Exodus 17 Bible Study Questions:
- Where have we seen the Israelites complaining about water before this chapter, and what was done for them?
- What did the people complain to Moses about in 17:2?
- What can be learned from the way Moses responds to their complaining?
- What everyday experiences of life does God use to test his people even today?
- How is God’s testing beneficial to our lives?
- What determines if something is a test or temptation?
- What was Moses afraid the people would do and who did he cry out to?
- Who and what was Moses supposed to take with him to find water at the rock of Horeb?
- How is the rock that Moses struck like Jesus Christ?
- What other name is Mt. Horeb referred to in the Bible? (Hint:jump ahead and skim Ex. 19)
- What is the meaning of the names “Massah” and “Meribah” given by Moses?
- Who were the Amalekites the descendants of and what do we know about this person? (Hint: Genesis 36:12; 16; Hebrews 12:16)
- The Amalekites attacked right after Israel was weary from travel and lack of water, but also after received a special blessing of water from the Lord. Why might Satan use weary times or times of great blessing as a time to attack on the Lord’s people? Where do we see this same type of thing happen in Jesus’s life? (Hint: Matthew 4)
- What three elements were needed for the Israelites to win this battle?
- What can we learn from the way Moses was helped by Aaron and Hur during the battle?
- What did the Lord want recorded about this battle and why?
- What did it mean for the Israelites to have the Lord as their banner?
Application:
- What expectations may I carry that cause me to use others as a scapegoat for my problems rather than turning to God for comfort or a solution?
- What is the last thing the Lord allowed in my life that I complained about?
- How often do I ask the Lord to change the other person rather than asking him “What should I do?” How can I hear the Lord in these difficult relationships/interactions?
- Why is it beneficial about having others engage the battle I am facing alongside me? How often do I seek that accountability and help?
- Like Moses holding his hands up in intercession for the people, what do I find difficult about staying in prayer for longer periods of time? What helps might I use in my prayer life?
- What is one promise of God that I find especially helpful to hold onto? Share this with your group or a friend.
- Recall ways the Lord has been my banner. Where could these answers be written down and kept as a reminder to me about the character of God?