Exodus Chapter 5 Summary
Moses' first contest with Pharaoh.
Discussion Questions for Exodus, Chapter 5
- The Pharaoh responds to Moses and Aaron's request to let the people go in Exodus 5:2: “Who is the LORD, that I should obey His voice and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, and moreover, I will not let Israel go.” How would this response be received in today's culture? Should employers have respect for their employees' religious practices? How should employers respond to an employee's religious request that does not agree with their own?
- The Pharaoh decided to take away the straw that the Hebrews used to make bricks in response to Moses's request. What is the purpose of this persecution? How should the believer react to difficult times or persecution in the workplace?
- There is an old adage that says if you have time to play, you have time to work. The Egyptians are applying this adage in Exodus 5, making them gather their straw to make the same amount of bricks. What are the benefits of having “down” time to relax? How does time to worship, pray, and study scripture improve one's life?
- The Hebrews quickly blamed Moses for the harsher conditions, and Moses questioned God about his calling. What does this illustrate about doing ministry work? Why should a believer be thankful for persecution?
- Moses begins to mumble quickly against God in Exodus 5:22 after the first time the people complain. How does this demonstrate Moses's leadership ability?
- Moses begins to really question God's actions in Exodus 5:22, saying, “O Lord, why have you done evil to this people? Why did you ever send me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has done evil to this people, and you have not delivered your people at all.” Is it okay to question God, and if so, when? Describe a time you questioned God.
- Moses and Aaron request a meeting with the Pharaoh. Because of his time spent in the Pharaoh's household, Moses knows the procedures to request such a meeting. God is now using the time spent separated from his family to fulfill His purpose. What events in your life have made you wonder why you were going through them, and how did the Lord demonstrate their purpose later? Are you going through a season of life right now that you do not understand the purpose of? How do the events in Moses's life encourage you?
- Pharaoh wonders who the Lord is in Exodus 5. “Lord” is a common word, and the actual word being used is Jehovah, which is seen as a lowly god, much like the Hebrew children. How does God demonstrate His authority after being considered a lowly god? How has God demonstrated His authority in the United States?
- Moses and the Hebrews are greatly discouraged at the end of Exodus 5, as Pharaoh does not even consider the first request to let the Hebrews go and even piles on more work. Are they justified in being disappointed? How does this event help explain God's methods of deliverance?
- What are the lessons in Exodus 5 concerning oppression and persecution? How can we apply these lessons today?
Key Words/Phrase
Burdens, t. 4.
Characters
Moses, Aaron, Pharaoh, taskmasters.
Strong Verse(s)
3
