Religion & Spirituality
Pastor Steve Ruetschle Exodus 32-33 1. In Exodus chapter 24, a sacred-blood covenant was made between God and the Israelites. In verse 3 the Israelites promised with one voice…”Everything the Lord has said we will do.” What was the nature of this covenant? Why was it necessary? What would happen if the covenant was broken? Have you ever made a covenant with God? Please share. 2. In Exodus 32 we find that as Moses was “so long” in returning from the mountain, the people beseeched Aaron to “…make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don’t know what has happened to him.” So Aaron made an idol, the golden calf. It’s interesting to note that the Israelites returned to the god that was worshiped during their captivity, Apis the bull god. What ‘golden calves’ are worshiped in our culture? Has there been a time when you returned to an old habit or practice while waiting for God? What was the result? 3. In Exodus 32:24 Aaron broke the 9th commandment is a big way. Is it ever okay to tell a lie? Even to spare someone’s feelings? How about a “little white lie?” 4. Read 32:17-33:6. What were the consequences of the Israelite’s sin of idolatry? (we count six) What consequences to sin have seen in your life? 5. Read Exodus 33:12-17. What is the significance of God knowing Moses by name? Moses interceded on behalf of the people and God granted Moses’ request. Given how angry God was with the Israelites (see 33:5) what did God do and why? Name one person you’ve prayerfully interceded for? What happened?