Exodus Section 2 Questions: Oppression

Exodus Study, Section 2: Oppression - Exodus 1: 8-22

Initial observation

1. Read Exodus 1: 8-22 out loud in the group.

2. Underline or highlight frequently used words (or refer to your homework).

3. What words, phrases, or ideas make an impression on you?

4. Who is mentioned frequently in this passage? 

5. Briefly describe what takes place in this passage.

6.  Where is the action taking place?

In-depth Observation

7. What is Pharaoh’s problem? 

8. What do you think of Pharaoh’s tactics in dealing with his problem?  From the Egyptian perspective, what are the plusses and minuses of his approach?

9. Who feared God?

10. What is the Israelite people’s problem?

11. Which characters are mentioned by name?

12. Is God acting in these events? 

13. Write down the theme or topic of this section.

Interpretation and Application:

A. What do you learn about the nature of God from this passage?

B.  What do you learn about the other characters from this passage?

- Pharaoh                                           - the midwives

- Hebrew women                              - the Israelites

C.  What can we learn from this passage that applies to our own lives?

Vocabulary and notes

Verse 8: “did not know” might also mean “did not care about” (the same Hebrew verb is translated “took notice” in 2:25).

Verse 15: “Hebrew midwives” – could mean “Hebrew midwives” (i.e. Israelite women) or “midwives to the Hebrew women” (i.e. Egyptian women serving the Israelites).

Verse 16: “birthstool” (or stone) – The brick or stone supports used during childbirth.   In ancient Israel, ethnicity was patrilineal, so that eliminating the males suffices to wipe out the people.

Homework:

Read Exodus 2 (the whole chapter).  Underline or highlight frequently used words. Look up the meaning of any words you don’t know. Note which words, phrases, or ideas make an impression on you.