.png)
OLD TESTAMENT
Outlines and Discussion Questions
GENESIS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Genesis 1-2—Creation
1. What does the imago dei mean, and how should it impact man’s identity?
2. Why did Adam and Eve choose to disobey God, and how does this disobedience affect us today?
3. Why did God rest on the seventh day, and how should this impact us today?
Genesis 3-4—The Fall of Man
1. Why does God address Adam after Eve eats of the forbidden fruit?
2. How does the fall impact us today? How should we respond to this information?
3. Why did God accept Abel’s offering and reject Cain’s? How should this example impact our lives today?
Genesis 5-9—The Flood
1. What does the story of Noah reveal about his faith? What can we learn from his example?
2. Who closed the door to the Ark, and what does this mean?
3. Why did God place a rainbow in the sky after the flood, and how should this impact us today?
Genesis 10-11—The Table of Nations and the Tower of Babel
1. Why did God destroy the Tower of Babel?
2. What does this event teach us about the heart of man?
3. How should we respond to this knowledge?
Genesis 12-23—Abram—Abraham—A Man of Faith
1. What did Abram’s call (Gen. 12) mean to him, and how should it impact us today?
2. What does the birth of Ishmael and the events surrounding his birth teach us about humanity and about God?
3. What can we learn from Abraham’s experience of Mount Moriah (Gen. 22), and how should it impact us today?
Genesis 24-26—Isaac, Rebekah, and the Death of Abraham
1. What practical lessons can we learn from the story of the journey leading to the marriage of Isaac and Rebekah?
2. What is the significance of the births of Jacob and Esau, and how should their story impact us today?
Genesis 27-36—Jacob
1. What can we learn from Jacob’s deception of Esau, and how should this impact us today?
2. Who did Jacob wrestle with in chapter thirty-two? What is a Christophany?
3. What was the significance of this great wrestling match?
Genesis 37-50—Joseph His Suffering and Glory
1. What can we learn about mankind from the early actions of Joseph’s brothers?
2. How do we protect ourselves from living like them?
3. Contrastingly, what does Joseph’s final act of forgiveness to his brothers teach us about God’s amazing grace?
4. What can we learn about the sovereignty of God in and through the life of Joseph?
EXODUS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Exodus 1-2—Moses
1. What effect did oppression have on the Israelites (1:11-14)? What did God use in the early church to cause the rapid spread of the gospel (Acts 8:1-4)?
2. How should we handle persecution as believers?
3. What is the significance of Moses being raised by Pharoah’s daughter? How did this affect his role in the plan of God?
Exodus 3-4—The Burning Bush
1. What is significant about God’s revelation to Moses in Ex. 3:14?
2. Why did Moses initially object the idea of speaking for God Ex. 4:1-17?
3. What can we learn from Moses who doubted in his ability to serve God as a messenger?
Exodus 5-10—The Wrestling Match with Pharoah
1. How did Pharoah oppress the Israelites, and why did he do so?
2. Why did God send plagues upon Egypt, and what does this teach us about God?
3. Why did Pharoah repeatedly harden his heart toward God?
4. What did God ultimately do to Pharoah after he hardened his heart time and again, and what does this teach us about the patience (long suffering) of God?
Exodus 12-14—Deliverance
1. What is the Christian significance of the Passover when compared to Christ the Lamb of God?
2. Describe the Red Sea event. What does this tell us about God’s protection and care for His people?
3. How should we respond?
Exodus 15-18—Marching to Sinai
1. What lessons were learned in this journey?
2. How should these lessons influence us today?
Exodus 19-24—The Law
1. What does the Law teach us about God’s holy character?
2. How does the Law apply to the Christian today?
Exodus 25-40—The Blueprint and Building of the Tabernacle
1. Why was God so particular in His instructions for the building of the Tabernacle?
2. What do we learn about the significance of the priesthood from this section?
3. What does the presence of God in the Tabernacle signify for us today?
LEVITICUS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Chapters 1-7— The Five Offerings and The Law for Them
1. What does the Book teach about the idea of atonement, and why is this important?
2. What is the significance of the different types of offerings in the Book?
3. Why is it necessary for the offerings to be without spot or blemish?
4. How can we practically apply the idea of “a pleasing aroma to the Lord” to our faith walk today?
5. How can we apply the principle of “firstfruits” in our lives today?
6. Why do you think the peace offering required the sprinkling of blood all over the altar?
7. Is there a differentiation made between intentional and unintentional sins? If so, why or why not?
8. What does chapter five teach us about the nature of sin?
9. What does the continual fire on the altar in chapter six symbolize, and why is this important for us to know?
Chapters 8-10—The Priests
1. What is the significance of the anointing oil in the process of consecration?
2. How does this apply in today’s context?
3. What can we learn about spiritual leadership from Aaron and his sons?
4. What does chapter nine teach on the topic of obedience? How should this impact us today?
5. In chapter ten, what does the punishment of Nadab and Abihu teach us?
Chapters 11-22—Holiness in Daily Life
1. How does distinguishing the difference between unclean and clean animals demonstrate God’s view on holiness?
2. How should this idea of clean and unclean impact the believer today?
3. What does chapter fourteen reveal about the character of God?
4. In chapter sixteen, why was the sin offering to be burned outside the camp?
5. What does the blood in the atoning process symbolize?
Chapters 23-27—Concluding Thoughts
1. How might what you learned from Leviticus impact your daily walk with God moving forward?
NUMBERS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Chapters 1-8—The Preparation of Israel for the Pilgrimage
1. What was the purpose of a national census, and why were the Levites excluded?
2. What is the significance concerning the central placement of the Tabernacle?
3. What is a Nazirite, and what is the purpose of such vows?
Chapters 9-10—Forward March
1. What do these two chapters teach about God’s glory?
Chapters 11-12—From Sinai to Kadesh
1. Why did the people complain? In what ways does the complaining resemble the western church today?
Chapters 13-14—Mentally Defeated at Kadesh
1. Why did Joshua and Caleb give a different report from the other spies?
2. What lessons do these two chapters teach about the importance of seeing opposition as opportunities to honor God?
Chapters 15-25—Faltering, fumbling, and fussing through the wilderness
1. What does Korah’s rebellion in chapter sixteen reveal concerning spiritual authority?
2. Why did striking the rock verses speaking to the rock matter in chapter twenty? What do we learn about man and about God from this event?
3. What can we learn from the circumstances surrounding Balaam and his donkey in chapters twenty-two through twenty-four?
4. What does chapter twenty-five teach us about worship and about God?
Chapters 26-36—Future (new) generation prepares to enter land
1. What important spiritual leadership lessons can be learned from the commissioning of Joshua?
2. What does the following verse mean 32:23?
3. What other lessons did you learn from the Book of Numbers, and how will these lessons impact your life moving forward?
DEUTERONOMY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Pondering the pilgrimages (1-4)
1. Why did Moses take the time to review the past pilgrimages before entering the promise land?
2. Why is it important for us to periodically review God’s past faithfulness?
Restating the Law (5-26)
1. What is the significance of the ancient “Shema” in 6:4-5? How should it impact us today?
2. What parenting principles can be found in the following passage: 6:4-8?
3. What can we learn about worship in chapter 12?
4. What can we learn about false teachers in chapter 13?
The Future of the Land (27-30)
1. What can we learn about the consequences of obedience/disobedience in chapter 28?
2. How should these lessons impact our lives today?
Preparation for the changing of the guard (31-34)
1. What is the theme of the Song of Moses in chapter 32? How should this influence our worship today?
2. Why did Moses not lead the people into the promise land? What does this teach us about God?
JOSHUA DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Joshua, The New Leader of God’s People (1-12)
1. How did God prepare Joshua to successfully succeed Moses?
2. What leadership lessons can we learn from this transition?
3. How did Joshua walk in strength and courage as a leader? How can we do the same?
4. What did crossing the Jordan teach Israel about the power and presence of God? How should this impact us?
5. What is the significance of God’s unusual command for the army at the battle of Jericho? What does this teach us about God and how we should respond to Him?
6. What can we learn in chapter seven about complete obedience?
7. What does the story of Rahab teach us about God’s great love?
The Division of the Lands (13-22)
1. What can we learn from Joshua 13:1? How should these lessons influence our lives today?
2. How do we see God’s faithfulness in this section of Scripture, and how should this influence our lives today?
3. What can we learn from the death of Balaam in chapter 13?
4. What can we learn about God from the detailed division of the land between the tribes?
Joshua’s Final Address (23-24)
1. What did Joshua mean in 24:15? How should this declaration influence us today?
2. What are some of the things that compete from our time and attention?
3. How do we rid ourselves of such things to ensure we serve the Lord wholeheartedly?
JUDGES DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
The introduction to the era of the judges (1-2)
1. How did the disobedience of the nation set the stage for the cycle of dysfunction in the Book of Judges? How should we respond to this information?
2. What does 2:1-5 teach us about disobedience and discipline?
The era of the judges (3-16)
1. What is the significance of Ehud being left-handed?
2. What can we learn from Deborah’s leadership in chapters four and five?
3. What can we learn from Gideon’s leadership in chapters six through eight?
4. What can we learn from Samson’s leadership in chapters 13-16?
The effects of the era of the judges (17-21)
1. What does the chronic cycle of sin teach us about the heart of man?
2. How should we respond to the material covered in this disturbing book?
RUTH DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
The land of Moab (1)
1. Why does Ruth choose to stay with Naomi?
2. What does this teach us about Ruth’s faith?
The field of Boaz (2)
1. What does Ruth’s laboring in the field of Boaz teach us about her character?
2. What can we learn from observing Boaz’s interactions with Ruth?
3. What does the life of Boaz teach us about a kinsman-redeemer?
The threshing floor (3)
1. What do we learn about Ruth’s character on the threshing floor?
2. What do we learn about Boaz’s character on the threshing floor?
The home of Boaz (4)
1. What is the significance of a kinsman-redeemer?
2. What does this book teach us about God?
1 SAMUEL DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Samuel—God’s man (1-8)
1. What can we learn about faith from Hannah’s prayer?
2. What does Hannah’s song reveal about her commitment and character?
3. How should 3:21 influence our commitment to God’s word?
4. Why did Israel raise a great shout (4:6)? What can we learn from this?
5. Why did Israel demand a king (chapter 8)?
Saul—Satan’s man (9-15)
1. Why did Israel want a king (9-10)?
2. What are some of the differences between the leadership practices of Saul and David?
David—God’s man (16-31)
1. What does God’s choosing of David teach us about qualifications for serving Him (16)?
2. Why was David so courageous (17)?
3. What fueled the jealousy of Saul (18)?
4. Why did Saul destroy the priests (22)?
5. Why does David spare Saul’s life (24&26)?
2 SAMUEL DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
The Victories of David (1-10)
1. Why does David mourn over the death of Saul (1)?
2. What can we learn about his personal character and his respect for spiritual authority from his lamenting (1)?
3. Why is David anointed a second time in 2 Sam. 2:4 when he had already been anointed 1 Sam. 16:13?
4. What can we learn about God’s holiness, righteousness, and justice from Uzzah (6)?
5. Why did David desire to build a permanent house for the LORD God (7)?
6. Why did God not let David build the temple (2 Sam. 7:5-7; 1 Chron. 22:8)?
The Challenges of David (11-24)
1. What can we learn about sin and the immediate consequences of sin (discipline) from David’s adultery, deceit, and murder (11-12)?
2. What can we learn about demonstrating mercy and justice in the process of reconciling with those who have offended (hurt) us (14)?
3. After reading chapter 16, think of a time when you had to discern what felt right and what you believed to be God’s plan. How did you respond, and why?
4. How did David’s public intense mourning of Absalom impact his ability to lead effectively (19)? What does this teach us about balancing our personal emotions and our professional responsibilities?
5. What is significant about the last words of David, and what can we learn from them (23)?
1 & 2 KINGS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. Why did God grant Solomon wealth in addition to the wisdom that he prayed for?
2. What were Solomon’s struggles, and how did his sin impact the division of the kingdom?
3. How did Jeroboam’s sinning with the golden calves affect Israel (1 Kings 12)?
4. What can we learn about God’s character from the conflict between Elijah and the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18)?
5. What spiritual leadership lessons can be learned from the life of Elijah?
6. What can we learn about respecting spiritual leaders from the narrative included in 2 Kings chapter one?
7. What can we learn from Hezekiah’s prayer (2 Kings 19)?
1 CHRONICLES DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. What can we learn from the prayer of Jabez in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10?
2. Why did Saul kill himself, and what can we learn from his death in Chapter 10?
3. What was the reason for David's great strength, and how should this knowledge influence us today?
(11)
4. Why did David's fame spread throughout every land? (14)
5. Why wasn't David allowed to build the Temple? (28)
6. What does David's desire to build the Temple teach about his character and his devotion to the plan of God?
7. What can we learn from David's song? (29)
2 CHRONICLES DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. What can we learn from Solomon about wisdom and wealth in chapter one?
2. What can we learn about God's presence and our worship in chapter five?
3. What can we learn about worship and experiencing God's presence in chapter seven?
4. What can we learn from Jehoshaphat's prayer and his leadership in chapter twenty?
5. What can we learn from Josiah in chapter thirty-four?
EZRA DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. How does Cyrus’ decree demonstrate God’s sovereignty (1), and how should this influence us today?
2. What can we learn about fear and obedience in chapter three?
3. What can we learn about opposition to the work of God from chapter four?
4. What emphasis does Ezra place on the word of God (7), and how should this influence us today?
5. What can we learn from Ezra’s prayer and response to intermarriage with pagan cultures, and how does this apply to us today?
6. What can we learn from chapter ten about the importance of prayer and confession?
NEHEMIAH DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Rebuilding the Walls (1-7)
1. What can we learn from Nehemiah’s prayer life?
2. What are some leadership lessons we can learn from Nehemiah?
3. What can we learn about fear and faith from Nehemiah?
4. What can we learn about the importance of planning and preparing from Nehemiah?
5. What can we learn from Nehemiah’s response to opposition from inside of Israel?
6. What can we learn from Nehemiah’s response to persecution from outside of Israel?
Revival and Reform (8-13)
1. What impact did God’s Word have on the people? How should this influence us today?
2. What can we learn from the people’s prayer in chapter nine?
3. What final lessons can be learned from the Book of Nehemiah?
ESTHER DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. Is there any significance in Vashti’s obstinance and the King’s response?
2. Why did the King choose Esther to be his bride, and how does this choice impact the Jews?
3. What does Mordecai mean that Esther was made “for such a time as this”? Is there an application here for you and me?
4. How does Haman’s actions and demise demonstrate the truth taught in Galatians 6:7?
5. What is significant about the King’s new royal decree?
6. What is significant about the institution of the Feast of Purim, and how can this influence us today?
JOB DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
The Prologue (1-2:10)
1. What does the interaction between God and Satan in this section teach about God’s sovereign protection of His people?
2. What does this interaction teach about the power of God and the power of Satan?
3. What are your thoughts on Job’s response to the calamity he endures in this section?
4. What are your thoughts on the response of Job’s wife to the calamity in this section?
The Dialogue (2:11-42:6)
1. Can we learn anything that could help us minister to hurting people from the initial response of Job’s friends (2:11-13)?
2. What can we learn from the steadfastness of Job?
3. What qualities do you most admire in Job’s character?
4. What is one takeaway you have from Job that might help you deal with future trials?
5. What can we learn about God from Job’s final remarks in this section (42:1-6)?
The Epilogue (42:7-17)
1. What can we learn about God’s plan from this section?
2. How did the overall wisdom and advice of Job’s friends sit with God?
3. What can we learn from this that may help us deal with future trials?
PSALM DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Section one (1-41) This section corresponds to the Book of Genesis.
1. What does it mean to delight in the Law of God?
2. How is godly success defined compared to worldly success in this section?
3. How does the metaphor of a Shepherd in this section help shape your understanding of how God protects and provides for His people?
Section two (42-72) This section corresponds to the Book of Exodus.
1. What does this section teach about the need for confession?
2. What does this section teach about God’s forgiveness?
3. What does this section teach about the pain of unconfessed sin?
Section three (73-89) This section corresponds to the Book of Leviticus.
1. What does this section teach about pride?
2. What does this section teach about the power of God?
3. What does this section teach about the dwelling place of God?
Section four (90-106) This section corresponds to the Book of Numbers.
1. What does this section teach about the presence of God?
2. What does this section teach about the beauty and majesty of God?
3. According to this section, how does God feel about music, singing, and instrumentation?
Section five (107-150) This section corresponds to the Book of Deuteronomy.
1. What does it mean to fear the LORD?
2. Are there any promises given to those who fear the LORD?
3. What is one thing you learned from the Book of Psalms that will help you in your walk with Jesus?
PROVERBS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
The contrast of wisdom and folly (chapters 1-9)
1. How is the believer to live (1)?
2. What does success look like for the believer (2)?
3. Explain Proverbs 3:5-6 in your own words (3)?
Solomon speaks wisdom (chapters 10-24)
1. What does this chapter teach about the importance of work ethic?
2. What does chapter eleven teach about truth and justice?
3. What does chapter fourteen teach about the testimony of one’s actions?
4. What does chapter seventeen teach about quarreling?
5. Is there such a thing as a healthy debate? If so, explain?
Solomon continues to drop nuggets of wisdom (25-29)
1. What does chapter twenty-six teach about laziness?
2. What does chapter twenty-seven teach about pride?
3. What does chapter twenty-nine teach about parenting and discipline?
The sayings of Agur (30)
1. What does this chapter teach about God’s word?
A mother speaks (31)
1. Define the characteristics of a godly woman as explained in this chapter.
ECCLESIASTES DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
The problem is stated— “All is vanity” (1).
1. What is one takeaway from the opening chapter?
Pleasures are meaningless (2).
1. Why does the author state that pleasure is meaningless?
2. How does one find a healthy work and life balance?
There is a time for everything (3).
1. What does 3:11 mean?
2. What does this chapter teach about God’s justice?
Three challenges in life—oppression, toil, and friendlessness (4).
1. What does this chapter teach about challenges?
2. What does this chapter teach about our need for each other?
How you should relate to God (5-6).
1. What do these chapters teach about how we should relate to God?
2. What life lessons can be learned from these chapters?
Wisdom defined (7-8).
1. What do these chapters teach about one’s reputation?
2. What do these chapters teach about patience? Why?
Destiny defined (9-10).
1. What do these chapters teach about work?
2. What do these chapters teach about words?
Final thoughts (11-12).
1. What final lessons can we learn from these chapters?
2. What does the last verse in this book teach?
SONG OF SOLOMON DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. How does the bride’s perception of herself affect her ability to love (1)?
2. How does the shepherds praise encourage her and their relationship (1)?
3. What is the symbolism and significance of the “little foxes” in a marriage relationship and in our relationship with the Lord (2)?
4. How do we protect our marriages from these “little foxes” (2)?
5. How do we protect our relationship with the Lord from these “little foxes” (2)?
6. How has the Song of Solomon encouraged you in your marriage relationship and/or your walk with Jesus?
ISAIAH DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. How does God view rote religious practices from an insincere heart (1:10-15)? How should this impact you daily?
2. What does 1:18 teach about God’s mercy, and how has God’s mercy impacted your personal walk with the Lord?
3. What does 1:17 mean, and how should it impact the local church today?
4. What does 2:10-17 teach about the haughty and proud?
5. What happens when people seek to follow someone other than God (3:6-7)?
6. What illustration does God use in chapter five to demonstrate His relationship to the people? Where else in Scripture do we see God use similar illustrations?
7. What can be learned from this illustration?
8. What did Isaiah see around the throne in chapter six?
9. What is significant about Isaiah’s experience in chapter six?
10. What did you personally learn from your reading through Isaiah, and how will these lessons impact your life moving forward?
JEREMIAH DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Chapter 1
1. How long did Jeremiah receive the word of the Lord?
2. When did God call Jeremiah to be a prophet?
3. What was Jeremiah’s objection? How did God solve this?
4. What did the almond tree represent?
5. What did the boiling pot represent?
6. What was Jeremiah not to show?
7. How will the fight between Jeremiah and the people of Judah turn out?
Chapter 2
1. What had Israel done that even the nations of Cyprus and Kedar had not done?
2. Who did Israel turn to for help?
3. Who did Israel not fear anymore?
4. When will Israel call on God?
Chapter 3
1. How did the people have a harlot's forehead?
2. How was Israel more righteous than Judah?
3. Why will Jerusalem be called the Throne of the Lord?
4. What will God do for those who put away the evil and return to Him?
Chapter 4
1. Who is the lion or the disaster from the north?
2. How has God deceived His people?
3. What causes calamity to come upon us?
4. With what is the coming desolation of Judah compared?
Chapter 5
1. When calamity befalls us what should we look for in understanding?
2. What will open our eyes and ears to understanding God?
3. What horrible thing were the priests and scribes doing?
Chapter 6
1. How were the people uncircumcised in their ears?
2. Why were the sacrifices and offerings of the people unwanted by God?
Chapter 7
1. How should we change to please God?
2. What did the people do even after committing all kinds of evil?
3. What happened to the Ark at Shiloh?
Chapter 8
1. In what condition was Jerusalem?
2. What did no one in Jerusalem do?
3. How is the pen of the scribes false?
Chapter 9
1. Why did Jeremiah want a place in the wilderness for travelers?
2. What wormwood would be fed to Judah?
3. Why does the pride of man in his wisdom, might, and wealth mean nothing?
Chapter 10
1. What habit of the Gentiles were the Jews seeking?
2. How much power did the idols have?
3. What will perish from the earth?
4. Whose wound was severe?
Chapter 11
1. How did God view His people who faithfully served Him?
2. What tree and fruit did the people want to destroy?
Chapter 12
1. What did Jeremiah want God to do to the people?
2. What was God’s answer to Jeremiah?
3. Who were the evil neighbors that God would punish?
4. What opportunity would the surrounding nations have?
Chapter 13
1. What did the ruined sash represent?
2. What do the full wine bottles represent?
3. What led to the people’s captivity?
Chapter 14
1. Why is God the Hope of Israel?
2. How were the prophets lying to the people?
Chapter 15
1. What four forms of destruction would come upon Judah?
2. When would destruction come upon the people?
3. What was God’s message to Jeremiah’s self-pity?
Chapter 16
1. Why did God bring disaster on His people?
2. How are these people worse than their forefathers?
3. Who are the fishermen and hunters sent to Israel?
4. Who would come to know God is real during Israel's captivity?
Chapter 17
1. What will happen to a man who trust in his own strength or in the help of man?
2. What will happen to those who trust in the Lord?
3. What work should be done on the Sabbath?
Chapter 18
1. What is the significance of the potter and the clay?
2. What will God do when a nation repents of their evil ways?
3. How did the people attack Jeremiah?
Chapter 19
1. What will the people eat in their desperation to survive the siege that will come upon them?
2. What did the broken flask represent?
Chapter 20
1. What did Pashhur do to Jeremiah?
2. What would happen to Pashhur?
Chapter 21
1. What message was delivered concerning Jerusalem?
2. What message was sent to the house of the king of Judah?
Chapter 22
1. What was a sign of a king who knew God?
2. When were the messages delivered concerning the sons of King Josiah?
Chapter 23
1. Who is the branch of righteousness that would reign in Judah and all Israel?
2. Who made the people worthless before God?
3. What oracle of the Lord was to be given to the people, prophets, and priests?
Chapter 24
1. Who are the good figs and bad figs?
Chapter 25
1. How long would the people be in captivity?
2. What is God's word to the nations around His people?
Chapter 26
1. Why did the people want to kill Jeremiah at the house of the Lord?
2. Who helped save Jeremiah from harm?
Chapter 27
1. How many generations of kings of Babylon would rule over Judah during their captivity?
2. What would happen to Babylon after God's appointed time?
3. What will happen to the rest of the vessels in the city, the king’s house, and the house of the Lord?
Chapter 28
1. What was Hananiah's prophecy of the captives and the Lord's vessels?
2. What is the sign of a true prophet?
3. What happened to Hananiah?
Chapter 29
1. How did Jeremiah's letter get to the captives at Babylon?
2. What did Jeremiah write to the captives in Babylon?
3. How would the captives in Babylon find God again?
4. What did Shemaiah write about Jeremiah?
5. What would happen to Shemaiah in Babylon?
Chapter 30
1. Why did Jeremiah write a book?
Chapter 31
1. How would God cause His people to walk straight paths?
2. How did God ransom and redeem Israel from the enemy?
3. Why is Rachel weeping?
4. How did God put His law into our heart and mind?
Chapter 32
1. Why did King Zedekiah put Jeremiah in prison?
2. What was the purpose of Jeremiah buying a field even though the city was under siege?
Chapter 33
1. What will be restored to Jerusalem in the future?
2. Who is the Branch of Righteousness to save Israel?
3. What will Jerusalem be called?
Chapter 34
1. What would happen to King Zedekiah?
2. What law did King Zedekiah seek to obey?
3. How did the people profane the name of God?
Chapter 35
1. Who were the Rechabites?
2. What did God want the people to understand through the example of the Rechabites?
3. What will the Rechabites never lack?
Chapter 36
1. What did God hope the people would do when they heard the words of Jeremiah written by Baruch?
2. What did King Jehoiakim do with the scroll?
Chapter 37
1. Where was Jeremiah first imprisoned?
2. Where was Jeremiah moved?
Chapter 38
1. Where did the princes of the King of Judah have Jeremiah confined?
2. Who helped Jeremiah out of his place of confinement?
3. Why did Zedekiah want his conversation with Jeremiah to be kept secret?
Chapter 39
1. What happened to Zedekiah and his sons?
2. What happened to the poor people?
3. What happened to Jeremiah?
4. What happened to Ebed-Melech?
Chapter 40
1. Who was put in charge of the remnant of Judah by the king of Babylon?
2. What warning was given to Gedeliah?
Chapter 41
1. Who did Ishmael kill?
2. How many men from Shiloh did Ishmael kill?
3. Who rescued the remnant of Judah from the hands of Ishmael?
4. Why were Johanan and the captains of the forces afraid to go back to Jerusalem?
Chapter 42
1. What word was the rescued remnant given?
2. How were the people hypocrites?
Chapter 43
1. Where did Johanan and the people of Judah choose to dwell?
2. What word of the Lord came to Jeremiah?
Chapter 44
1. What did the remnant begin to do in the land in which they dwelt?
2. What will happen to the king of Egypt?
Chapter 45
1. What blessing did God put upon Baruch?
Chapter 46
1. What is the irony of the remnant of Judah going to Egypt?
Chapter 47
1. Who are the waters that will rise out of the north?
2. Who are they going to plunder?
3. When will Babylon rest?
Chapter 48
1. Who is cursed for holding back their sword?
2. What caused Moab to fall?
Chapter 49
1. What cities and nations would suffer God’s punishment?
Chapter 50
1. Why is Babylon to fall to the wrath of God?
2. What was to happen to Babylon?
3. What will Israel do when Babylon is desolated?
4. What lions scattered Israel?
Chapter 51
1. How do we spiritually flee from Babylon?
2. Why is Babylon a destroying mountain?
3. What nation was to come against Babylon?
4. Who is the daughter of Babylon that is like a threshing floor?
5. What would happen when the sea and the springs of Babylon dry up?
Chapter 52
1. How long was Jerusalem under siege by Babylon?
LAMENTATIONS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. What is the big picture concept of the book of Lamentations?
2. What is the Christ connection in the book of Lamentations?
3. What are the three themes that run through the five laments of
Jeremiah?
4. How are they identified?
5. What appears to be God’s purpose in including a book like
Lamentations in the Bible?
6. How does Lamentations 3:22-32 fit with the rest of the book?
7. In what ways could the Book of Lamentations help you during times of grief?
EZEKIEL DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. How does Ezekiel 1 challenge your preconceived notions about God's nature and appearance?
2. What does the multiplicity of the faces of the living creatures suggest about the nature of God?
3. How can we understand the movement of the wheels within the context of God's omnipresence?
4. How does the vision of the glory of God influence your perception of divine sovereignty?
5. Can you draw parallels between Ezekiel's divine encounter and any personal spiritual experiences you've had?
6. How might this vision of God's glory and authority bring comfort to people experiencing exile or persecution today?
7. How can the celestial creatures and the vision as a whole be seen as a reflection of God's order and harmony?
8. How does the description of the living creatures' mobility and flexibility speak to the omnipotence of God?
9. How does Ezekiel's encounter reflect the intersection of the heavenly and earthly realms?
10. Why do you think God chose to reveal Himself to Ezekiel in such a complex vision?
11. How can Ezekiel's obedience and receptiveness to this vision serve as an example to us?
12. What can we learn from the living creatures who continuously give glory to God?
13. In what ways does this chapter evoke a sense of the mystery and transcendence of God?
14. How can the brightness surrounding the divine figure be interpreted in our daily lives as followers of God?
15. How can we reconcile the terrifying aspects of the vision with the typically comforting image of God?
DANIEL DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. What is the theme of the book?
2. What character traits does Daniel possess that are worthy of being imitated?
3. How did Daniel respond to Darius’ decree? What can we learn from his response?
4. How did the three young Hebrew boys respond to Nebuchadnezzar’s decree? What can we learn from their response?
5. What eschatological significance does Daniel chapter nine hold concerning the seventy weeks?
HOSEA DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Chapter 1
1. What did God command Hosea to do?
2. Why did God personally name Hosea's two sons and one daughter?
3. What prophetic event is hinted at in verse 7?
Chapter 3
1. What does God tell Hosea (verses 1)?
2. What did Hosea have to do to reclaim his wife?
3. What can we learn from this event?
Chapter 5 - 6
1. What charges does God brings against Israel?
2. What can we learn from the reaction of Ephraim to God’s judgment?
3. How can you guard against superficial response to God?
Chapters 7 - 11
1. What do the metaphors describing Israel reveal?
2. Why didn’t Israel turn to God for forgiveness?
3. Israel was blind to sin but unlike Israel, how can we guard against blindness to sin?
4. What is the overall theme of this section? (See Hosea 10:13-15; also,
7:16; 8:4; 8:7; 9:10)
5. Despite the theme of these chapters, discuss the hope found in Hosea
10:12.
6. Why did the Israelites have trouble embracing this hope (10:2)?
7. Where is this hope anchored? (consider discussing Hosea 8:12).
8. How does God empower and equip you to overcome sin?
9. What do we learn about God in understanding that He justly punishes
sin by pouring out His wrath? How should we respond to this truth?
10. How would you define God’s holiness? Why is it good that God is
committed to His own holiness, and takes His holiness seriously?
Chapters 12 - 14
1. Though God is the all-satisfying Creator of the world, Israel continually fell into sin. What mistakes did they make that led to their failures?
2. How do we make the same mistakes and how can we avoid them?
3. Why is it important for Christians to remember God’s acts of grace from the past?
4. What difference does remembering His grace make in our lives?
5. Have you personally forgotten or are you tempted to forget God’s past grace? How can you keep from forgetting?
6. When is it hardest for you to trust God and live for Him? What steps can you take to guard against sin in your life?
7. What does the gospel say about our forgetfulness and how to overcome it? How can you keep God’s promises and the gospel in the forefront of your life this week?
JOEL DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. What happened in the land? What are the responses urged by God? How is religious worship affected by the plague? How do you respond when circumstances prevent your participation in corporate worship? What do you need to do when a crisis comes into your life (chapter one)?
2. What is Joel describing (review 1:4, 6-7)?
3. During this chaos what does God urge? Why do we have confidence in finding solutions when doing what God urges (2:1-17)?
4. How does this section grow out of yesterday’s reading (2:18-32)?
5. How has God acted in restoration?
6. How is the day of the Lord motif woven into the picture?
7. How does this chapter add to the previous section; to your understanding of the day of the Lord? What is the climax to the day of the Lord activities? What lessons can be learned from today’s passage (chapter three)?
AMOS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Chapters 1-2
1. What did Amos do before God called him to be a prophet?
2. How does the earthquake mentioned in the chapter help us date the book?
3. What eight nations are condemned in Amos 1 and 2?
4. For what sins did God condemn Judah and Israel?
Chapters 3-4
1. Does God always accomplish his will in secret?
2. What warning does God make in chapter four?
chapters 5-9
1. What is one of the calamities to come upon Israel?
2. What does the word Zion reference?
3. Who was Amaziah the priest of Bethel?
4. What is false about Amaziah's accusations against Amos?
5. What were some of Israel's great sins?
6. Why is the Lord seen standing next to an altar?
7. What encouragement does Amos give at the end his book?
OBADIAH DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. What does Edom's pride teach us about the dangers of arrogance and self-reliance?
2. In what ways do you see the theme of divine justice playing out in your life or the world today?
3. How might you respond to injustice in your community, taking lessons from Edom's mistreatment of Israel?
4. How can the concept of the "Day of the Lord" shape our understanding of retribution and accountability?
5. What is the significance of Israel's restoration in the final verses of Obadiah 1?
6. How does the concept of God's enduring kingdom inspire or challenge you in your daily life?
7. In what ways do you see Obadiah's message of hope for Israel manifest in today's world?
8. In what ways might pride be obstructing your spiritual journey, and how can you address it?
9. How does the promise of Israel's restoration inspire you during difficult times?
10. How does Obadiah's prophecy inform your understanding of God's sovereignty and His plans for humanity?
JONAH DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Chapter one
1. What was God’s command to Jonah?
2. Why did Jonah run in the opposite direction?
3. How did God discipline Jonah?
4. Does God still discipline His disobedient children today?
5. What does the Bible teach about obedience (1 Samuel 15:22)?
Chapter two
1. What can we learn from Jonah’s prayer?
Chapter three
1. Why did the people of Nineveh choose to repent?
2. How should this motivate us to share the gospel regularly?
Chapter four
1. Why was Jonah angry with God?
MICAH DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. How does the description of God’s coming in verses 1-4 affect your understanding of God's power and judgement?
2. In what ways do the sins of Samaria and Jerusalem (verses 5-7) resemble contemporary societal issues?
3. How can Micah’s personal response to the vision (verses 8-9) inform our response to social and spiritual injustices today?
4. What lessons can we learn from the destruction of Samaria, and how can we apply them to our lives?
5. What does God's judgement on idolatry teach us about His expectations for obedience?
6. How can Micah's grief for his people guide us in feeling empathy for people facing God's judgement?
7. What modern habits could be viewed as parallels to the idolatrous practices of Samaria and Jerusalem?
8. What steps can we take to prevent the mistakes of Samaria and Jerusalem in today's context?
NAHUM DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Chapter one
1. How does this chapter reflect on God's sovereignty?
2. What does the destruction of Nineveh reveal about God's justice?
3. How do the descriptions of God in this chapter challenge your current perceptions of Him?
4. In what ways can the concept of God being a refuge be applied in your personal life?
5. How do the themes of divine wrath and mercy intertwine in this chapter?
6. How might you react if you were a citizen of Nineveh hearing this prophecy?
Chapter two
1. How does this chapter illustrate God's sovereignty over nations?
2. Reflect on the destruction of Nineveh. How does this story relate to the modern world and the fall of once powerful entities?
3. How does the imagery used in the verses convey the gravity of Nineveh's fall?
4. What does the restoration of Jacob's splendor signify in the context of God's justice?
5. How might you reconcile a loving God with the divine judgment seen in this chapter?
Chapter three
1. How does this chapter demonstrate God's sovereignty over nations?
2. In what ways does Nahum's prophecy about Nineveh's downfall connect with God's justice?
3. Discuss the significance of the comparison of Nineveh to Thebes.
4. What specific sins of Nineveh led to its downfall according to this chapter?
5. How does Nahum's prophecy apply to today's world in terms of nations and their actions?
HABAKKUK DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Chapter one
1. How does Habakkuk's outcry in verses 1:1-4 resonate with situations in the world today?
2. Can you identify with Habakkuk's confusion about God's silence during tumultuous times?
3. How does the notion of God using a wicked nation (Babylonians) to fulfill His plans challenge your understanding of divine justice?
4. How can we reconcile the reality of evil in the world with the existence of a good and loving God?
5. What does this chapter teach us about honesty in prayer and our communication with God?
Chapter two
1. Reflect on the patience Habakkuk shows in waiting for God's answer. Can you recall a situation when you had to wait for God's guidance?
2. In what ways does Habakkuk 2:4 ("the righteous will live by his faith") resonate with your own life?
3. Discuss the implications of the five woes. How do they apply to our society today?
4. What does this chapter reveal about God's attitude towards wealth obtained unjustly?
5. How does God's response in Habakkuk in this chapter provide comfort in today's world where injustices often seem to prevail?
Chapter three
1. What does Habakkuk's prayer teach us about approaching God in times of fear and uncertainty?
2. How does the vision of God's power in verses 3-15 comfort Habakkuk?
3. How does the imagery used in this chapter shape our understanding of God's character and power?
4. How can we, like Habakkuk, learn to rejoice in the Lord amidst distressing situations?
5. In verse 2, Habakkuk asks God to "remember mercy". What does this suggest about his understanding of God's nature?