Winter 2013
Lesson 7: The Ultimate Request: Seeing God
Exodus 33:1–34:8
Introduction: This lesson focuses on the holiness of God and the sinfulness of the Israelites, the consequences of Israel’s sin,and Moses becoming an intercessor for God’s people. Before you begin the lesson each day, remember to pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit to help you better understand and apply what you read.
Day One: Read Exodus33, focusing on Exodus33:1–6; God’s Holiness and Man’s Sinfulness
1.What challenged you from last week’s lesson or lecture, and has anything in your life changed as a result?
2.How do you think the Israelites might have responded to God’s words to Moses inverses 1–2?
3.According to verses 3 and 5, why would God no longer go with His people? See also Exodus 23:20–23.
a.Using a dictionary, define “obstinate” or “stiff-necked.”
b.Why do you think that God would threaten to destroy the people for being obstinate?
c.Identify several attributes of God revealed in this text.
d.How does unconfessed sin distance believers from God? Cite Scripture to support your answer.
4.From verses 1–6, what implications are therefor how a believer should live?
Day Two:Read Exodus 33, focusing on Exodus 33:7–11; How Moses Speaks to God
Note: In Hebrew, “tent of meeting” is the same term for “Tabernacle.” In Exodus 33 the word represents the tent of meeting, not what would become the Tabernacle.
1.According to verses 8–10, what did the people observe as Moses went into the tent? Whydo you think this prompted them to worship?
2.What is significant about the description of how the Lord spoke to Moses?
3.How can you meet with God today in a personal relationship?
a.What changes do you need to make to grow in your personal relationship with God?
Day Three:Read Exodus 33:1–34:8, focusing on Exodus 33:12–17; Moses’ Intercession
1.According to verses 12–14, what did Moses ask of God and what was God’s response?
a.Compare Moses’ description of the sons of Israel in verse 13 with God’s description in verse 1.What would account for the difference?
b.Compare Moses’ encounter with God in this passage with his first encounter in Exodus 3. What do you think had changed in Moses’ relationship to God since then? Explain your answer using Scripture.
2.What did Mosesaskof God in verses 15–17, and what was God’s response?
a.What did God’s presence represent?
3.What role did Moses assume in this passage? How might believers assume the same role today?
a.For whom in your life can you intercede today? How will you do that?
Day Four:Read Exodus 33:1–34:8, focusing on Exodus 33:18–23; Moses’ Ultimate Request
1.What did Moses ask of God in this passage, and what was God’s response?
2.How did God revealHimself to Moses earlier? (See Exodus 3:1–5 and Exodus 24:9–11.)
3.What was the purpose of God revealing His glory and His name to Moses?
4.Believers today know God and learn His ways through Scripture. In your own words, briefly summarizewhat the following verses say about knowing God or His Word.
a.Psalm 19:7–11
b.Jeremiah 31:31–34
c.Ephesians 1:15–19, 3:14–19
d.Philippians 1:9–11
e.Colossians 1:9–12
f.Hebrews 4:12
Day Five:Read Exodus 33:1–34:8, focusing on Exodus 34:1–8; Moses Sees God’s Glory
1.What was Moses to do before he went to Mount Sinai?
2.According to verses 6–9, whichspecific attributes of God wererevealed when God spoke to Moses, and what was Moses’ response?
3.Knowing that Scripture does not contradict itself, how do Deuteronomy 24:16 and Ezekiel 18:19–22deepen your understanding of verse 7?
a.How does this warning affect you?
4.As you review this lesson, what should be your response as you consider the holiness of God, His attributes, and the kindness He showed Moses?
Luenebrink/PetersFebruary 20, 2013
NOTES