(1) In Chapters 17-18 there are three episodes: getting water from the rock, gaining victory over the Amalekites, and the development of a new system for judging disputes. What do these episodes have in common and what links can you see between these episodes?
- Is there anything consistent about the way Moses is portrayed?
- What do you notice about the involvement of other Israelites?
- Cf. 17:12 (“heavy” not “tired”) and 18:18 (“heavy”)
- Cf. 17:2 – nasa (“try/test”) and 17:15 – nissi (“banner”)
- Cf. use of staff in these three episodes.
(2) Consider 17:1-7:
- What is the major sin committed by the Israelites in this incident? Consider 16:4 in assessing its significance.
- What aspect of the Israelites’ faith is tested by the lack of water? (see esp. v7 cf. v1)
- What is the significance of striking the rock? What might it indicate?
- What did Paul mean by his comment at 1 Corinthians 10:4?
- What further light is thrown on this incident by Psalm 95?
(3) Consider 17:8-16:
- Why is Yahweh so utterly opposed to the Amalekites? Cf. Deut 25:17-18.
- What is significant about the role assumed by Moses? Why was military victory so dependent on Moses’ keeping his hands held high?
- Why is it emphasised how Moses’ hands got heavy (“grew tired”)?
(4) Consider 18:
- How is history viewed in this chapter? See verses 1-4, 8-11
- Do you see any similarities between Jethro the priest of Midian and Melchizedek (cf. Gen 14:18ff)?
- How does the portrayal of Moses in this chapter compare with the way he has been portrayed in Chapter 17?
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