1. If you were to lead a discussion of the book of Exodus, what are some of the questions you would ask?  Why these questions?

2. Exodus means “the road out.”  Why is this a particularly appropriate name for this book?

3. What is the connection between Genesis and Exodus?  How do the two books go together?  How does the author make the transition?

4. Why does the book of Exodus begin where it does?  Why is the story of oppression in Egypt important to a book devoted to law?

5. In Exodus 3, Moses is asked, “Who made you a ruler and a judge over us?”  Why is that an important question in a book devoted to law?  What gives one the right to be ruler and judge?  Where does authority come from?

6. What is Moses like?  What makes him an appropriate ruler and judge?  What are his weaknesses?

7. What does Moses himself think necessary to get people to listen to him?  Is he right?  Is that a problem for justice?

8. How does Pharaoh contrast with Moses as a ruler and judge?  What is impressive about Pharaoh?  Where does he fail?  Why?  Why is it so hard for him to do what’s right when it’s obvious that failure is going to bring disaster on him?

9. What particular problems does Moses face as he tries to lead Israel?  What has slavery done to these people?

10. Why is the Passover so important?  What does Passover have to do with law?

11. Why are the Ten Commandments particularly emphasized here?  Are they more important than the other laws?  Why, or why not?

12. In Exodus 32 and 33 we have contrasting stories: the Golden Calf, and Moses seeing God face to face.  What are the major contrasts here?   How do these stories connect to the general ideas of law and justice?

13. We talk a lot about separation of church and state.  How do the events in Exodus clarify church/state issue?  How does the Pharaoh business show the problems with church/state ties?  How do later events suggest that there is nevertheless an important tie between church and state?