Wednesday Morning Women's Bible Study

Do you know why Hannah, wife of Elkanah, should be on your top ten list of successful women? Do you know why the name LORD Almighty, Jehovah Sabaoth, should fill your heart with joy? If not, then join us on Wednesday mornings for a study of 1 Samuel.

Prayer and share time begins at 9:30 AM. Contact Denise Loock at dloock@mefc.org  if you have questions.

Life of Joshua: Week Two - A New Beginning

Study Two: A New Beginning   Joshua 1: 1-18

Imagine for a moment that you have been asked to “say a few words” after Billy Graham delivered a salvation message. Or how about being asked to perform after a diva like Whitney Houston or Barbra Streisand? Feeling a little apprehensive? Absolutely. Feeling a little underqualified? Definitely.

Imagine then how Joshua felt as he watched Moses walk away toward Mt. Pisgah. Moses had been his mentor for 40 years. He had watched Moses lift his rod and part the Red Sea. He had witnessed Moses’ glowing countenance after spending six weeks on Mt. Sinai with God. He had seen the ground swallow those who challenged Moses’ authority. He had cringed when God announced that Moses would not enter the Promised Land. Now he grieved as his beloved leader disappeared into the desert landscape.

Perhaps Joshua turned and looked at the hundreds of tents scattered across the plain. Scholars estimate that the Israelite encampment stretched for twelve miles. Joshua loved these people, yes, but they were so willful, so obstinate, so annoying. How could he manage them without Moses, the friend of God, guiding him? What would he do when they revolted against him as they had rebelled against Moses?

I wonder if Moses gave Joshua the “rod of God” before he left. Did Joshua cling to it, hoping that some power still resided in the worn shepherd’s crook? Did Joshua wander into Moses’ tent, touching his belongings? Did Joshua close his eyes, imagining that at any moment Moses would pull back the tent flap and give him a brotherly slap on the back?

The simple answer to all these speculations is “we just don’t know—the Bible doesn’t say.” What we do know is that Joshua was a man of faith. He had proved that when he stood with Caleb at Kadesh-Barnea, pleading with his fellow Israelites to enter the Promised Land. We also know that God reached out to Joshua with compassion and encouragement at this crucial junction in his life.

1. What instruction does God Joshua in verse 1? Why do you think God told him to do this? (See Deuteronomy 34: 8)

2. What promises does God give in verses 1-8? What phrase is repeated three times? Why do you think God repeats it?

3. What warnings does God give in verses 1-8? What do you think the word “prosper” means? (See Proverbs 10:5; Psalm 14:2)

4. What does Joshua do after his conversation with God? Why does he choose to do that?

      5. How do the people react in verses 16-18? Do you believe them? Do you think Joshua

             believed them? Why or why not?

       6. Moses had spoken to God face to face on a regular basis. According to Joshua 1:8,

             what was going to be Joshua’s source of guidance? Why is that significant?

      7. Have you ever been at a crossroads like Joshua’s? What fears did you have? How

             did God encourage you?

Life of Joshua: Week One - Background

Born in slavery, Hoshea grew up in the shadow of despair. Yet his parents must have been two of the few who clung to the ancient promise of deliverance. Hoshea was the firstborn son of Nun, of the tribe of Ephraim. The blood of the legendary Joseph flowed in this baby’s veins. Hoshea means “salvation.” Every time his father or mother awakened him, called him to a meal, or bid him “good-night,” they were reminded of Jehovah’s covenant—a covenant that even 400 years of enslavement could not erase.

Hoshea was a young man when Moses reappeared in Egypt, when Aaron stood beside his fugitive brother and cried, “God has seen our misery” (Ex. 4:31). Hoshea witnessed the destruction of Egypt’s vast resources, he walked between the watery walls of the Red Sea, and he heard the cries of the Egyptian warriors as they perished.

At some point, soon after the Red Sea crossing, Moses took notice of the young Ephraimite. Was it Hoshea’s military prowess, his even temperament, or his steadfast loyalty? Perhaps God just said to Moses, “This is a man you want by your side.” We don’t know. What we do know is that when the Israelites fought their first battle as a nation, young Hoshea was their commander (Ex. 17: 8-16). Maybe Moses had already changed his name to Joshua, which means “Jehovah is salvation” (Num. 13:16).

1.  What impression do you get of Joshua in Exodus 17:8-16? What do you think he remembered most about this day?

2.  Moses is on the mountain with God for forty days; Joshua is alone. What do you think those forty days were like for him? (Ex. 24:13-18)

3.  Exodus 33:7-11 records that Joshua remained at the “tent of meeting” outside the camp. What does this demonstrate about his relationship with Moses? With God?

4.  What is the greatest difference between Joshua/Caleb and the rest of the Israelites?

(Contrast Numbers 13:27-33 with Numbers 14:6-10)

5.  Deuteronomy 31 recounts the transfer of authority from Moses to Joshua. Moses speaks in vv. 1-13, God speaks in vv. 14-23, and then Moses speaks again in vv. 24-29. What common threads of thought run through these three sections? (Note that Joshua says nothing during the entire chapter.)

6.  What significance do you see in Hoshea’s name being changed to Joshua?

7.  Consider God’s description of Joshua in Numbers 27:18 and Deuteronomy 34:9.

8.  What does He emphasize about Joshua? How do you think He would describe

you?

Life of Moses - Lesson 15: The Long, Lonely Road from Meribah to Pisgah

Numbers 20; Deuteronomy 34

Some wise person said, "It is the constant pitter-patter of little defeats that ultimately tramples us." For forty years, Moses had endured the constant strain of leading the Israelites on their circular journey through the desert. According to Numbers 20:2-3, the "new" generation of Israelites was hardly an "improved" one. They were still grumblers. They had memorized the mantra of their parents, "Why did you bring us out into the desert to die?"

The waters of Moses' frustration reached their flash point at Meribah. His anger poured out on the Israelites as vehemently as the water from the rock did. God's punishment for this outburst seems too severe: "you will not bring community into the land I give them" (v12). Moses even asked God to change His mind; however, God said, "Do not speak to me anymore about this mater" (Dt. 3:23-26).

So Moses climbed Pisgah alone (Dt. 34:1), but once he reached the peak, the LORD joined him. Together they viewed the fertile valleys and vast olive groves of the promised land. I like to think Moses felt God's compassionate arm around his shoulder as they stood side by side on the mountain heights. Then the angels ushered Moses into the heavens, and I am certain that he heard God say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

Discussion Questions:

1. Slip your feet into Moses' sandals as you read Numbers 20:1-5. What was he thinking and feeling that day?

2. According to verse 12, what exactly did Moses and Aaron do that was wrong?

3. Psalm 106:32-33 comments on this incident. What point is the psalmist making?

4. In Deuteronomy 3:223-28, what is Moses' attitude about his punishment?

5. Read Deuteronomy 31:6, 32:3-4, and 33:26-29. What is Moses' attidude in these final speeches?

6. Moses wrote Psalm 90 near the end of his life. What attributes of God does he emphasize?

7. C.S. Lewis referred to the death of a love one as as "severe mercy" - a "mercy that was as severe as death, a death that was as merciful as love." In what ways was Moses' death "a severe mercy"?

Relevant Reading:  Meyer, chapters 26-28 

Life of Moses - Lesson 13 The Golden Calf

Exodus 32-34

Before God ever inscribed the tablets of stone with his moral code, the Israelites were breaking that code. Before Moses ever told them what it meant to dwell in the presence of God, the Israelites had already decided to dishonor that privilege.

When we read Exodus 32 we wonder, How could Aaron be so stupid? How could the Israelites be so ungrateful? Yet we also quickly succumb to sin when life does not meet our expectations. We do not erect golden calves and resort to pagan rituals, but we may blaspheme God in other ways. We doubt His goodness and His provision when we worry and complain. We mock His sovereignty and wisdom when we assume our plans are better than His plans.

Moses, Aaron, and all the Israelites confronted the horror of their own fickleness and depravity in these chapters. Nevertheless, God did not abandon them. He wrote the tablets again. His glory still filled the Holy of Holies when the tabernacle was completed. He accepted their sacrifices and offerings. Moses reminded them in Deuteronomy 7:-9 that God's love was unconditional and His covenant was eternal.

He will not abandon us, either. He will remain faithful. His unfailing love will draw us back every time we stray. What an awesome God.

Discussions Questions:

1. Why did the Israelites ask Aaron to make them gods (Exodus 32:1-2)? Review what happened in Exodus 20:18-21.

2. Does God's response in Exodus 32:7-9 surprise you? Why or why not?

3. Wiersbe suggests that God was testing Moses )p.166). What does Moses' response in verses 11-14 and 30-35 reveal about Him?

4. Aaron had been chosen as the high priest. In what ways did he violate his office? Why do you think he failed so miserably?

5. What happened when Moses said, "Whoever is for the LORD, come to me" in verse 26? Why did Moses praise the Levites in verse 29?

6. The aftermath of the golden calf episode is recorded in Exodus 33:1-34:8. Whatdo the people do? What does Moses do? How does God respond?

7. One Bible scholar, Maxie Dunnam, defines an "idolator" as "one who having known God refuses to glorify Him; one who gives the praise and worship which belongs to God to someone or something else." How was this true of the Israelites? How is it true of us?

Life of Moses - Lesson 12 The Priesthood

Exodus 28-29

In a sense, the sacrificial system of offerings began in the Garden of Eden when God Himself slew a ram and provided clothing for Adam and Eve. From that point on, men continually offered to God sacrifices of atonement and praise. Adam and Noah did it. Abraham and all of his descendents did it.

However, once the Israelites left Egypt, God declared to Moses that now He would "dwell" with the Israelites. To do that, God created a "kingdom of priests" to serve Him, and He consecrated them so that they would be able to enter His presence.

As Wiersbe says, the priesthood had a two-fold job description. The priests stood in God's place before men; they also stood in man's place before God. In other words, they were God's ambassadors to men as well as man's ambassadors to God. In this way, most of all, they represent Jesus Christ.

In man's presence, they symbolized the holiness of God as well as His mercy and grace. They accepted the Israelites' offerings. They communicated God's law. They provided the means of atonement. In God's presence, on behalf of all Israelites, they offered humble service, confession, and worship.

Peter says that we are a royal priesthood (2 Peter 2:5,9).   As we study these chapters, consider how our roles as New Testament believers mirror the privileges and responsibilities of the Old Testament priests.

Discussion Questions:

1. According to Exodus 28, what was the purpose of the priesthood? (See vv.1-3, v. 38, Exodus 29:44-46, and Exodus 30:10).

2. Why do you think the priest were given special garments (29:2-3, 40-42)?

3. Based on what we learned about the tabernacle curtains, why are the colors of the high priest's garments significant (29:5-8, 31-35)?

4. Why were the sons of Israel named on the shoulder stones and the twelve tribes named on the breastpiece (28:9-21, 29)?

5. What was the purpose of the Urim and the Thumim (28:30; Numbers 27:21)? Why don't New Testament Christians have access to something like these stones?

6. Consecration was an elaborate ceremony. What aspects of it interest you most? (Exodus 29:1-26). How does the ceremony add meaning to Romans 12:1-2?

7. What similarities exist between the high priest's garments and the armor of God described in Ephesians 6:11-17?

Relevant Readings: Wiersbe, chapter 12.

Life of Moses - Lesson 11 The Most Holy Place

Exodus 25:10-22

Adam and Eve enjoyed the privilege of sinless fellowship with God. Ever since the Fall in Genesis 3, God has been orchestrating human history to restore that state of blissful harmony. Someday in Heaven, we will again enjoy that most sacred relationship: absolute communion with our Creator.

The Most Holy Place of the tabernacle symbolizes that communion which existed in Eden and will exist again in Heaven. The ark of the covenant represents the essence of who God is and how he relates to us.

As C.W. Slemming wrote, “With reverence and holy awe we step beyond the veil into the [Most Holy Place] and gaze upon the ark of the covenant, a thing the Old Testament saints were never permitted to do”(160). As we enter this veiled room, the place where God dwells, we truly stand on holy ground.

Discussion Questions:

1. Why was the ark placed in a room all by itself? Consider its purpose (Ex. 25:22).

2. Based on what we learned about cherubim in lesson nine, why do cherubim sit atop the ark and overshadow the mercy seat?

3. The Greek word hilasterion is translated “propitiation” in Romans 3:25, but it is translated “mercy seat” in Hebrews 9:5. What connection exists between these two verses?

4. What objects were contained inside the ark? (See Heb. 9:4) Why do you think these three items were chosen?

5. Who was allowed to enter The Most Holy Place? Why? (Ex. 25:22, 29:42-46; Lev. 16: 15-17; Num. 7:89; Heb. 9:6-7, 10:19-22)

6. In what ways does the Ark of the Covenant symbolize the entire gospel message? How does this explain the full significance of the torn veil mentioned in Matthew 27:51 and Mark 15:38?

Life of Moses - Lesson 10 Inside the Holy Place

Exodus 25:23-40, Exodus 30:1-10

The courtyard of the tabernacle was a place of sacrifice. Noisy and smelly, it was filled with activity all day. However, once a priest passed through the veil into the Holy Place, he was immersed in tranquility, surrounded by beauty, golden light and fragrant incense. What a contrast!

The furniture of the Holy Place symbolizes both Christ's past ministry and his present ministry. Many biblical scholars, including Wiersbe and Slemming, also draw connections between the furniture and the current ministry of Christians since we are now part of "a royal priesthood" (1Pet. 2:5,9).

Only the priests assigned to ministry within the tabernacle were ever allowed to gaze on its beauty and to serve God in that hallowed place. How privileged we are as believers to commune with God whenever we wish. And someday, as Paul reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 4:17, we will be in God's presence forever. No wonder he told the Thessalonians to "encourage each other with these words" (1 Thess. 4:18).

Discussions Questions:

1. At first, the exquisite lampstand reminds us that Jesus in the light of the world (John 8:12). Read the description carefully in Exodus 25:31-40. How else is this work of art symbolic of Jesus?

2. The table of showbread probably reminds you of Jesus' words in John 6:26 - "I am the bread of life." What other Bible stories and/or familiar verses does the image of bread bring to mind?

3. The altar of incense stood right in front of the curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. Why do you think it was placed there? See Psalm 141:2, Hebrews 9:12, and Revelation 5:8 for some clues.

4. How does the altar of incense relate to Christ's current ministry as our High Priest? See Hebrews 5:10, 7:23-28, and 9:24.

5. In what ways are we Christians light, bread, and incense?

6. The Holy Place was a rectangular space thirty feet long and 15 feet wide. It contained just three objects. Doe you see any significance in that number?

Life of Moses - Lesson 9 The Temple of God

Exodus 26:1-36, Exodus 36:8-19

According to M.R. DeHaan, "in its complete form, [the tabernacle] is the most comprehensive, detailed revelation of Jesus and the plan of salvation in the entire Old Testament" (The Tabernacle, Zondervan, 1955). We have already learned how clearly the curtains of the courtyard, the entrance, the bronze altar and the laver symbolize our Savior and His redemptive work. Now as we study the tabernacle itself, we will discover that the tabernacle also depicts His current ministry as our high priest and His future ministry as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
First, we will examine the building and its covering. Each aspect of the tabernacle from its silver foundations to its waterproof tent coverings add to our understanding of who Jesus is and how it is possible for us to enter the presence of God.

Discussions Questions:

1. The tabernacle building was made entirely of boards overlaid with gold and stabilized in sockets of silver. Why were these two metals used in this way? Consider what we learned about the silver bands on the posts of the courtyard curtain. Then read Revelation 21:18-21.

2. The individual boards of the building were joined with crossbars. Read Esphesians 2:19-21 for some New Testament insight on the symbolic meaning of this.

3. The tabernacle was draped with four coverings. What were the practical reasons for the four coverings? For the spiritual significance of the coverings, study the following verses: Isaiah 53:2, Exodus 29:15-37 and Leviticus 16:5-28.

4. Why were the innermost "ceiling" curtain and the curtains that hung at the entrance of the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place embroidered with cherubim? Examine the following verses: Ezekiel 1:22-28, Ezekiel 10:18-22 and Revelation 4:6-9.

5. Only the priests were allowed to enter the tabernacle. No ordinary Israelite ever had the privilege of seeing its glorious interior. Why? Consider the implications of Psalm 24:4, John 14:6, and Hebrews 4:14-16.