Part 1: Exodus 32 (A & B) Review
verses 1-14
Primary Review Scriptures
Read:
- Exodus 32:1–14
Additional Scriptures Referenced During the Review
Read and compare:
- Exodus 13:21–22
- Exodus 14:19–20
- Exodus 24:1–18
- Exodus 18:13–26
- Exodus 24:13–14
- Deuteronomy 17:8–13
- Exodus 23:7
- Romans 13:1–4
- 1 Samuel 15:23
- Acts 18:15
- 1 Corinthians 6:1
- Exodus 17:15
- John 17:14–16
- 2 Corinthians 5:20
- Daniel 1
- Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 39–50)
- Matthew 9:10–13
Quick Review
As you review Exodus 32(A & B), consider the following:
The people claimed they needed a new god because they did not know what had become of Moses. Yet throughout their journey, God had repeatedly demonstrated His presence among them.
The review also revealed several details not emphasized previously:
- God’s presence never left Israel.
- Different groups experienced God’s presence at different levels.
- Moses operated within a governmental structure.
- Jethro helped establish a system of delegated authority.
- Biblical government helps us better understand authority structures that still exist today.
- Followers of God are called to live within earthly systems while remaining loyal to God’s Kingdom.
Multiple Choice
1. According to Exodus 32:1, what reason did the people give for wanting Aaron to make gods for them?
A. They wanted to worship Egyptian gods again
B. They feared an enemy attack
C. They did not know what had become of Moses
D. They wanted to return to Egypt
2. Which visible signs did God provide to demonstrate His presence among Israel?
A. A rainbow and thunder
B. A pillar of cloud by day and fire by night
C. An angel only
D. A burning bush
3. In Exodus 24, which group was allowed to come further up the mountain?
A. The entire nation
B. The mixed multitude
C. Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy elders
D. Joshua only
4. Who advised Moses to delegate responsibilities among leaders?
A. Aaron
B. Joshua
C. Caleb
D. Jethro
5. According to Exodus 18, what problem was Moses experiencing?
A. Lack of food
B. Lack of military strength
C. Judging every matter himself
D. Lack of elders
6. Which passage teaches that governing authorities are established by God?
A. Romans 13:1–4
B. Genesis 1:1
C. Psalm 23
D. Matthew 5
True or False
1. God’s presence departed from Israel before the golden calf incident.
□ True
□ False
2. Everyone at Mount Sinai experienced God’s presence in exactly the same way.
□ True
□ False
3. Moses entered further into God’s presence than the rest of the people.
□ True
□ False
4. Jethro’s advice created a structure of delegated authority.
□ True
□ False
5. Romans 13 teaches that authority ultimately originates with God.
□ True
□ False
6. Believers are called to serve God while living within earthly governments.
□ True
□ False
Fill in the Blank
1.
God led Israel by a pillar of __________ by day and a pillar of __________ by night.
2.
The people said they did not know what had become of __________.
3.
Moses’ father-in-law was __________.
4.
Jethro advised Moses to appoint leaders over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and __________.
5.
Romans 13 teaches that there is no authority except from __________.
Match the Scripture
Match the Scripture with the event or lesson.
| Scripture | Lesson |
|---|---|
| Exodus 14:19–20 | _____ |
| Exodus 24:9–11 | _____ |
| Exodus 18:13–26 | _____ |
| Deuteronomy 17:8–13 | _____ |
| Romans 13:1–4 | _____ |
Choices:
A. Delegated leadership structure
B. God’s presence protecting Israel
C. Difficult cases brought to the higher authority
D. Authority established by God
E. Leaders sharing a covenant meal in God’s presence
Search the Scriptures
Using the passages from this review, search the Scriptures and answer:
1.
What evidence can you find that God was still present with Israel before the golden calf incident?
2.
What differences do you notice between:
- The people at the foot of the mountain
- The seventy elders
- Moses
3.
Why did Jethro believe Moses needed help judging the people?
4.
How does delegated authority help a large group function effectively?
5.
What does Romans 13 teach about the source of governmental authority?
6.
How can believers respect authority while remaining faithful to God?
Consider This
The review highlighted something important.
The people claimed they needed another leader because Moses was gone.
Yet Moses was never meant to replace God.
God’s presence remained among the people.
The issue was not the absence of God.
The issue was where the people were looking.
The review also revealed that Moses operated within a system of authority that God used to help govern the nation. Rather than carrying every burden alone, leadership was distributed through trusted individuals.
Today, we still recognize many forms of delegated authority in governments, courts, communities, and organizations.
Understanding these structures helps us recognize that authority itself is not the problem. The real question is whether authority is being exercised according to God’s standards.
Image Review: Are America’s Laws Founded on the Ten Commandments?
Take a moment to carefully examine the image.
The image presents a claim regarding the relationship between American law and the Ten Commandments.
As you review the image, compare its claims with Scripture and the passages studied during this review.
Observation Questions
- What claim is the image making about the Ten Commandments and American law?
- What evidence does the image present to support its claim?
- Which parts of the image focus on Scripture?
- Which parts of the image focus on the government?
- What questions came to mind as you examined the image?
Search the Scriptures
Read:
- Exodus 18:13–26
- Exodus 24:1–14
- Deuteronomy 17:8–13
- Romans 13:1–4
Questions
- What governmental structure did Jethro recommend to Moses?
- What responsibilities were given to the leaders over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens?
- What role did Moses continue to serve within this structure?
- How does Romans 13 describe governing authorities?
- According to these passages, what relationship exists between God and government?
Multiple Choice
According to Exodus 18, Jethro advised Moses to appoint leaders over:
□ Tribes only
□ Thousands, Hundreds, Fifties, and Tens
□ Cities and Villages
□ Priests and Levites only
According to Romans 13:1, governing authorities are:
□ Self-appointed
□ Temporary
□ Established by God
□ Established by men alone
In Exodus 24, Moses was instructed to:
□ Abandon leadership
□ Destroy the governmental structure
□ Come before the LORD
□ Return to Egypt
True or False
□ True □ False
The governmental structure recommended by Jethro was intended to help Moses manage the needs of the people.
□ True □ False
Romans 13 teaches that all authority ultimately originates from God.
□ True □ False
The image encourages viewers to compare governmental systems with Scripture.
□ True □ False
The Scriptures studied suggest that leadership carries responsibility before God.
Match the Scripture
Match the passage to the topic being discussed.
| Scripture | Topic |
|---|---|
| Exodus 18:13–26 | _____ |
| Exodus 24:1–14 | _____ |
| Deuteronomy 17:8–13 | _____ |
| Romans 13:1–4 | _____ |
Topics:
A. Difficult cases brought before a higher authority
B. Moses and the leadership structure
C. Governing authorities established by God
D. Moses ascending before the LORD
Consider This
The review notes pointed out that many governmental structures described in Scripture still have recognizable counterparts today.
For example:
- Leaders over thousands
- Leaders over hundreds
- Leaders over fifties
- Leaders over tens
Reflection Questions
- Why do you think God allowed structured leadership among His people?
- What problems was Jethro trying to solve?
- How does proper leadership help a community function?
- What responsibilities come with positions of authority?
- How should believers respond to authority according to Romans 13?
- What is the difference between recognizing authority and worshiping authority?
Image Review: Does This Government Break Seven of the Ten Commandments?
Carefully examine the image.
The image presents a comparison between specific commandments found in Exodus 20 and practices identified within modern government.
Before answering, read:
- Exodus 20:1-17
- Exodus 23:7
Search the Scriptures
Compare the Commandments
Review each commandment identified in the image.
For each one:
- Read the commandment directly from Scripture.
- Examine the claim presented in the image.
- Determine whether the image accurately represents the commandment.
- Record your observations.
Multiple Choice
According to Exodus 20, where should believers look to learn God’s commandments?
□ Government documents
□ Public opinion
□ Scripture
□ Historical traditions
According to Exodus 23:7, God declares:
□ I will justify the wicked
□ I will not justify the wicked
□ All governments are righteous
□ Judgment belongs only to men
True or False
□ True □ False
The image encourages students to compare modern practices with the Ten Commandments.
□ True □ False
Exodus 23:7 states that God will justify the wicked.
□ True □ False
The purpose of this exercise is to compare claims with Scripture.
□ True □ False
Believers should examine every claim in light of God’s Word.
Consider This
As you compare the image with Exodus 20:
- Which commandment stood out to you the most?
- Were there any claims that surprised you?
- What did you learn by comparing the image directly with Scripture?
- Why is it important to verify information rather than simply accept or reject it?
- How does Exodus 23:7 contribute to this discussion?
Record your observations.
Image Review: Combining Many Into One
Carefully examine the image.
The image introduces the phrase:
E Pluribus Unum
and references the Treaty of Tripoli.
Before answering, research:
- The meaning of the phrase E Pluribus Unum
- The historical context of the Treaty of Tripoli
Record your findings.
Multiple Choice
The phrase E Pluribus Unum is commonly translated as:
□ One becomes many
□ Out of many, one
□ United we stand
□ Strength through government
Match the Following
Match the term with its description.
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| E Pluribus Unum | _____ |
| Israel | _____ |
| Twelve Tribes | _____ |
| Treaty of Tripoli | _____ |
Choices:
A. Historical agreement referenced in the image
B. A nation composed of many tribes
C. “Out of many, one”
D. God’s covenant people
Search the Scriptures
Read:
- Exodus 19:5-6
- Exodus 24:1-8
Questions
- What united the tribes of Israel?
- What made Israel one nation?
- What role did covenant play in their identity?
- What observations do you make when comparing these passages with the phrase E Pluribus Unum?
Consider This
Throughout Scripture, individuals, families, tribes, and nations are often brought together for a common purpose.
As you reflect on the image:
- What unites people?
- What creates identity?
- What creates loyalty?
- What creates citizenship?
Record your observations.
Image Review: “In God We Trust”
Carefully examine the image.
The image asks an important question:
When a nation says, “In God We Trust,” which god is being referenced?
Before answering, read:
- Exodus 20:1-5
- Exodus 32:1-8
- Exodus 17:15
- John 17:14-16
- 2 Corinthians 5:20
Multiple Choice
According to Exodus 20, the first commandment addresses:
□ Government
□ Leadership
□ Worship
□ Military service
According to Exodus 17:15, Moses called the altar:
□ El Shaddai
□ Jehovah Jireh
□ Yahweh Nissi (The LORD Is My Banner)
□ Jehovah Rapha
True or False
□ True □ False
The first commandment identifies who God’s people are to worship.
□ True □ False
Exodus 32 records a time when God’s people placed something else in a position that belonged to God.
□ True □ False
Believers are called to test ideas and claims against Scripture.
Search the Scriptures
Read:
- Exodus 20:1-5
- Exodus 32:1-8
Questions
- What does God say about worship and allegiance?
- What happened when Israel attempted to create a visible representation to follow?
- What lessons can be learned from the golden calf incident?
Read:
- John 17:14-16
- 2 Corinthians 5:20
Questions
- How does Jesus describe His followers?
- What does it mean to be an ambassador?
- How can believers live in a nation while maintaining loyalty to God’s Kingdom?
Consider This
The image asks a question rather than providing an answer.
As you reflect on the passages above, consider:
- Who do you trust?
- Who do you follow?
- Who is your King?
- What influences your decisions?
- What serves as your banner?
- What does it mean to say, “In God We Trust”?
Record your observations and support them with Scripture.
Personal Application
The review raised several modern questions:
- Who are you ultimately following?
- Do you place more confidence in human leaders than in God?
- How do you respond when a trusted leader is absent?
- Can you recognize God’s presence even when circumstances seem uncertain?
The review also explored the relationship between biblical government and modern government structures.
Consider the images and discussions from the review:
- What similarities can you identify between ancient leadership structures and those used today?
- What differences do you notice?
- What role should faith play in public life?
- What does it mean to be a citizen of God’s Kingdom while living within an earthly nation?
The review concluded with another important question:
If believers are ambassadors of Christ, how do we serve faithfully in the world without becoming absorbed by it?
Reflect on the examples of:
- Daniel in Babylon
- Joseph in Egypt
- Moses in Pharaoh’s household
- Jesus among sinners
What can these examples teach us about living faithfully wherever God places us?
Part 2: Exodus 32 (C)
Verses 15 – 29
Let’s Start With the Word
Focus Scripture
Read:
- Exodus 32:15–29
Supporting Scriptures
Read and compare:
- Exodus 31:18
- Deuteronomy 9:10
- Genesis 18:20–21
- Mark 8:22–26
- Deuteronomy 9:21
- Numbers 5:11–31
- Exodus 19:5–6
- Exodus 19:10–15
- 2 Chronicles 28:19
What Stands Out To You?
After reading Exodus 32:15–29:
- What stands out to you?
- What surprised you?
- What questions do you have?
- What observations do you make about Moses?
- What observations do you make about Joshua?
- What observations do you make about Aaron?
- What observations do you make about the Levites?
Record your observations.
Search Word
Consecrate
Using a dictionary, Bible dictionary, concordance, Blue Letter Bible, or other study tools:
Define This
What does the word Consecrate mean?
Synonyms
Which words are similar in meaning to consecrate?
- Sanctify
- Dedicate
- Set Apart
- Devote
- Purify
- Separate
What other synonyms did you discover?
Antonyms
Which words are opposite in meaning to consecrate?
- Defile
- Pollute
- Profane
- Corrupt
- Unholy
What other antonyms did you discover?
Search the Scriptures
Re: The Tablets Written by God
Read:
- Exodus 32:15–16
- Exodus 31:18
- Deuteronomy 9:10
Questions
- What was Moses carrying as he descended the mountain?
- Who wrote upon the tablets?
- What details are given concerning the writing?
- Why do you think Scripture emphasizes that both the tablets and the writing came from God?
- What observations do you make concerning the covenant?
Re: Joshua and Moses Hearing the Same Sound
Read:
- Exodus 32:17–18
Questions
- What did Joshua believe he was hearing?
- How did Moses interpret the same sound?
- What information did Moses possess that Joshua did not?
- Why might two people hear the same event differently?
- How can prior knowledge influence understanding?
Follow the Thread
Read:
- Genesis 18:20–21
Questions
- Why do you think this passage was referenced during the study?
- What similarities do you observe between Genesis 18 and Exodus 32?
- What can these passages teach us about testimony, investigation, and judgment?
- Why is it important to understand a matter fully before reaching conclusions?
Re: Seeing but Not Yet Seeing
Read:
- Mark 8:22–26
Questions
- What did the man see after Jesus first touched him?
- Was his understanding complete?
- What happened after Jesus touched him again?
- How might this passage relate to spiritual understanding?
- Can someone observe something correctly while still misunderstanding what they are seeing?
- How might this passage relate to Joshua’s interpretation of the sounds coming from the camp?
Re: The Golden Calf
Read:
- Exodus 32:19–20
- Deuteronomy 9:21
Questions
- What actions did Moses take against the calf?
- Why do you think Moses completely destroyed it?
- Why do you think he reduced it to powder?
- Why do you think he scattered it upon the water?
- Why do you think the people were made to drink it?
- What observations do you make?
Follow the Thread
Read:
- Numbers 5:11–31
Questions
- What similarities do you observe between Numbers 5 and Exodus 32?
- What role does water play in each passage?
- What observations do you make regarding accountability?
- Why do you think this connection appeared during the study?
Re: Aaron and Leadership
Read:
- Exodus 32:25
- 2 Chronicles 28:19
Questions
- What condition were the people in, according to Exodus 32:25?
- What responsibility had been entrusted to Aaron?
- What role did Aaron play in the events that followed?
- What observations do you make regarding leadership?
- How can leadership influence the direction of a people?
Re: The Choice We Have to Make: Who Is On The LORD’S Side?
Read:
- Exodus 32:26–28
Questions
- What question did Moses ask?
- Who responded?
- What distinguished the Levites from the others?
- What observations do you make regarding loyalty and obedience?
- What can be learned from their response?
Re: Consecration
Read:
- Exodus 19:5–6
- Exodus 19:10–15
- Exodus 32:29
Questions
- What was God’s original calling for Israel in Exodus 19?
- How were the people instructed to prepare themselves?
- What does Exodus 32:29 reveal about consecration?
- What observations do you make concerning obedience and being set apart?
- How do Exodus 19 and Exodus 32 connect to one another?
Multiple Choice
According to Exodus 32:17, Joshua believed he heard:
□ Singing
□ War
□ Trumpets
□ Weeping
According to Exodus 32:20, Moses:
□ Hid the calf
□ Melted the calf and kept it
□ Burned the calf, ground it to powder, and scattered it upon the water
□ Returned the calf to Aaron
According to Exodus 32:26, who gathered themselves unto Moses?
□ The Elders
□ The Priests
□ The Levites
□ The Mixed Multitude
According to Exodus 32:29, Moses instructed the Levites to:
□ Return to Egypt
□ Consecrate themselves unto the LORD
□ Build an altar
□ Ascend the mountain
True or False
□ True □ False
The tablets were written by God.
□ True □ False
Joshua correctly identified the sounds coming from the camp.
□ True □ False
Moses ignored the golden calf.
□ True □ False
The Levites responded when Moses asked who was on the LORD’S side.
□ True □ False
Consecration is a major theme in Exodus 32:29.
Fill in the Blank
Complete the Scriptures
- The writing was the writing of __________.
- Moses burned the calf and ground it to __________.
- Joshua said there was a noise of __________ in the camp.
- Moses asked, “Who is on the __________ side?”
- Consecrate yourselves today to the __________.
Match the Scripture
Match the passage to the event.
| Scripture | Event |
|---|---|
| Exodus 32:15–16 | _____ |
| Exodus 32:17–18 | _____ |
| Exodus 32:19–20 | _____ |
| Exodus 32:26 | _____ |
| Exodus 32:29 | _____ |
Choices:
A. The tablets written by God
B. Joshua and Moses hear the sounds from the camp
C. The golden calf destroyed
D. Who is on the LORD’S side?
E. Consecrate yourselves today unto the LORD
Consider This
Throughout this study, we see a contrast between appearance and reality.
Joshua heard one thing.
Moses understood something else.
The people claimed to be worshiping, yet they had departed from God’s instructions.
Aaron permitted what should have been restrained.
The Levites responded when called.
As you reflect on these passages, consider:
- What is the difference between hearing and understanding?
- What is the difference between seeing and perceiving?
- What does it mean to be set apart unto God?
- What does it mean to stand on the LORD’S side?
Record your observations.
Before You Go, Hold Onto This Thought
Exodus 32:29 introduces a word that will continue to unfold throughout Scripture:
Consecrate.
To be consecrated is more than belonging to a group. It involves being set apart for God’s purposes.
As you prepare for the next study, consider the question Moses asked:
“Who is on the LORD’S side?”
The answer to that question continues to challenge God’s people today.
Key Scriptures for Meditation
- Exodus 32:15–29
- Exodus 31:18
- Deuteronomy 9:10
- Genesis 18:20–21
- Mark 8:22–26
- Deuteronomy 9:21
- Numbers 5:11–31
- Exodus 19:5–6
- Exodus 19:10–15
- Exodus 32:29
Gentle Invitation to Return
Thank you for joining us for this study of Exodus 32(C).
Take time to revisit the Scriptures, compare passage with passage, and continue searching the Word.
Join us again for the next Understanding Covenant Language study as we continue our journey through Exodus 32.
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