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Introduction to Study
This study corresponds to the YouTube Playlist Understanding Covenant Language – Exodus 33(A) pt 2. The foundational verse for this study is Exodus 33:4-6, where the people are stripped of their ornaments.
In this 2nd part of our study of Exodus chapter 33, we will be examining why the people were stripped of their ornaments. How significant was that? Was it simply the removal of their jewelry, or did it represent something more? Last, but not least, we will consider being stripped of our ornaments applies today.
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 33:4-6 NKJV
4 And when the people heard this bad news, they mourned, and no one put on his ornaments. 5 For the Lord had said to Moses, “Say to the children of Israel, ‘You are a stiff-necked people. I could come up into your midst in one moment and consume you. Now therefore, take off your ornaments, that I may know what to do to you.’ ”
Search It Out
- What did Yahweh tell the people of Israel to strip themselves of?
- Why were the Israelites required to strip themselves?
- What is the significance of their actions for us today?
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
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
The Burden of the Uniform
Throughout Scripture, both the priesthood and the military carried responsibilities that extended beyond the individual. The uniform represented service, duty, and submission to a higher authority. Priests ministered before God, while soldiers served under the authority of their king and commander. Personal feelings, grief, comfort, and individual desires were often set aside because the responsibility of the office required steadfastness and obedience. The burden of the uniform reminds us that certain callings require us to place God’s purposes above our own, carrying our responsibilities faithfully even during difficult circumstances.
With this in mind, we are now going to compare a couple of the references (Leviticus 10:6 and 2 Samuel 19:24) with each other and with our foundation verse (Exodus 33:4).
Click the highlighted link below, then answer the following questions based upon what was read.
- Comparison 1: Exodus 33:4 and Leviticus 10:6
- Comparison 2: First consider the following Google Search link: Soldiers and Leviticus 10:6. Next consider the following Google Search link: The Burden of the Uniform and Leviticus 10:6. Now answer the following:
Which of the following statements correctly compare the priesthood and the military? (Choose all that apply.)
- Comparison 3: Leviticus 10:6 and 2 Samuel 19:24
What do Leviticus 10:6 and 2 Samuel 19:24 teach us about ornamentation, outward appearance, and the responsibilities connected to one’s position? (Choose all that apply.)
Google Search:
Click on the highlighted links below to see what the Bible says about the following topics. (You can also add your own topics on the site to search for more of what the Bible says about various topics of your choice.)
What does the Bible say about being a soldier of Christ?
What does the Bible say about humbling ourselves?
What does the Bible say about how we adorn ourselves?
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.
Ornament
Define ornament
- We have been addressing the issue of being stripped of one’s ornaments. According to Isaiah 3:16-24 what attitude was linked to one’s being stripped of their ornaments?
- According to Exodus 33:4-6, what kinds of “ornaments” might God ask us to remove so that our relationship with Him can be restored?
Complacent
Define complacent.
- How can comfort, abundance, or ease become a spiritual danger according to Isaiah 32:11 and Deuteronomy 32:15?
- What attitudes or habits can lead a believer to become spiritually complacent?
Adorn
Define adorn.
- Should our adorning be external? (1 Peter 3:3-4)
- According to 1 Peter 3:3-4, what qualities should believers seek to adorn themselves with that are pleasing to God?
Reflection
Instructions: Take time to reflect on what you have searched out regarding what it means to be stripped of ornaments. treat this area like a review
What stood out to you the most in this study?
Consider This…
Throughout this study we have seen kings remove their robes, elders cast down their crowns, priests maintain their sacred office, mourners set aside their appearance, and entire nations humble themselves before God. The ornaments that were removed were often much more than jewelry. They represented position, status, comfort, pride, security, and personal identity. Today our ornaments may look different, yet the principle remains the same. God still calls His people to humility, repentance, dependence, and surrender. The question is no longer simply, “What did they take off?” but rather, “What am I holding onto that God is asking me to lay aside so that I may walk more closely with Him?”
We also see…
That Yahweh often removes or asks us to remove the very things in which we place our confidence. Titles, wealth, positions, achievements, possessions, appearances, and even personal rights can become ornaments that compete with our dependence upon Him. The Lord humbles us not to destroy us, but to restore us and draw us nearer to Himself.
As you consider this study, think about these questions:
What would change in your life if you lived every day aware that some of your “ornaments” may be things other than jewelry?
Are there titles, accomplishments, possessions, positions, or relationships that have become part of your identity more than your relationship with God?
When facing difficulty, do you first seek God, or do you first depend upon your own resources, status, knowledge, or abilities?
What modern “ornaments” do people often trust in for security, identity, or worth?
Have you ever experienced God removing something that you later realized had become an unhealthy attachment?
How can believers practice humility and dependence upon God without necessarily removing physical possessions?
If God asked you to “take off your ornaments” today, what might He be asking you to surrender?
What would it look like to adorn yourself with humility, faithfulness, gentleness, and obedience instead of outward appearances?
As you leave this study, what is one ornament, attachment, attitude, or source of confidence that you feel led to place before the Lord?
Study Feedback
How did this study complement your personal Bible study?
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.