Chapter Summary

Second tables of the law. The new vision and commission.

Discussion Questions for Exodus, Chapter 34

1. God commands Moses that no man or animal come near the mountain. What does this say about God?
2. How does the LORD describe Himself in verses 6-7? Consider memorizing this verse. How do these verses reveal God's nature? What sort of feelings do these verses evoke? What does it mean that "He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations" (NASB)?
3. In what ways is God’s description of Himself clear? In what ways is it mysterious? In what ways does it create tension? Why was it important for God's to reveal this about Himself to Moses?
4. How might God’s grace and justice help explain the outcome of the golden calf incident?
5. Moses asks God for the second time if he has found favor in God’s eyes? Why might Moses be tempted to doubt God’s favor? Have you ever doubted God’s favor towards you? Why? What truths and practices can give a Christian assurance of God’s favor?
6. How might the firstborn in verses 19-20 relate to the Passover in Egypt? To Jesus? It may help to consider Ex 4:22. What might these verses suggest about the importance of a firstborn in ancient culture?
7. According to verses 6-7, is His love or justice greater? What does it mean that "He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations" (NASB)? How does someone receive God's love and forgiveness and avoid His punishment?
8. In verse 14, God says He is a jealous God. What does that say about God? Can you think of an example of godly jealousy? How might knowing God is jealous help you love and obey Him?
9. God instructs the Israelites against idolatry. He also instructs the men to appear before God three times a year. Why are some reasons why idolatry was tempting? Why might idolatry be tempting today? Can you think of any modern day examples of idolatry?
10. What feasts does God command Israel to observe? Why does God instruct them to gather for feasts? What might this suggest about God? Can you think of any modern examples of national or religious observances? How might they shape a country and a people?

Key Words/Phrase

Tables of testimony, v. 29.

Characters

God, Moses, Aaron.

Strong Verse(s)

6, 7, 14, 29.