Winter 2013

Lesson 4: Moses Learns to Trust God

Exodus 6:10–10:29

Introduction: As this text begins, theIsraeliteswerenot listening to Mosesbecause of their despair over their bondage in Egypt.This lesson focuses on God’s judgment of Pharaoh through the plagues, and Moses’ growing trust in God whatever his circumstances. As you study, pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance and read the selected passages before you begin to answer the questions.

Day One: Read Exodus 6:10–10:29, focusing on Exodus 6:10–7:13; God’s Judgment Begins

1.How did your understanding of God’s character grow through last week’s lesson or lecture?

2.This section opens with a brief recounting of the conversation between God and Moses before turning to a section on Israel’s genealogy (verses 14–27). Why would this genealogy be helpful for future readers?

3.According toExodus 6:11 and 13; 7:2, 4, 14, and 16; 8:1 and 20; 9:1 and 13; and 10:3, what was God’s purpose in sending the plagues?

4.In the following verses in Exodus, identify God’s purpose for Pharaoh and the Egyptians in the plagues.

a.7:5

b.7:17

c.8:10

d.8:22

e.9:16

f.9:20–21, 30

g.10:1–2

5.According to Exodus 7:8–13, what sign did Moses use to affirm his position as God’s representative?What were the results?

a.What do you think was the source of power that enabled the Egyptian wise men, sorcerers, and magicians to replicate the first sign?

b.How does this provide a better understanding of the exchange between Moses and Pharoah?

6.How would this encounter have encouraged Moses and strengthened his trust in God?

Days Two, Three, and Four: Skim Exodus 7:1–10:29;The First Nine Plagues

Without using study notes or commentaries, studythree plagues each day using the passages listed in the table below. Name each plague and describe its effect and how Pharaoh responded.

Number / Scripture / Plague / Effect / Pharaoh’s Response
1. / 7:17–25
2. / 8:1–15
3. / 8:16–19
4. / 8:20–32
5. / 9:1–7
6. / 9:8–12
7. / 9:18–35
8. / 10:3–20
9. / 10:21–29

Day Five:Read Exodus 7:1–10:29;The First Nine Plagues, Part Two

1.In five of the nine plagues, Pharaoh begged Moses for relief. From the following verses, what did Pharaoh ask of Moses, and what happened?

a.The plague of frogs (Exodus 8:6–15)

b.The plague of flies (Exodus 8:24–32)

c.The plague of hail (Exodus 9:23–35)

d.The plague of locusts (Exodus 10:13–20)

e.The plague of darkness (Exodus 10:22–27)

2.According to Exodus 5:2, even before God hardened Pharaoh’s heart, he was entrenched in his sin and denial of God. Like Pharaoh, sometimes we minimize the frequency and severity of our own sin. Read Isaiah 64:6; Romans 3:10–18 and 23, and Romans 6:23, and share with your group where you stand today inyour relationship with God.

3.Moses was God’s messenger and administrator of the plagues. Describe the change that took place in Mosesthrough this process.

a.What change has taken place in you as a result of this study?What further change needs to happen?

Sanders/PetersJanuary 30, 2013

NOTES