SOURCE FOR QUESTIONS
Exodus 15:22 through 24:11

‍KEY VERSE FOR MEMORIZATION
“Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for the earth is mine.” (Exodus 19:5)

BACKGROUND

The Children of Israel had just crossed the Red Sea. After experiencing the miracle of the bitter water made sweet, they left the oasis of Elim and were ready to travel through the Wilderness of Sin — a narrow, rocky area that ran parallel to the mountain range which included Mount Sinai. Once again the people were hungry and quick to complain. To meet their need for nourishment, God sent manna — small pearl-like wafers which tasted like honey. Later, in Rephidim, when the Israelites complained of thirst, God gave water from a rock.

The Amalekites, who were descendants of Esau, confronted Israel at this time. These people were nomads who lived in the wilderness around the Dead Sea and raided and killed for both sport and profit. Joshua led Israel to battle against them, while Aaron and Hur stood on a hill with Moses to hold up his hands. As Moses’ hands remained lifted up, God gave the victory to Israel.

Following the battle, Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, came to visit. After observing Moses working long hours to mediate disputes among the people, Jethro suggested Moses delegate to qualified men the job of judging less important matters. This would free Moses to make decisions regarding critical issues and give others the responsibility to help shoulder the burden of overseeing the people. Moses was quick to take Jethro’s suggestion.

After leaving Rephidim, the Children of Israel approached the desert and mountain of Sinai which is found in the south central Sinai Peninsula. It was there God met with Moses and gave His Law, a set of commands and guidelines including the Ten Commandments, which was designed to lead Israel to a life of practical holiness.

QUESTIONS

1. Soon after the Israelites crossed the Red Sea, they came to Marah where the water was bitter (Exodus 15:22-26). What did Moses cast into the water to sweeten it? What lessons can we learn from this?
   
2. Why did God allow the Children of Israel to suffer hunger and thirst in the wilderness? Exodus 15:24-25
   
3. When the Israelites ran out of food and complained again, God promised to send them “bread from heaven” (Exodus 16:4). What were some of the characteristics of manna (Exodus 16:14-28)? What was God’s purpose in providing it, beyond it being a source of nourishment?
   
4. As Joshua led Israel in battle against Amalek, Aaron and Hur lifted up Moses’ arms so that the Children of Israel would prevail (Exodus17:10-12). What valuable spiritual lesson does this teach us?  
   
5. What did Jethro recommend to Moses, and why was his suggestion valuable? Exodus 18:13-26
   
6. In Exodus 19:5-6, how did God promise to regard the Israelites if they obeyed Him? What was His purpose in this?
   
7. Exodus 20:3-6 instructed Israel to serve only the one true God in Heaven rather than idols. How does this apply to us today?
   
8. The first four of the Ten Commandments have to do with love and service to God. What do the last six commandments pertain to? Exodus 20:12-17

CONCLUSION

The Children of Israel began their sojourn in the wilderness. God worked many miracles for them along the way and promised that they would be a special treasure to Him as they honored Him. Let us remember that God will be with us on our journey to Heaven. He will consider us a special treasure as we honor and obey Him.