Study Questions

Dr. Jeffrey Rubenstein Lecture Notes

Texts and Ideas: Antiquity and the Enlightenment

Questions on Exodus, Deuteronomy, and Jonah
Major Themes in Exodus
  • Exodus contains three significant themes:
    1. Chapters 1-15: Slavery and Redemption from Egypt
    • The narrative begins with the description of the Israelites' oppression in Egypt and their subsequent salvation.
    1. Chapters 16-24, 32-34: Covenant at Mt. Sinai, Revelation, and the Sin of the Molten Calf
    • These chapters discuss the establishment of the covenant between God and the Israelites at Mount Sinai, the divine law revealed there, and the incident involving the molten calf.
    1. Chapters 25-31, 35-40: Building of the Tabernacle and Consecration of the Priests
    • The focus shifts to the construction of the Tabernacle, which serves as a portable dwelling for God among His people, and the ritual for consecrating the priests who will serve there.
God’s Plan and Israel’s Understanding

  1. Slavery in Egypt - Part of God's Grand Plan

    • God had previously communicated the Israelites' future oppression to Abraham in Genesis 15:13-14.
    • The hardening of Pharaoh's heart appears strategically implemented by God, raising questions about the ultimate goals behind these actions (refer to Exodus 7:1-7; 13:3-4).
    • Key Questions:
      • What does God achieve through this narrative?
      • What lessons do the Egyptians and Israelites learn from their experiences?

  2. The Role of Miracles and Plagues

    • Explore the necessity and effects of the miracles and plagues unleashed upon Egypt.
    • Consider their significance in demonstrating God’s power and authority.

  3. Introduction to God

    • Both Moses and the Israelites undergo a process of being introduced to God (see Exodus 3-4; 6:2-9).
    • Address the reasons behind their reluctance and what is encapsulated in Exodus 6:3.

  4. The Meaning and Function of Passover

    • Analyze the Passover as described in Exodus 12-13, including its ritual significance and the role it plays in Israel's liberation.

  5. Moses’s Development as a Leader

    • Track Moses's journey from birth through education to leadership development.
    • Discuss the qualities defining Moses as a leader and his character traits.

  6. Manifestations of God

    • God initially appears to Moses in a burning bush and later as a pillar of fire and cloud among the Israelites.
    • Explore the significance of these forms of manifestation in the larger narrative context (see Exodus 20:4).

  7. God’s Revelation at Mt. Sinai

    • Describe how God reveals Himself at Mount Sinai and analyze the people's reaction.
    • Discuss God's concerns regarding the Israelites “breaking through” the covenant boundaries (Exodus 19:18-25).

  8. Covenant with God

    • In Chapter 19, the Israelites enter into a covenant (also referenced in 24:3-8).
    • Examination of the content of the covenant spans Chapters 20-24:
      • Discuss the numerous laws presented and their various subjects.
      • Outline what is required from both the people and God within the covenant framework.

  9. Attitudes Toward Strangers and Non-Israelites

    • Reflect on the text's stance regarding non-Israelites, considering ethical implications (Exodus 22:21-24; 23:9).
    • What are the repercussions for not being part of the covenant?

  10. The Sin of the Molten Calf

    • Narrative discussed in Chapters 32-34:
      • Analyze the nature of the sin committed with the molten calf and God's reaction to it.
      • Insight into Moses's intercession with God (Exodus 32:10-14, 32:30-34).
      • Exploration of God's change of mind in relation to the punishment and forgiveness (Exodus 32:9-10, 32:11-14, 32:30-35, 34:9).
      • What does this dynamic suggest about the nature of the covenantal relationship?

  11. Purpose of the Tabernacle

    • Examine the intention behind the construction of the Tabernacle and its significance in Israelite worship and community life.