Discussion starters – Exodus 3 & 4
- What do you think is the significance of the ‘flames of fire’ in chapter 3:2? What biblical images and ideas does this conjure up? How do you feel when you read that ‘our God is a consuming fire’ (Deuteronomy 4:24 and Hebrews 12:29)?
- Look at chapter 3:13-15. In Old Testament times, a person’s ‘name’ represented his or her character. What aspects of God’s character are revealed in this passage? And in what ways does this revelation of God’s ‘name’ look forward to Christ?
- In chapter 3:11 Moses asks, “Who am I to…?”. Then, in chapter 4:10-17 he complains that he feels unsuited to the task the Lord has given him to do. What reasons or excuses might we come up with for not doing what we know God wants us to do? And what might the Lord’s reply be to us?
- Chapters 3 and 4 describe a ‘theophany’ – an appearance of God. The account is given in a form that is well-attested in Scripture and in other literature of the ancient Near East.