Chapter Summary

Moses' first contest with Pharaoh.

Discussion Questions for Exodus, Chapter 5

1. The Pharaoh responds to Moses and Aaron's request to let the people go in Ex.5:2 is "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 employer respond to an employee's religious request that does not agree with their own?
2. The Pharaoh decided to take away the straw that the Hebrews used to make brick 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?
3. 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 to gather their straw to make the same amount of brick. What are the benefits of having "down" time to relax? How does time to worship, pray, and study scripture improve one's life?
4. The Hebrews quickly blamed Moses for the more harsh conditions and Moses questions God about his calling. What does this illustrate about doing the ministry work? Why should a believer be thankful for persecution?
5. Moses begins to mumble quickly against God in Ex 5:22 after the first time the people complain. How does this demonstrate Moses's leadership ability?
6. 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? 23 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.
7. Moses and Aaron requests a meeting with the Pharaoh. Because of his time spent in the Pharaoh's household, Moses know the procedures to request such a meeting. God is now the time spent separated from his family using to fulfill His purpose. What events in your life have wondered why you were going through them and the Lord demonstrated later their purpose? Are you going through a season of life right now that you do not understand the purpose? How do the events in Moses's life encourage you?
8. Pharaoh wonders who is the Lord in Exodus 5. Lord is a common word and the actual word being used is Jehovah and Jehovah 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?
9. Moses and the Hebrews are greatly discouraged at the end of Exodus 5 as Pharaoh does not even consider the first request to let Hebrews go, even piles on more work. Are they justified in being disappointed? How does this event help explain God's methods of deliverance?
10. 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