Israel’s Sin & God’s Mercy
What idol did the Israelites worship while Moses was on Mt. Sinai?
The golden calf
Who intercedes for Israel after the golden calf?
Moses
How does God lead Israel?
By a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night.
What housed the Ark of the Covenant?
The Tabernacle of Moses
What food did God provide to the Jews in the wilderness?
Manna from Heaven
Which commandment did Israel break first?
The First Commandment: “You shall have no other gods before me.”
What does Moses offer that foreshadows Christ?
He offers his own life to be blotted out for the people’s sins.
What happens to Moses’ face?
It shines with God’s glory.
Who were Israel’s priests?
The Levites (sons of Aaron).
How is manna a type of the Eucharist?
Both are God-given bread that gives life (John 6).
Where does the golden calf incident occur?
Exodus 32–34
How is Exodus 24 a type of Christ’s sacrifice?
Moses sprinkles blood to seal the covenant, foreshadowing Christ’s blood in the New Covenant.
Why can Moses only see God’s “back”?
Because no one can see God fully and live; we know Him only indirectly on earth.
Why were sacrifices offered?
To atone for sin and restore communion with God.
Where were the Ten Commandments given?
Mount Sinai
How does God show mercy after Israel’s idolatry?
God does not destroy Israel, renews the covenant, and continues to dwell with them.
How does the Mosaic Covenant point to Christ?
It prepares for the New Covenant fulfilled by Jesus through His sacrifice.
What does Moses’ glowing face teach us?
Encountering God transforms us and reflects His holiness.
What happens on the Day of Atonement?
The high priest enters the Holy of Holies to offer sacrifice for Israel’s sins.
What does the Shema teach?
That the Lord is one and must be loved with the whole heart (Deuteronomy 6:4).
How does this incident with the golden calf show God’s justice and mercy?
God punishes sin (justice) but forgives and restores Israel through Moses’ intercession (mercy).
Compare Moses and Jesus using Hebrews 9.
Moses offers animal blood repeatedly; Jesus offers His own blood once for eternal redemption.
How does this point to Heaven?
In Heaven we will see God fully, not indirectly.
How does the Day of Attonment point to Christ?
Jesus is the true High Priest who offers Himself once for all sins.
How does God remain faithful from Exodus to Ruth?
Despite Israel’s sin, God continually shows mercy, keeps His promises, and brings salvation through faithful individuals.