Exodus 17 records how Israel, thirsty in the wilderness of Rephidim, quarreled with Moses and tested the LORD, and how God provided water from a rock and gave victory over Amalek. These questions are for small groups, Sunday classes, and personal study. Each set moves from what the text says, to what it means, to how it shapes daily faith.
Exodus 17 at a Glance
The chapter opens with the whole congregation moving at God’s command, only to find no water at their campsite. Their complaint turns into open quarrel and a question about whether the LORD is even present with them. God answers by instructing Moses to strike a rock at Horeb, and water flows for the people.
The second half shifts to battle. Amalek attacks at Rephidim, Joshua leads the fighting, and Moses watches from a hill with the rod of God in his hands. The victory depends on his raised arms, which Aaron and Hur steady until sunset. The chapter closes with an altar named “the LORD our Banner” and a declaration of ongoing conflict with Amalek.
Observation Questions
Use these to slow the group down and get everyone reading the same words before anyone offers a view. Ask someone to read the passage aloud first, then take the questions in order, letting people point to specific phrases.
Exodus 17:1-3
1 All the congregation of the children of Israel traveled from the wilderness of Sin, by their journeys, according to the LORD’s commandment, and encamped in Rephidim; but there was no water for the people to drink. 2 Therefore the people quarreled with Moses, and said, “Give us water to drink.” Moses said to them, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the LORD?” 3 The people were thirsty for water there; and the people murmured against Moses, and said, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us, our children, and our livestock with thirst?”
(WEB)
Read this first to set the scene of thirst and complaint. Ask the group to notice how quickly the people turn from need to accusation, which frames the rest of the chapter.
Exodus 17:5-6
5 The LORD said to Moses, “Walk on before the people, and take the elders of Israel with you, and take the rod in your hand with which you struck the Nile, and go. 6 Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock in Horeb. You shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it, that the people may drink.” Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.
(WEB)
These verses hold God’s instructions and promise. Reading them slowly lets the group hear that provision comes through a specific word and act of obedience.
Exodus 17:7
He called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because the children of Israel quarreled, and because they tested the LORD, saying, “Is the LORD among us, or not?”
(WEB)
This verse names the places of testing and asks the central question of the chapter. Read it aloud to focus the group on the heart behind the complaint.
Exodus 17:11-12
11 When Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed. When he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. 12 But Moses’ hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side. His hands were steady until sunset.
(WEB)
Reading the battle and the raised hands together helps the group grasp the picture of shared weight. Pause here to discuss who holds up the weary in their own circle.
Exodus 17:15-16
15 Moses built an altar, and called its name the LORD our Banner. 16 He said, “Yah has sworn: ‘The LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.’”
(WEB)
Ending with the altar and the declaration about Amalek gives the session a clear close. Read these to remind the group of God as their banner and of the value of remembering what he has done.
Memory Verse for Exodus 17
A Closing Prayer for the Group
Father, we come to you as people who have often felt thirsty and have sometimes questioned whether you are truly among us. Thank you that you hear our complaints and do not turn away from us in them. Help us to bring our needs to you directly, trusting your word even when the answer is slow in coming. Teach us, as Moses was taught, to obey your instructions and to rely on you more than on our own strength. Raise up people around us who will hold our hands steady in the hard hours, and help us do the same for others. Give us a banner to rally under, and a memory of your faithfulness that we will not lose. We ask this in the name of Jesus, who gives living water. Amen.
