Exodus 15:22-17:7 - Grumbling & Provision

  1. Read Ex. 16:1–5. These contain elements of sin, grace, and law. Identify each of these elements in the verses. Of the latter two, which comes first, grace or law? Why is this significant?

  2. Twice in Exodus 16:6–8, Moses interprets the people’s grumbling against him and Aaron as grumbling against God. What does this suggest about the nature of Moses’ leadership over Israel? How does this then inform our understanding of the people’s actions in 16:19–20?

  3. In Exodus 16:16–26, God gives the people instructions for how to gather the manna. They are to gather just enough for each day’s consumption, and enough on the sixth day for two days’ consumption. According to Moses’ later interpretation of this in Deuteronomy 8:2–3, what were these instructions supposed to teach Israel?

  4. Read Exodus 17:1-7. Is this just another episode of grumbling for water? What does v7 suggest is the deeper sin problem?

  5. Compare Ex. 15:25–26; 16:4, and 17:2, 7. How does the testing change in chapter 17? What is the significance?

  6. Read Hebrews 3:7-13 – How do these verses help us apply the story of Exodus to our own lives today? Can you think of a way someone has effectively encouraged/exhorted you?  How did they do it?  Might you have opportunity to do the same for someone else this week?  Spend some time praying with one another.

Robb EsperatComment