Lord do at midnight?

5. Why did God also put to death the firstborn of the livestock? (see Exod. 13:2)

6. Did Pharaoh try to make a compromise with Moses this time?

Heart

1. Why did God command the Israelites to spread blood on their doorposts when celebrating the Passover? What did it represent? To what did it point? Why was it so necessary?

2. In verse 32 Pharaoh asked Moses to bless him. What kind of blessing do you think Pharaoh sought?

3. When you ask blessings from God, what kind of blessings are you seeking?

Hands

1. How long are God’s people supposed to observe the rite of Passover? (see v. 14)

2. Do Christians observe Passover today?

3. Who is the Passover lamb that Christians now look to?

4. Why did it take the death of his son for Pharaoh to finally let the people go?

God’s People Leave Egypt

Exodus 12:33-51

Main Thought

God redeems his people from Egypt and institutes the Passover feast.

Head

1. Why were the Egyptians so eager for the people of Israel to leave Egypt?

2. When the people of Israel ate unleavened bread at their celebration of the Passover, what did it remind them of?

3. How many men of Israel left Egypt? If you add the women and children, roughly how many people left Egypt?

4. How long had the people of Israel lived in Egypt?

5. Why was no foreigner allowed to eat of the Passover feast?

6. How did the act of not breaking any of the lamb’s bones point to Jesus Christ? (see John 19:36)

Heart

1. Did the Egyptians fear God, or were they afraid of him? What is the difference?

2. Why did the Egyptians give the Israelites their wealth? Did they want to hurry the Israelites out of Egypt? Did God give the Israelites favor in their sight?

3. Would the way the Israelites received the wealth of Egypt make a difference in how they viewed it and used it in the future?

Hands

1. Why do you think God arranged things so that the people of Israel had to leave so quickly?

2. When God calls, does he always demand an immediate response?

3. In the Old Testament, foreigners wanting to celebrate Passover first had to have all their males circumcised. In the New Testament, what has to happen first before someone can come to the Lord’s table?

The Feast of Unleavened Bread

Exodus 13:1-16

Main Thought

God commands  his people to remember his strong hand at work in their lives.

Head

1. What does it mean to consecrate something?

2. What reason did the Lord give for commanding the Israelites to consecrate their firstborn to him?

3. What would the Feast of Unleavened Bread help the Israelites to remember?

4. When was the month of Abib?

5. How many days did the Israelites have to eat unleavened bread?

6. What would they do on the seventh day?

7. What did the fathers have to tell their sons?

8. What did God mean when he talked about “a mark on your hand” and “frontlets between your eyes” in verse 16?

Heart

1. Why did the Lord command the Israelites to remember what he did for them in Egypt even after he brought them into the land of Canaan? How would their experience in Egypt help to define their relationship with God in Canaan?

2. Has God shown his strong hand at work in your life? Explain.

Hands

1. In the Feast of Unleavened Bread, God told parents to pass down to their children what God did for them when he brought them out of Egypt with a strong hand. Should parents today do something similar for their children? What should they pass down to their children about God?

2. What do you do to help remember what God has done for you?

The Pillars of Cloud and Fire

Exodus 13:17-22

Main Thought

God loves and leads his people.

Head

1. Why didn’t God lead the people of Israel by way of the land of the Philistines?

2. Why did the Israelites leave Egypt equipped for battle?

3. Whose bones did Moses take with him? Why?

4. Describe the two things that God used to lead the people out of Egypt and into Canaan.

5. How did the pillar of cloud represent God? What characteristics of a cloud reflect characteristics in God?

6. How did the pillar of fire represent God? What characteristics of fire reflect characteristics in God?

Heart

1. How did God show that he took into account the people’s needs as he led them in the wilderness?

2. Why do you think the people of Israel needed to feel God’s presence with them in the wilderness in a special way? How did God show them his presence?

3. How does God show his presence to us today?

4. Why was Joseph so concerned about not wanting his bones to remain in Egypt?

Hands

1. How long did Joseph’s bones remain in Egypt before his wish was fulfilled that they be taken from there?

2. If you were Moses, would you have questioned why God wasn’t taking the people directly to Canaan?

3. In what ways did the people of Israel obey God in this story?

Pharaoh Changes His Mind

Exodus 14:1-18

Main Thought

God glorifies himself over Pharaoh and his army.

Head

1. Where did the Lord tell Israel to camp? Why?

2. Why did God decide to harden Pharaoh’s heart one more time?

3. What was Pharaoh’s reaction when he learned that Israel had fled?

4. What kind of army did Pharaoh take with him when he pursued Israel? What kind of Israelite army was Pharaoh expecting to meet?

5. What was the reaction of the people of Israel when they saw Pharaoh and his army approaching?

6. What was Moses’ response to the people?

7. When the Lord asked Moses, “Why do you cry to me?” do you think he was referring to Moses specifically, or to all of Israel?

8. What plan did the Lord reveal to Moses?

Heart

1. If you had been an Israelite, would you have been afraid when you saw the Egyptian army approaching? Explain.

2. How was God glorified in this story?

3. How many times in this story did the Lord say, “The Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord”? Why didn’t the Lord also say, “The people of Israel shall know that I am the Lord”? Should the people of Israel already have known the Lord? Explain.

Hands

1. What did the people of Israel have to do to fight Pharaoh and his army? Who would fight for them?

2. Describe how God used the people of Israel in his plan to glorify himself over the Egyptians.

Crossing the Sea

Exodus 14:19-31

Main Thought

God saves Israel from the hand of the Egyptians.

Head

1. Who was the angel of God? (see v. 24; see also Exod. 3:2)

2. Why did the angel of God and the pillar of cloud move behind Israel?

3. How did the pillar of cloud keep Egypt and Israel apart?

4. What happened when Moses stretched his hand over the sea?

5. How did the Israelites get across the sea?

6. When the Israelites crossed the sea, what did they see on their right hand and on their left?

7. What did the Lord do to the chariots of the Egyptians?

8. What happened when Moses stretched his hand over the sea again?

Heart

1. In verse 25 the Egyptians decided to flee before Israel because they realized that “the Lord fights for them against the Egyptians.” Describe some previous stories that show how the Egyptians should have realized this much sooner.

2. How did the Israelites respond when they saw the great power of the Lord in destroying Pharaoh’s army?

3. How did this story help to confirm to the Israelites that God chose Moses to lead his people? What other things had God done through Moses previously that should also have confirmed it?

Hands

1. If you had been an Israelite, would you have found it difficult to step onto the dry floor of the sea between two walls of water? Explain.

2. Did Pharaoh ever respond to God’s actions in his life by fearing the Lord or believing in him? What was different about Pharaoh?

The Song of Moses

Exodus 15:1-21

Main Thought

Moses praises God for showing his steadfast love and awesome power in saving the Israelites and destroying the Egyptian army in the Red Sea.

Head

1. In verse one, who were the horse and rider?

2. Find examples in this psalm of how God used his strength against his adversaries.

3. In what ways did Moses use human features to describe God?  Why do you think Moses did this? Do you think God really has human features like the ones Moses described?

4. Describe Pharaoh’s plans in verse nine. How easy was it for God to stop Pharaoh’s plans? (see v. 10)

5. How did Moses describe God in verse 11?

6. How did Moses describe Pharaoh and the Egyptians after the Lord showed his mighty power against them?

7. What plans did God have for the Israelites in verse 17?

8. How did Miriam add to the celebration of the Israelites?

Heart

1. How was the Lord Moses’ strength and song? How did the Lord become Moses’ salvation?

2. In verse 13, what two characteristics of God were displayed when he saved the Israelites by drowning the Egyptian army in the Red Sea?

Hands

1. How did the people in Canaan and the lands surrounding Canaan respond to God’s show of power against the Egyptians?

2. How did the Israelites respond to God’s actions at the Red Sea?

3. How do you respond when you experience God’s steadfast love and awesome power?

The Lord Provides Water

Exodus 15:22-27

Main Thought

The Lord teaches Israel about his providence.

Head

1. What problems can be encountered when traveling in a wilderness?

2. How might the problems of traveling in a wilderness by compounded when traveling with a very large group of people?

3. How many days had Israel traveled in the wilderness before they found the water at Marah?

4. What was wrong with the water at Marah?

5. Why did Moses cry to the Lord?

6. What did Moses do to make the water sweet?

7. What rule did the Lord make for Israel?

Heart

1. When the people grumbled against Moses, who were they really grumbling against?

2. Earlier in Exodus, when Moses used a stick or rod before Pharaoh, did it usually mean something good or bad for him? When Moses used a stick or log before the people of Israel, did it usually mean something good or bad for them? What made the difference?

Hands

1. How did the Lord use the Israelites’ experience at Marah to teach them a lesson?

2. What promise did God give the people if they would diligently listen to him?

3. Do you think the people of Israel would be able to obey the command of the Lord? Explain.

4. At the end of today’s passage, where did God lead the people? How did this demonstrate God’s faithfulness to his promises?

Manna and Quail

Exodus 16:1-36

Main Thought

God sustains his people throughout their wanderings in the wilderness, despite their complaints.

Head

1. Why were the Israelites grumbling again? What was back in Egypt that the Israelites wanted?

2. What reason did God give for sending bread from heaven?

3. What appeared in the cloud?

4. What did God tell the people?

5. Describe manna.

6. What was different about the way the people collected manna on the sixth day?

7. How long did the people eat manna?

8. When did the manna stop? (see Josh. 5:12)

Heart

1. Were the people grumbling against Moses or against God?

2. What test did God give to reveal the hearts of his people? How did it function as a test?

3. Why did God not want the people to gather manna on the seventh day? Why did God want that day to be special?

4. Why did God want a jar of manna to be kept for future generations?

Hands

1. What was wrong with the way the people expressed their concern about finding enough food in the wilderness?

2. What happened when the people didn’t listen to Moses’ instructions concerning the manna?

3. Should we still observe a day of Sabbath rest each week?

God Provides Water from a Rock

Exodus 17:1-7

Main Thought

God confirms his providential care and Moses’ authority as his chosen leader despite the complaints of the people.

Head

1. Where was the wilderness of Sin?

2. Why did the people of Israel move by stages?

3. Where was Rephidim?

4. What problem did the people of Israel have that made them complain to Moses?

5. Does their complaint sound familiar? (see Exod. 15:24)

6. What did Moses fear that the people would do to him?

7. What did God tell Moses to do?

8. How did God support Moses and strengthen the authority of Moses before the people?

9. According to verse six, where was the rock located? What is significant about Horeb? (see Exod. 3:1; Deut. 5:2)

10. What was significant about the staff that Moses used to strike the rock? (see v. 5)

Heart

1. How did the quarreling of the Israelites intensify from chapter 15 to chapter 17?

2. Why do you think God brought the people of Israel to a place that had no water?

3. Why was quarreling with Moses equivalent to quarreling with God?

Hands

1. How were the people testing God in this story?

2. Why is it wrong to put God to the test?

Israel Defeats Amalek

Exodus 17:8-16

Main Thought

God fights for Israel.

Head

1. Who came to fight against the Israelites?

2. Who were the Amalekites descended from? (see Gen. 36:12-16)

3. Did Israel have to fight a battle before this?

4. Who led the army of Israel?

5. Where did Moses go while Israel was fighting? Who went with him?

6. What happened with the battle when Moses held up his hand? What happened when he lowered his hand?

7. What did the men with Moses do to ensure that Israel would win?

8. What did God say would happen to Amalek?

9. Why did Moses need to recite God’s judgment against Amalek within the hearing of Joshua?

10. What did Moses call the altar he built? Why?

Heart

1. Why was it so important that Moses keep his hands lifted up? What did it signify?

2. Why did God make such a decisive judgment against Amalek?

Hands

1. Whom did God command to “blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven”? (see 1 Sam. 15:2-3) Why didn’t he?

2. What were the short term consequences for Saul of not blotting out the line of Amalek?

3. What were the long term consequences? (Read Esther 3:1-6ff for a description of the plans made by a descendant of Agag the Amalekite.)

Jethro Visits Moses

Exodus 18:1-12

Main Thought

Jethro praises God for his goodness to Israel.

Head

1. Who was Jethro?

2. What kind of relationship did Moses have with his father-in-law?

3. Why did Jethro visit Moses?

4. Why do you think Moses had sent his wife and two sons back to his father-in-law?

5. What were the names of Moses’ two sons?

6. What reasons did Moses cite for giving his sons those two names?

7. Verse eight summarizes what Moses told Jethro about the experience of Israel in Egypt and the wilderness. What specific incidents do you think Moses related to Jethro?

8. How do you think Moses described  God to Jethro? What actions of God on Israel’s behalf do you think Moses included in their conversation?

9. Who came to eat bread with Jethro? Why?

Heart

1. What caused Jethro to rejoice?

2. Do you think Jethro belonged to God’s covenant people? Explain.

Hands

1. Moses told Jethro of the good things that happened to the Israelites, but he also told him of the hardships that had come upon them along the way. Was Jethro ignoring the Israelites’ hardships when he responded to Moses by praising God? Explain.

2. Should you praise God for hardships?

3. What did Jethro bring to God? Why?

Jethro Gives Moses Advice

Exodus 18:13-27

Related passage: Deuteronomy 1:9-18

Main Thought

God supports Moses through Jethro’s wisdom.

Head

1. What was Moses doing that Jethro said wasn’t good?

2. According to Jethro, what wasn’t good about it?

3. What advice did Jethro give?

4. How does Jethro’s advice show that not only Moses, but also other leaders in Israel were able to discern and apply God’s will?

5. How does Jethro’s advice also show that Moses had an exceptionally clear understanding of God’s will? How did Moses get this clear understanding?

Heart

1. Do you think God had a specific purpose in mind for sending Jethro to Moses at this time? Explain.

2. Did Jethro give good advice or bad advice? Explain.

3. According to Jethro, what qualifications did the other judges need before they would be appointed? What would these qualifications show about the state of each judge’s heart?

4. Is it possible to discern a person’s heart by looking at that person’s actions and activities? Is it possible to sometimes be fooled by a person’s actions? Who can never be fooled? Explain.

Hands

1. If someone gives you advice, how do you know whether the advice is from God?

2. How should you respond when God places wise people in your life?

3. Did Moses give up some of his responsibility as leader when he followed the advice of Jethro?

Israel Encamps at Mount Sinai

Exodus 19:1-25

Main Thought

The holy God consecrates his people.

Head

1. How long after the people of Israel left Egypt did they come to the wilderness of Sinai?

2. Where did they camp?

3. In verse five, what did God claim was his?

4. Why couldn’t the people touch the mountain?

5. What would happen if they did?

6. Describe the scene when the Lord came down on Mount Sinai.

Heart

1. In verse four, God told the Israelites that he bore them on eagles wings. What does that mean? How does it describe God’s relationship to Israel?

2. Describe some of the ways God showed himself to be a holy God in this chapter.

3. How is it possible for a holy God to bear his people on eagles wings?

Hands

1. What did the Israelites have to do to be God’s “treasured possession among all peoples”?

2. What would distinguish the Israelites as a kingdom of priests and a holy nation? What would set them apart from the other nations?

3. According to verse eight, the people claimed that they would do all the Lord had spoken. Would that be possible? Explain.

4. What limits did the Israelites have to abide by in their relationship to God when he was on Mount Sinai?

5. Are there any limits we have to abide by in our relationship with God?

The Ten Commandments

Exodus 20:1-21

Related passage: Deuteronomy 5:1-21

Main Thought

God set rules for his covenant people.

Head

1. At the beginning of this chapter, how did God describe himself?

2. List the ten commandments.

3. What’s the difference between the first commandment and the second commandment?

4. What reason did God give for commanding the people to observe the Sabbath day? What reason did God give for this commandment when he repeated it in Deuteronomy 5:15? How do you account for the difference?

Heart

1. How did God show in this chapter that he has a right to make demands of his people?

2. What commandments deal with our relationship with God?

3. How is our relationship with God defined by these commandments?

Hands

1. What commandments deal with our relationship with others?

2. How is our relationship with others defined by these commandments?

3. How does our relationship with God affect our relationship with others?

4. Why is not taking God’s name in vain so important that God included it in the ten commandments?

5. Is it still important to observe a day of Sabbath rest?

6. In the Sermon the Mount, Jesus claimed that we can break the commandments not only in our actions, but also in our thoughts. Discuss how this can happen with each commandment.

Israel Trembles Before God

Deuteronomy 5:22-33

Related passage: Exodus 20:18-21

Main Thought

Israel responds to a holy God.

Head

1. At what point in Israel’s history did Moses speak the words of Deuteronomy to the Israelites?

2. Were the people who received the Ten Commandments from Moses in Deuteronomy the same people who received the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai in Exodus?

3. How did Moses describe God’s appearance to Israel at Mount Sinai?

4. What frightened the elders? Why?

5. What did the elders of Israel ask Moses to do?

6. What did God think of the request the elders made?

7. What did God tell Moses to do?

8. What blessings did God promise the people of Israel? Why would they receive these blessings?

Heart

1. Why do you think Moses needed to remind this generation of Israelites of their parents’ reaction to God at Mount Sinai?

2. Do you think the people of Israel were able to maintain a healthy fear of God? (see v. 29)

3. What makes it possible for us to approach the throne of God? (see Heb. 4:14-16)

Hands

1. In verse 33 what did the Lord say would be the result of Israel’s obedience to him?

2. Were the Israelites able to continue doing what the Lord commanded them? Explain.

God Confirms the Covenant

Exodus 24:1-18

Main Thought

The holy God confirms his covenant with his people.

Head

1. Who was the only one allowed to come near to the Lord? Who were not allowed to come near to the Lord?

2. How did the people respond when Moses told them all the words of the Lord and all the rules?

3. What did the twelve pillars represent?

4. What did the Israelites do by the altars and the twelve pillars?

5. How did the people know the proper way to offer sacrifices to God?

6. What was the Book of the Covenant (v. 7)?

7. Describe what Moses and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and the seventy elders saw when they went up to the mountain.

8. Where did Moses go when he told the elders to wait.

9. How long was Moses on the mountain?

Heart

1. What was it about God that made coming near to him so dangerous?

2. Why did Moses throw blood against the altar when he renewed the covenant? What did the blood represent?

3. What is the New Testament version of the blood of the covenant?

4. Can you think of other covenant ceremonies in the Bible when blood was used? (see Gen. 15)

Hands

1. What did the people of Israel do when they were confronted with a holy God?

2. When are you confronted with a holy God? What do you do?

The Golden Calf

Exodus 32:1-20

Related passage: Deuteronomy 9:13-21

Main Thought

Moses intercedes for a profane people.

Head

1. What did the people of Israel say to Aaron when Moses didn’t come down from the mountain as quickly as they thought he should?

2. What did the people give to Aaron to make the calf?

3. What did Aaron tell the people when he finished making the calf?

4. What did the people do at the feast that Aaron proclaimed?

5. What did the Lord tell Moses about Israel when Moses was still on the mountain?

6. What arguments did Moses make with God when he implored God on Israel’s behalf?

7. What promise did Moses recall in verse 13?

8. What did Joshua think the noise in the camp was?

9. What did Moses do with the tablets that were in his hands?

10. What did Moses do with the calf?

Heart

1. What made the people of Israel not trust God?

2. Would it have been fair of God to destroy the Israelites? Why didn’t he destroy them?

3. How did Moses intercede for the people? When he did this, whom did he foreshadow?

Hands

1. When Aaron made the golden calf do you think he was trying to give the Israelites a different god or just a different way to worship the true God?

2. Do you think the Israelites intended to sin against God? Explain.

The Consequences of the Golden Calf

Exodus 32:21-35

Main Thought

The Israelites learn the consequences of their sin.

Head

1. What did Moses ask Aaron?

2. According to Moses’ question, did Aaron make the people sin, or did the people make Aaron sin? Why do you think Moses placed the responsibility for the sin with Aaron?

3. How did Aaron answer Moses? In what way did he try to shift the blame from himself?

4. What does verse 25 mean when it says that “the people had broken loose”?

5. What did Moses tell the Levites to do?

6. What did Moses tell the Levites after they had finished their task?

7. What did Moses say to God when he pleaded with him on behalf of Israel?

8. What did the Lord send to Israel as a consequence of the plague.

Heart

1. In verse 33 God told Moses, “Whoever has sinned against me, I will blot out of my book.” What is the only possible way for you not to be blotted out of God’s book if you have sinned against him?

2. Besides Moses, who in this story showed true zeal for God? What blessing came to them? Why?

Hands

1. Why do you think people who are caught in sin try to shift the blame away from themselves?

2. When did the practice of shifting blame start? (see Gen. 3:9-13)

3. Why did the people of Israel still need to endure a plague even after Moses destroyed the calf and asked forgiveness for the people’s sin?

The Presence of God

Exodus 33:1-11

Main Thought

God removes his holy presence from the people.

Head

1. Where were the Israelites when God told them to depart?

2. What had they just done that made God so angry?

3. What did God mean when he called the people “stiffnecked”?

4. What did Moses call the tent that he pitched outside the camp?

5. Why do you think Moses pitched the tent outside the camp?

6. Why would the people of Israel go to the tent?

7. Describe what happened when Moses went to the tent.

8. What did the pillar of cloud represent?

9. What did the people do when they saw the pillar of cloud? Why?

10. Who would stay by the tent after Moses returned to the camp?

Heart

1. Why did God say in verse three, “I will not go up among you”? Why did Moses and the Israelites consider this statement to be “a disastrous word”?

2. Why did God say in verse five, “if for a single moment I should go up among you, I would consume you”? Was God just being mean, or did he have another reason for saying it?

Hands

1. How is it possible for us to experience the presence of a holy God?

2. If God is both a holy, consuming fire and a gracious, redeeming Lord, what should our worship of him be like?

3. Compare how the people of Israel worshiped the golden calf in chapter 32 and how they worshiped God in this chapter. What differences do you see?

Moses Pleads for Israel and Himself

Exodus 33:12-23

Related passage: Deuteronomy 9:22-29

Main Thought

God grants his presence to Moses and Israel.

Head

1. In verse 12 Moses said to the Lord, “See, you say to me, ‘Bring up this people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me.” Was Moses looking for someone in particular to go with him? Who?

2. How did God describe his relationship to Moses?

3. What did God promise Moses?

4. According to verse 16, what made the people of Israel distinct?

5. Why did Moses not want to travel without the Lord’s presence?

6. What additional request did Moses make of God? Did God accede to Moses’ request?

Heart

1. Why do you think the Lord granted Moses’ first request?

2. What can we learn about God when he described himself by saying, “I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy”? (see also Rom. 9:15)

3. Why was Moses not allowed to see the Lord’s face?

4. How did God show grace when he covered Moses with his hand?

Hands

1. What makes you the most distinct from non-Christians? It is something you do, or is it God’s presence with you? Explain.

2. Does the thought of always being in the presence of God comfort you or scare you? Can you think of any things a person might do or say that would make that person prefer to not be in the presence of God?

3. What gives us hope that we will someday see God face to face?

God Renews His Covenant

Exodus 34:1-10

Related passage: Deuteronomy 10:1-11

Main Thought

The Lord prepares his people for his renewed presence.

Head

1. What happened to the first two tablets of stone? Where did Moses get the second set of tablets?

2. Where did Moses go to meet God? Who could go with Moses?

3. How did the Lord descend to Moses?

4. What did the Lord proclaim when he passed before Moses?

5. According to verse eight, what was the first thing Moses did after the Lord passed by him?

6. What requests did Moses make of God? How could Israel be God’s inheritance?

7. What did God promise he would do for Israel?

Heart

1. Why wasn’t anyone else allowed to be near Mount Sinai when God met Moses there? What does that tell you about God? What does that tell you about the people of Israel?

2. Do you think God was being mean or being gracious when he didn’t allow anyone except Moses near Mount Sinai? Explain.

3. How would God answer Moses’ request to pardon the iniquity of Israel?

Hands

1. What was Moses’ response after God described himself to him?

2. What requests do you make of God? Are they similar to the requests Moses made?

3. How was God going to use Israel for his glory?

Moses’ Face Shines

Exodus 34:27-35

Main Thought

God mediates his glory through Moses.

Head

1. What did Moses write on the tablets?

2. How long was Moses with the Lord on Mount Sinai? What did Moses eat and drink when he was there?

3. Why were there two tablets of testimony?

4. Why did Moses’ face shine?

5. Why were Aaron and the people of Israel afraid to come near Moses?

6. What was the purpose of Moses’ veil?

Heart

1. Moses told the people the law with his shining face uncovered. What effect do you think this would have on the people? How would they view Moses? How would they treat the law?

2. What does Moses’ use of the veil tell us regarding God’s presence with the people of Israel? What does it tell us about God’s relationship with Moses?

Hands

1. Do you think Moses was concerned about what he would eat and drink when he was with the Lord on Mount Sinai? Read Matthew 6:25-34. What should be our attitude regarding God’s provision for our needs?

2. Why were Aaron and the Israelites so afraid of Moses when he came down from Mount Sinai? What had they done recently that might make them especially afraid of someone who had just been in God’s presence?

3. If you had been an Israelite and saw Moses with a shining face would you have been afraid? Why can New Testament Christians be bolder than the Israelites? (see 2 Cor. 3:12-13)

The People Contribute to the Tabernacle

Exodus 35:4-29

Main Thought

The hearts of the people overflow into obedience.

Head

1. What did God command the people to build in this story?

2. Name some of the items that the people brought to the Lord as the Lord’s offering.

3. Name some of the items the craftsmen made from the offerings and placed in the tabernacle.

4. At what other time in Israel’s history did people bring their gold jewelry for use in worship? (see Exod. 32:3)

5. How was this time different?

6. How did Moses describe the people who brought the offerings?

Heart

1. What does this story teach about the presence of God within Israel?

2. How does this story answer Moses’ earlier plea for the Lord to maintain a presence in Israel?

3. The word “heart” is used four times in this passage (vv. 5, 21, 22, and 29). Why was it so important for Moses’ readers to know that the people of Israel gave of their goods and talents with willing hearts?

Hands

1. How did the hearts of the people affect their obedience?

2. When the people gave their offerings, were they planning to use those offerings to worship their own way or the way God prescribed?

3. Did the people of Israel glorify God just by giving some of their possessions? Explain.

4. When you give tithes and offerings in your church do you consider it a way to glorify God?

Bezalel and Oholiab

Exodus 35:30–36:7

Main Thought

God controls the hearts of his people.

Head

1. What were some of the things Bezalel was able to do?

2. How did he know what to make?

3. Who else helped Bezalel and Oholiab?

4. After Moses gave Bezalel and Oholiab the people’s contributions, how often did the people continue to contribute?

5. How much did the people contribute?

6. Why did Moses stop the people from contributing?

Heart

1. How did the Lord prepare Bezalel and Oholiab for their work?

2. When do you think the Lord chose them to do this work?

3. Do you think the Lord prepares others for special work like he prepared Bezalel and Oholiab?

4. How do you think did the people of Israel got to be such good givers?

Hands

1. Do you think God already knows how you will serve him now and in the future? Do you think he is preparing you even now for work he has planned for you in the future?

2. Have you ever contributed money or other things for the work of the Lord? What moved you to do it?

3. Do you think God was glorified when the people were restrained from giving? Explain.

4. Do you think deacons in a church today would ever tell their congregation to stop giving so much? Is today’s church situation different from the situation in Israel in Moses’ day? Explain.

Moses Erects the Tabernacle

Exodus 40:16-38

Main Thought

God establishes his presence among his people.

Head

1. Describe the tabernacle and its contents.

2. What was the testimony that Moses put in the ark?

3. Why did Moses and Aaron have to wash their feet before entering the tabernacle?

4. According to verse 34, what covered the tent of meeting and what filled the tabernacle? Are the tent of meeting and the tabernacle two names for the same thing? (see also Exod. 40:2)

5. Why was Moses not able to enter the tent of meeting? How closely had he been able to approach the presence of the Lord before this story? Why wasn’t he able to enter now?

6. What did the people do when the cloud was taken up from the tabernacle and when it was not taken up? (see also Num. 9:15-23)

7. What was in the cloud at night?

Heart

1. What did the cloud in verses 34-38 represent?

2. What did it mean that this cloud took up residence in the tabernacle?

3. Although we don’t have a cloud like the cloud of Old Testament Israel, what do we have today that we can follow?

Hands

1. Verse 16 describes Moses by saying that “according to all that the Lord commanded him, so he did.” Are people able to describe you that way?

2. Why was it so important for the people of Israel to follow the cloud throughout their journey? How can they serve as examples for your life?

Aaron and His Sons Begin Their Ministry

Leviticus 8:1-13

Main Thought

Aaron, his sons, and the tabernacle with its furnishings are consecrated for service.

Head

1. What did God tell Moses to do?

2. Who witnessed the consecration of Aaron and his sons?

3. What was Moses signifying when he washed Aaron and his sons with water?

4. Why did Aaron and his sons need to be washed?

5. What did it mean when Moses put special clothes on Aaron and his sons? (Hint: Think of what it means when a policeman wears a special uniform, or when a king or queen wears a special robe.)

6. Describe the special clothes that Moses placed on Aaron.

7. What was special about anointing oil? How was it used?

8. Why did Moses anoint the tabernacle and all that was in it?

9. What was sprinkled with oil seven times?

10. What did it mean when Moses anointed Aaron?

Heart

1. Do you think Aaron was good enough to be a priest? Explain.

2. Do you think God had forgiven Aaron for making the golden calf?

Hands

1. Do you think Aaron was ready to obey God?

2. Were Aaron or his sons able to choose whether they wanted to be priests? What did God expect of them?

3. How many times does this passage emphasize that Moses consecrated Aaron and his sons at the Lord’s command? Why do you think this is emphasized so much?

Nadab and Abihu Offer Unauthorized Fire

Leviticus 10:1-20

Main Thought

God will be sanctified among those who are near him and glorified among all the people.

Head

1. What is a censer?

2. What made the fire offered by Nadab and Abihu unauthorized?

3. What happened to Nadab and Abihu?

4. What did Moses tell Aaron about God? (v. 3)

5. Why couldn’t Aaron, Eleazar, and Ithamar mourn for Nadab and Abihu?

6. How were the priests to distinguish between the holy and the common?

7. What were Eleazar and Ithamar supposed to do with the sin offering?

8. What did they do with it instead?

9. What explanation did Aaron give Moses?

Heart

1. Do you think it was harsh of God to kill Nadab and Abihu? Did they deserve death for what they did?

2. How hard do you think it was for Aaron to hold his peace after the death of Nadab and Abihu?

3. Why do you think God takes the worship of his name so seriously?

4. How did God display his holiness in this story? How did Aaron show that he understood the nature of God’s holiness?

Hands

1. Describe some ways people worship God today. How can you tell if people take worship seriously, or if they are too casual about it?

2. How do you approach worship?

Israel Leaves Sinai

Numbers 10:29-36

Related passage: Deuteronomy 1:6-8

Main Thought

Israel sets out for Canaan in the presence of the Lord.

Head

1. From what place were the Israelites leaving? (see Num. 10:12)

2. What relation was Hobab to Moses?

3. Who were Hobab’s descendants? (see Judg. 4:11) Who was the most famous biblical character connected to Hobab’s descendants? (see Judg. 4:17)

4. According to verse 31, why did Moses want Hobab to come with Israel through the wilderness?

5. What did Moses promise Hobab?

6. What went before the Israelites when they traveled?

7. What did Moses say whenever the ark set out?

8. What did Moses say when the ark rested?

Heart

1. In verse 29, Moses recalled God’s promises to do good to Israel and to give Israel the land of Canaan. Did Israel do anything to merit those promises? Why did he make them to Israel?

2. Why did the ark need to go in front of the Israelites when they traveled? What did the ark represent?

Hands

1. Why did Moses ask the Lord to scatter his enemies when the ark set out?

2. How does the Lord scatter his enemies today?

3. Why did Moses ask the Lord to return to Israel when the ark rested?

4. How does the Lord show his presence to his covenant people today?

The People Complain

Numbers 11:1-15

Main Thought

God’s people do not accept God’s provision for them.

Head

1. Why was the Lord angry with the people of Israel?

2. What happened when the Lord became angry?

3. What happened to make the fire die down?

4. Why was the name of the place called Taberah?

5. After the fire died down, what did the people start doing again?

6. What were the people complaining about?

7. What did the people long for from Egypt?

8. Why didn’t the people like the manna?

9. How did the people prepare the manna?

10. Did the Lord become angry again? How angry?

11. Why was Moses displeased? What did he say to the Lord?

Heart

1. Was the Lord right to become angry with his people?

2. Where the people right in complaining to the Lord?

3. Do you think Moses was feeling sorry for himself in the way he talked to the Lord? Explain.

Hands

1. What do you think about how the people of Israel responded to God’s provision for them?

2. If you had been Moses, would you have responded to the people’s complaints in the same way?

3. Do you think God expected Moses to carry all Israel as Moses implied in verse 14?

God Responds to the People’s Complaints

Numbers 11:16-35

Main Thought

God deals with his people and their leaders.

Head

1. How many men from the elders of Israel did God tell Moses to gather?

2. Do you think Moses lost a portion of the Spirit that was given to him when God put some of the Spirit on the elders in verse 17? Explain.

3. According to verses 19-20, how much meat would the people of Israel get to eat?

4. Did Moses at first believe that God could get so much meat?

5. What did God mean when he asked Moses in verse 23, “Is the Lord’s hand shortened”?

6. What happened when the Spirit rested on the seventy men?

7. What did Joshua want to do to Eldad and Medad?

8. Describe how the quail came to the camp of the Israelites.

9. What did the Lord send after he sent the quail?

Heart

1. In verse 17 God indicates that Moses has been helped by the Spirit. Can you give some examples from past stories that show how Moses was helped by the Spirit?

2. How does the Spirit help people today?

3. In verse 29 Moses said, “Would that all the Lord’s people were prophets, that the Lord would put his Spirit on them!” Later, the prophet Joel prophesied that this would happen. Do you know when it happened? (see Acts 2:14-21)

Hands

1. In this story, what consequences did the people have to deal with because of their sin?

Miriam and Aaron Oppose Moses

Numbers 12:1-16

Main Thought

God defends his servant Moses.

Head

1. Why did Miriam and Aaron speak against Moses?

2. Where was the land of Cush?

3. How meek was Moses?

4. Do you think Moses wrote verse three? Explain.

5. How did God describe his relationship with Moses? How did God treat Moses differently than other prophets?

6. Why should Miriam and Aaron have been afraid to speak against Moses?

7. What happened to Miriam?

8. Did anything happen to Aaron?

9. What did Miriam have to do until she was healed from her leprosy?

Heart

1. Why was God so offended at Miriam and Aaron for speaking against Moses?

2. Do you think Moses would have defended himself against Miriam and Aaron?

3. Why did Moses intercede for Miriam? What was the Lord’s response to Moses?

Hands

1. What did Aaron do as soon as he saw the punishment of leprosy inflicted on Miriam?

2. How did Aaron’s response confirm Moses’ God-given authority?

3. How did Miraim and Aaron’s opposition of Moses affect the entire Israelite community?

Moses Sends Spies to Canaan

Numbers 13:16-24

Related passage: Deuteronomy 1:19-25

Main Thought

God shows his people a glimpse of the blessings he has prepared for them.

Head

1. How many men were sent to spy out the land of Canaan?

2. What did Moses tell the spies to do?

3. Where was the Negeb, and where was the hill country of Canaan?

4. What did Moses tell them to bring back?

5. How would you describe the land of Canaan? Was it dry and dusty or lush and fruitful?

6. Who was Anak? What were Anak’s descendants called? What distinguished them from others? (see Deut. 9:2)

7. How big was the cluster of grapes that the spies took back to Moses?

Heart

1. If God was going to fight for Israel, why did Moses have to send spies into Canaan to see if the people living there were strong or weak, few or many, and whether their cities were camps or strongholds?

2. Who made the land of Canaan so fruitful? Why? What nation did he prepare the land of Canaan for?

3. How would you describe the way God cares for his children?

Hands

1. When the spies saw the large fruit that could be grown in the land that God was giving them, what should have been their response?

2. When the spies saw how much the people of Canaan prospered and how large they grew by living in the land of Canaan, what should have been their response?

3. Do you think that sometimes we neglect to see the blessings that God has intended for us? Explain.

The Spies Bring Back a Bad Report

Numbers 13:25-33

Main Thought

The people shrink from the task God gave them to conquer the land of Canaan.

Head

1. How long did the men take to spy out the land?

2. When the spies returned to the Israelite camp, what was the first thing they showed Moses and Aaron?

3. What did the spies say in their report that was good?

4. What did the spies say in their report that was bad?

5. How can you tell from the text that all the people of Israel started complaining? (see v. 30a)

6. How did the other ten spies respond to Caleb?

7. What did the ten spies mean when they said in verse 32 that the land of Canaan was a land that “devours its inhabitants.”

8. Who were the Nephilim? What does the name “Nephilim” mean? (see also Gen. 6:4)

Heart

1. In verse 30, how could Caleb be so certain that Israel could overcome the people of Canaan and occupy the land?

2. In verses 32-33, why were the other spies so certain that the Israelites would be defeated if they tried to occupy the land?

Hands

1. How should the Israelites have responded to the report of the spies?

2. What do you think would have happened if the Israelites had decided to occupy the land?

3. Forty years after this story, the descendants of Anak were driven from the land. Who was responsible for driving them out? (see Josh. 15:14)

The People Grumble

Numbers 14:1-19

Related passage: Deuteronomy 1:26-33

Main Thought

The Israelites’ fear of the Canaanites turns into anger against Moses, Aaron, and God himself.

Head

1. Why were the people angry with Moses and Aaron?

2. How did Moses and Aaron respond to the Israelites’ complaints?

3. How did Joshua and Caleb respond? What did they tell the Israelites?

4. In which nation did God delight?

5. From which nation did God remove his protection?

6. What did the Israelites want to do to Joshua and Caleb? What stopped them?

7. What did the Lord tell Moses he was going to do to the Israelites?

8. What did the Lord say he would do for Moses? How did Moses respond to the Lord?

Heart

1. How did the Israelites think God was going to treat them?

2. Why didn’t the people of Israel have to fear the people of Canaan?

3. Why did God remove his protection from the Canaanites?

4. Why do you think Moses pleaded with God to forgive the Israelites?

5. Do you think it would have been better to just start over with a new nation from the descendants of Moses? Explain.

Hands

1. How did God show his protection for Joshua and Caleb? Do you think God still protects people who seek to be faithful to God today?

2. Is it proper to ask God to forgive people even if those people would not ask forgiveness of God themselves?

God Promises Judgment

Numbers 14:20-38

Related passage: Deuteronomy 1:34-40

Main Thought

God shows mercy as well as justice in sparing the people but refusing to bring the current generation into the land.

Head

1. Why did God pardon the people of Israel? (see v. 19)

2. If the people of Israel still had to face punishment, in what way were they pardoned?

3. What punishment did the people of Israel still have to bear?

4. Who would be spared God’s punishment?

5. What did God mean when he said in verse 28, “...what you have said in my hearing, I will do to you”?

6. Why did God choose to make the Israelites wander for forty years?

7. What happened to the ten spies who gave the bad report?

Heart

1. In what ways did God show his mercy in these verses?

2. In what ways did God show his justice in these verses?

3. Do you think the Israelites younger than twenty felt relieved or scared at God’s judgment against their parents? Do you think the judgment changed what they thought about God?

Hands

1. Do you think Caleb and Joshua questioned why they had to wander in the wilderness for another forty years before being allowed to take possession of the land, even though they had remained faithful to God? Explain.

2. Why did the children have to suffer for their parents’ unfaithfulness? (v. 33) Do you think children suffer for the sins of their parents today? Explain.

Too Little, Too Late

Numbers 14:39-45

Related passage: Deuteronomy 1:41-46

Main Thought

The people think they have decided to obey God, but in reality they are only disobeying in another way.

Head

1. How did the people of Israel respond when Moses described God’s judgment against them?

2. What made the people of Israel rise up early the next morning?

3. What did the people of Israel say they would do?

4. What reason did the people of Israel give for changing their mind?

5. Why did Moses tell them not to go up against Canaan?

6. Why did the people go anyway?

7. Who and what did not go up with the Israelites?

8. Where do you think Joshua and Caleb were when the Israelites went up against the Canaanites?

Heart

1. Do you think the people mourned because they were sorry for rebelling against God or because they didn’t like the punishment?

2. Why wouldn’t the Lord go with the Israelites after they changed their mind about Canaan?

Hands

1. Was the Israelites’ decision to fight against Canaan an act of disobedience? What was wrong with the people telling Moses that they were now ready to fight?

2. Is it wrong for you to wait to obey until after you hear what the punishment is for not obeying? Why?

3. Have you ever heard the phrase, “Delayed obedience is disobedience”? What does it mean?

Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Rebel

Numbers 16:1-19

Main Thought

Korah, Dathan, and Abiram rebel against God’s appointed leaders.

Head

1. What was the complaint of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram?

2. What test did Moses set up to determine who the Lord would show was his?

3. What previous story included an incident with fire and censers? How is the story of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram similar? How is it different? (see Lev. 10:1-20)

4. Korah was a Levite. What did Moses accuse Korah of wanting? (see vv. 8-10)

5. Dathan and Abiram were not Levites. What did they want to take away from Moses? (see v. 13)

6. Where did Moses tell the men to meet with their censers in hand?

7. What appeared after they were all assembled?

Heart

1. When Korah, Dathan, and Abiram complained against Moses and Aaron, who else were they complaining against?

2. Why did the glory of the Lord show up at the entrance to the tent of meeting?

Hands

1. Why didn’t Moses ask the Lord to forgive Korah, Dathan, and Abiram like he did for the Israelites in chapter 14?

2. What do you think the theologians of the Reformation meant when they talked about the priesthood of all believers? What makes the priesthood of all believers different from Korah, Dathan, and Abiram’s statement in verse three: “For all in the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the Lord?”

God Punishes Korah, Dathan, and Abiram

Numbers 16:20-35

Main Thought

Korah, Dathan, and Abiram learn the consequences of despising the Lord.

Head

1. Why did the Lord tell Moses and Aaron to separate themselves from the congregation of Israelites?

2. What stopped God from consuming the whole congregation of Israel in a moment?

3. Why did God tell the congregation to get away from the dwellings of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram?

4. Why did Moses want the people to know that he didn’t take on the role of leader of his own accord?

5. What happened to Korah, Dathan, and Abiram?

6. What happened to their families?

7. What happened to the 250 men who followed Korah and offered incense in their censers?

Heart

1. What would the people know if Korah, Dathan, and Abiram were swallowed up by the earth? (see v. 30)

2. How does the Lord respond to people who despise him?

3. If you were to ask the Israelites who witnessed the death of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram to describe God, what do you think they would say?

Hands

1. Should Moses have done more to defend himself against the challenge of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram?

2. Is it ever proper to challenge authority? Explain.

3. What lesson do you think the Israelites took away from their experience with Korah, Dathan,and Abiram?

Aaron Makes Atonement for the People

Numbers 16:36-50

Main Thought

Aaron foreshadows Jesus Christ as he makes atonement for the people of Israel in the midst of their sin.

Head

1. What happened to the censers of the men who had challenged Moses and Aaron?

2. Why did the censers become holy?

3. What happened the day after the Lord judged Korah and his company?

4. What appeared at the tent of meeting when the people grumbled against Moses and Aaron? Why?

5. What did the Lord tell Moses he was going to do to the people?

6. What did Aaron do to stop the plague from the Lord? Why did Aaron have to do it?

7. How many Israelites died from the plague?

Heart

1. Why were the people angry at Moses, Aaron, and ultimately God?

2. Why was God angry with his people?

3. Why didn’t Moses and Aaron just simply let the plague run its course?

4. Whom did Aaron foreshadow in his actions for the people? How did Aaron foreshadow him?

Hands

1. Would you have tried to stop the plague like Moses and Aaron did?

2. If you have been one of the people of Israel, would you have dared to grumble against Moses and Aaron the day after God destroyed Korah and the others? Why do you think the congregation of Israel complained?

Aaron’s Staff Buds

Numbers 17:1-13

Main Thought

God gives miraculous proof of Aaron’s calling as priest.

Head

1. Where did Moses get the twelves staffs? What did they represent?

2. What did Moses do with the staffs?

3. What did God say would happen to the staff of the person God chose?

4. What actually did happened to Aaron’s staff? Was this more than God had promised? Explain.

5. After Moses showed the staffs to the people of Israel, what did he do with Aaron’s staff?

6. Who were the rebels God mentioned in verse ten?

7. What did God say would happen to the rebels if they continued to grumble?

8. Why does this passage mention that the Lord told Moses what to do and what to say? Why couldn’t it just describe what Moses said and did?

9. What did the Israelites say in response to what God had done? What do you think they meant when they said in verse 13, “We are undone, we are all undone”?

Heart

1. What reason did God give for making Aaron’s staff bud?

2. Should it have been necessary for God to do this for Aaron?

3. Why was it necessary for God to do it now? (see Num. 16)

Hands

1. Do you think the response of the Israelites to God’s action was appropriate? Should the Israelites have been afraid? Explain.

2. What is the difference between fearing God and being afraid of him?

Moses Disobeys at Meribah

Numbers 20:1-13

Main Thought

Moses fails to uphold God as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel.

Head

1. Where were the Israelites staying when this story took place?

2. Who died and was buried there?

3. What problem did the Israelites have?

4. How did they try to deal with the problem?

5. What did Moses and Aaron do when the people assembled together against them?

6. What appeared at the entrance to the tent of meeting?

7. What did God tell Moses to do?

8. What did Moses actually do?

Heart

1. If you were in the desert without water, would you complain? Can you blame the Israelites for complaining? What makes their situation different?

2. If you had been Moses, would you have been angry with the people of Israel?

3. What did Moses say to the people in verse ten? What is wrong with what he said?

4. If Moses disobeyed, why did God still produce water from the rock?

Hands

1. What was the particular sin that Moses and Aaron committed against God? (see v. 12)

2. What consequence did Moses and Aaron receive? Did God ever take this consequence away?

3. Why don’t consequences always disappear after we ask forgiveness?

Edom Refuses Israel’s Request

Numbers 20:14-21

Related passage: Deuteronomy 2:1-8

Main Thought

Edom shows its animosity toward Israel.

Head

1. Why did Moses describe Israel to Edom as “your brother Israel”?

2. How did Moses describe the Israelites’ treatment by the Egyptians?

3. Where was Kadesh located?

4. What did Moses ask the king of Edom?

5. What did Moses promise the king of Edom?

6. How did the king of Edom respond to Moses?

7. Was Edom ready to go to war against Israel?

8. What did Israel do because of Edom’s response?

Heart

1. What historical connection between Edom and Israel might have caused the Edomites to be unwilling to help Israel?

2. Have you ever allowed past events to dictate current actions in a relationship?

3. During the 400 years that the Israelites were slaves in Egypt, how did the Edomites fare where they lived?

4. Do you think Edom’s status as a nation affected the way it viewed Israel? Explain.

5. Have you ever allowed external circumstances to influence the way you perceived someone?

Hands

1. Why did Israel turn away from Edom? Do you think Israel was afraid of Edom?

2. Would Israel have been justified in going to war against Edom?

Aaron Dies

Numbers 20:22-29

Main Thought

By God’s authority, Eleazar takes on the role of High Priest.

Head

1. Where was Mount Hor located? (see v. 23)

2. Why did Israel travel to Mount Hor?

3. Why was Aaron not allowed to enter the land of Canaan?

4. What happened at the waters of Meribah?

5. What did Aaron do at the waters of Meribah that warranted his punishment? (see Num. 20:10-13)

6. Who was Eleazar, and why did he go up to Mount Hor with Moses and Aaron?

7. Why did Moses put Aaron’s clothes on Eleazar?

8. What happened to Aaron on top of the mountain?

9. How long did the people of Israel weep for Aaron?

Heart

1. Do you think Aaron deserved his punishment from the Lord?

2. Did Aaron accept the Lord’s punishment?

3. If you had been Eleazar would you have wanted to go down the mountain with Moses?

4. Why might Eleazar have wanted to stay on the mountain?

5. Why do you think Eleazar ended up going down the mountain with Moses?

6. Was Eleazar ready to take over Aaron’s duties? Explain.

Hands

1. Who authorized Eleazar to take over Aaron’s job?

2. Who authorizes Christians today to serve in the Church?

Victory and Punishment

Numbers 21:1-9

Main Thought

The people learn to look to the Lord for their salvation.

Head

1. What did the Canaanite king do? Why is it important to know that Israel didn’t start the war?

2. What did the Israelites ask the Lord to do? What did the Israelites promise to do if the Lord gave them victory?

3. When the people set out to go around the land of Edom, what did they start to do?

4. How did the Israelites describe the food the Lord provided for them?

5. What did the Lord send? What did Moses make to save the people from the serpent bites?

Heart

1. What does verse three mean when it says, “The Lord heeded the voice of Israel...”? Does the Lord heed your voice?

2. Does it strike you as strange that the Israelites would so quickly complain against God and Moses after God had just given them a military victory? What does this attitude of the Israelites tell you about human nature?

3. When the people confessed their sins, do you think they meant it? Explain.

4. What was special about the bronze snake that cured the people of snake bites when they looked up to it? Whom did the snake represent?

Hands

1. The people called out to the Lord two times in this passage. What was similar about the two situations they were in when they called out to him? What was different?

2. When do you usually call on the Lord? Is it in times of difficulty or in easier times?

Sihon and Og

Numbers 21:21-35

Related passage: Deuteronomy 2:26–3:11

Main Thought

Israel inherits land.

Head

1. Who was Sihon?

2. From whom were the Amorites descended? (see Gen. 10:15-16)

3. What did Israel ask of Sihon?

4. What was Sihon’s response?

5. Why do you think Sihon decided to go to war with Israel instead of simply accepting their request?

6. What did Israel get for winning the battle between the Israelites and the Amorites?

7. Who was Og? Where did he rule?

8. What kind of land was Bashan? Was it fertile, or a desert? (see Josh. 21:27

9. What was the result of Israel’s battle with Og?

Heart

1. How was Moses assured that he would win the battle against Og?

2. Do you think God hardened the hearts of Sihon and Og so that they would start a fight with Israel? Explain.

Hands

1. In Deuteronomy chapters two and three, Moses recalled Israel’s encounters with the Edomites, the Moabites, the Ammonites, and the Amorites. Why were the Israelites not allowed to take the land of the Edomites, the Moabites, or the Ammonites? (see Deut. 2:5, 9, 19.)

2. Why was Israel allowed to take the land of the Amorites? (Read what the Amorites did to Moab in v. 29 and how Israel responded in v. 30.)

Balak Summons Balaam

Numbers 22:1-21

Main Thought

God creates the circumstances in which his people will receive a special blessing.

Head

1. Where did the people of Israel set up camp?

2. How many times do the first three verses refer to fear or dread?

3. Why do you think Moab was so afraid of Israel? What had Balak seen that put him in great dread of Israel?

4. What did Balak want Balaam to do?

5. What are “fees of divination”? (v. 7)

6. What was God’s original command to Balaam? (v. 12)

7. What was Balaam’s answer when Balak sent a second group of princes to ask for Balaam’s help?

8. What was God’s second command to Balaam? (v. 20)

Heart

1. Did Moab need to fear Israel? Why not? (see Deut. 2:9)

2. Do you think Balaam was a true prophet? Explain.

3. What was Balaam’s attitude toward God?

4. How did Balaam try to manipulate God?

5. How did God turn Balak’s evil intentions into blessings for Israel?

Hands

1. If God directed the people of Israel to camp in the plains of Moab, did he use Israel to provoke Balak into action?

2. As you obey God’s will for your life is it possible that some people will take action against you? Should that be a concern? Why or why not?

Balaam’s Donkey and the Angel

Numbers 22:22-41

Main Thought

God prepares the one who will pronounce the blessing.

Head

1. Why was God’s anger kindled against Balaam?

2. Who stood in Balaam’s way?

3. What did the donkey do that made Balaam so angry? What did Balaam do to the donkey? What did he want to do to the donkey?

4. Why didn’t Balaam seem surprised when the donkey started talking?

5. What is ironic about a donkey seeing an angel, but a prophet not seeing him?

6. What did Balaam say to Balak when the two men finally met?

Heart

1. Verse 20 describes how God told Balaam to go, but then verse 22 notes that God was angry with Balaam for going. If Balaam went purely out of obedience to God, would God have been angry? What other reasons might Balaam have had for going? What reasons might God have had for getting angry?

2. If Balaam had been a true prophet, wouldn’t he have seen the angel before the donkey did? What does that tell you about Balaam’s abilities as a prophet? Compare Balaams’s inability with Elisha’s ability in 2 Kings 6:15-17.

3. Was Balaam’s heart truly in tune with God’s will?

4. In verse 35, why did the angel have to repeat words that were essentially already said in verse 20?

Hands

1. In verse 38 Balaam acknowledged that he was not able to say anything other than what God told him to say. If that restriction had not been in place, do you think Balaam would have pronounced blessings or curses on Israel? Explain.

Balaam’s First Oracle

Numbers 23:1-12

Main Thought

God controls the words of Balaam.

Head

1. What is an oracle?

2. Why do you think Balaam wanted seven altars with seven bulls and seven rams?

3. Where did Balaam meet God? Why did he go to a “bare height”?

4. If the Lord “put a word in Balaam’s mouth” (v. 5), was that word true prophecy?

5. What country was Balaam from?

6. What did Balaam say about his ability to curse the Israelites?

7. What did Balak think of Balaam’s first oracle?

Heart

1. Why did Balaam and Balak sacrifice burnt offerings? Were they trying to gain favor with God? Did it work?

2. If Balaam and Balak were trying to manipulate God to curse Israel, why do you think God decided to work through them rather than simply dismiss them and work through others?

3. Does God use unbelievers to fulfill his purposes in the world?

4. When Balak asked Balaam in verse 11, “What have you done to me?” what was he forgetting? What had God done to Balak?

Hands

1. Do you think Balaam was afraid when he returned to Balak, knowing the words that the Lord had told him to say?

2. Is it ever possible to do or say something that is outside of the will of God?

3. Why didn’t Balak get rid of Balaam after the first oracle?

Balaam’s Second Oracle

Numbers 23:13-30

Main Thought

God does not change his mind and will not be manipulated.

Head

1. Why did Balak ask Balaam to try again at a different place?

2. Why did Balak take Balaam to a place where he could only see a fraction of Israel?

3. Before this oracle, what did Balak and Balaam do that was the same as what they did before the first oracle?

4. In verse 15, why did Balaam have to move away from Balak and go to a different place in order to meet God?

5. According to verse 18, who was being addressed in Balaam’s second oracle?

6. How can we tell from the oracle that Balak’s attempt to curse Israel would not work?

7. How was Israel like a lioness?

8. What did Balak ask of Balaam after the oracle? What was Balaam’s answer?

Heart

1. What does verse 19 tell us about God?

2. What do verses 21-22 tell us about God’s relationship with his people?

3. What does verse 23 tell us about the plans of Israel’s enemies?

Hands

1. Did changing the location and making additional sacrifices make any difference in the second oracle Balaam pronounced? Do you think God was impressed by the additional offerings?

2. In verse 27, why did Balak take Balaam to another place after the second oracle? Why was this a foolish action?

Balaam’s Third Oracle

Numbers 24:1-14

Main Thought

God blesses his people for action.

Head

1. Why didn’t Balaam repeat what he did before the first and second oracles?

2. What did Balaam mean in verse three when he said that his eye was opened? How did God open his eye?

3. Who was Agag? (see v. 7)

4. How did Balaam describe Israel in the third oracle? List some of his descriptions of Israel.

5. How is God like the horns of a wild ox? (v. 8)

6. Why was Balak angry at Balaam?

Heart

1. Read verse one again. Do you think Balaam really wanted to please the Lord in this third oracle? Why or why not?

2. Compare verse nine with God’s promises to Abraham in Genesis 12:3 and 27:29. Has God continued his faithfulness to his covenant?

3. Describe how God acted on Israel’s behalf using examples from Balaam’s third oracle.

4. Did the Israelites do anything to deserve the blessings given in the first three oracles? Why did they receive them?

Hands

1. Take another look at the third oracle. Describe all the things Israel did as a result of God’s blessing.

2. Do you think Balaam’s pronouncements in the last part of verse nine affected Balaam personally?

3. Why couldn’t Balaam go beyond the word of the Lord? Can anyone go beyond the word of the Lord? Explain.

Balaam’s Fourth Oracle

Numbers 24:15-25

Main Thought

God claims victory for his people.

Head

1. What was the fourth oracle about? What parts of the fourth oracle were repeated from the third oracle? Why do you think Balaam repeated them?

2. How did Balaam describe himself in verses 15-16?

3. What nations were described in verses 17-18? What was their relationship to Israel?

4. Who is the star that will come out of Jacob and the scepter that shall rise out of Israel? (see v. 17)

5. According to the oracle, what did the future hold for Moab and Edom?

6. Who is the “one from Jacob” in verse 19?

7. What nation was described in verse 20? What was its relationship to Israel? What did the future hold for this nation?

8. What clan was described in verses 21-22? What was its relationship to Israel? What did the future hold for this clan?

9. According to the oracle, what did the future hold for Israel?

Heart

1. Many nations are mentioned in this oracle. Who held the future of all these nations in his hands? When did he decide their futures?

2. At the end of the oracle Balaam cried out, “Alas, who shall live when God does this?” Will a time come when this cry is heard again?

Hands

1. When did Israel’s victory over Moab and Edom take place? (see 2 Samuel 8:2-14)

2. To what further victory did this oracle also refer?

The Covenant of Peace with Phinehas

Numbers 25:1-18

Main Thought

God executes his divine justice.

Head

1. How did Israel sin against the Lord at Peor?

2. Who encouraged the Moabites to invite the Israelites to join them in false worship? (see 31:16 and Rev. 2:14)

3. What did God tell Moses to do in response to Israel’s sin?

4. What prompted the zeal of Phinehas?

5. Why do you think the writer mentioned that both the Israelite man and the Midianite woman were children of leaders in their communities?

6. What did Phinehas do? What did the Lord give to Phinehas because of his zeal for the Lord?

7. How many people died from the plague?

8. What did God tell Israel to do to the Midianites?

9. What is a covenant of peace? Why was it appropriate for God to give his covenant of peace to Phinehas and his descendants?

Heart

1. What does it mean to be yoked to something? How was Israel yoked to Baal of Peor?

2. Why do you think Phinehas’ action against the Israelite man and the Moabite woman had to be so drastic?

3. Why was it so important for God to stop what was happening to Israel at Peor?

Hands

1. How was Israel’s behavior in Numbers 25 different than what Balaam prophesied in Numbers 24:15-25?

2. How did Phinehas’ actions affect his descendants?

The Daughters of Zelophehad

Numbers 27:1-11

Main Thought

The daughters of Zelophehad experience God’s justice.

Head

1. How many daughters did Zelophehad have?

2. Did Zelophehad have any sons?

3. What problem did the daughters of Zelophehad bring to Moses?

4. Why did the daughters of Zelophehad mention that their father was not of the people who followed Korah’s rebellion?

5. What solution did the Lord give to Moses?

6. Read Numbers 36:1-13. What additional problem arose with the daughters of Zelophehad?

7. How did Moses solve this additional problem?

8. Did Moses live to see the land given to the daughters of Zelophehad?

9. Were Moses’ instructions regarding the daughters of Zelophehad carried out after the people entered Canaan? (see Josh. 17:3-4)

Heart

1. Why was it so important that the daughters of Zelophehad not lose their father’s inheritance?

2. Do you think God dealt fairly with the daughters of Zelophehad?

3. If even one son had been born to Zelophehad, would the daughters of received any inheritance? Would that have been just?

Hands

1. Did the daughters of Zelophehad obey the rules Moses set down regarding their circumstances?

2. Do you think they considered Moses’ rules a restriction or a blessing?

3. How did the daughters of Zelophehad bring attention to their concerns in a way that was respectful and gracious?

Moses Commissions Joshua

Numbers 27:12-23

Main Thought

Moses experiences God’s justice.

Head

1. What would Moses be able to see from the mountain of Abarim?

2. Why was Moses not allowed to enter the land of Canaan?

3. After Moses heard that he would soon be gathered to his people, what request did he make of God?

4. What did Moses mean when he called the Lord, “the God of the spirits of all flesh”? How did that description of God fit with this story?

5. Whom did the Lord appoint to succeed Moses?

6. How was Joshua qualified to lead the people of Israel?

7. Why did Moses only invest Joshua with some of his authority?

8. How would Eleazar help Joshua lead the people?

9. Did Joshua succeed Moses right away?

Heart

1. Do you think Moses deserved the punishment he received?

2. Why didn’t Moses protest when God told him that he would die before entering Canaan?

3. When Moses knew that his leadership of Israel would soon come to an end, what was his main concern?

Hands

1. Why do you think Moses and Eleazar had to commission Joshua in the sight of the people?

2. Why was Eleazar also involved in commissioning Joshua?

3. In this story, do you think it was difficult for Moses to do as the Lord commanded him? Why or why not?

War with Midian

Numbers 31:1-24

Main Thought

Midian experiences God’s justice.

Head

1. Why did the people of Israel need to avenge themselves on Midian? (see Num. 25)

2. How many men armed themselves for war?

3. What did Phinehas bring to the battle?

4. Who was killed and who was taken captive?

5. What did the Israelites take as plunder?

6. Why was Moses angry with the officers of the army?

7. Why was Balaam the son of Beor killed? What was his advice? (see Rev. 2:14)

Heart

1. Do you normally think of God as one who seeks vengeance?

2. How does God’s desire for vengeance fit with his attributes of justice and love?

3. Why was it so important for the Israelites to destroy so many Midianites?

4. How was it possible for Balaam to proclaim prophetic oracles for God and still be set apart by God to receive his vengeance? Is it possible to serve God and still be an enemy of God?

Hands

1. Verse three describes the army of Israel as being used by God to execute his will. Describe some ways that God uses Christians today to execute his will.

2. What did the Israelites need to do to purify themselves and the plunder they kept? Why did they need to purify themselves? What did this accomplish? (see Num. 19)

The Inheritance East of the Jordan

Numbers 32:1-33

Related passage: Deuteronomy 3:12-22

Main Thought

God grants a blessing to Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh.

Head

1. Why did the tribes of Reuben and Gad want to settle in the land of Gilead?

2. What concern did Moses voice regarding the request of Reuben and Gad?

3. Why might the heart of the people of Israel be discouraged by the actions of Reuben and Gad?

4. What incident in Israel’s history did Moses remind them of? How were the hearts of the Israelites discouraged in this earlier incident?

5. What consequences did Israel endure because of the earlier incident that Moses recounted?

6. What did the people of Reuben and Gad promise? How would they protect their little ones?

7. What command did Moses give Eleazar and Joshua regarding the people of Gad and Reuben?

Heart

1. Based on the first part of this story, if you were to ask Moses to describe the hearts of the people of Reuben and Gad, how do you think he would have described them?

2. What did the people of Reuben and Gad reveal about their hearts later in the story?

Hands

1. Why might it have been difficult for Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh to follow through on their promise?

2. In verse 23 what did Moses mean when he said, “your sin will find you out”? Do our sins also find us out?

God Forbids Moses to Enter Canaan

Deuteronomy 3:23-29

Main Thought

God shows Moses that actions have consequences.

Head

1. What did Moses mean when he said in verse 23, “O Lord God, you have only begun go show your servant your greatness and your mighty hand”? What additional greatness did Moses want to see?

2. What did Moses plead for? What did God allow Moses to do instead?

3. How had the Lord become angry with Moses because of the people? (see Num. 20:2-13)

4. Where was Pisgah? What could Moses see from there?

5. Who would take Moses’ place?

Heart

1. Looking back at events that happened before this story, in what ways had God already shown his greatness and his mighty hand?

2. Why do you think the Lord was angry with Moses? Wasn’t Moses’ request a reasonable one?

3. How would you describe God’s treatment of Moses when God told him, “Enough from you; do not speak to me of this matter again”?

4. Why do you think Moses wanted so badly to enter the promised land?

Hands

1. What lesson did Moses learn because of his actions at Meribah?

2. Was it wrong of Moses to make his request to God? Was it wrong for Moses to plead with God?

3. Did Joshua have any say about whether or not he wanted to take over for Moses? Should he have had a say? Explain.

4. If God determined Joshua’s career, do you think he has determined your career too?

Moses Renews the Covenant, Part 1

Deuteronomy 29:1-15

Main Thought

God reminds the Israelites of his goodness to them and of his intentions to renew his covenant with them.

Head

1. What is another name for Horeb?

2. Where was Israel camped when Moses renewed the covenant in Deuteronomy chapters 29 and 30?

3. Verse one says, “These are the words of the covenant...” List some details from today’s passage that show it to be a covenant.

4. What did God do for his people in Egypt? What did God do for his people while they were traveling through the wilderness?

5. What reminder did Moses give regarding Sihon and Og? Who received the land of Sihon and Og?

6. What did God’s people have to do in order to prosper?

7. Who stood before God to enter into a sworn covenant?

8. According to verse 15, who was also included in the covenant?

Heart

1. Read Deuteronomy 29:4. Why didn’t God give the Israelites hearts to understand, eyes to see, or ears to hear? (see Matt. 13:10-17; Rom. 11:7-10) Who would receive hearts to understand, eyes to see, and ears to hear?

2. How many places in today’s passage can you find that speak of God miraculously providing for his people?

Hands

1. Why was it so important for God to renew his covenant with Israel and establish them as his people at this particular time?

2. What effect would this renewal of the covenant have on the lives of the Israelites?

Moses Renews the Covenant, Part 2

Deuteronomy 29:16-29

Main Thought

Moses warns the people of Israel not to turn their hearts away from the Lord.

Head

1. What were the detestable things of the other nations?

2. What is the Lord’s response to people whose hearts have turned away from him?

3. What does it mean for the Lord’s anger and jealousy to “smoke against” someone?

4. What book is being referred to in verses 20-21?

5. How might the Lord make the land sick?

6. What are the secret things that belong to God?

7. What are the things that are revealed?

Heart

1. Does God still love his people even though he threatens them with curses for disobedience?

2. According to verse 18, what happens when someone’s heart turns away from the Lord?

Hands

1. According to verses 18-19, what is the root that bears poisonous and bitter fruit?

2. Is it possible for people to deceive themselves into thinking they are part of the covenant, when they really aren’t? According to verse 19, what distinguishes these people from true believers?

3. What actions of the people would show that they had abandoned the covenant of the Lord?

4. What does it take to “do all he words of this law” (v. 29)?

Moses Renews the Covenant, Part 3

Deuteronomy 30:1-10

Main Thought

God will bless those who return to him with all their heart and all their soul.

Head

1. When Moses wrote this passage, did the Lord already know that he would eventually send his people into captivity? Did he also know that the people would return to him?

2. What will God do when his people ask him for forgiveness?

3. According to verse four, how far will the Lord go to gather his people?

4. According to verse five, what would happen because the children repented when the fathers didn’t?

5. What will God do to Israel’s enemies after  the people of Israel repent?

6. Is there a difference between God prospering someone and God taking delight in prospering someone?

Heart

1. What does it mean that God is a forgiving God?

2. What made it possible for God to forgive our sins?

3. Why would God want to forgive our sins?

4. Read verse two again. How is it possible for us to love God with all our heart and soul? (see v. 6)

Hands

1. How can God be so sure that his people will again obey his voice and keep his commandments? (v. 8)

2. What will God do with the work of our hands?

3. Should we obey God in order to receive the blessings he promised, or should we obey for other reasons? Why does he promise blessings?

Moses Renews the Covenant, Part 4

Deuteronomy 30:11-20

Main Thought

Moses exhorts God’s people to choose life through obedience to God.

Head

1. To what commandment was Moses referring in verse 11?

2. How can God’s word be in our mouths?

3. How can God’s word be in our hearts?

4. What decision did Moses set before the people of Israel?

5. What does it mean to “call heaven and earth to witness against you” (v. 19)?

6. What did Moses want the Israelites to choose? (v. 19)

7. Verse 20 describes what it means to choose life when it says: “loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him...” How are those three phrases the same? How are they different?

Heart

1. Describe a heart that is turned toward God.

2. Describe a heart that is turned away from God.

3. How is God our “life and length of days” (v. 20)?

4. How does God show his love for his people in this passage?

Hands

1. What makes God’s commandment not too hard for us and not far off? (v. 11; see also v. 14)

2. How are life and doing good connected?

3. How are death and doing evil connected?

4. Are God’s people, in and of themselves, able to choose life?

5. What possible reasons might God’s people have for not choosing life?

Moses Prepares Joshua to Succeed Him

Deuteronomy 31:1-13

Main Thought

Moses prepares for his death by preparing Joshua and the people to enter the Promised Land.

Head

1. How old was Moses when he spoke the words of this passage?

2. How did Moses know that he would not cross the Jordan?

3. Who would lead Israel after Moses died?

4. What did the Lord do to Sihon and Og? How did this encourage the people of Israel?

5. What was Israel supposed to do to the people of land according to God’s command?

6. What is the difference between fearing and being dismayed?

7. After Moses wrote the law, why did he give it to the priests and the elders of the people of Israel?

8. On what occasion was the law supposed to be read? How often would that happen? Who was supposed to listen to it?

Heart

1. What does it mean in verse three that the Lord would go over the Jordan before the Israelites? Why would the Lord do this?

2. Why did the Lord tell the Israelites in verse six and Joshua in verse seven to “be strong and courageous”? How would they be able to do this? (see v. 8)

3. According to verse 13, what had to take place for the children before they learned to fear the Lord? Does something similar have to happen for children today?

Hands

1. What might have made the Israelites afraid of the people of the land?

2. How did Moses prepare the people to enter the land?

God Commissions Joshua

Deuteronomy 31:14-29

Main Thought

Moses warns the people of their future unfaithfulness.

Head

1. Where did Moses and Joshua have to present themselves? Why?

2. How did the Lord appear to them? Where had the Lord appeared like that before?

3. According to verse 16, what would the people of Israel do after Moses died?

4. What did God mean when he said he would “hide his face” from Israel?

5. What will the people say when many evils and troubles come upon them?

6. According to verse 19, why did God want Moses to write a song?

7. How would a song serve this purpose better than some other form of writing?

8. What is a “land flowing with milk and honey”?

9. Where did Moses tell the Levites to put the Book of the Law that he had written? Why?

Heart

1. Do you think the people of Israel really loved the Lord, or were they just obeying God because Moses told them to obey him?

2. Did Moses have much confidence in the people’s ability to stay faithful to God after he died? Explain.

Hands

1. Do you think it is harder to stay faithful to God when you “have eaten and are full and grown fat”? Explain

2. Do you think Moses’ comment to the people of Israel in verse 29 encouraged or discouraged their future faithfulness?

The Song of Moses, Part 1

Deuteronomy 31:30–32:27

Main Thought

Moses describes God’s frustration with his people.

Head

1. How can teaching be compared to raindrops falling to the earth?

2. When Moses wrote this song, had the events described in verse five already taken place?

3. According to verse eight, how did the nations get their portion of the earth as an inheritance?

4. According to verse nine, what is God’s inheritance?

5. How was God’s care for Israel like an eagle caring for its young? (see v. 11)

6. According to verses 13-14, how well did the Lord provide for his people?

7. Who was Jeshurun (v. 15)? Why did Jeshurun forsake God?

8. How is God’s anger like fire?

9. Describe some of the terror that God will bring upon his people.

10. What made God pause from wiping Israel from human memory?

Heart

1. How is God like a rock (32:4)?

2. How is God like a father (32:6)?

3. What does “the apple of your eye” mean? How did God keep Israel as the apple of his eye?

Hands

1. According the verse seven, what is a good way to learn from previous generations?

2. Do you think the Israelites were shocked by the way Moses described them?

The Song of Moses, Part 2

Deuteronomy 32:28-52

Main Thought

Moses distinguishes God from false gods.

Head

1. What does it mean to be “void of counsel”?

2. According to verse 30, what made it possible for Israel to be defeated by nations with one or two false gods?

3. How do verses 31-33 compare the “rock” of the other nations with Israel’s Rock?

4. Upon whom will the Lord show the vengeance he described in verses 34-35?

5. What does it mean to be vindicated? How will the Lord vindicate his people?

6. In verse 39, how did God prove that there is no god beside him?

7. At the end of the chapter, where did God tell Moses to go? Why?

Heart

1. What reason does God have for vindicating his people?

2. According to verses 40-42, how terrible can God be when he wants to be? Upon whom is that terror directed?

3. How was the song that Moses recited to Israel “no empty word for you, but your very life” (v. 47)?

Hands

1. What did the people of Israel do that showed their foolishness rather than their wisdom?

2. Do you think it was hard for Moses to talk to the Israelites about their stubbornness and unfaithfulness knowing that God would soon hold him accountable for his own unfaithfulness? Explain.

3. If you were Joshua and heard Moses recite his song, how eager would you be to take over the leadership of Israel?

Moses’ Final Blessing

Deuteronomy 33:1-29

Main Thought

Moses reaffirms God’s love and care for his people and his commitment to bless them.

Head

1. Where are Sinai, Seir, and Mount Paran?

2. According to verse five, who became king in Jeshurun?

3. Why was Reuben mentioned first when his men were few?

4. How would God help Judah?

5. What can you tell about the Levites’ role in Israel from verses 8-11?

6. Why might Benjamin be considered “beloved of the Lord”?

7. What two tribes were included in Joseph’s blessing? How well did Joseph’s blessing fit these two tribes?

8. Why might Zebulun and Issachar be listed together in Moses’ final blessing? (see Gen. 30:18-20)

9. How had God chosen the best land for himself? (see Num. 32:1-5)

10. How was Dan like a lion’s cub?

11. What was the “lake” mentioned in the blessing for Naphtali?

12. How would God bless Asher?

13. Why isn’t the tribe of Simeon mentioned in this chapter?

Heart

1. According to verse 26, how much could Israel rely on God’s help?

2. What does verse 27 tell you about God?

Hands

1. When Israel lived in safety, what should God have been able to expect from her?

2. How could Israel use its blessings to be a light for the other nations?

The Death of Moses

Deuteronomy 34:1-12

Main Thought

The Lord remembers and continues his redemptive plan while he replaces Moses as leader of his people.

Head

1. What did Moses see when he went up to Mount Nebo?

2. Do you think Moses saw Jericho? Do you think he wondered how Jericho might be conquered?

3. When Moses was on Mount Nebo, what did the Lord remind him about the covenant?

4. What did the Lord remind Moses about Moses’ sin?

5. How old was Moses when he died?

6. Who buried Moses?

7. How does the Bible describe Moses’ health when he died?

8. How long did Israel mourn for Moses?

9. When Moses laid his hand on Joshua, what effect did that have on Joshua?

10. As far as prophets go, how important was Moses?

Heart

1. How did the Lord show his love to Moses in this passage?

2. How did the Lord show his love to Israel in this passage?

3. How does the Lord show his love to you in this passage?

Hands

1. Verses 11-12 talk of the signs, wonders, and great deeds that Moses did. Describe some of Moses’ deeds and why he did them.

2. Why did the people of Israel obey Joshua?

3. Why should we obey people in authority over us?

The Israelites Prepare for Conquest

Joshua 1:1-18

Main Thought

God prepares Israel for conquest.

Head

1. What did God command Joshua to do?

2. What did God promise Joshua in verses 3-5?

3. According to verse five, what would happen as a result of God being with Joshua?

4. How many days did Joshua allow for the Israelites to prepare for passing over the Jordan?

5. What did Joshua tell the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh?

6. What answer did the Reubenties, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh give to Joshua?

Heart

1. Who was giving Israel the land and why was he giving it to them?

2. How did the Lord encourage Joshua in this passage? How many times did he tell Joshua to be strong and courageous?

Hands

1. Think back to earlier stories about Joshua. How had God prepared Joshua for the task ahead of him?

2. Why did God want Joshua to be strong and courageous? (see v. 6)

3. What did God require of Joshua for him to have good success? Why would this give him good success? What would Joshua have to do to meet the requirements? (see v. 8)

4. Do you think meditating on God’s word gives Christians good success today?

5. Do you think the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had good success in what they did? Explain.

Rahab Hides the Spies

Joshua 2:1-24

Main Thought

God prepares Canaan for conquest and shows his grace to Rahab.

Head

1. How many men did Joshua send to spy out the land? What command did he give them?

2. How did they end up at Rahab’s house?

3. How did Rahab hide the Israelite spies?

4. What did Rahab tell the men who came looking for the spies?

5. What did Rahab tell the spies before the men lay down? How afraid of the Israelites were the people of Jericho? What had the people of Jericho heard about the God of the Israelites?

6. What did Rahab confess was her personal understanding of God?

7. What agreement did the spies make with Rahab?

8. How did Rahab help the spies flee from Jericho?

Heart

1. How was Lord preparing the hearts of the Canaanites for Israel’s conquest of the land?

2. How did God show his sovereignty over Rahab’s life in this story?

3. How can you tell from this story that God had already changed Rahab’s heart to fear him?

Hands

1. Should Rahab have lied to the king of Jericho? Explain.

2. What similarities and differences can you see in the report of these spies compared to the two reports of the spies sent by Moses forty years earlier? (see Num. 13:25–14:10)

3. How did Rahab’s family benefit from Rahab’s faith?

4. What future plans did God have for Rahab? (see Matt. 1:5)

The Lord Cuts the Jordan’s Flow

Joshua 3:1-17

Main Thought

God shows his power over nature to astound the nations and advance his redemptive plan.

Head

1. According to verse one, where had the people been staying, and to where did they move?

2. What did the officers tell the people of Israel to look for as they waited to cross the Jordan?

3. Why was it so important to keep a distance between the people of Israel and the ark?

4. According to verse seven, what did the Lord say he was going to do for Joshua? Why was this important?

5. When Joshua assembled the people, what did he tell them?

6. What did Joshua call the ark in verse 11?

7. What happened when the feet of the priests bearing the ark dipped in the brink of the water?

Heart

1. In this story, God performed a miracle that was intended to astound people. What people did God intend to astound? Why was it important to do this miracle now?

2. How might the miracle have helped the people to remember his provision for them in the past? What other miracle would the Israelites remember because of this miracle? (see Exod. 14:13-31)

Hands

1. In this story, how did the people of Israel honor God as the living God who dwelt among them (v. 10)?

2. Do you think the priests knew what was going to happen when their feet touched the water? How much courage do you think it took for the priests to step into the water under those circumstances?

A Memorial from the Jordan

Joshua 4:1-24

Main Thought

God brings his people into the Land of Promise.

Head

1. What did Joshua command the twelve men to do?

2. Why did Joshua choose twelve men?

3. What would the people of Israel tell their children in years to come when they asked about the stones?

4. Why do you think the people passed over the Jordan in haste?

5. Who stayed in the land east of the Jordan?

6. Who were the last to come up out of the Jordan?

7. What happened as soon as the soles of the priests’ feet were lifted up on dry ground?

8. Where is Gilgal?

9. How many sets of twelve stones were there (see vv. 9, 20)?

Heart

1. Why do you think God performed a miracle so similar to the miracle at the Red Sea? (see vv. 23-24)

2. If you were an Israelite and had just crossed the Jordan, what would be your strongest emotion at that time? Would you be afraid of the Canaanites, whose land you just invaded? Would you be amazed by God who just performed such a great miracle? Would you be in awe of Joshua? Explain.

Hands

1. Do you think the Israelites were nervous about crossing the riverbed of the Jordan? Explain.

2. If you were an Israelite and had just crossed the Jordan, what would be the next thing you would do? Why?

Two Covenant Acts

Joshua 5:1-12

Main Thought

The Israelites demonstrate their dependence on God through their covenant relationship with him.

Head

1. How did the Canaanite kings respond to the crossing of the Jordan by the Israelites?

2. Why was it important for Joshua to circumcise the sons of Israel at this time? What made this time a particularly dangerous time to do it?

3. Why didn’t the people of Israel circumcise their sons when they wandered through the wilderness?

4. Why was God able to say on this day that he had rolled the reproach of Egypt from Israel?

5. What does “Gilgal” mean?

6. Why was it important for the people to celebrate the Passover at this time?

7. What happened after the Israelites celebrated the Passover?

Heart

1. What priorities did the Israelites show in their first actions after they crossed the Jordan?

2. How did God provide for his people after he stopped providing them manna?

Hands

1. What two New Testament sacraments have replaced circumcision and Passover today? Why is it important to continue these sacraments?

2. How did the observance of circumcision and Passover set the people of Israel apart from the nations around them?

3. How does the observance of baptism and the celebration of the Lord’s Supper set Christians apart from other people today?

The Lord Appears to Joshua

Joshua 5:13–6:5

Main Thought

The Lord himself comes to fight for his people.

Head

1. Where was Joshua at the beginning of this story?

2. Who stood before Joshua? What was he holding?

3. What question did Joshua ask the man?

4. What answer did the man give? Does it seem strange that he answered, “No”? Who was the man for?

5. What did Joshua do after the man answered him?

6. Why did the man tell Joshua to take off his sandals? Where else in the Bible was someone told to take off his sandals? (see Exod. 3:5) Can you think of other experiences of Joshua that are similar to experiences of Moses?

7. Why was Jericho shut up inside and outside?

8. What did the Lord tell Joshua to do regarding Jericho?

Heart

1. Describe the relationship between the Lord and his people at this time. Are they working together? Are they working against each other?

2. What had the Lord already done for his people regarding Jericho? (see 6:2)

Hands

1. What was strange about what the Lord told Joshua to do in order to conquer Jericho? Why do you think the Lord asked Joshua to conquer Jericho in this way?

2. Do you think Joshua questioned God’s method of conquering Jericho, or did he simply accept it? Explain.

3. Can God’s ways sometimes seem hard to understand? What should you do if that is the case?

The Fall of Jericho

Joshua 6:6-27

Main Thought

God shows his miraculous power at work for his people and according to his plan of redemption.

Head

1. What did Joshua say the people should not do while marching around Jericho the first six days?

2. How was the seventh day different?

3. What happened as soon as the people shouted?

4. What did the Israelites do with all the people and goods that were in Jericho? What did they do with the silver and gold, and the vessels of bronze and iron? Why?

5. What did the two spies do after the walls of Jericho fell?

6. What curse did Joshua lay on Jericho? When was the curse fulfilled? (see 1 Kings 16:34)

7. How did God use this event to spread Joshua’s fame throughout the land? Why was it important that Joshua’s fame be spread through all the land in this way?

Heart

1. Think of the way the city of Jericho fell. What did it teach the Israelites about the nature of God and his relationship with his people?

2. When God saved Rahab in this miraculous way, what else was he miraculously providing for? (see Matt. 1:5ff)

Hands

1. When the Israelites silently marched around Jericho, what effect do you think that had on the inhabitants of Jericho?

2. Jericho was built in a strategically important place in order to protect the eastern border of the land of Canaan. Why was it important that the Israelites not rebuild the city?

Israel Is Defeated at Ai

Joshua 7:1-9

Main Thought

Israel’s sin brings the nation defeat and humiliation.

Head

1. How did Achan sin?

2. What did the men who spied out Ai tell Joshua about Ai? What advice did they give to Joshua?

3. How many men did Joshua send to fight against Ai? How many men of Israel were killed?

4. How did Joshua and the people of Israel respond when the army of Israel was defeated at Ai?

5. When Joshua prayed to God in verse seven, do you think he sounded more like Moses or more like the Israelites? Explain.

6. What did Joshua think the Canaanites would do to Israel when they heard of Israel’s defeat?

Heart

1. If Achan is the one who sinned, why does verse one begin by saying, “But the people of Israel broke faith...”? Why would the anger of the Lord burn against all the people of Israel instead of just Achan?

2. At the end of verse nine, Joshua asked God, “What will you do for your great name”? In regard to the battle at Ai, what had God already done for his great name?

Hands

1. Joshua sought the advice of the men who had spied out Ai, but whose counsel did he neglect to seek out?

2. When Israel was defeated at Ai, should they have questioned God or questioned themselves?

3. How was Joshua’s reputation among the Canaanites hurt by Achan’s deed?

Achan’s Sin

Joshua 7:10-26

Main Thought

Achan brings guilt upon the nation of Israel.

Head

1. Why did the Lord say to Joshua, “Get up! Why have you fallen on your face?”

2. How had Israel transgressed the covenant?

3. Why had Israel become devoted to destruction? What should have been devoted to destruction?

4. If the people of Israel had not destroyed the devoted things from among them, what would God have done? (see v. 12)

5. How did the people of Israel consecrate themselves?

6. How did Israel discover who had taken the things devoted for destruction?

7. How did Achan give glory and praise to God? (see v. 19)

Heart

1. Do you think God was annoyed at Joshua for the way he responded to Israel’s defeat at Ai? Explain.

2. Why was it so important that Israel devote all the treasure from Jericho to the Lord?

3. Why was it such a sin for Achan to take just a little bit of that treasure?

Hands

1. When Achan took the treasure from Jericho and hid it, do you think he realized that God had seen him? In your day-to-day living, do you think about the fact that God sees everything you are doing?

2. When Achan confessed his sin, why did he still have to die for it?

3. Why did Achan’s family have to die for Achan’s sin?

Israel Defeats Ai

Joshua 8:1-29

Main Thought

The Lord blesses Israel with victory.

Head

1. After Israel dealt with Achan’s sin, what did the Lord tell Joshua about Ai?

2. What did the Lord tell Joshua about the plunder from Ai?

3. Why did Joshua and the army pretend to be defeated by Ai?

4. What did the people of Ai do when Joshua and the army retreated?

5. What did Joshua do after the men of Ai left the city?

6. What did the men in ambush do to the city of Ai?

7. What did Joshua and the army do when they saw smoke rise from Ai?

8. When did Joshua finally “draw back his hand with which he stretched out the javelin”? (see v. 26ff.)

9. Why did Joshua raise a heap of stones over the king of Ai? What did the heap represent? How does it compare to the heap of stones raised over Achan in 7:26?

Heart

1. After being defeated once by Ai, how was it possible for Joshua and the Israelite army to be strong and courageous when going to battle with them again?

2. Why do you think God allowed the Israelites to keep the spoil and the livestock for themselves instead of devoting it to destruction like they were commanded to do at Jericho?

Hands

1. If Achan had obeyed God at Jericho, do you think he would have received plunder at Ai?

2. Do you think anyone in Israel was tempted to disobey God in the battle of Ai? Explain.

Covenant Renewal at Mount Ebal

Joshua 8:30-35

Main Thought

Joshua renews the covenant between the Lord and his people.

Head

1. Where are Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim located?

2. What is significant about their proximity to Shechem? Who else journeyed near this place? (see Gen. 12:6-7 and 33:18-20)

3. What lies between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim?

4. What did the Joshua build on Mount Ebal?

5. Why did he build it? (see Deut. 27:1-26)

6. According to Deuteronomy 27:12-13 what tribes of Israel were instructed to stand on Mount Gerizim and what tribes were instructed to stand on Mount Ebal?

7. What three things did Joshua do on the altar that he built on Mount Ebal? (see vv. 31-32)

8. According to verse 33, who took part in the ceremony?

9. During the ceremony, Joshua read all the words of the law along with the blessings and the curses. Why did he need to read all the blessings and curses?

Heart

1. Why do you think Moses commanded Israel to renew the covenant in this way after they had crossed the Jordan?

2. Why would God accept the Israelite’s renewal of the covenant?

Hands

1. Why was it so important for the Israelites to renew the covenant at this particular time?

2. Are there times in the lives of all God’s people when they need to renew their covenant relationship with their God? When might they do that?

The Gibeonites Deceive Israel

Joshua 9:1-15

Main Thought

Israel allows itself to be deceived.

Head

1. What did most of the kings in Canaan gather to do after the Israelites defeated Ai? Why? What did the inhabitants of Gibeon do instead?

2. How do we know that the Israelites distrusted the men from Gibeon? (see v. 7)

3. What specific lies did the Gibeonites tell Joshua and the leaders of Israel?

4. Whose counsel did the leaders of Israel neglect to seek?

5. Last time, we read about Joshua renewing the covenant between God and the Israelites at Mount Ebal. Today, we read about a covenant that was made between Israel and the Gibeonites. What is similar about these two covenants? What is different about them?

Heart

1. Read verse four again. Would you describe the Gibeonites as cunning, or would you use a different word? Explain.

2. In what ways did the men of Gibeon flatter the Israelites? Do you think their flattery played a role in the Israelites not seeking the counsel of the Lord?

3. What had the Gibeonites heard about the God of Israel? Do you think they meant what they said about God?

Hands

1. What should the Israelites have done with the inhabitants of Gibeon?

2. Compare what the Gibeonites did to save their lives with Rahab’s actions to save her life and the lives of her family members. How are they alike? How are the different?

3. What things could the Israelites have done differently that would have allowed them to discover the Gibeonites’ deception earlier?

The Gibeonites Become Slaves

Joshua 9:16-27

Main Thought

The Israelites honor the covenant they made as representatives of God.

Head

1. How many days passed between the time the Israelites made a covenant with the Gibeonites and the time they discovered the Gibeonites’ deception?

2. When the people of Israel realized that the Gibeonites had tricked them, what did they do?

3. Why didn’t the Israelites attack the Gibeonites?

4. Since the Gibeonites had tricked the Israelites, why was it still wrong for the Israelites to forget the covenant they made with them? Who did they swear by in verse 18?

5. What did the Israelites make the Gibeonites do?

6. Why were the Gibeonites happy with this arrangement?

Heart

1. Even though Israel should never have made a covenant with the Gibeonites, how do we know that God still honored it? (see 2 Sam. 21:1)

2. Why do you think God honored this covenant?

3. Do you think the Gibeonites showed true faith in God? Could any of them be included in the covenant family like Rahab was? Explain. (see also Neh. 3:7)

Hands

1. The Israelites did wrong by making a covenant with the Gibeonites, but realized they could not make up for it by doing more wrong. Is it ever possible to fix one sin by committing another sin?

2. Do you think the people of Israel had good reason to murmur against their leaders? Explain.

The Sun Stands Still

Joshua 10:1-15

Main Thought

The Lord fights for Israel.

Head

1. Who was Adoni-zedek?

2. Why did Adoni-zedek want to attack Gibeon?

3. How did the men of Gibeon respond?

4. What did God say to Joshua to encourage him in his battle with the five kings of the Amorites?

5. After marching all night, did Joshua give his army a rest before he attacked?

6. What was responsible for most of the Amorite deaths?

7. Why did Joshua want the sun to stand still?

8. What was the Book of Jashar?

Heart

1. Why do you think God honored Joshua’s request for the sun to stand still?

2. What would physically have to happen to the earth for the sun to stand still? How difficult was this for God?

3. Why does verse 14 say that the Lord fought for Israel, instead of saying that the Lord fought for Gibeon?

Hands

1. If the Israelites couldn’t destroy the Gibeonites themselves because of the covenant they had made with them, why didn’t they just let the five kings led by Adoni-zedek destroy them?

2. How did Israel’s faithfulness in maintaining their covenant with Gibeon help them in their overall strategy to conquer the land of Canaan?

Fighting in Southern Canaan

Joshua 10:16-43

Main Thought

Joshua obeys God and destroys the Amorites in Southern Canaan.

Head

1. Where did the five kings of the Amorites hide?

2. What did Joshua command when he learned where the five kings were hiding?

3. Why didn’t Joshua want the army to guard the kings?

4. Why did Joshua tell the chiefs of Israel to put their feet on the necks of the kings?

5. When Joshua told the chiefs of the men of war to “be strong and courageous” (v. 25) who was he copying? (see 1:1-9)

6. What did Joshua do to the kings?

7. What did Joshua to do to the city of Makkedah and all the other cities?

8. After Joshua completed his conquest of Southern Canaan, where did he return?

9. After the cities in Southern Canaan were destroyed, were they left abandoned, or did the Israelites eventually inhabit them?

Heart

1. Does this story make you feel sad for the five kings and the cities?

2. Why do you think Joshua treated the Amorites this way? (see Gen. 15:13-16)

Hands

1. Why was it so important for Joshua to follow God’s command to destroy the Amorites?

2. Do you notice any pattern to Joshua’s conquest of the various cities in Southern Canaan? What actions did Joshua normally take against the cities he conquered? Why did he do this?

Fighting in Northern Canaan

Joshua 11:1-23

Main Thought

Joshua continues to inflict God’s wrath on the people of Canaan.

Head

1. Who gathered against Joshua and the Israelites in this story? Where did these kings live? How many troops were these kings able to muster? Where did these kings gather to fight against Israel?

2. How did the Lord comfort Joshua? Had the Lord said this to Joshua before? Why do you think he kept saying it to him?

3. What did Joshua do to the horses and chariots of the nations who fought against Israel?

4. Why did Joshua burn only Hazor?

5. What did the people of Israel do with all the plunder found in the cities they captured?

6. What was the only city in Canaan that was able to make peace with Joshua?

7. Who were the Anakim? When had the Israelites encountered them before? (see Num. 13:33)

8. Where were Gaza, Gath, and Ashod located? How long would Israel continue to struggle with Canaanites from this area?

Heart

1. What did the Lord do to the hearts of the Canaanites? Why?

2. Had God hardened other hearts before this?

3. Is God able to soften some hearts and harden others?

Hands

1. Did Joshua do anything in this chapter that wasn’t commanded by the Lord? What were the results of Joshua’s obedience?

2. When Joshua cut off the Anakim, why might that have been particularly satisfying for him?

Caleb Receives His Inheritance

Joshua 14:6-15

Main Thought

God blesses Caleb with a faithful heart, physical strength, and a fitting inheritance.

Head

1. What promise had Moses made to Caleb?

2. What reason did Moses give for making the promise?

3. How old was Caleb when he asked to receive what Moses promised him?

4. What land did Joshua grant Caleb? What city was included as part of that land?

5. What was the former name of Hebron?

6. How did Kiriath-arba get its name?

7. Who were the Anakim? (see Deut. 1:23-36)

Heart

1. How did Caleb’s heart reflect the blessing of God?

2. How did Caleb’s physical strength reflect the blessing of God?

3. How did Caleb’s inheritance reflect the blessing of God?

4. On what did Caleb base his hope that he would receive his inheritance?

5. How confident of victory do you think Caleb was when he said at the end of verse 12, “It may be that the Lord will be with me, and I shall drive them out just as the Lord said”? Explain.

Hands

1. What did Caleb have to do to receive his inheritance?

2. Did Caleb succeed? (see Josh. 15:13-14)

3. Did Caleb actually receive the town of Hebron as his inheritance? (see Josh. 21:9-12)

Joshua Divides the Remaining Land

Joshua 18:1-10

Main Thought

Joshua claims God’s promises for the people of Israel.

Head

1. Where was Shiloh? What did the people of Israel set up there? How was Shiloh important in the history of Israel?

2. How many tribes had not yet received their land?

3. Which tribes had already received their inheritance?

4. What did Joshua tell the three men from each tribe to do? What did they do when they had completed their task?

5. How did Joshua distribute the land?

6. Why did the Levites have no portion among the tribes?

7. Why did Joshua cast lots at the end of this story? How did casting lots help to divide the land?

Heart

1. What did it say about Joshua that he divided the land before it was completely conquered?

2. Do you think the Levites were satisfied with their inheritance? Explain.

Hands

1. In verse three, Joshua asked the remaining tribes why they put off taking possession of the land. Should they have taken possession of the land earlier? Why didn’t they?

2. Compare the work of the three men who were sent from each tribe with the work of the spies whom Moses originally sent to spy out the land. How was their work different? How was it the same? What would be different about their descriptions of the land? Explain.

3. How would Joshua’s apportioning of the land encourage the people to take possession of it?

The Eastern Tribes Return Home

Joshua 21:43–22:6

Main Thought

The Lord accomplishes his promises for Israel.

Head

1. Joshua 21:43 says that the people took possession of the land. Were all the Canaanites gone from the land? How can the author of Joshua say that Israel had possession of the land?

2. Joshua 21:44 says that the Lord gave them rest on every side. Had they totally destroyed their enemies at this time? How were they able to have rest on every side?

3. If Canaanites were still in the land, and some of the tribes were still working to claim their inheritance, how can the author of Joshua say that all the Lord’s promises came to pass?

4. Why did Joshua tell the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh that they could return home?

5. What did Joshua encourage them to keep doing?

Heart

1. Does God always keep his promises? Why?

2. Does God’s faithfulness to his promises depend on anything we do?

Hands

1. How well do you think the eastern tribes were able to follow Joshua’s command in verse five: “Only be very careful to observe the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, to love the Lord your God, and to walk in all his ways and to keep his commandments and to cling to him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul”?

2. What do you think the eastern tribes gave up in order to remain faithful to the other tribes?

3. What do you think would be the greatest temptation the eastern tribes would face when they returned home?

The Eastern Tribes Build an Altar

Joshua 22:7-20

Main Thought

The western tribes hold the eastern tribes accountable for their actions.

Head

1. How wealthy had the eastern tribes become during the time the spent west of the Jordan river?

2. What did the eastern tribes build by the Jordan river? Was it on the eastern side of the Jordan or the western side?

3. What did the other tribes of Israel think the eastern tribes had built?

4. How did the other tribes respond to the building of the altar?

5. Who went to go talk to the leaders of the eastern tribes?

6. What was the sin of Peor referred to in verse 17? (see Num. 25:1-5)

7. Who was responsible for turning back God’s wrath at Peor? (see Num. 25:6-13)

8. What offer did the other tribes of Israel make to the eastern tribes to ensure their faithfulness to God?

9. Why were the other tribes so concerned about the apparent rebellion of the eastern tribes? Why did they mention Achan in verse 20?

Heart

1. Despite the eastern tribes’ recent faithfulness to God in fulfilling their obligations to the other tribes, was it possible that they could become unfaithful so quickly? Explain.

2. How does this passage show that the western tribes of Israel loved the Lord and sought to remain faithful to him?

Hands

1. How did the western tribes make sure they had not misinterpreted the actions of the eastern tribes?

2. How easy is it to misinterpret other people’s actions? How can we follow the example of the western tribes today?

The Eastern Tribes Explain Their Altar

Joshua 22:21-34

Main Thought

Both the eastern and western tribes show their commitment to faithfully serve the Lord their God.

Head

1. Describe how the eastern tribes responded to the concerns of the western tribes. How convincing was their response?

2. How did the eastern tribes describe the Lord in verse 23? Why did they describe him in this way?

3. Why did the eastern tribes construct the altar?

4. What did the eastern tribes worry might happen between their children and the children of the western tribes?

5. How would the altar serve as a witness between the western and eastern tribes?

6. How did Phinehas and the other leaders respond when they heard the answer of the eastern tribes?

Heart

1. Were the eastern tribes rightfully concerned that the other Israelites would not consider them part the the Lord’s people?

2. What verses from this passage show that the eastern tribes truly loved the Lord?

3. What verses from this passage show that the western tribes truly loved the Lord?

4. At the end of the story, why did the people bless God?

Hands

1. Do you think the eastern tribes were correct in wanting an outward symbol of their desire to remain faithful to God?

2. What outward symbols can we establish in our lives that will remind us of our commitment to the Lord?

Joshua’s Charge to Israel’s Leaders

Joshua 23:1-16

Main Thought

Joshua charges Israel’s leaders to remain faithful to the Lord.

Head

1. How much time had passed from the time when Joshua sent the eastern tribes home to the time when the events in this chapter took place?

2. Why do we need to know that Joshua was old and well-advanced in years?

3. Whom did Joshua summon?

4. What did Joshua mean in verse four when he said that he allotted the remaining nations in Canaan to Israel as an inheritance?

5. What would happen if the people of Israel turned away from serving God?

6. How would the Canaanite nations become “a snare and a trap for you, a whip on your sides and thorns in your eyes...” (v. 13)?

7. Did God’s good promises to Israel come to pass?

8. What would have to happen for God’s curses against Israel to come to pass?

Heart

1. From this passage, what can we say the Lord does for his people?

2. From this passage, what can we say the Lord expects from his people?

3. How does a person “cling to the Lord” (v. 8)?

Hands

1. Can we inherit God’s blessing through obedience like Joshua promised the Israelites? Explain.

2. Can we be assured of not inheriting the curses of the covenant?

3. What was so wrong about mixing with other nations?

Joshua Recounts God’s Faithfulness

Joshua 24:1-13

Main Thought

Joshua recounts God’s faithfulness throughout Israel’s history.

Head

1. Where was Shechem? Why did Joshua gather all the tribes of Israel there?

2. If this passage is part of a covenant renewal ceremony, what part of the covenant renewal ceremony does it represent?

3. According to verse two, where did Israel’s ancestors live long ago?

4. What did God do for Terah, Abraham, and Nahor?

5. When the descendants of Jacob were in Egypt, where were the descendants of Esau?

6. How did God rescue the Israelites from the Egyptians?

7. How did God use the Amorites to bless his people?

8. How did God stop Balak’s plans to curse Israel?

9. What did God do to settle Israel in the land of Canaan?

10. How much did Israel have to work for the cities, houses, and vineyards in Canaan?

Heart

1. What do God’s actions in this passage tell us about God? What do they tell us about his relationship with his people?

2. Why did God bless Esau?

Hands

1. Look back at the events that Joshua described in this passage. What actions of the Israelites in these events showed that they trusted in God’s faithfulness?

2. Why do you think Joshua recounted all these events to the people of Israel? What response from them did he seek?

Joshua Exhorts the Israelites

Joshua 24:14-33

Main Thought

Joshua elicits a commitment from Israel to serve the Lord.

Head

1. If this passage is part of a covenant renewal ceremony, what part of the covenant renewal ceremony does it represent?

2. What choice did Joshua give the Israelites in verse 15?

3. What reasons did the people give for choosing to serve God? (see vv. 16-18)

4. Why did Joshua say in verse 19 that the Israelites weren’t able to serve the Lord?

5. What did Joshua set up under the terebinth tree? Why?

6. How long did Israel serve the Lord after Joshua died?

7. Where were Joseph’s bones buried?

8. Who was Eleazar? Where was he buried?

Heart

1. Do you think some of the Israelites still served the gods their fathers served in Egypt?

2. Did the Israelites mean what they said in verse 21? Why did they ultimately fail?

3. If all the Israelites would have chosen to serve other gods, do you think Joshua and his house would have remained faithful to God? Explain.

Hands

1. What did Joshua mean in verse 14 when he told God’s people to serve the Lord in “sincerity and in faithfulness”?

2. In verse 23 Joshua told the people of Israel to put away foreign gods and to incline their hearts toward God. If you look back at the history of Israel, were the Israelites ever able to fully accomplish this?

The Conquest of Canaan after Joshua

Judges 1:1-26

Main Thought

After Joshua’s death, Israel renews the battle with the Canaanites.

Head

1. What two tribes were the first to fight against the Canaanites after Joshua’s death?

2. Why did these two tribes decide to fight together?

3. What did Judah do to Adonai-bezek? Why?

4. What was Adonai-bezek’s response to what happened to him?

5. Who was Othniel?

6. What did Othniel receive for capturing Kiriath-sepher?

7. What did Caleb give his daughter in addition to land?

8. Who were the Kenites?

9. According to verse 19, why could the tribe of Judah capture the hill county but not the plains?

10. What is another name for the house of Joseph? (v. 22)

11. How did the house of Joseph capture Bethel?

12. What did the man from Bethel do after the Israelites let him and his family go?

Heart

1. How did the Israelites know that the Lord was with them when they went to fight against the Canaanites?

Hands

1. Why did the Israelites fight against the Canaanites? Was it just so that they could take the Canaanites’ land or was there another reason? (see Gen. 15:16)

2. According to verses 19-20, how was Israel already failing in its quest to completely drive out the Canaanites?

The Failure to Complete the Conquest

Judges 1:27-36

Main Thought

Israel fails to obey God’s command to completely drive out the Canaanites.

Head

1. Name some of the tribes who failed to completely drive out the Canaanites.

2. Where were these tribes located within Israel?

3. Name some of the cities that the Israelites failed to take from the Canaanites? Where were these cities located?

4. Which tribes made the Canaanites do forced labor?

5. Prior to this, who were the only people that Israel did not destroy but instead forced to be slaves? (see Josh. 9:3-27)

6. According to verses 31-32, how well did the Asherites do in conquering their allotted inheritance? Why does the text say that the Asherites lived among the Canaanites, instead of saying that the Canaanites lived among the Asherites?

7. What did the Amorites force the Danites to do? (see also Judg. 18:1)

8. Which tribe succeeded in subjecting the Amorites to forces labor?

Heart

1. Is God mentioned in the passage we read today? Why or why not?

Hands

1. Why do you think the tribes mentioned in this passage were so unsuccessful?

2. What would the consequences be for the Israelites for not completing the conquest of Canaan?

3. If you had to pick one tribe out of all the tribes of Israel mentioned in this passage, which tribe was the least effective in driving out the Canaanites? Explain your choice.

The Angel of the Lord

Judges 2:1-10

Main Thought

The Israelites learn the consequences of their sin.

Head

1. Where was Bochim in relation to Gilgal? Why was it called Bochim? (see v. 5)

2. Why was the angel of the Lord sent to Israel?

3. In verse two the angel of the Lord said to Israel, “But you have not obeyed my voice.” Describe some of the ways Israel was disobedient.

4. What was the consequence of Israel’s disobedience?

5. What was the reaction of the people when they heard the consequences of their disobedience?

6. Why do you think the people sacrificed to the Lord at Bochim?

7. How old was Joshua when he died? Where was he buried?

8. What happened when Joshua and his generation died?

Heart

1. Notice the pattern described by the angel of the Lord. The people sinned. They were told of the consequences. And then they became upset. Do you think they were upset because of their sin or because of the consequences?

2. Do you think the people would have wept if there had been no consequences? Explain.

3. What about when you sin? Why do you get upset?

Hands

1. Referring to verse ten, why do you think the next generation that arose did not know the Lord?

2. What could the previous generation have done to ensure that the next generation knew the Lord?

The Cycle of the Judges

Judges 2:11-23

Main Thought

God’s people are trapped in a recurring cycle of sin.

Head

1. According to verses 11-13 what sins were the Israelites committing?

2. Who was Baal? Who was Ashteroth? Why were these two false gods often linked together?

3. What did God do in his anger at the Israelites’ sin? What does it mean to plunder something?

4. In verse 15, why did the people of Israel march out to battle?

5. How does verse 15 describe the condition of the people as a result of God’s actions against them?

6. What did God do to deliver the people?

7. How would you describe the judges that the Lord raised up? Why do you think they were called judges?

8. How long did the people stay faithful to God? What caused them to stop? (see v. 19)

9. Do you see a pattern at work in this passage? Can you describe the pattern?

10. Why did the Lord decide to not drive out the Canaanites from the land? How would this test Israel?

Heart

1. Did the people of Israel have a right to expect God’s deliverance from oppression whenever they cried out to God?

2. Why did God keep saving his people?

Hands

1. Is the cycle of sin in Judges similar to the cycle of sin in our lives?

2. What will it take to finally get out of this cycle?

Othniel

Judges 3:1-11

Main Thought

A new generation of God’s people fail God’s test.

Head

1. Who were the people in verse one who “had not experienced all the wars in Canaan”? (see 2:10)

2. Why didn’t God destroy the Canaanites right away? (see 2:22; 3:2)

3. According to verses two and four, why did God test Israel?

4. How well did the people of Israel meet the test? (see v. 6)

5. Who was Cushan-rishathaim?

6. Where was Cushan-rishathaim’s kingdom?

7. How long did the people of Israel serve Cushan-rishathaim?

8. Where have we heard of Othniel before? (see Josh. 15:16-19)

9. How do we know that God raised up Othniel and empowered him for his role as judge?

10. How long did the land have rest?

11. Why do you think the text mentions that Othniel died?

12. Can you deduce from this story the approximate length of time between the conquest of Canaan under Joshua and the period of judges beginning with Othniel?

Heart

1. How long do you think the people stayed faithful to God after Othniel delivered them from Cushan-rishathaim?

2. What did the Spirit of the Lord do for Othniel? Why?

Hands

1. What do you think causes obedient people to fall back into sin?

2. What can we learn from Israel’s struggle with sin? (see Prov. 4:23)

Ehud and Shamgar

Judges 3:12-31

Main Thought

God delivers Israel.

Head

1. At the beginning of the story, how were the people of Israel behaving toward God? What did God do about it?

2. Who was Eglon? Who gave Eglon the strength to oppress Israel?

3. How long did Israel serve Moab?

4. What did God do when the people of Israel cried out to him?

5. Why did Israel send Ehud to Eglon?

6. What was unique about Ehud’s sword and where he put it?

7. How did Ehud get Eglon alone in his chamber? Did Ehud really have a message from God for Eglon?

8. How did Ehud escape from Eglon’s chamber?

9. Why didn’t Eglon’s servants enter the chamber right away?

10. What did Ehud do after he arrived in the hill country of Ephraim?

11. How long did Israel have rest after subduing Moab?

12. What did Shamgar do as a judge?

Heart

1. Does the story of Ehud and Eglon sound like a proper way for God to defend his people? Why or why not?

2. Do we sometimes restrict God to acting only in ways we think he should act?

Hands

1. What qualities made Ehud right for the task of subduing Moab?

2. Do you think Ehud could have found a better way to deliver Israel from its servitude to Eglon?

Deborah and Barak

Judges 4:1-16

Main Thought

Deborah forces  Barak into battle.

Head

1. What happened after Ehud died?

2. Who sold Israel into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan? Why?

3. Who was the commander of Jabin’s army?

4. What did the people of Israel do after they had been sold into Jabin's hand?

5. How powerful was Jabin? How long did he oppress Israel?

6. What did Deborah tell Barak to do?

7. What two tribes would provide the soldiers for Barak’s army?

8. What did Barak ask Deborah to do?

9. What would happen as a result of Barak’s request?

10. If Deborah was going into battle with Barak anyway, why didn’t she just lead the army?

11. Who was Heber the Kenite? Why do we need to know where he pitched his tent?

12. Who provoked the battle, Barak or Sisera?

13. What military advantage did Sisera have?

14. How many men of Sisera’s army fell?

Heart

1. Was it right or wrong of Barak to want to Deborah to go with him into battle? Why do you think he wanted her with him?

Hands

1. Was Barak disobedient or obedient to God? Is it possible to be reluctantly obedient?

Jael and Sisera

Judges 4:17-24

Main Thought

God brings swift justice to Sisera and relief to the people of Israel.

Head

1. Why was Jabin called the king of Canaan and the king of Hazor?

2. Who were the Kenites? (see 4:11)

3. If Sisera had an army of 900 chariots, why did he flee from the battle on foot?

4. Why did Sisera think it was safe to hide in Jael’s tent?

5. The story mentions that Jael was by her tents, but why doesn’t it mention Heber being nearby? Is it possible that he was somewhere else? If so, where do you think he might have been?

6. What did Sisera request to quench his thirst? What did Jael give him instead? Why?

7. If Sisera was running for his life, how was it possible for him to fall asleep as soon as he got into a good hiding place?

8. What did Sisera ask Jael to do as he slept? What did Jael do instead?

Heart

1. If there was peace between Jabin the king of Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite, why do you think Jael conspired to kill Sisera when she saw an opportunity?

2. Why does verse 23 say God subdued Jabin the king of Canaan?

3. How does this passage show God’s justice and mercy?

Hands

1. Did Jael lie to Sisera? Was it right of her to invite him into her tent the way she did? Explain.

2. Read verses 23 and 24 again. How do you explain God subduing Jabin, but the people of Israel still having to fight against him?

The Song of Deborah and Barak

Judges 5:1-31

Main Thought

Deborah and Barak rejoice in their successes.

Head

1. Who were the leaders in Israel? To whom were they singing this song? (vv. 1-3)

2. Who was Shamgar? What did he do? (see Judg. 3:31)

3. Why were highways abandoned in the days of Jael, and why did travelers keep to the byways? (v. 6)

4. When life in Israel was very bad, who rose up as a mother in Israel? (v. 7)

5. Why would war come when new gods were chosen? (v. 8)

6. According to verse ten, who should tell of God’s goodness?

7. Where were the people marching in verses 13-15?

8. Did the tribe of Reuben join the battle? Did Gilead, Dan, or Asher join the battle? Did Zebulun and Naphtali join the battle? (see vv. 15b-18)

9. Why was Jael called “most blessed of women”? (v. 24)

10. Why was the mother of Sisera crying in verse 28?

11. What did Deborah and Barak want to happen to the Lord’s enemies? Why? (see v. 31)

Heart

1. Was it right for Deborah and Barak to praise Jael for what she did?

2. Did it make you uncomfortable when Deborah and Barak imagined what Sisera’s mother felt like? Explain.

Hands

1. When God blesses you with success, do you ever consider singing a song about it?

2. How do you rejoice in the successes God gives you?

Israel Disobeys Again

Judges 6:1-10

Main Thought

Israel reaps the consequences of not obeying God’s voice.

Head

1. Does verse one sound familiar? Why?

2. How did the Lord respond to the Israelites’ unfaithfulness?

3. Where did the people of Israel hide because of the oppression of Midian?

4. What did the Midianites do to the crops the Israelites planted? How many Midianites would come for the Israelites’ crops?

5. Did the Midianites leave anything for the Israelites?

6. When Israel cried out to the Lord, what did the Lord do?

7. What did the prophet say?

Heart

1. Does it seem strange to you that after Deborah and Barak’s song of praise to God in chapter five, the very first verse in chapter six speaks of the Israelites doing what was evil in the sight of the Lord? How could this happen?

2. Do you think it was necessary for God to bring the people of Israel so low? Would the people of Israel have listened to him any other way? Do you think God may someday need to do something similar to his people again?

3. What reminder did the Lord give the Israelites? (see vv. 7-9)

4. Explain why God had the right to demand that the Israelites not fear the gods of the Amorites in verse ten.

Hands

1. What reasons might the Israelites have given for not obeying God’s voice?

2. What reasons do we sometimes give for not obeying God’s voice?

God Calls Gideon

Judges 6:11-24

Main Thought

God tells Gideon of his plans for him.

Head

1. What is a terebinth?

2. Why was Gideon beating out wheat in a winepress?

3. What was ironic about how the angel of the Lord greeted Gideon?

4. What complaint did Gideon share with the angel of the Lord?

5. What reasons did Gideon give for not believing that he could save Israel?

6. What did Gideon prepare for the Lord?

7. What did the angel of the Lord do to Gideon’s offering?

8. What was Gideon’s reaction when he realized he had seen the angel of the Lord face to face? How did the Lord reassure Gideon?

9. What did Gideon build after his encounter with the angel of the Lord?

Heart

1. If you were choosing people to lead Israel into battle, would you have chosen Gideon? Why or why not?

2. Read verse 13 again. Had the Lord really forsaken Israel as Gideon said? Explain.

3. Look at verse 14 again. Had Gideon shown the Lord any strength or courage? Why would the Lord tell Gideon to “go in this might of yours...”? Where was Gideon getting his might?

Hands

1. Why did Gideon prepare an offering for the angel of the Lord? What was its purpose?

2. Was Gideon ready to obey God’s call to battle after this meeting with the angel of the Lord? What did he still need? (see 6:34)

Gideon Destroys His Father’s Altars

Judges 6:25-32

Main Thought

Gideon calls Israel away from idol worship.

Head

1. What did the Lord tell Gideon to tear down? What animal was he supposed to use to tear it down?

2. What was Gideon also supposed to cut down?

3. Who owned the Baal and the Asherah?

4. What was Gideon supposed to build in place of the altar of Baal and the Asherah? Where would he get the materials to build it?

5. What was Gideon commanded to sacrifice on it?

6. Why did Gideon do this at night?

7. When the men of the town discovered what Gideon had done, what did they want to do with him?

8. How did Gideon’s father respond to the men of the town?

9. What was Gideon’s new name? What did it mean?

Heart

1. Why was it so important for Gideon to destroy his father’s altars? What did it do for Gideon? What did it do for his father? What did it do for the town? What did it do for Israel?

2. If the Baal and Asherah belonged to Gideon’s father, why do you think he defended Gideon?

Hands

1. Think back on what Gideon did in this story. Did he perform these actions on his own initiative, or was he just doing what he was told?

2. Should Gideon have been more aggressive in his actions against Baal and Asherah and in his obedience to God?

3. Does this story show Gideon’s courage or his lack of it? Explain.

Gideon’s Sign of the Fleece

Judges 6:33-40

Main Thought

God assures Gideon of his will to save Israel by Gideon’s hand.

Head

1. Who came and camped in the Valley of Jezreel? Why? (see 6:3)

2. Where was the Valley of Jezreel?

3. How did God prepare Gideon to lead the Israelites into battle?

4. Why did Gideon sound the trumpet?

5. Who were the Abiezrites? (see Josh. 17:2; Judg. 6:11)

6. Why did Joshua choose the tribes of Manasseh, Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali to call to battle?

7. What is fleece?

8. Why did Gideon ask God for two different signs with the fleece?

Heart

1. What do you think was harder for God: to make the fleece wet and the ground dry; or to make the fleece dry and the ground wet? Think carefully before you answer.

2. Verse 34 says that the Spirit of the Lord clothed Gideon. What does it mean for the Spirit of the Lord to clothe someone? Why would the Spirit of the Lord do that? Why would a person need to be clothed with the Spirit?

3. Can people be clothed with the Spirit today? Explain.

4. Why did Gideon ask God for a sign after he called out the army?

Hands

1. Why do you think Gideon asked for the sign of the fleece?  Did he need the sign? Should he have asked for it?

2. Do we sometimes ask for signs from God to determine what we should do? Do we need them? Should we ask for them?

Gideon Assembles an Army

Judges 7:1-18

Main Thought

The Lord prepares Gideon and his men.

Head

1. What reason did the Lord give for wanting to reduce the number of soldiers in Gideon’s army?

2. What did Gideon say to send the first set of soldiers home? How many soldiers were afraid and returned home? How many remained?

3. What test did Gideon use to send the second set of soldiers home?

4. How many soldiers knelt down to drink water? How many lapped the water like a dog? Which group stayed to fight with Gideon?

5. Why did Gideon sneak into the Midianite camp at night? What did he discover there?

6. How did God use the conversation of the Midianite soldiers to strengthen Gideon?

7. What was Gideon’s plan for defeating Midian?

Heart

1. Why did God want to make it so clear to the Israelites that he was the one who saved them? What should have been their response to God’s salvation?

2. Why do you think God reduced the number of Gideon’s army by determining how they drank water? If God had wanted to reduce the army down to the best fighters, would he have used a different test?

3. Why do you think Gideon asked the men to shout, “For the Lord and for Gideon”? Should Gideon have included his name? Why or why not?

Hands

1. How did God display his power through the actions of the Israelite army? through Gideon? through the two soldiers in the Midianite camp?

Midian Flees

Judges 7:19–8:3

Main Thought

God grants victory through Gideon.

Head

1. Why did Gideon only have only one hundred men with him and not three hundred?

2. What happened when the Israelite soldiers blew the trumpet, smashed the jars, exposed the torches, and shouted a war cry?

3. How many swords did the Israelites use to win the battle against Midian?

4. Who caused the Midianites to use their swords against each other?

5. Who were called out to help pursue the Midianites?

6. Who were the two princes of Midian? What happened to them?

7. Why were the men of Ephraim angry?

8. Who was Abiezer? What connection did the Abiezrites have with Gideon? (see Judg. 6:24)

Heart

1. How did God show his glory in this story?

2. If God was the one who brought victory to Israel, why was it important for him to include Gideon and the three hundred men in his plans for defeating Midian? Couldn’t he have won the battle without them?

Hands

1. After the Midianite army fled from their camp why didn’t Gideon just go home? What did he do instead? Why?

2. How did Gideon appease the anger of the men of Ephraim?

3. Do you think Gideon meant what he said to the men of Ephraim? Explain.

Gideon Pursues Zebah and Zalmunna

Judges 8:4-21

Main Thought

The Lord gives Gideon further victory, but Gideon’s heart is turning to serve his own purposes.

Head

1. Why did Gideon cross the Jordan?

2. Why didn’t the men of Succoth give bread to Gideon and the Israelite army?

3. What did Gideon promise to do to the men of Succoth?

4. How did the men of Penuel answer Gideon’s request?

5. What did Gideon promise to do the men of Penuel?

6. Where is Karkor? Why would Zebah and Zalmunna’s army feel secure there?

7. Why did Gideon want the names of the officials and elders of Succoth? How did he get the names?

8. What happened to Zeba and Zalmunna?

9. What did Gideon take from the camels of Zeba and Zalmunna? Why?

Heart

1. Take a look at the promises Gideon made regarding the men of Succoth and Penuel. What name was missing in Gideon’s response to the men of Penuel?

2. For what reason would Gideon have spared the lives of Zebah and Zalmunna? Would this have been a worthwhile reason? What does this tell us about where Gideon’s heart was?

Hands

1. What did Gideon do that was right in this passage? What made it right?

2. What did Gideon do that was wrong in this passage? What made it wrong?

Gideon’s Ephod

Judges 8:22-35

Main Thought

Gideon leads the Israelites into sin and idolatry.

Head

1. How did Gideon answer when the Israelites asked him to be king and establish a dynasty over Israel?

2. What request did Gideon make?

3. According to verse 26, besides the golden earrings, what other spoils of war did Gideon receive? Who had owned these items before Gideon?

4. What is an ephod? What did the Israelites do with the ephod?

5. Compare Gideon’s ephod with Aaron’s golden calf in Exodus 32.

6. How long did the land of Israel have rest?

7. How many sons did Gideon have?

8. What did the people of Israel worship as soon as Gideon died?

9. How did the people of Israel treat Gideon’s family after he died?

Heart

1. If Gideon wanted the Lord to rule over Israel (v. 23) why do you think he accepted the ornaments, pendants, and purple garments worn by the kings of Midian? Do you think by accepting these kingly garments he was going back on his refusal to become king over Israel?

2. Almost as soon as the battle was finished, Gideon made an ephod that caused Israel to sin. Why do you think God still gave the Israelites rest for forty years?

3. Do you think the worship of Gideon’s ephod played a role in the people later worshiping the Baals?

Hands

1. How would an ephod become a snare to Gideon and his family? How do things in our lives become snares for us?

Abimelech Becomes King

Judges 9:1-21

Main Thought

Abimelech shows his treachery.

Head

1. Who were Abimelech’s mother and father? (see 8:30-31)

2. What does “Abimelech” mean?

3. To whom did Abimelech turn when he was looking for people to support him as king?

4. Where did Abimelech get the money to pay for the soldiers he hired?

5. What did Abimelech do to Gideon’s other sons? Which son of Gideon escaped?

6. What happened to Abimelech by the oak of the pillar at Shechem?

7. When Jotham confronted the leaders of Shechem, why do you think he stood on top of Mount Gerizim to do it?

8. Ironically, what other event in Israel’s history took place on Mount Gerizim? (see Josh. 8:33)

9. What story did Jotham tell? What lesson did Jotham’s story teach?

10. What was Jotham trying to say in verse 20?

Heart

1. How can you tell from this story that Abimelech’s heart was not turned toward God?

Hands

1. This story shows Abimelech trying to become king through his own strength and through the support of a false god. It is a big change from when Gideon was originally called by God to save Israel in chapter six. Take some time to trace the steps taken by Gideon and Abimelech that led from Gideon’s humble beginnings to Abimelech’s treachery.

2. Did the people of Shechem deal fairly with the house of Gideon? Explain.

The Conspiracy Against Abimelech

Judges 9:22-41

Main Thought

God pits evil men against each other.

Head

1. How long did Abimelech rule over Israel? What was Jotham doing during this time?

2. What happened to the relationship between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem?

3. Who was with Gaal the son of Ebed when he first spoke against Abimelech? What were these people doing?

4. What did Gaal say about Abimelech that made people want to change their allegiance to Gaal?

5. Why did Zebul get angry when he heard Gaal’s words?

6. How did Zebul plan to defeat Gaal? How did Abimelech fit into Zebul’s plans?

7. How did Zebul trick Gaal?

8. What was the result of the battle between Gaal and Abimelech?

Heart

1. Would Gaal have been a better leader than Abimelech? Why or why not?

2. Why do you think God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem? (see 9:20)

Hands

1. Take a close look at Gaal, Zebul, and Abimelech. How did their actions show that they relied on themselves and their own ability to deceive and manipulate others?

2. Considering how the men of Shechem treated the seventy sons of Gideon, are you surprised at how they treated Abimelech in this story? Explain.

The Death of Abimelech

Judges 9:42-57

Main Thought

Evil men receive evil consequences for their actions.

Head

1. What city did Abimelech fight against at the beginning of this story?

2. In this story, Abimelech divided his soldiers into three companies. In chapter seven, Gideon did the same thing. How are these two stories alike? How are they different?

3. Why did Abimelech raze the city and sow it with salt?

4. How many people were gathered in the Tower of Shechem?

5. What did Abimelech do to the people who were gathered in the Tower of Shechem?

6. What did Abimelech plan to do to the people in the tower at Thebez?

7. What stopped him from doing it?

8. Why did Abimelech ask his armor bearer to kill him?

Heart

1. Read Proverbs 18:10. Compare and contrast the tower in Proverbs to the Tower of Shechem.

2. Verses 56-57 describe God returning the evil of Abimilech and the evil of the men of Shechem on their own heads. What is it about God’s nature that would make him do this?

Hands

1. Consider Abimelech’s actions in this passage. Did he have any positive goals, or did he simply want to kill and destroy?

2. Was God able to use even the evil actions of Abimelech to do his will? (see vv. 56-57)

3. Do you think all evil deeds eventually come back upon the heads of the people who do them, or do some evil people get away with doing evil? Explain.

Israel’s Continued Disobedience

Judges 10:1-18

Main Thought

The Israelites acknowledge that God is in control.

Head

1. How long did Tola judge Israel? To what tribe did he belong?

2. How long did Jair judge Israel? In what region did he live?

3. Describe Jair’s sons.

4. How soon after Tola and Jair did Israel start doing evil again?

5. Whose gods did the Israelites follow?

6. What was God’s response when the Israelites cried out to him this time? Why?

7. Why didn’t the Israelites cry out to their gods like God told them to do?

Heart

1. When Israel was unfaithful to God, why do you think they followed so many different gods? Why didn’t they just pick one different god and follow that god? Is there something about human nature that is inclined to follow many false gods rather than the one, true God?

2. When the Israelites didn’t cry out to their gods like God had told them, they showed that they already knew their false gods were worthless. Why do you think the Israelites followed them in the first place?

3. Do you think the Israelites liked being able to control their gods?

4. What verse in this passage shows that the Israelites finally gave up their desire for control? Do we sometimes seek similar kinds of control?

Hands

1. What did the Israelites have to do before God became “impatient over the misery of Israel”? (v. 16)

Jephthah Becomes Leader of Gilead

Judges 11:1-11

Main Thought

The elders of Gilead acknowledge Jephthah’s power over them.

Head

1. Where was Gilead?

2. Why did Jephthah’s half-brothers not want Jephthah to receive any inheritance?

3. What did Jephthah do after he fled from his father’s house?

4. How did this train him for the task God later called him to do?

5. Who made war against Israel? Why?

6. Why did the elders of Gilead seek out Jephthah’s help rather than seeking help from someone else in Gilead?

7. How desperate were the elders of Gilead for Jephthah to help them?

8. How was Jephthah’s response to the Israelites in 11:7 similar to God’s response to the Israelites in 10:14? How was it different?

9. What oath did the elders of Gilead swear?

10. What does Mizpah mean? (see Gen. 31:48-49)

11. Why might Mizpah be an appropriate place for Jephthah to speak his words?

Heart

1. Do you think the people really wanted Jephthah to be leader over them, or were they just making a deal to get themselves out of their current distress?

2. Do you think the Israelites really wanted God to be Lord over them?

Hands

1. What are some reasons that Christians today might give for trying to make a deal with God?

2. What is a better way to approach God?

Jephthah Confronts the Ammonites

Judges 11:12-28

Main Thought

Jephthah refuses to give up God’s claim on the land of Gilead for Israel.

Head

1. From whom did the Ammonites descend? (see Gen. 19:28)

2. From whom did the Amorites descend? (see Gen. 10:16)

3. Was Israel allowed to take Ammonite land? (see Deut. 2:19)

4. Was Israel allowed to take Amorite land? (see Gen. 15:18-21)

5. What land did the Ammonites claim for their own? (see v. 13)

6. To whom did this disputed land belong before Israel took possession of it? (see Josh. 12:1-2)

7. How did Israel come into possession of the land? (see Num. 21:23-25)

8. How long had Israel held the land prior to this story? (see v. 26)

9. When Jephthah recounted to the Ammonites the history of the land, was he accurate?

10. How did Jephthah propose to distribute the land between the Ammonites and the Israelites? (see v. 24)

Heart

1. What had God done for Israel so that they received the land that their enemies now disputed?

2. If Jephthah’s proposal for distributing the land in verse 24 had been followed, what could the Israelites have expected to receive? Why? What about the Ammonites?

3. Did Israel have a right to keep the land that had once belonged to the Ammonites? Explain.

Hands

1. Why do you think the Ammonites refused to listen to Jephthah?

2. Was Jephthah justified in going into battle with the Ammonites?

Jephthah’s Vow

Judges 11:29-40

Main Thought

The Spirit of the Lord provides victory but not wisdom to Jephthah.

Head

1. What came upon Jephthah after his confrontation with the Ammonites?

2. What vow did he make?

3. How successful was Jephthah in battle? How many cities did he conquer?

4. Why did Jephthah tear his clothes when his daughter came out to meet him?

5. How many other children did Jephthah have?

6. What did Jephthah’s daughter request?

7. What became a custom in Israel because of Jephthah’s daughter?

Heart

1. For what purpose did the Spirit of the Lord come upon Jephthah?

2. If the Spirit of the Lord was upon Jephthah, why was Jepthhah not prevented from making his rash vow?

3. If God considered the rash vow that Jephthah made in order to secure victory over the Ammonites, why do you think God gave Jephthah the victory?

4. Do you think God would have required Jephthah to fulfill his vow?

5. Is Jephthah’s perception of God different from yours? In what ways?

Hands

1. What should Jephthah have done when he realized the rashness of his vow? (see Lev. 5:4-6)

2. Do you think Jephthah’s daughter should have allowed Jephthah to fulfill his vow? Why do you think she went along with it?

Jephthah’s Battle with Ephraim

Judges 12:1-15

Main Thought

Jephthah presides over a civil war.

Head

1. Why were the men of Ephraim angry at Jephthah?

2. How was Gideon’s response to the men of Ephraim in Judges 8:1-3 different than Jephthah’s response to them?

3. Why would the men of Ephraim call the Gileadites “fugitives of Ephraim”? (v. 4; see Josh. 22:9, 24)

4. Who turned out to be the real fugitives of Ephraim? (v. 5)

5. What were the “fords of the Jordan” (v. 5), and why were they important?

6. What do the different pronunciations of Shibboleth/Sibboleth tell us about Israelite culture on the eastern and western sides of the Jordan river?

7. How many Ephraimites died at the hands of the men of Gilead?

8. Take another look at the three judges mentioned in verses 8-15. How does the last phrase in verse 15 show a problem with the end of theses judges’ reigns?

Heart

1. Why do you think the men of Ephraim wanted so badly to have gone with Jephthah into battle? What do you think they were looking to get out of it?

2. What do you think God thought about the Gileadites and the Ephraimites fighting against each other?

3. Did the land have rest after Jephthah died? Why or why not?

Hands

1. Who provoked the fight between the Gileadites and the Ephraimites? How did it get started?

The Birth of Samson

Judges 13:1-25

Main Thought

God demands obedience.

Head

1. How long had the people of Israel been in subjection to the Philistines before Samson was born?

2. To what tribe of Israel did Manoah belong?

3. Where was the original inheritance of Dan located?

4. Why do you think the angel of the Lord appeared to Manoah’s wife first?

5. What did a Nazirite vow require? (see Num. 6)

6. Did a person taking the Nazirite vow have to remain a Nazirite for life?

7. How did Samson’s life conform to the Nazirite vow? In what ways did it not conform?

8. Why did Manoah want the angel of the Lord to appear to him as well as to his wife?

9. What was the mission that Manoah asked about in verse 12?

Heart

1. In verse 18, the angel of the Lord described his name as “wonderful.” From this passage, show how it was wonderful.

2. What requirements for Samson were decided for him before he was born? What do you think Samson thought of these requirements?

3. Would you like to live under the requirements that Samson had to live under? Explain.

Hands

1. How did Manoah show his obedience to the Lord in this passage?

2. How did Manoah’s wife show obedience to the Lord in this passage?

Samson’s Marriage

Judges 14:1-20

Main Thought

Samson shares a perplexing riddle, but himself is a perplexing character in God’s plans.

Head

1. Where was Timnah located?

2. What did Samson want his parents to do?

3. Why did Samson’s parents question Samson’s request?

4. How do you explain verse four? Was God just looking to pick a fight with the Philistines?

5. Had the Spirit of the Lord come upon Samson when he demanded a wife? When did the Spirit of the Lord come upon Samson the first time?

6. Where did Samson get the honey, and what did he do with it?

7. What did the thirty companions do in order to learn the answer to Samson’s riddle?

8. What did Samson do when the Spirit of the Lord came upon him the second time?

Heart

1. Did Samson show disregard for God and his parents by demanding a wife from the Philistines? Explain.

2. Compare Judges 14:3 with Deuteronomy 6:18. What was Samson’s main problem?

Hands

1. Take a look at the main characters of this story: Samson, Samson’s wife, and Samson’s thirty companions. How did they all try to manipulate each other?

2. How did Samson’s actions advance God’s plans for the Philistines? Why do you think God used actions like this?

Samson’s Battles with the Philistines

Judges 15:1-20

Main Thought

The Spirit of the Lord fights for Israel.

Head

1. Why does verse one mention that it was the time of wheat harvest?

2. Why was Samson not able to visit his wife?

3. What did Samson do with the foxes?

4. What is ironic about what the Philistines did to Samson’s wife and her father? (see 14:15)

5. Where did Samson go after he struck the Philistines with a great blow?

6. What did Samson tell the men of Judah to do?

7. How did Samson use the men of Judah to further attack the Philistines?

8. When did the Spirit of the Lord come upon Samson? What was the result?

Heart

1. What reason did Samson give for fighting the Philistines? (see v. 11) Was this a good reason? Why or why not?

2. When did Samson call himself God’s servant? Why didn’t he call himself God’s servant before this?

3. In verses 18-19, how did God respond to Samson’s request? Why did God respond this way?

Hands

1. When the men of Judah came to Samson at the rock of Etam, why did they treat Samson like a criminal instead of a judge?

2. How did Samson’s words and deeds in this story acknowledge that his strength came from the Lord’s power working through him?

Samson and Delilah

Judges 16:1-22

Main Thought

Samson follows a path to destruction.

Head

1. Why did Samson have to pull up the doors to the city gate at Gaza?

2. How did the lords of the Philistines get Delilah to betray Samson?

3. What was the first lie Samson told Delilah? How hard would it have been for someone of average strength to break the bowstrings?

4. What was the second lie Samson told Delilah? How was Samson toying with the Philistines with this second lie?

5. What was the third lie Samson told Delilah? How was this lie closer to the truth than the first two?

6. What did Delilah do to finally get the truth from Samson?

7. How did Delilah know that Samson had finally told her the truth?

8. What did the Philistines do to Samson?

Heart

1. Do you think Delilah loved Samson? Explain.

2. Do you think Samson loved Delilah? Explain.

3. Is there any place in this passage where we can see a hint of God’s grace at work?

Hands

1. How many opportunities did Samson have to walk away from the trap Delilah had set for him? Why didn’t he take them?

2. Do you think it became harder or easier for Samson to walk away from Delilah the longer he stayed with her?

3. When people flirt with behavior that can be spiritually destructive, what is the usual outcome? Why?

4. What is the best way to avoid spiritual harm?

Samson’s Final Battle

Judges 16:23-31

Main Thought

God uses Samson for one more victory over the Philistines.

Head

1. Who gathered to offer a sacrifice to Dagon?

2. What reason did the Philistines give for offering a great sacrifice to Dagon?

3. Why did the Philistines bring Samson to the temple of Dagon?

4. How do you think Samson entertained the Philistines?

5. Why would the Philistines make Samson stand between the pillars of their temple?

6. What did Samson ask his young guide to do?

7. How many Philistines were present in the temple and on the roof of the temple?

8. When Samson prayed to God what reason did he give for wanting his strength one more time?

9. What happened when Samson pushed against the pillars?

10. Who came to bury Samson?

Heart

1. If you had been present when the Philistine lords said what they said in verses 23-24, how would you have responded?

2. Why do you think God answered Samson’s prayer? Do you think he answered it for the reasons Samson gave in his prayer, or could there have been other reasons as well?

Hands

1. How did Samson’s prior sins take glory away from God in this story?

2. How did God glorify himself despite Samson’s sins?

3. How would you rate Samson’s effectiveness as a judge? Explain.

Micah’s Personal Priest

Judges 17:1-13

Main Thought

Micah worships as he sees fit.

Head

1. What other events in the book of Judges took place in Ephraim? (see Judg. 2:9; 3:26-27; 4:4-5; 7:24; 12:4-6)

2. What had happened between Micah and his mother prior to the beginning of this story?

3. In today’s money, how much would 1,100 pieces of silver be worth?

4. What did Micah’s mother do with a portion of the money he returned?

5. What is a shrine? Why was it wrong for Micah to have one? What did Micah put in the shrine? Why was this wrong?

6. Whom did Micah originally appoint as his priest? Was this wrong?

7. What was a Levite from Bethlehem doing in Ephraim? What did Micah offer the Levite?

Heart

1. According to verse three, Micah’s mother said she would dedicate the silver to the Lord. Did she really do that? Explain.

2. Can a silver image ever truly represent God? Explain.

3. Why doesn’t God want us to make images of him? (see Exod. 20:4-6; Deut. 4:15-18; Acts 17:29)

4. In what different ways can Judges 17:6 be understood? How do you understand it?

Hands

1. Considering the fact that Micah’s mother uttered a curse against the person who stole her silver, are you surprised at her response to Micah when he confessed that he stole it? Explain.

2. Read verse 13 and consider all that Micah did in this chapter. Do you think the Lord would prosper him? Why or why not?

Spies from Dan

Judges 18:1-13

Main Thought

God’s people commit apostasy under the eyes of the Lord.

Head

1. Was there really no king in Israel? (v. 1)

2. Had the people of Dan been given an inheritance? (see Josh. 19:40-48) Why does verse one say no inheritance had fallen to them? (see Judg. 1:34-36)

3. Why were five men from Dan spying out the land?

4. How did the spies meet the Levite?

5. In what way did the spies recognize the voice of the Levite? Did they detect a different accent? Had they met him prior to this story?

6. What did the spies ask the Levite to do? What answer did he give?

7. What city did the spies find? What did they plan to do with it?

8. What was the “manner of the Sidonians”?

9. What did the spies tell the rest of the people of Dan?

Heart

1. When the spies asked the Levite to inquire of the Lord, does the text ever say that he actually did that? Why might he have wanted to avoid  inquiring of the Lord?

2. In verse six, the Levite told the spies, “The journey on which you go is under the eye of the Lord.” What did the Levite mean by this? In what way was his comment more true than he realized?

Hands

1. When the people of Dan sent out five men to explore the land, were they being obedient or disobedient to God? Were they obedient to God’s command to conquer the land, or disobedient to God’s command to settle where he had given them their allotment?

2. How was the Levite disobedient to God?

The Danites Take Micah’s Priest and Idol

Judges 18:14-31

Main Thought

Widespread apostasy becomes entrenched in Israel.

Head

1. What is an ephod?

2. Why do you think the spies told the other Danites about Micah’s household gods? What do you think they wanted them to do? Why?

3. What did the Danites do?

4. What was the priest’s initial reaction to the Danites?

5. What did Micah do when he heard about what the Danites did?

6. Why did Micah go back home?

7. What was the name of the priest?

8. From whom was the priest descended?

9. How long did this priest and his descendants serve the Danites?

10. Why was the house of God at Shiloh? How long was it at Shiloh?

Heart

1. What do you think the Danites were expecting when they took Micah’s household gods?

2. What made the priest’s heart glad? Should this have made his heart glad?

3. What do you think happened to the line of Moses’ descendants that can explain Jonathan’s actions in this passage?

Hands

1. Read verse 14 again. What should the Danites have done?

2. How long did false worship continue in Dan?

3. Do you think the Danites in this story considered the long-term impact their actions would have on their descendants?

A Levite Recovers His Concubine

Judges 19:1-21

Main Thought

Israelite society follows its own rules.

Head

1. Why do you think the author of Judges mentioned that “there was no king in Israel” in verse one?

2. According to verse one, where was the Levite sojourning?

3. How is it possible for a concubine to be unfaithful to her master? Was the Levite considered the concubine’s husband? (see v. 3)

4. Why did the Levite travel to Bethlehem?

5. How long did the Levite stay with his concubine’s family? Why do you think the father-in-law kept trying to make the Levite stay longer?

6. Why didn’t the Levite want to spend the night in Jebus (Jersualem)?

7. Why did the Levite decide to spend the night in Gibeah? Why did the Levite stop in the open square of the city?

8. According to verse 16, where was the old man from? In this regard, what did he have in common with the Levite? What did the old man do for the Levite, his concubine, and his servant?

Heart

1. How does the Levite in this story compare to the Levite in chapter 18?

2. Do you think the old man knew what would happen to the Levite and his concubine if they spent the night in the square? If he did, why did he continue sojourning in Gibeah? Why didn’t he go back to Ephraim?

Hands

1. Why do you think the concubine’s father treated the Levite so well?

2. Should the Levite have expected better treatment in Gibeah than in Jebus? Why or why not?

3. How did the old man try to protect the Levite and his concubine?

The Sin of Gibeah

Judges 19:22-30

Main Thought

Cold  hearts are exposed.

Head

1. Why did the men of Gibeah beat on the door of the old man’s house?

2. What did the old man offer the men of Gibeah?

3. What did the Levite make his concubine do?

4. How badly did the men of Gibeah hurt the concubine? What was the Levite’s reaction when he saw his concubine laying by the door of the house?

5. How do you think the old man reacted when he saw the Levite’s concubine laying on his doorstep?

6. What did the Levite do with the concubine’s body? Why?

7. How did the rest of Israel react when they saw what the Levite did?

Heart

1. Why do you think the Levite treated his concubine the way he did?

2. Do you think the Levite loved his concubine? Do you think he felt compassion for her?

3. Compare the actions of the “worthless fellows” of Gibeah with the actions of the men of Sodom in Genesis 19:4-9. Were the men of Gibeah better or worse than the men of Sodom? Explain.

4. Do you think God should have destroyed Gibeah like he destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah? Explain.

Hands

1. Do any of the people in this story show regret for how they treated others? Who should have shown regret? Why?

2. Read verse 30 again. Why were the people of Israel so shocked? Was it because of what the men of Gibeah did, or because of what the Levite did?

Israel Goes to War with Benjamin

Judges 20:1-17

Main Thought

Benjamin refuses to call the men of Gibeah to account.

Head

1. Who came to fight against the tribe of Benjamin?

2. How many men came to fight for Benjamin? How many men came to fight for Israel?

3. What did the Levite tell the army of Israel that had gathered at Mizpah? Did he tell the whole story? What did he ask of the army?

4. What did the people of Israel mean in verse eight when they said, “None of us will go to his tent, and none of us will return to his house”?

5. What did the men of Israel want the men of Benjamin to do?

6. What did the men of Benjamin do instead?

7. How many men came to fight for Benjamin?

Heart

1. Verse one noted that the people of Dan were part of the group that came to fight against Benjamin. Knowing what you know about the people of Dan from chapter 18, do you think they had their hearts set on fighting for the God of Israel? Why or why not?

2. What reasons might the tribe of Benjamin have had for not giving up the town of Gibeah? Do you think the people of Benjamin approved of what the men of Gibeah did?

Hands

1. In 20:7 the Levite asked the Israelites to respond to what he had told them. In 18:14 the five spies asked the Danites to respond to what they had just told them. How were the responses of the Israelites and Danites the same? How were they different?

2. Do you think the other tribes of Israel responded too harshly to the town of Gibeah and the tribe of Benjamin? Explain.

Benjamin Wins the First Battles

Judges 20:18-28

Main Thought

Israel learns a lesson about humility and obedience.

Head

1. What was at Bethel that made the people of Israel go there to inquire of God? (see v. 27) What answer did the Lord give them?

2. How badly was the army of Israel beaten on the first day? What did the army of Israel do after their defeat on the first day?

3. How badly was the army of Israel beaten on the second day? What did the army of Israel do after their defeat on the second day?

4. What is the difference between a burnt offering and a peace offering?

5. Who was Phinehas? How had Phinehas previously shown his zeal for the Lord? (see Num. 25:6-11)

6. If the Phinehas mentioned in Judges 20 is the same Phinehas of Numbers 25, when did the story in Judges 20 take place? Was it early in the period of the judges or late?

Heart

1. Compare the first two times that the people inquired of the Lord (v. 18 and v. 23) with the third time (vv. 26-28). How was the third time different than the first two?

2. If God didn’t give victory to Israel until the third attempt, why did he tell them to go up against Gibeah when they inquired of him?

3. How was God’s answer different on the third time?

4. Would you have been tempted to give up after the first two attempts to conquer Gibeah?

Hands

1. Why did the people of Israel fast? What is the purpose of fasting?

2. How important was it that the Israelite army be humble as well as obedient? Why was humility so important?

The Ambush of Benjamin

Judges 20:29-48

Main Thought

Israel purifies the land.

Head

1. What strategy did the army of Israel use to defeat the army of Benjamin? How was it different from their first two attempts?

2. Where was this strategy used before? (see Josh. 8:1-29)

3. Why were the people of Benjamin so certain that the army of Israel was routed and would flee before them?

4. Where were the men of Israel waiting in ambush?

5. How badly did Israel defeat Benjamin?

6. What was the signal that Gibeah was taken and the men of Israel should turn in battle?

7. When the men of Benjamin “turned their backs before the men of Israel” (v. 42) what were they doing?

8. How many men from Benjamin were able to escape with their lives?

9. Where did the men flee? How long did they stay there?

10. After the battle was won, what did the army of Israel do to the people of Benjamin and their town?

Heart

1. Do you feel sad for the Benjamites? What makes you the most sad: the sins the Benjamites committed or the destruction the Benjamites endured because of their sin?

2. What is the most troubling aspect of sin? Is it the actual sin that is committed or the consequences that come because of the sin? Why?

Hands

1. After the army of Benjamin was destroyed, why did the army of Israel turn back and destroy the Benjamites that remained in the towns? What purpose did this destruction serve?

Wives for the Survivors of Benjamin

Judges 21:1-25

Main Thought

The people of Israel do what is right in their own eyes.

Head

1. Why would the men of Israel swear an oath that none of them would give their daughters in marriage to Benjamin? What would this oath accomplish?

2. Why did the people of Israel weep bitterly before the Lord?

3. Who hadn’t come to Mizpah and hadn’t sworn the oath against Benjamin?

4. What did Israel do to the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead?

5. How many virgins from Jabesh-gilead did the people of Israel take for the men of Benjamin? How many more virgins did they need?

6. What feast was going on at Shiloh? How was it celebrated?

7. What did the Israelites tell the Benjamites to do with the young women from Shiloh?

8. How did the people of Israel plan to smooth things over with the people of Shiloh?

Heart

1. Do you think God would have approved of the plans of the Israelites to get wives for the men of Benjamin? Why or why not?

2. Read the final verse of this chapter. What does it mean to do what is right in your own eyes? In what ways has this verse been illustrated throughout the book of Judges?

Hands

1. Should the men of Israel have sworn an oath not to give their daughters to Benjamin?

2. Should the people of Israel have taken matters into their own hands with regard to the men of Benjamin?

Ruth Follows Naomi

Ruth 1:1-22

Main Thought

The Lord shows his goodness to Naomi and Ruth, by preparing Ruth’s heart to return with Naomi.

Head

1. During what period of Israel’s history did the story of Ruth take place?

2. Where did Elimelech and Naomi live before they left for Moab?

3. Why did they leave? Why were they called Ephrathites? (see 1 Chron. 4:4)

4. Besides having to deal with the loss of her loved ones, what other problem did Naomi face because of the deaths of Elimelech, Mahlon, and Chilion?

5. Who was Ruth’s husband? (see Ruth 4:10)

6. Why did Naomi decide to return to Bethlehem?

7. Why did Naomi tell both of her daughters-in-law to return to each of their mother’s houses?

8. How did Orpah respond to Naomi? How did Ruth respond?

9. What did Naomi want the people of Bethlehem to call her?

Heart

1. Do you think Ruth was already a true believer before she responded to Naomi? Why or why not?

2. Do you agree with Naomi that the Lord dealt very bitterly with her in this story? Explain.

3. How did the Lord show his love to Naomi through the events of this story?

Hands

1. What did Ruth give up to go with Naomi? What did she gain? Do you think she considered this when she committed to stay with Naomi?

Ruth Gleans In the Fields of Boaz

Ruth 2:1-23

Main Thought

Ruth is rewarded for her faithfulness.

Head

1. What did Ruth want to do in Boaz’ field?

2. Why was Ruth allowed to do this? (see Lev. 19:9-10)

3. Why didn’t Boaz want Ruth to glean in other fields?

4. What did Boaz say and do that communicated his desire that Ruth be treated well by others?

5. Why was Boaz so kind to Ruth?

6. To what was Boaz referring when he talked about Ruth taking refuge under the wings of the Lord? (see also Ps. 61:4)

7. What did Naomi mean when she referred to Boaz as “one of our redeemers”? (v. 20; see also Lev. 25:25)

Heart

1. Verse three states, “...and she [Ruth] happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz....” Do you think it was a coincidence that Ruth came to Boaz’ field?

2. From Ruth’s perspective, do you think she saw God at work in this meeting?

3. From your perspective, do you think God is at work in your life? Is it sometimes hard to see God at work? Why or why not?

4. Did Boaz love Ruth? What reasons might Boaz have given for loving Ruth?

Hands

1. What statements or actions by Boaz in this chapter show us that Boaz sought to be faithful to God?

2. What statements or actions by Ruth in this chapter show us that Ruth sought to be faithful to God?

Ruth and Boaz at the Threshing Floor

Ruth 3:1-18

Main Thought

Ruth claims Boaz as her redeemer.

Head

1. According to verse one, whose rest was Naomi seeking?

2. What would Ruth communicate to Boaz by laying at Boaz’ feet?

3. What did Ruth tell Boaz when Boaz discovered her at his feet at midnight?

4. How did Boaz react to what Ruth said?

5. What problem did Boaz have to resolve before he could act on Ruth’s request?

6. How long did Namoi think it would take for Boaz to settle the matter?

Heart

1. How did Ruth show her kindness to Naomi in this story?

2. Why did Boaz say that Ruth’s kindness in this story was greater than the first? (see v. 10)

3. What reasons might Boaz have had for not being willing to serve as Naomi and Ruth’s redeemer? Why do you think he willingly accepted the role?

Hands

1. According to 2:12, under whose wings did Ruth take refuge? Why did she refer to them as the wings of Boaz in 3:9? How did Boaz serve as the wings of the Lord?

2. Is it possible for us to serve as the Lord’s wings like Boaz did for Ruth? Explain.

3. Why might it have been important for Boaz to settle the matter right away? (see v. 18)

4. When you know there is something you need to do to be faithful, how important is it that you not put it off until later?

Boaz Redeems Ruth

Ruth 4:1-22

Main Thought

Naomi experiences life restored to her by her redeemer.

Head

1. Why did Boaz go to the gate of the city?

2. Why did Boaz gather ten elders to witness his conversation between himself and the redeemer?

3. How did Boaz know that Naomi was selling the parcel of land?

4. Why did the redeemer decide not to purchase the land?

5. How would the redeemer’s own inheritance be impaired if he married Ruth?

6. What did exchanging sandals have to do with sealing an agreement?

7. Why was Perez mentioned in verse 12? (see v. 18)

8. Name some of Ruth and Boaz’ famous descendants.

Heart

1. According to the other redeemer, was acquiring Ruth along with the land a good thing or a bad thing? Explain.

2. According to Boaz, was acquiring Ruth along with the land a good thing or a bad thing? Explain.

3. In what ways does Boaz remind you of Jesus Christ?

4. In what ways is Jesus Christ a greater redeemer than Boaz?

Hands

1. Why do you think Boaz waited to tell the redeemer about Ruth?

2. If you were to ask the other ten men sitting at the gate, what might they have said about the arrangement Boaz made? Do you think they would have praised or disparaged him? Explain.

3. In what ways were Boaz, Ruth, and Naomi blessed? In what ways were they a blessing?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Norlan De Groot holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication-journalism from Dordt College and a Master of Divinity degree from Calvin Theological Seminary. He has also received a teaching certificate in secondary English education from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

He has served as a teacher at Chattanooga Christian School and Mount Vernon Christian School. He also served as the Director of Public Relations and Marketing Communication for Dordt College. In addition, he has served as a theological curriculum writer for Third Millennium Ministries and as a promoter for the work of Word & Deed Ministries.

Norlan considers himself a conservative, Reformed Christian. More importantly, he understands himself to be a sinner saved by grace. Norlan and his wife Julie have four children: Christopher, Philip, Megan, and Amy.

___________________________________

If someone has shared a copy of this book with you and you would like to support this work, please consider purchasing your own copy at

www.norlandegroot.com

While at the website you can:

      purchase additional copies, updated editions, or different formats (print or electronic) of this book.

      purchase other books written by Norlan De Groot.

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright

Dedication

Series Preface

The Creation

Adam and Eve

The Fall and the Promise

Cain, Abel, and Seth

Noah Prepares for the Flood

God Sends the Flood

The Flood Subsides

God’s Covenant with Noah

Noah’s Sin

The Tower of Babel

Job Is Tested

Job Is Tested Again

Job Cries Out in His Misery

The Lord Rebukes Job

Job’s Fortunes Are Restored

The Call of Abram

Abram and Sarai Travel to Egypt

Abram and Lot Separate

Abram Goes to War

Melchizedek Blesses Abram

God’s Covenant with Abram

Sarai and Hagar

God Makes a Covenant with Abraham

God Promises to Give Sarah a Son

Sarah Laughs

Abraham Pleads for Sodom

God Saves Lot and His Family

God Destroys Sodom and Gomorrah

Abraham Lies to Abimelech

Isaac Is Born

Ishmael Is Sent Away

Abraham Makes a Treaty with Abimelech

Abraham Sacrifices Isaac

Abraham Buries Sarah

Abraham Finds a Wife for Isaac

Abraham’s Servant Explains Himself

Isaac Marries Rebekah

The Death of Abraham

Rebekah Gives Birth to Twins

Esau Despises His Birthright

Isaac Lies to Abimelech

Rehoboth

Rebekah Hatches a Plan

Jacob Claims the Blessing

Jacob Flees to Laban

Jacob’s Dream

Jacob Meets Rachel

Jacob Marries Leah and Rachel

Leah Competes with Rachel for Children

Rachel Buys Reuben’s Mandrakes

Jacob Tricks Laban

Jacob Flees from Laban

Laban Pursues Jacob

Jacob Makes a Covenant with Laban

Jacob Prepares to Meet Esau

Jacob Wrestles with God

Jacob Meets Esau

Shechem Seeks Dinah for a Wife

Simeon and Levi Get Revenge

Jacob Worships at Bethel

Life and Death in Jacob and Esau’s Family

Joseph’s Dreams

Joseph’s Brothers Cast Him in a Pit

Joseph Is Sold by His Brothers

Judah and Tamar

The Lord Blesses Potiphar’s House

Joseph and Potiphar’s Wife

Joseph Interprets the Prisoners’ Dreams

Joseph Interprets Pharaoh’s Dreams

Joseph Rises to Power

Joseph’s Brothers Buy Grain in Egypt

Joseph’s Brothers Return to Egypt

Joseph Tests His Brothers

Judah Offers Himself

Joseph Reveals Himself to His Brothers

Jacob Moves to Egypt

Jacob Meets Pharaoh

Joseph Enslaves the Egyptians

Jacob Blesses Manasseh and Ephraim

Jacob Blesses His Sons

The Death of Jacob

Joseph Comforts His Brothers

The Israelites Are Oppressed in Egypt

Moses Is Born

Moses Flees from Egypt

The Burning Bush

God Gives Moses a Job To Do

Moses Makes Excuses

Moses Returns to Egypt

Bricks Without Straw

God Renews His Promise of Deliverance

Moses and Aaron Go Before Pharaoh

The First Plague: Water Turned to Blood

The Second Plague: Frogs

The Third Plague: Gnats

The Fourth Plague: Flies

The Fifth Plague: Egyptian Livestock Die

The Sixth Plague: Boils

The Seventh Plague: Hail

The Eighth Plague: Locusts

The Ninth Plague: Darkness

Moses Prepares for the Final Plague

The Passover and the Tenth Plague

God’s People Leave Egypt

The Feast of Unleavened Bread

The Pillars of Cloud and Fire

Pharaoh Changes His Mind

Crossing the Sea

The Song of Moses

The Lord Provides Water

Manna and Quail

God Provides Water from a Rock

Israel Defeats Amalek

Jethro Visits Moses

Jethro Gives Moses Advice

Israel Encamps at Mount Sinai

The Ten Commandments

Israel Trembles Before God

God Confirms the Covenant

The Golden Calf

The Consequences of the Golden Calf

The Presence of God

Moses Pleads for Israel and Himself

God Renews His Covenant

Moses’ Face Shines

The People Contribute to the Tabernacle

Bezalel and Oholiab

Moses Erects the Tabernacle

Aaron and His Sons Begin Their Ministry

Nadab and Abihu Offer Unauthorized Fire

Israel Leaves Sinai

The People Complain

God Responds to the People’s Complaints

Miriam and Aaron Oppose Moses

Moses Sends Spies to Canaan

The Spies Bring Back a Bad Report

The People Grumble

God Promises Judgment

Too Little, Too Late

Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Rebel

God Punishes Korah, Dathan, and Abiram

Aaron Makes Atonement for the People

Aaron’s Staff Buds

Moses Disobeys at Meribah

Edom Refuses Israel’s Request

Aaron Dies

Victory and Punishment

Sihon and Og

Balak Summons Balaam

Balaam’s Donkey and the Angel

Balaam’s First Oracle

Balaam’s Second Oracle

Balaam’s Third Oracle

Balaam’s Fourth Oracle

The Covenant of Peace with Phinehas

The Daughters of Zelophehad

Moses Commissions Joshua

War with Midian

The Inheritance East of the Jordan

God Forbids Moses to Enter Canaan

Moses Renews the Covenant, Part 1

Moses Renews the Covenant, Part 2

Moses Renews the Covenant, Part 3

Moses Renews the Covenant, Part 4

Moses Prepares Joshua to Succeed Him

God Commissions Joshua

The Song of Moses, Part 1

The Song of Moses, Part 2

Moses’ Final Blessing

The Death of Moses

The Israelites Prepare for Conquest

Rahab Hides the Spies

The Lord Cuts the Jordan’s Flow

A Memorial from the Jordan

Two Covenant Acts

The Lord Appears to Joshua

The Fall of Jericho

Israel Is Defeated at Ai

Achan’s Sin

Israel Defeats Ai

Covenant Renewal at Mount Ebal

The Gibeonites Deceive Israel

The Gibeonites Become Slaves

The Sun Stands Still

Fighting in Southern Canaan

Fighting in Northern Canaan

Caleb Receives His Inheritance

Joshua Divides the Remaining Land

The Eastern Tribes Return Home

The Eastern Tribes Build an Altar

The Eastern Tribes Explain Their Altar

Joshua’s Charge to Israel’s Leaders

Joshua Recounts God’s Faithfulness

Joshua Exhorts the Israelites

The Conquest of Canaan after Joshua

The Failure to Complete the Conquest

The Angel of the Lord

The Cycle of the Judges

Othniel

Ehud and Shamgar

Deborah and Barak

Jael and Sisera

The Song of Deborah and Barak

Israel Disobeys Again

God Calls Gideon

Gideon Destroys His Father’s Altars

Gideon’s Sign of the Fleece

Gideon Assembles an Army

Midian Flees

Gideon Pursues Zebah and Zalmunna

Gideon’s Ephod

Abimelech Becomes King

The Conspiracy Against Abimelech

The Death of Abimelech

Israel’s Continued Disobedience

Jephthah Becomes Leader of Gilead

Jephthah Confronts the Ammonites

Jephthah’s Vow

Jephthah’s Battle with Ephraim

The Birth of Samson

Samson’s Marriage

Samson’s Battles with the Philistines

Samson and Delilah

Samson’s Final Battle

Micah’s Personal Priest

Spies from Dan

The Danites Take Micah’s Priest and Idol

A Levite Recovers His Concubine

The Sin of Gibeah

Israel Goes to War with Benjamin

Benjamin Wins the First Battles

The Ambush of Benjamin

Wives for the Survivors of Benjamin

Ruth Follows Naomi

Ruth Gleans In the Fields of Boaz

Ruth and Boaz at the Threshing Floor

Boaz Redeems Ruth

ABOUT THE AUTHOR