Exodus 3:1-12 Study Questions - Moses at the Burning Bush

Exodus Study, Section 5:  Moses at the Burning Bush – Exodus 3:1-12

Initial observation

1. Read Exodus 3: 1-12 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.  What was your “newspaper reporter” question about this passage?

In-depth Observation

5.  How does God first identify himself to Moses? (verse 6)

6.  What is God’s purpose in speaking to Moses?

7.  What is Moses’ objection in verse 11?  What is his motivation for objecting (genuine humility, low self-esteem, reluctance to do the task, fear, something else)?

8. How does God answer this objection?

9.  What is the sign (verse 12)?  Do you think it is helpful to Moses? 

10.  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?  - Moses

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

Vocabulary and notes

Verse 1 “keeping” – from the same Hebrew root as ‘shepherd’. In the Hebrew Bible, shepherd is a metaphor for leader.

Verse 2 “angel” – a visible manifestation of God.

Verse 4 “the Lord” – Although it was an angel that appeared in v. 2, there is no substantive difference between the deity and his agents.

Verse 12: “the sign for you” – The NJV translation of verse 12 is “And He said, “I will be with you, and it shall be your sign that it was I who sent you.  And when you have freed the people from Egypt, you shall worship God at this mountain.”  In other words, the God’s presence is the sign.  (punctuation matters)

Homework:

Read Exodus 3:13-22.  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. 

How does your Bible translate God’s name in verse 14?  Be sure to read any footnotes that go along with this verse.

Write down one ‘newspaper reporter’ type question (starting with Who, What, Where, When, How or Why) to discuss with the group next time.