Exodus 3 and 4 lesson
Studies in Exodus
TOPIC: Moses at the Burning Bush
SCRIPTURE: Exodus 3
MEMORY VERSE: Exodus 3:14
Lesson 3 Exodus 3
INTRODUCTION: In this chapter we see Moses still watching his father-in-law’s sheep after forty years. Moses was content just to be a lowly shepherd, and probably would have died there in the deserts of Midian, but God had plans for Moses. Here we see God speaking to Moses out of a burning bush. This chapter records for us the “call” and “commission” of this great man, Moses.
I THE CALL OF MOSES v 1-14
A. Moses led the flock of sheep to the mountain of God v 1 HOREB - “dryness; desert” Moses’ forty years in Midian have come to an end. All of his schooling in Egypt was not enough to prepare him for his great work of delivering Israel from bondage. So, God prepared him for forty years by letting him lead flocks of sheep. “Horeb” was one of the smaller hills surrounding the “mountain of God” - Mt. Sinai. (I Kings 19:8; Exodus 24:13)
B. The Lord appeared to Moses at a burning bush v 2 This “angel of the Lord” was none other than the Lord Jesus Himself appearing upon the earth. (v 4) This pre-incarnate appearance of the Lord on the earth is called a THEOPHANY. This bush was probably a thorny bush called an “acacia” bush, and would readily burn in such an arid climate. But, the strange thing about this bush was that it was burning but not being burnt up. This burning bush got Moses’ attention. (Hebrews 12:29; Acts 7:30)
C. Moses decided to turn aside to see the burning bush v 3 Think of what Moses would have missed if he had not decided to turn aside to see this “great sight.” How many blessings have we, as Christians, missed because we will not notice the “great sights” around us by which God may use to speak to us? (Jeremiah 33:3; Acts 7:31)
D. God called Moses out of the burning bush v 4-9 Man cannot stand in his own strength before a holy and righteous God, thus Moses is told to put off his shoes. God then, identifies Himself to Moses, and Moses hides his face from the Lord. (John 1:18) God is now keeping His promise made to Abraham (Genesis 15:13-14) and is fulfilling the prophecy given by Joseph (Genesis 50:24) to visit His people and bring them up out of captivity in Egypt. What a blessing to know that He who never “slumbers or sleeps” sees our afflictions in this world and cares for us also. (I Peter 5:7; Psalm 55:22; Acts 7:32-34)
E. God calls Moses to go to Pharaoh, but Moses only makes excuses v 10-14 Moses made two excuses in these verses as to why he thought he could not do what God had told him to do:
1) “who am I that I should go unto Pharaoh” (v 11) - God answers Moses’ excuse by telling him that He would go with him (Matthew 28:19-20; Hebrews 13:5)
2) “what shall I say unto them?” (v 13) - God answers Moses’ excuse by telling him to tell them “I am hath sent me unto you.” God was telling Moses that it is not “who you are” but “Who I am” that makes the difference. When Moses learned that he could not deliver Israel, but that God could do it through him, it was then that God was ready to use him. (I Corinthians 1:26-29)
II THE COMMISSION OF MOSES v 15-22
A. The Lord tells Moses what to tell the children of Israel v 15-17 God tells Moses to go and even gives him the message to deliver when he gets there. We also have been told to go into all the world and have been given the greatest news ever heard to declare - the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20)
B. The Lord even reassures Moses of how his message will be received v 18-19 The children of Israel will believe Moses’ message even though Moses is not yet convinced that they will believe him. (Exodus 4:1) But Pharaoh will harden his heart and not believe the word of the Lord sent by Moses. (Exodus 5:2)
C. The Lord assures Moses that Israel will be brought up out of Egypt v 20-22 Moses is told ahead of time that Pharaoh will refuse to let the children of Israel go. Pharaoh’s refusal in this matter will open up God’s campaign against all the false gods of Egypt. At last, the children of Israel will be freed from Egyptian bondage, and will leave Egypt as a rich and prosperous nation. (Genesis 15:14) BORROW (Hebrew - “shaal”) - “to ask for; lay to charge”
TEACHERS’ TIP: IT IS NOT THE GREATNESS OF OUR TROUBLES, BUT THE LITTLENESS OF OUR FAITH THAT MAKES US COMPLAIN.
NEXT MEMORY VERSE: Exodus 4:2
Studies in Exodus
TOPIC: Moses Returns to Egypt
SCRIPTURE: Exodus 4
MEMORY VERSE: Exodus 4:2
Lesson 4 Exodus 4
INTRODUCTION: As this chapter begins, we see the conclusion of God’s commissioning of Moses at the burning bush. In the pages of history are the records of men who accomplished much with very little in their hands. (Example: 1 - David had a sling, 2 - Samson had a jaw bone, 3 - Gideon had his 300 men) Moses was told by God to go into Egypt and bring over two million people out from under the rule of the most powerful nation in the world at that time - the nation of Egypt. So, Moses, an eighty-year-old man, with his wife and two children, and with their total wealth packed on one small donkey, sets out to overthrow an empire, deliver a race and establish a nation. It is in this way that MOSES RETURNS TO EGYPT.
I MOSES’ OBJECTIONS ABOUT RETURNING TO EGYPT v 1-17
A. Moses objects about returning to Egypt because he says the people “will not believe me” v 1 This is actually Moses’ third excuse for not wanting to go to Egypt. (Exodus 3:11, 13) Moses seems to have forgotten that God had taken into account all the natural reluctance and hardness of the human heart. It was not Moses’ word that the people so desperately needed in Egypt, but it was the word of God that he brought with him that made the difference. (Hebrews 4:12; Philippians 2:15-16)
B. The Lord answers Moses’ excuse by giving him three miraculous signs to prove he was sent by God to the people v 2-9 Signs are more convincing than words, so God gives Moses these three miraculous signs: (Mark 16:17-18; John 4:48)
1) the rod turned into a serpent (v 2-5) - This serpent was a sign of God’s “overcoming power”, by bringing terrible judgments upon those who oppose His will. (Numbers 21:6)
2) the leprous hand healed (v 6-8) - This leprous hand being healed was a sign of God’s “restoring power.” He could restore Israel just as He restored Moses’ hand. (Matthew 8;23; 12:10-13)
3) the water turned to blood (v 9) - This water turned to blood was the sign of God’s “transforming power.” God is still able to transform the wretched water of the river of human life into life-carrying blood. (John 2:9)
C. Moses objects about returning to Egypt because he says he is “slow of speech” v 10 This is now Moses’ fourth excuse for not wanting to go to Egypt. (Exodus 3:11, 13: 4:1) Moses apparently, had some type of speech problem and felt inadequate to appear before Pharaoh and make a speech in such a place as Pharaoh’s court. The truth of the matter was that Moses was quite able to speak when it was time, but now he is only making excuses. (Exodus 8:26; 29; 9:29)
D. The Lord answers Moses’ excuse by telling him that He would give him the words to say v 11-12 The Lord tells Moses that it is He Who made Moses’ mouth and even permitted him to have a speech impediment. Moses was trusting only in the natural ability of man instead of in the supernatural ability of God. Some of the greatest preachers throughout history have been also some of the worst public speakers, yet God used them to carry His Word to the lost. (I Corinthians 2:1-5; 3:19; II Corinthians 10:10; 11:6)
E. The Lord provides Aaron to be Moses’ spokesman v 13-17 AARON (v 14) - “enlightened” - This is the first mention of Aaron in the Bible. Aaron was, by three years, the older brother of Moses. (Exodus 7:7) Moses here has finally refused to go to Egypt, and even asks God to send somebody else. Moses’ unbelief angers the Lord until the Lord, at last, allows Aaron to be Moses’ spokesman. Moses was now ready to go, as long as Aaron was with him, but before he did not want to go when again and again God Himself said He would be with him. Moses now has his spokesman, but no doubt has lost much of the honor that would have been his if he had not been slow to answer God’s call. Is God calling you to a special job in His service? Answer His call without delay. (I Samuel 3:8-10; Matthew 9:9; Acts 9:4-6)
II MOSES’ SURRENDER TO RETURN TO EGYPT v 18-31
A. Moses prepares to leave the land of Midian v 18-19a It is commendable that Moses wanted to leave his father-in-law in the right way. After all, it was Jethro who had taken Moses in when he was a fugitive from Egypt and had given his daughter in marriage to Moses AND provided him with a home and job for forty years. (Exodus 2:21) But, Moses’ words show that he was still not convinced about going to Egypt. Moses mentions nothing about the Lord’s appearing to him at the burning bush, nor of His promise to bring Israel up out of Egyptian bondage. God even has to repeat His command to Moses to “return to Egypt.” (v 19a)
B. Moses had three obstacles to take care of before he could be used to lead Israel out of Egypt v 19b-28
1) his employment to Jethro (v 18) - The Lord worked in Jethro’s heart and he was willing to let Moses leave. (Compare with Genesis 31:20, 31)
2) his enemies in Egypt who sought to kill him (v 19b-23) - Pharaoh Thotmes III who wanted to kill Moses has died, and Moses can safely return to Egypt. The Lord had taken care of this obstacle also.
3) his house must be set in order (v 24-26) - Before Moses would be allowed to be God’s ambassador in Egypt, there was one more long-neglected matter of which Moses needed to take care. The symbol of God’s covenant with Israel was circumcision. Apparently, Zipporah had resisted the ordinance of circumcision and Moses just let her have her way to keep peace in the family. Moses, obviously, thought he could get by with this area of disobedience. He just let it slide like many Christian workers do who neglect their own homes while trying to fix up other people’s homes. At this inn (v 24) on the way to Egypt, God struck down Moses and rendered him helpless. Zipporah, then had to administer the circumcision to her own son in order to save Moses’ life. At last Moses had set his own house in order. (I Timothy 3:4)
C. Moses and Aaron carry the good news of God’s deliverance to the elders of Israel in Egypt v 27-31 What a story Moses and Aaron had for the poor oppressed people of Israel. To them it was the good news of deliverance just as the Gospel of Jesus Christ is to every poor, oppressed sinner today. Notice how the children of Israel received this good news -
1) they believed (v 31)
2) they bowed (v 31)
3) they worshiped (v 31)
This chapter began with doubts and fears (v 1) and ends with faith and worship. (v 31)
news:
news:TEACHERS’ TIP: FAITH SEES THE INVISIBLE, BELIEVES THE INCREDIBLE AND RECEIVES THE IMPOSSIBLE!
NEXT MEMORY VERSE: Exodus 5:1
TOPIC: Moses at the Burning Bush
SCRIPTURE: Exodus 3
MEMORY VERSE: Exodus 3:14
Lesson 3 Exodus 3
INTRODUCTION: In this chapter we see Moses still watching his father-in-law’s sheep after forty years. Moses was content just to be a lowly shepherd, and probably would have died there in the deserts of Midian, but God had plans for Moses. Here we see God speaking to Moses out of a burning bush. This chapter records for us the “call” and “commission” of this great man, Moses.
I THE CALL OF MOSES v 1-14
A. Moses led the flock of sheep to the mountain of God v 1 HOREB - “dryness; desert” Moses’ forty years in Midian have come to an end. All of his schooling in Egypt was not enough to prepare him for his great work of delivering Israel from bondage. So, God prepared him for forty years by letting him lead flocks of sheep. “Horeb” was one of the smaller hills surrounding the “mountain of God” - Mt. Sinai. (I Kings 19:8; Exodus 24:13)
B. The Lord appeared to Moses at a burning bush v 2 This “angel of the Lord” was none other than the Lord Jesus Himself appearing upon the earth. (v 4) This pre-incarnate appearance of the Lord on the earth is called a THEOPHANY. This bush was probably a thorny bush called an “acacia” bush, and would readily burn in such an arid climate. But, the strange thing about this bush was that it was burning but not being burnt up. This burning bush got Moses’ attention. (Hebrews 12:29; Acts 7:30)
C. Moses decided to turn aside to see the burning bush v 3 Think of what Moses would have missed if he had not decided to turn aside to see this “great sight.” How many blessings have we, as Christians, missed because we will not notice the “great sights” around us by which God may use to speak to us? (Jeremiah 33:3; Acts 7:31)
D. God called Moses out of the burning bush v 4-9 Man cannot stand in his own strength before a holy and righteous God, thus Moses is told to put off his shoes. God then, identifies Himself to Moses, and Moses hides his face from the Lord. (John 1:18) God is now keeping His promise made to Abraham (Genesis 15:13-14) and is fulfilling the prophecy given by Joseph (Genesis 50:24) to visit His people and bring them up out of captivity in Egypt. What a blessing to know that He who never “slumbers or sleeps” sees our afflictions in this world and cares for us also. (I Peter 5:7; Psalm 55:22; Acts 7:32-34)
E. God calls Moses to go to Pharaoh, but Moses only makes excuses v 10-14 Moses made two excuses in these verses as to why he thought he could not do what God had told him to do:
1) “who am I that I should go unto Pharaoh” (v 11) - God answers Moses’ excuse by telling him that He would go with him (Matthew 28:19-20; Hebrews 13:5)
2) “what shall I say unto them?” (v 13) - God answers Moses’ excuse by telling him to tell them “I am hath sent me unto you.” God was telling Moses that it is not “who you are” but “Who I am” that makes the difference. When Moses learned that he could not deliver Israel, but that God could do it through him, it was then that God was ready to use him. (I Corinthians 1:26-29)
II THE COMMISSION OF MOSES v 15-22
A. The Lord tells Moses what to tell the children of Israel v 15-17 God tells Moses to go and even gives him the message to deliver when he gets there. We also have been told to go into all the world and have been given the greatest news ever heard to declare - the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20)
B. The Lord even reassures Moses of how his message will be received v 18-19 The children of Israel will believe Moses’ message even though Moses is not yet convinced that they will believe him. (Exodus 4:1) But Pharaoh will harden his heart and not believe the word of the Lord sent by Moses. (Exodus 5:2)
C. The Lord assures Moses that Israel will be brought up out of Egypt v 20-22 Moses is told ahead of time that Pharaoh will refuse to let the children of Israel go. Pharaoh’s refusal in this matter will open up God’s campaign against all the false gods of Egypt. At last, the children of Israel will be freed from Egyptian bondage, and will leave Egypt as a rich and prosperous nation. (Genesis 15:14) BORROW (Hebrew - “shaal”) - “to ask for; lay to charge”
TEACHERS’ TIP: IT IS NOT THE GREATNESS OF OUR TROUBLES, BUT THE LITTLENESS OF OUR FAITH THAT MAKES US COMPLAIN.
NEXT MEMORY VERSE: Exodus 4:2
Studies in Exodus
TOPIC: Moses Returns to Egypt
SCRIPTURE: Exodus 4
MEMORY VERSE: Exodus 4:2
Lesson 4 Exodus 4
INTRODUCTION: As this chapter begins, we see the conclusion of God’s commissioning of Moses at the burning bush. In the pages of history are the records of men who accomplished much with very little in their hands. (Example: 1 - David had a sling, 2 - Samson had a jaw bone, 3 - Gideon had his 300 men) Moses was told by God to go into Egypt and bring over two million people out from under the rule of the most powerful nation in the world at that time - the nation of Egypt. So, Moses, an eighty-year-old man, with his wife and two children, and with their total wealth packed on one small donkey, sets out to overthrow an empire, deliver a race and establish a nation. It is in this way that MOSES RETURNS TO EGYPT.
I MOSES’ OBJECTIONS ABOUT RETURNING TO EGYPT v 1-17
A. Moses objects about returning to Egypt because he says the people “will not believe me” v 1 This is actually Moses’ third excuse for not wanting to go to Egypt. (Exodus 3:11, 13) Moses seems to have forgotten that God had taken into account all the natural reluctance and hardness of the human heart. It was not Moses’ word that the people so desperately needed in Egypt, but it was the word of God that he brought with him that made the difference. (Hebrews 4:12; Philippians 2:15-16)
B. The Lord answers Moses’ excuse by giving him three miraculous signs to prove he was sent by God to the people v 2-9 Signs are more convincing than words, so God gives Moses these three miraculous signs: (Mark 16:17-18; John 4:48)
1) the rod turned into a serpent (v 2-5) - This serpent was a sign of God’s “overcoming power”, by bringing terrible judgments upon those who oppose His will. (Numbers 21:6)
2) the leprous hand healed (v 6-8) - This leprous hand being healed was a sign of God’s “restoring power.” He could restore Israel just as He restored Moses’ hand. (Matthew 8;23; 12:10-13)
3) the water turned to blood (v 9) - This water turned to blood was the sign of God’s “transforming power.” God is still able to transform the wretched water of the river of human life into life-carrying blood. (John 2:9)
C. Moses objects about returning to Egypt because he says he is “slow of speech” v 10 This is now Moses’ fourth excuse for not wanting to go to Egypt. (Exodus 3:11, 13: 4:1) Moses apparently, had some type of speech problem and felt inadequate to appear before Pharaoh and make a speech in such a place as Pharaoh’s court. The truth of the matter was that Moses was quite able to speak when it was time, but now he is only making excuses. (Exodus 8:26; 29; 9:29)
D. The Lord answers Moses’ excuse by telling him that He would give him the words to say v 11-12 The Lord tells Moses that it is He Who made Moses’ mouth and even permitted him to have a speech impediment. Moses was trusting only in the natural ability of man instead of in the supernatural ability of God. Some of the greatest preachers throughout history have been also some of the worst public speakers, yet God used them to carry His Word to the lost. (I Corinthians 2:1-5; 3:19; II Corinthians 10:10; 11:6)
E. The Lord provides Aaron to be Moses’ spokesman v 13-17 AARON (v 14) - “enlightened” - This is the first mention of Aaron in the Bible. Aaron was, by three years, the older brother of Moses. (Exodus 7:7) Moses here has finally refused to go to Egypt, and even asks God to send somebody else. Moses’ unbelief angers the Lord until the Lord, at last, allows Aaron to be Moses’ spokesman. Moses was now ready to go, as long as Aaron was with him, but before he did not want to go when again and again God Himself said He would be with him. Moses now has his spokesman, but no doubt has lost much of the honor that would have been his if he had not been slow to answer God’s call. Is God calling you to a special job in His service? Answer His call without delay. (I Samuel 3:8-10; Matthew 9:9; Acts 9:4-6)
II MOSES’ SURRENDER TO RETURN TO EGYPT v 18-31
A. Moses prepares to leave the land of Midian v 18-19a It is commendable that Moses wanted to leave his father-in-law in the right way. After all, it was Jethro who had taken Moses in when he was a fugitive from Egypt and had given his daughter in marriage to Moses AND provided him with a home and job for forty years. (Exodus 2:21) But, Moses’ words show that he was still not convinced about going to Egypt. Moses mentions nothing about the Lord’s appearing to him at the burning bush, nor of His promise to bring Israel up out of Egyptian bondage. God even has to repeat His command to Moses to “return to Egypt.” (v 19a)
B. Moses had three obstacles to take care of before he could be used to lead Israel out of Egypt v 19b-28
1) his employment to Jethro (v 18) - The Lord worked in Jethro’s heart and he was willing to let Moses leave. (Compare with Genesis 31:20, 31)
2) his enemies in Egypt who sought to kill him (v 19b-23) - Pharaoh Thotmes III who wanted to kill Moses has died, and Moses can safely return to Egypt. The Lord had taken care of this obstacle also.
3) his house must be set in order (v 24-26) - Before Moses would be allowed to be God’s ambassador in Egypt, there was one more long-neglected matter of which Moses needed to take care. The symbol of God’s covenant with Israel was circumcision. Apparently, Zipporah had resisted the ordinance of circumcision and Moses just let her have her way to keep peace in the family. Moses, obviously, thought he could get by with this area of disobedience. He just let it slide like many Christian workers do who neglect their own homes while trying to fix up other people’s homes. At this inn (v 24) on the way to Egypt, God struck down Moses and rendered him helpless. Zipporah, then had to administer the circumcision to her own son in order to save Moses’ life. At last Moses had set his own house in order. (I Timothy 3:4)
C. Moses and Aaron carry the good news of God’s deliverance to the elders of Israel in Egypt v 27-31 What a story Moses and Aaron had for the poor oppressed people of Israel. To them it was the good news of deliverance just as the Gospel of Jesus Christ is to every poor, oppressed sinner today. Notice how the children of Israel received this good news -
1) they believed (v 31)
2) they bowed (v 31)
3) they worshiped (v 31)
This chapter began with doubts and fears (v 1) and ends with faith and worship. (v 31)
news:
news:TEACHERS’ TIP: FAITH SEES THE INVISIBLE, BELIEVES THE INCREDIBLE AND RECEIVES THE IMPOSSIBLE!
NEXT MEMORY VERSE: Exodus 5:1
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