Exodus 5

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Moses’ First Encounter with Pharaoh

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. Physical abuse does not mean that God has lost control.

  2. Personal attack does not mean that God doesn’t care.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Take it to the Lord in prayer.

QUESTIONS

  1. What was the Israelites’ response when Moses told them all that God was going to do?

  2. What was Pharaoh’s response when Moses and Aaron asked permission for the Israelites to go into the wilderness to worship the Lord?

  3. What verse reminds us that every person is under God’s control, even a pagan king?

  4. How did Pharaoh punish the people after Moses and Aaron went to him?

  5. How did the Israelites respond to this increased harshness?

  6. How did Moses respond to the personal attack of the Israelites?

ANSWERS

  1. At first they believed and worshipped the Lord.

  2. He refused and said he did not have to obey the Lord. He told the Israelites to get back to work.

  3. Proverbs 21:1, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD; like the rivers of water He turns it wherever He wishes.”

  4. He made their slave labor even more severe by forcing them to gather their own straw to make bricks. The physical abuse of the Israelites also increased.

  5. They blamed Moses and Aaron, saying it was their fault and God should judge them.

  6. He took it to the Lord in prayer.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Proverbs 21:1 can be a very comforting verse in a season of political turmoil or partisan unrest. How does this verse affect your attitude about the political situation in our country and others?

  2. Have you ever felt like the Israelites in this passage? You were under abuse and felt like God wasn’t in control. Or you were personally attacked and felt like God didn’t care. How does this lesson bring you assurance that God is in control and He does care?

CHALLENGE

  1. In this lesson we see Moses taking his problems to the Lord in prayer. He honestly lays out the whole situation. Did you know you can come to the Lord like this? Have a humble and honest attitude and take your concerns to the Lord in prayer.

KEY VERSES

  • “And Pharaoh said, ‘Who is the LORD, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, nor will I let Israel go.’” Exodus 5:2

  • “You shall no longer give the people straw to make brick as before. Let them go and gather straw for themselves.” Exodus 5:7

  • “So Moses returned to the LORD and said, ‘Lord, why have You brought trouble on this people? Why is it You have sent me?’” Exodus 5:22

Old Testament, Talks, ExodusRon ReidEXODUS 5