Patriarchal and Tribal Rule in Israel

Preview: This lesson is a guide to the laws of the Bible. Since the Bible is the foundation of the legal system of all civilized nations, it is very important that matters concerning the laws be understood.


Scripture Reading: Exodus 4:1-16.

Memory Verse: Exodus 4:17.

1. Discuss, from the foregoing Scriptures, God’s commission and provision for His new national leaders.
2. What happens when God’s laws conflict with man’s laws? Exodus 5:15-23.
Note: The Lord’s people will suffer for a season, but a right attitude will make them stronger.
3. What has God promised His people when this happens? Exodus 6:1-8.
4. Is it human nature to doubt God and fear man? Exodus 6:9.
Note: In order to be able to stand when these trials come (and they will come), God’s people must have on the whole armor of God. Ephesians 6:10-18.
5. Who was Moses’ “lieutenant governor”? Exodus 10:1-3.
6. Who were the other governing bodies? Exodus 12:21.
Note: Moses was governor, Aaron was lieutenant governor, and the head of the elders of each tribe were the House of Representatives.
7. What was their first military organization? Exodus 17:8-16.
Note: Before this Israel had been a nation within a nation. They had had no need for a governing body, or a military organization, but with each freedom, or right, that man receives, comes a new responsibility.
8. What was the next step in expanding the government? Exodus 18:13-26.
9. What was God’s message to this newly organized nation? Exodus 19:3-6.
10. What was their answer to God? Exodus 19:7-8.
Note: Moses and Aaron were the patriarchs, the elders of each family were the tribal rulers. The judges made up the rest of the governing bodies, but God was still recognized as the invisible King over all. This is still true for His people. He must be King of Kings and Lord of Lords in our lives or we are none of His.