Discussion Guide
Hang on tight this week—there's a lot of ground to cover! We’re going to trace God’s plan from the family of Jacob (whose name was changed to Israel, meaning “to struggle with God”) all the way to how God set apart an entire nation to display His holiness. Israel was meant to be a light to the nations, pointing to the one true God, and ultimately Jesus. As we explore these passages, we will see how seriously God takes sin, how deeply He loves His people—offering mercy and grace—and how He calls them to honor Him and be set apart. We’ll also face some hard questions. God’s Word can sometimes be difficult to understand, but we will see how to dig deeper, read in context, and trust that God will honor our diligence as we seek Him.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
1. Childhood & Choices: Were you more of a rule-follower or rule-breaker as a kid? How about now? Do you tend to follow the rules or go your own way?
2. Read Exodus 1:16-21. We arrive on the scene where the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt and growing in number. Pharaoh, fearing they might overtake the land, has commanded the Hebrew midwives to kill every baby boy born to the Hebrews. What do you think the midwives saw or knew about the God of the Hebrews that caused them to fear Him more than Pharaoh? How did God respond to the midwives? What does this passage show us about God’s compassion for those who fear and honor Him?
3. Read Exodus 32:9-14, Deuteronomy 32:36, Genesis 6:6. God speaks of “consuming” the Israelites for their rebellion. Was God justified in this? Have you ever wondered if God “changes His mind”? How did Moses act as an intercessor (priest) for the people? Why is it important to study the context of these events to understand God’s actions and character?
4. Read Numbers 20:7-13. Sometimes leaders miss the mark. What specific instructions did God give Moses to bring water from the rock? Did Moses have reason to be frustrated with the Israelites? What did his anger affect his obedience? Does God’s response seem harsh? How does it reveal His holiness and righteousness?
5. Action Steps: Ask yourself: Who am I more concerned about honoring—God or people? Whose approval matters most to me? This week, slow down and study the surrounding context of this passage. Let the historical and cultural details draw you closer to God, helping you see His heart, His justice, and His mercy more clearly. God works through both obedience and failure, raising questions about justice, mercy, and His unchanging nature. However, these events lead to showing us God’s greater redemptive plan, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus.
Deeper Dive (Optional): Read 2 Samuel 11:1-17; 12:1-14. David, “a man after God’s own heart,” committed adultery with Bathsheba and arranged for her husband's death. God confronted him through the prophet Nathan. David faced real consequences—loss, grief, and the public exposure of his sin—but he also received God’s mercy and forgiveness.
How does David’s story remind us that even God’s chosen leaders are not above His commands? What does this teach us about God’s justice and mercy working together?