Lesson 3: Rough Start (Exodus 5-7)

Introduction: Put yourself in Moses’ place. You are demanding that the most powerful man in Egypt give you an asset that is central to his national economy. If you are not expecting a lot of resistance, you have no common sense. Recently, I was told that anyone who is faithful to God should expect trouble because Satan will target you. Maybe. My observation, supported by the Moses’ story, is that most of our troubles result from our own bad decisions. We want to blame Satan instead of admitting our mistakes. Satan can resist God, but this story is about how one of the most powerful nations in the world was no match for our God. Let’s plunge into our study of the Bible and begin the story about what happens to those who think they are superior to our God!

I. The Pharaoh Experience

A. Read Exodus 4:29-31. Has Moses resolved the issue of whether the Hebrews will believe him? (They are now worshiping the true God.)

B. Read Exodus 5:1-2. Is this the question you would ask if you were Pharaoh? (I would want to know what god is telling me to give up my valuable asset.)

1. Is Pharaoh’s view on whether he should free the Hebrew slaves dependent upon the nature of the Hebrew God? (No. Pharaoh wants to know which god is telling him this, but he says that regardless he is not going to let the slaves go.)

C. Read Exodus 5:3. What kind of answer is this to Pharaoh’s question about who is this god to which he is supposed to listen? (First they identify their God as “the God of the Hebrews.” Is that persuasive? Pharaoh made that God’s people slaves. Why not say He is the great God of the universe? Second, they give this story that they want to travel for three days to worship their God. I’m certain Pharaoh considered this to be a ruse. Last, they said that if they did not worship, they would be punished. Why would Pharaoh care about that?)

1. Who suggested this opening statement to Pharaoh? (Read Exodus 3:18. God told them to make the first two statements! He did not say He would punish the Hebrews if they did not go on this retreat. Rather, God said that Pharaoh would not voluntarily agree. Exodus 3:19.)

2. What is God’s strategy in this recommended answer? (God wants to identify with the Hebrews. He does not need grand words to describe Himself, His actions will speak for Him.)

3. Why a three-day journey? Is there something special about that distance? (Yes. The Adam Clarke commentary reveals this is the distance from Goshen to Sinai.)

D. Read Exodus 5:5-8. Is Pharaoh’s tough response suggested by the comments of Moses and Aaron? (Yes. They ask if the people can take a three-day retreat. Pharaoh responds that if they have time for a retreat, they are not working hard enough.)

E. Read Exodus 5:9. Whose “lying words” are referred to here? (Pharaoh is talking about Moses and Aaron.)

F. Let’s skip down and continue this conversation. Read Exodus 5:16-19. How would you react if you were one of the foremen?

G. Read Exodus 5:20-21. How serious do the foremen see the problem of the increased work? (They think Hebrews will die because of it.)

1. What do you think about the foremen going to Pharaoh instead of Moses and Aaron? (The Hebrews were not committed to Moses being their spokesman. This showed a weakness to Pharaoh.)

H. Read Exodus 5:22-23. Think about the words of Moses to God. Is Moses right? Are these words what God needs to hear? Or is Moses a terrible leader? (Instead of encouraging the Hebrews to have faith in God, he joins with those who are complaining.)

II. God’s Response

A. Read Exodus 6:1. What different view of the future is God giving Moses? (God is not saying that Pharaoh will reluctantly let His people go. Rather God is saying that Pharaoh will drive them out. It will be Pharaoh’s idea that they should leave.)

B. Read Exodus 6:2-3. Why is God talking about using a new name? (Commentaries that I consulted assert that God is not saying that the name He is using now (Yahweh) is new. Instead, God is saying that He did not previously reveal His full power to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.)

C. Read Exodus 6:4-8. How would you describe God’s message to His people? (The deliverance of the people is part of fulfilling a very old plan. This is not some new decision.)

D. Read Exodus 6:9. Does the new message do the job? (No. The Hebrews are broken.)

1. Have you had that experience? That you just feel broken and God cannot get through to you?

2. Have you had that experience with others? That you have a hard time bringing God’s message of encouragement because they are broken?

E. Read Exodus 6:10-12. We understand Moses’ logic. Pharaoh did not believe him before, the people do not believe him now, why should he go to Pharaoh a second time? What does Moses mean when he calls his lips “uncircumcised?” (Circumcision was the ancient sign of a relationship with God. Moses is likely saying he is unworthy.)

1. Would you agree that Moses is unworthy? (I would. Moses is almost as much of a problem as the slaves. Of course that is easy for us to say since we are not in the middle of this fire.)

F. We will not read Exodus 6:14-25. On the surface this section seems bizarre. In this dispute with Pharaoh, and the failing faith of God’s people, we are strangely presented with a genealogy. Let’s see if we can understand this. Read Exodus 6:26-30. Is this an answer to Moses’ claim (repeated in verse 30) that he has uncircumcised lips? (God is answering Moses’ claim of being unworthy. God essentially replies, “Who is more worthy than you? Look at the line of your ancestors.”)

G. Read Exodus 7:1-2. “I have made you like God to Pharaoh.” Would that encourage you? Would it strengthen you?

H. Read Exodus 7:3-5. Is the future easier when you understand how events will take place?

1. Notice that God refers to what He is about to do as “acts of judgment.” What is the basis for this judgment? (There seems to be a list. Defying God. Enslaving the Hebrews. Retaliating against the people for Moses’ demands.)

2. Another thing to notice in verse four is the reference to God’s people as “hosts.” The KJV translates this as “armies.” The word means “organized for war.” Why would God put it that way when He is doing all the fighting?

I. Read Exodus 7:6-7. Why mention the ages of Moses and Aaron? (These are not young men. The point is that God is the power here, not humans.)

1. Are you ever too old to be in a partnership with God?

J. Read Exodus 7:8-11. What would you say now if you were Moses?

1. Did God know that the Egyptian sorcerers could do this? If the answer is, “Yes,” then why would God suggest this sign?

2. What kind of power do you think these sorcerers used? (This is Satanic power. Look at 2 Thessalonians 2:9 and 2 Timothy 3:8. The leaders of the sorcerers are even named. Satan has the ability to perform “great signs and wonders.” Matthew 24:24.)

K. Read Exodus 7:12. Are you now convinced of the power of God?

L. Read Exodus 7:13. Pharaoh is not convinced. Is this good for God? (We will turn next week to see God revealing His true power.)

M. Friend, do you have times in your life when things are not going well? Do you fee discouraged? God loves you and cares for you. God has the power to change the circumstances of your life. Will you trust Him? Why not make that decision right now?

III. Next week: The Plagues

Copr. 2025, Bruce N. Cameron, J.D. Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Suggested answers are found within parentheses. If you normally receive this lesson by e-mail, but it is lost one week, you can find it by clicking on this link: http://www.GoBible.org. Pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit as you study.

Link: https://gobible.org/

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/summary-of-sabbath-school-lesson-3-rough-start-by-bruce-cameron-july-12-18-2025/

Exodus points us to a wonderful conclusion with the Israelites being bound for the Promised Land, hence our theme hymn for the quarter being 
We Are Bound For The Promised Land – Hymn 620.

The “Rough Start” on Sabbath afternoon leads me to always pray
Father, Lead Me Day By Day – Hymn 482.

We are asked a poignant question on Sunday – “Who Is The Lord?” We have some great answers in singing 
Hymn 84 – God The Omnipotent along with what the Bible tells us in so many scriptures.

 “A Rough Start” continues on Monday, where we learn that Israel started “believing that the Lord would deliver them from their slavery. Thus, they worshiped the Lord”:
Hymn 6 – O Worship The Lord.

On learning about “The Divine “I” “ in Exodus, we find a lot of these attributes in 
Hymn 90 – Eternal God, Whose Power Upholds.

Our education increases on Wednesday where the Psalmist is quoted “God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever (Psalm 73:26): 
Hymn 85 – Eternal Father, Strong To Save.

Moses and Aaron go before Pharoah and the Israelites where “God communicated with a prophet who then proclaims God’s teaching to the people”: 
Hymn 413 – God Has Spoken By His Prophets.

Please continue to search the scriptures this week to be blessed, and to bless others.To learn unknown hymns, you will find the accompaniment music for each one at: https://sdahymnals.com/Hymnal/

Another great resource is for when there is a hymn you wish to sing but can’t find it in your hymnal. Go to https://www.sdahymnal.org/Search and in the search bar type a special word in that is in the hymn. I am sure you will be amazed at the help you will be given.

  2 Timothy 2:15 KJV – “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/3-rough-start-singing-with-inspiration/

Key Thought: Those who trust God will face numerous trials. When one decided to follow God, many obstacles and new difficulties may appear, but God can bring solutions on His terms and in His time.
July 19, 2025

1. Have a volunteer read Exodus 5:5-23.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
2. What was Pharaoh’s response to God’s demand, “Let my people go”? What is significant about his response?
3. Personal Application: If someone asked, “Do you know the Lord?”, how would you respond, and how would you say you know Him? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your relatives states, “What are some better ways you and others might be able to deal with local church leaders when disagreements arise?” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Exodus 5:22-6:8.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. What is God’s response to Moses, and what theological truths are revealed here?
3. Personal Application: How can we take Exodus 6:7 given to corporate Israel to heart in our own lives personally? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your friends states, “Haven’t some Biblical leaders cried out in complaint to God, and with good reasons? Is it okay sometimes to pour out your soul and even complain about your situation? Why must it always be done in faith and trust?” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Exodus 6:9-13.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. What happens next here, and what lessons can we take concerning times of disappointment and struggle in our lives?
3. Personal Application: Share a time when you followed God’s call, but things didn’t start well or go well. What lessons have you learned over time because of that experience? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your neighbors states: “How has God intervened in your life when you prayed for His help… when you did not expect it? How can we believe in God’s goodness when bad things happen even to those who trust the Lord?” How would you respond to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read Exodus 6:28-7:7.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. How does God deal with Moses’ objection?
3. Personal Application: What excuses might we use to try to get out of what we know God wants us to do? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(“Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.” Ministry of Healing, p. 148).

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/3-rough-start-teaching-plan/

Daily Lesson for Monday 14th of July 2025

Though Moses must have known, even from the beginning, that what the Lord had tasked him with was not going to be easy (hence his attempts to get out of it), he probably had no idea of what was coming.

Image © Pacific Press at Goodsalt.com

Even before going to Pharaoh, Moses and Aaron gathered the elders and people of Israel, told them God’s words, and showed them God’s signs, which resulted in Israel’s believing that the Lord would deliver them from their slavery. Thus, they worshiped the Lord (Exodus 4:29-31). Expectations surely were high: the Lord was going to deliver the Hebrew people from their bondage—finally!

Moses then went to the king of Egypt with God’s demands, and things became even worse for the Israelites. Their suffering increased, and their daily labor became more burdensome and demanding. They were accused of being lazy; they were treated more harshly; and their service became more difficult than it had already been.

Their leaders were not happy, and the confrontation between them and Moses and Aaron was ugly, and (as we will later see) it simply portended the kind of conflicts Moses would have with his own people for years to come.

It’s not that hard to see why they would have been upset with Moses (“ ‘Let the Lord look on you and judge,’ ” they said). They thought Moses was coming to free them from the Egyptians, not to make their lives under the Egyptians even harder.

Thus, besides dealing with the Egyptians, Moses and Aaron had to deal with their own people, as well.

<–Sunday Tuesday–>

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/25c-03-a-rough-start/

Daily Lesson for Sunday 13th of July 2025

Following God’s orders, Moses goes to Pharaoh to begin the process in which he, Moses, would “bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt” (Exodus 3:10, NKJV).

“Who is the Lord?” Pharaoh declares, not in any desire to know Him but, instead, as an act of defiance or even denial of this God, whom he admits that he does not know. “ ‘I do not know the Lord’ ” (NKJV), he says, almost as a boast.

Image © Lifeway Collection at Goodsalt.com

How many people throughout history have uttered the same thing? How tragic, because, as Jesus Himself said, “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent” (John 17:3).

Egypt, with the pharaoh as king, is symbolic of a power that denies God’s presence and authority. It is an entity that stands in opposition to God, His Word, and His people.

Pharaoh’s next declaration that “I will not let Israel go” reveals even more this rebellion against the living God, further making Egypt a symbol, not only for the denial of God but for a system that fights against Him.

No wonder many saw this same attitude, millennia later, in the French Revolution (see also Isaiah 30:1-3 and Revelation 11:8). Pharaoh thought he was a god or the son of a god—a broad reference to a belief in one’s own supreme power, strength, and intelligence.

“Of all nations presented in Bible history, Egypt most boldly denied the existence of the living God and resisted His commands. No monarch ever ventured upon more open and highhanded rebellion against the authority of Heaven than did the king of Egypt. When the message was brought him by Moses, in the name of the Lord, Pharaoh proudly answered: ‘Who is Jehovah, that I should hearken unto His voice to let Israel go? I know not Jehovah, and moreover I will not let Israel go,’ Exodus 5:2, A.R.V. This is atheism, and the nation represented by Egypt would give voice to a similar denial of the claims of the living God and would manifest a like spirit of unbelief and defiance.”—Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 269.

<–Sabbath Monday–>

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/25c-03-who-is-the-lord/