Enjoy the YouTube Study Video for Part 1
Introduction to Study
This study corresponds to the YouTube Playlist “Understanding Covenant Language Exodus 33(A) Part 1.” The foundational verse for this study is Exodus 33:1-3 NKJV, where Yahweh tells Moses that he will not go with the people to the Promised Land because they were a stiff-necked people.
In this part of the Understanding Covenant Language study of Exodus 33, we will be examining the tension between God’s faithfulness to keep His promises and Israel’s condition as a stiff-necked people. We will explore what it means for God to continue His promises while warning that His presence would not go with them, and consider the importance of obedience, endurance, and remaining faithful so that we do not fall short of receiving what God has promised.
Before You Begin…
Materials Needed
- Bible
- Notebook or Study Journal
- Pen or Pencil
Free Research Tools
- Dictionary: Any online search engine available, i.e., Google Search
- Bible Reference Tools: Blueletterbible.com
- Various Bible Translations/Versions: Biblegateway.com
- Bible Topic Study: OpenBible.info/topics
Let’s Start With the Word
(All studies were completed using the NKJV translation unless otherwise noted. You may also compare the verse with other translations utilizing Bible apps like Biblegateway.com or Blueletterbible.com.)
Foundational Scripture
Exodus 33:1-3 NKJV
The Command to Leave Sinai
33 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Depart and go up from here, you and the people whom you have brought out of the land of Egypt, to the land of which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, ‘To your descendants I will give it.’ 2 And I will send My Angel before you, and I will drive out the Canaanite and the Amorite and the Hittite and the Perizzite and the Hivite and the Jebusite. 3 Go up to a land flowing with milk and honey; for I will not go up in your midst, lest I consume you on the way, for you are a stiff-necked people.”
Search It Out
- In Exodus 33:1-3, God promises to bring Israel into the land He swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, yet He says He will not go up in their midst. What does this teach us about the difference between receiving God’s promises and maintaining close fellowship with God?
- God describes Israel as a “stiff-necked people.” Why do you think stubbornness and resistance to God’s correction can affect a person’s relationship with Him even when His promises remain available?
- The Israelites were standing between deliverance from Egypt and entrance into the Promised Land. What dangers can keep people from reaching what God has promised, and how can believers guard against falling short?
Berean Study
[Acts 17:11 NKJV “These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.”]
Now we will dig deeper into understanding by using supporting scriptures.
Go Deeper
Instructions: Read the following Reference scriptures carefully. As you read, pay attention to what each passage reveals and how it connects to the foundational scripture.
Reference Scriptures
| Exodus 32:33-34 | Exodus 3:8 | Matthew 6:13 |
| Matthew 24:42-44 | 1 Corinthians 15:33 | Hebrews 4:1-16 |
| Hebrews 10:36 | 2 John 1:8 | Revelation 3:11 |
Follow the Thread
Multiple Choice
True or False
Each statement is based upon the Reference Verses. Read each statement carefully, then write True or False.
Fill in the Blank
Refer to Reference Verses to complete each sentence.
Match the Scripture to the Statement
Match each scripture to the statement it best supports.
Comparisons
In Exodus 33:2, Yahweh said that He “will drive out the Canaanite and the Amorite and the Hittite and the Perizzite and the Hivite and the Jebusite.” The names of the Ancient people were significant because the names described their character, tradition, or occupation. We must understand these characteristics that Yahweh commanded His people not to align themselves with, because these same characteristics exist today, and we need to avoid them today also.
Click the highlighted link below to learn more about who these nations were and what made them enemies of God’s people, then answer the following questions:
Identify some of the characteristics of the Canaanites
Identify some of the characteristics of the Perizzites
Identify some of the characteristics of the Hivites
Identify some of the characteristics of the Amorites
List some of the characteristics of the Jebusites
Google Search:
(Use your internet search engine, or use openbible.info/topic )
What does the Bible say about fear of man?
What does the Bible say about the fear of the Lord?
What does the Bible say causes one to be an enemy of God?
Word Study
Instructions: Look up each word using a dictionary or an online search engine. Write the definition in your notebook or study journal. Then answer the questions using the scriptures listed above.
Complacent
Define Complacent.
- How can complacency cause a believer to become spiritually stagnant or fail to recognize danger?
- In what ways might complacency prevent someone from receiving all that God has promised?
Intercede
Define Intercede.
- Why was Moses willing to intercede for the Israelites after they sinned against God?
- How does intercession demonstrate love, concern, and a desire for reconciliation?
Atone
Define Atone.
- What is the difference between making atonement and simply asking for forgiveness?
- Why is restoration of a broken relationship an important part of atonement?
Reflection
Instructions: Take time to reflect on what you have searched out regarding the enemies of God’s people
What stood out to you the most in this study?
Consider This
Leviticus 26:12 says, “I will walk among you and be your God, and you shall be My people.”
Throughout the scriptures, in this study, we see God making His presence known, leading His people, speaking to His people, correcting His people, and calling His people to walk with Him.
We also see people who walked with God, walked before God, followed His ways, obeyed His commands, and kept Him before them.
As you consider this study, think about this:
God’s promise to walk among His people is not only about His presence being near. It is also about relationship, covenant, obedience, trust, and daily awareness of Him.
What would change in your life if you lived every day aware that God desires to walk with His people?
Study Feedback
Did this study complement your personal Bible study?
Did the scriptures help you see Exodus 33:1-3 more clearly?
Was there a particular scripture that stood out to you?
Did the interactive sections help you engage more deeply with God’s Word?
Would you like to see studies like this available in print format?
If you have questions or would like further explanation about any of the scriptures shared in this study, please submit your question through the form below.
We would also love to hear your comments on this study.