Exodus 5:1-7:7: Rebuff and Resolution

The Christian student group discovered a sure-fire winner for its outreach meeting. Here was a famous businessman who was sure to attract a crowd. Confidently, the Christians plugged away at inviting their friends, and their work was rewarded with a packed room. An hour or so later they fled the room in defeat. They had tried to obey God but their venture failed. In a word, their hero speaker bombed. Discouragement enveloped the group like a dense fog. No doubt Moses felt the same way, except the stakes were higher. In this study, he and Aaron are soundly rebuffed, though they doggedly pursue God's will with obedient courage.

Warming Up to God

What struggles have you faced today? Tell God about them, and let him show you through Scripture how he deals with evil.

Read Exodus 5:1-7:7

Discovering the Word

• What were the major outcomes of the first encounter between Moses and Aaron and Pharaoh (Ex 5)?
• Describe Moses' feelings and the logic of his cry to God (5:22-23).
• The statement "I am the LORD" is repeated four times in 6:1-8.
• What does God emphasize about himself in response to Moses' complaint (6:1-5)?
• What does the Lord's message to Israel emphasize about his plans for them (6:6-8)?
• Moses is concerned that Pharaoh won't listen to him (6:30). Yet how will Pharaoh's stubbornness help to fulfill God's plans for Egypt (7:3-5)?
• In spite of defeat and discouragement (5:2; 6:9, 12, 30), Moses "did just as the LORD commanded" (7:6). What do you think brought him to this decisive obedience?

Applying the Word

• Give an example from your life of when discouragement blurred the clarity of God's power and promises.
• What definitive spiritual decision have you made during your life as a Christian?

Responding in Prayer

Thank God for the people and circumstances he used to influence your walk with Christ.