The Trial, The Verdict, and the Way of Escape
Interactive Study Companion
Before You Begin
Welcome!
This Interactive Study Companion is a little different from the others.
Think of it as part Bible study, part investigation, and part discovery.
Have you ever played the game Clue?
In Clue, players gather evidence, follow clues, compare information, and slowly piece together the bigger picture.
This study is designed to be approached in a similar way.
You will not be given all the answers.
Instead, you will be asked to:
- Search the Scriptures
- Define words
- Gather evidence
- Follow clues
- Compare passages
- Trace patterns
- Investigate connections
The goal is not to finish quickly.
The goal is to discover.
For this study you will need:
- Your Bible
- A notebook or journal
- A dictionary
- A pen or pencil
Throughout this study you will encounter clues.
Some clues will be found in Scripture.
Some clues will be found in definitions.
Some clues will be found in patterns that emerge as you search.
Take your time.
Write down your observations.
Gather your evidence.
Follow the trail.
And most importantly, have fun.
Studying God’s Word does not have to be boring.
So grab your Bible, open your notebook, and get ready.
It’s time to unlock some clues.
Let’s Start With the Word
Read the following passages before beginning:
- Exodus 20:18-21
- Exodus 20:20
- Exodus 32:9-14
- Exodus 32:30-32
- Ezekiel 2:3-4
- Ezekiel 3:7
- Exodus 20:5
- John 3:19
- John 15:14-15
- 1 Corinthians 10:13
Consider This
Most people approach Exodus 32 looking for the golden calf.
This study asks a different question.
What if the people were being tested before the calf was ever built?
What if the verdict existed before the judgment?
What if clues had already been provided?
As you work through this study, gather evidence before reaching conclusions.
Search It Out
Clue #1 – The Trial
Read:
- Exodus 20:20
- Judges 3:1-4
Questions
- According to Moses, what reason was given for the testing in Exodus 20:20?
- According to Judges 3:1-4, why were certain nations allowed to remain?
- What similarities do you find between these passages?
- Using a dictionary, find three definitions of the word trial. Which definition best fits Exodus 32 and why?
- What does a test reveal?
- What does a test develop?
- How might these passages help explain the events of Exodus 32?
Clue #2 – The Verdict
Read:
- Exodus 32:9
- Ezekiel 2:3-4
- Ezekiel 3:7
- John 3:19
Build an Evidence Log
Create a list of every description found in these passages.
Questions
- What verdict was given?
- What evidence supports the verdict?
- Using a dictionary, find three definitions of the word verdict. Which definition best fits these passages and why?
- Do these passages describe a single event or a repeated pattern?
- What can we learn about accountability from these examples?
Clue #3 – Generational Evidence
Read:
- Exodus 20:5
Questions
- How can the actions of one generation affect another?
- How can the choices we make today affect future generations?
- Why is personal accountability important?
- Why is repentance important?
- What doors might previous generations have opened?
- What doors might we be opening today?
Clue #4 – The Advocate
Read:
- Genesis 18:22-33
- Exodus 32:10-14
- Exodus 32:30-32
Compare and Contrast
Create two columns:
Abraham
Moses
Record your observations.
Consider:
- What was happening?
- What concern was expressed?
- What argument was presented?
- What outcome followed?
Questions
- What similarities do you observe?
- What differences do you observe?
- Using a dictionary, find three definitions of the word advocate. Which definition best describes Moses and why?
- What does this teach us about intercession?
Clue #5 – Friendship
Read:
- John 15:14-15
- Exodus 32:10-14
Questions
- According to John 15, what characteristics describe a friend?
- What is the difference between a servant and a friend?
- What evidence of friendship do you observe in Exodus 32?
- How might friendship influence understanding?
- Why is relationship important?
Clue #6 – The Way of Escape
Read:
- 1 Corinthians 10:13
Questions
- What promise is given in this verse?
- Who provides the way of escape?
- Why is a way of escape necessary?
- How might this verse connect to Exodus 32?
Let’s Decode the Comparison
Understanding the Escape Room
An escape room is a challenge where participants work together to discover clues, solve problems, communicate, avoid false solutions, and find the correct path to the exit.
Success depends upon paying attention to the clues.
As you complete the next activities, consider how this comparison might help us better understand Exodus 32.
Match the Comparison
Escape Room Elements
- Clues
- Storyline
- Door
- Way of Escape
- Team
- Communication
- False Solution
Biblical Comparisons
A. Jesus
B. God’s Word
C. Building the Golden Calf
D. Working Together
E. The Seed
F. Speaking Truth in Love
G. 1 Corinthians 10:13
Follow the Storyline
Read:
- Genesis 3:15
Questions
- What promise is given in this passage?
- Who is the promise concerning?
- Why is this passage important?
- How might this verse function as a clue?
- What storyline begins here?
Follow the Clues
Read:
- Exodus 20:20
- Exodus 20:5
- Exodus 32:9
- John 3:19
- John 15:14-15
- 1 Corinthians 10:13
Clue Hunt
Identify at least one clue from each passage.
Record your observations in your notebook.
Questions
- Which clue stood out to you the most?
- Which clue was easiest to overlook?
- What happens when clues are ignored?
- What happens when clues are understood?
Scripture Connection Activity
Match the Scripture to the Theme.
Scriptures
- Exodus 20:20
- Exodus 32:9
- Exodus 32:10-14
- John 15:14-15
- 1 Corinthians 10:13
Themes
A. Friendship
B. Trial
C. Verdict
D. Advocate
E. Escape
True or False
- _____ God told Israel they were being tested before Exodus 32.
- _____ A verdict is reached before evidence is considered.
- _____ Moses appealed to God’s covenant promises.
- _____ Friendship is discussed in John 15.
- _____ God promises a way of escape.
Multiple Choice
According to Exodus 20:20, the testing was connected to:
A. Fear
B. Obedience
C. Moses
D. Egypt
In Exodus 32:9, Israel is described as:
A. Faithful
B. Humble
C. Stiff-necked
D. Patient
Which passage discusses friendship?
A. Exodus 20:5
B. John 15:14-15
C. Exodus 32:9
D. Judges 3:1-4
According to 1 Corinthians 10:13, God provides:
A. Wealth
B. Popularity
C. A way of escape
D. Recognition
Who appealed to God’s covenant promises in Exodus 32?
A. Aaron
B. Joshua
C. Moses
D. Miriam
Fill in the Blank
- God has come to __________ you. (Exodus 20:20)
- I have seen this people, and indeed it is a __________ people. (Exodus 32:9)
- You are My __________ if you do whatever I command you. (John 15:14)
- God will also make the way of __________. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
Bringing It Into Everyday Life
Think about a difficult season in your own life.
Consider:
- Have you ever been tested without realizing it?
- Have you ever understood something only after looking back?
- What evidence of God’s faithfulness can you identify today?
- What clues might you be overlooking?
Record your thoughts in your notebook.
Baby Step Reflection
One of the discoveries in this study is that clues were present before the events of Exodus 32 unfolded.
Spend a few moments reflecting on this question:
Am I collecting clues for myself, or am I depending on someone else to collect them for me?
Record your thoughts in your notebook.
Continue the Journey
This week, begin an Evidence Log.
Create a page in your notebook and record examples of:
- God’s guidance
- God’s provision
- God’s correction
- God’s faithfulness
As you build your list, ask yourself:
- What clues have I already been given?
- Which clues did I only understand later?
- Which clues might I be overlooking today?
Gather the evidence.
Follow the clues.
Continue the journey.
You may discover that God has been speaking more than you realized.
Between a Father and HIS daughter, Home of The Artisans Pen 