Exodus Bible Study – Chapters 16-20
Are you looking for the other posts in this study? Click here for the table of contents.
This Week’s Reading Schedule:
Monday – Exodus 16
Tuesday – Exodus 17
Wednesday – Exodus 18
Thursday – Exodus 19
Friday – Exodus 20
My Thoughts on Exodus Chapters 16-20
Exodus Chapter 16
What we find in this chapter is the importance of faith and waiting on God. The moment the Israelites were hungry, they started complaining to Moses. After everything they had seen God do, they still weren’t trusting in Him. When God supplied them with Manna many disobeyed the command to only use as much as they needed and that no one was to keep any until the morning. What that disobedience showed was a lack of faith that God would provide for them every day, as He said that He would.
Exodus Chapter 17
What struck me most about this chapter was the picture of Moses with his hands in the air. Whenever he let them down the enemy prevailed, but as he held them up, the victory was theirs. We can learn from this example by putting our trust in the Lord. We’re constantly faced with spiritual battles that threaten to bring us down, but when we put our trust in God our battles are won!
“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
Exodus Chapter 18
What I enjoyed about this chapter was the relationship between Moses and his father-in-law Jethro.
We hear a lot about Naomi and Ruth and the relationship they had, but rarely do we hear about the father/son-in-law relationship between Moses and Jethro.
Jethro had wisdom and Moses was humble enough to listen and to learn. In fact, Numbers 12:3 tells us that “Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.” So when Jethro came to visit the camp, Moses grew by his wisdom.
Jethro was also supportive in their time of need. At some point, he had taken Zipporah and their two children into his home until the time came to reunite them with Moses.
Jethro was a friend to Moses. He listened as Moses conveyed everything that the Lord had done to Pharaoh and the Egyptians, the hardships they faced and everything that God had done to rescue His people. Then after listening to everything that Moses told him, he rejoiced and prepared a burnt offering to God.
Exodus Chapter 19
What really stood out to me in this chapter was the washing of the clothes and how symbolic that was. Many come to Christ for salvation but walk away unchanged, yet the Bible calls us to be holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:16), to live righteously, to die to ourselves, and to crucify the lust of the flesh. Romans 12 refers to this outward change as our “reasonable service.”
Too often grace is confused with disobedience. In Romans 6:15 Paul writes, “What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.”
The Israelites were quick to agree that they would obey God’s commands and keep his covenant, but with any covenant, there are terms on both sides. Here we see that God says, “IF.”
“Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: and ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.” – Exodus 19:5-6
Unfortunately, their zeal was great, but their heart wasn’t. In fact, none of the Israelites (20 years old and up) that vowed to serve God that day entered the promised land, except for Joshua and Caleb.
“Doubtless ye shall not come into the land, concerning which I sware to make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.” – Numbers 14:30
Exodus Chapter 20
God wants my devotion, my love, and my full attention. When we put Him first, all of the other commandments fall into place. I’m created for His pleasure–designed to crave Him above anything else. Therefore my joy is incomplete, without complete reliance on Him.
John Piper writes, “In demanding our praise, He is demanding the completion of our pleasure. God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.”
Questions for each chapter are available in the study guide. When you purchase a copy of the study guide, you’re actively supporting and strengthening our ministry as we spread the empowering message of the gospel to women across the globe!
We understand that not everyone can purchase the study guide, which is why we provide a printable version exclusively for those facing financial constraints. By subscribing below, you’ll unlock access to these downloadable materials. As part of our community, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the content at your own pace. Plus, as an added treat, you’ll receive periodic devotions from Time-Warp Wife, delivered directly to your inbox. Together, we can grow in faith and discover the abundant blessings of our shared journey. Join us in spreading the empowering message of the gospel to women all around the world.