Bethany Bible Study

Malachi 2: 1-9

Calling & Chastisement of Priests

CHARGE TO & CHASTISEMENT OF PRIESTS: What was the charge given to priests? What will be the chastisement if they are negligent? (1-3)

CHARACTER OF PRIESTS: What are desirable qualities of priests? (4-7)

FAILURE OF PRIESTS & CONSEQUENCES: What were the four failures of priests? What was the consequence? (8-9)

Reflection: How did Christ & the Cross change the role of priests? How does this passage relate to today’s church?

1. Blemished Sacrifices (6-8): What is God’s burden about offering of sacrifices? What was missing in the sacrifices? What does scripture say about sacrifices? Who should be blamed for polluted sacrifices … priests and/or people? Why is the comparison to father/son and offering food to governor relevant?
2. Response to blemished sacrifices (9-14): How does God deal with deceptive and weary worshippers? How can we undo the consequences of faulty practices? Will the worship of God ever stop?
3. Reflection: What do we learn about the character of God from this passage? What type of sacrifices does God expect from us today? Are we also guilty of offering blemished sacrifices?

Malachi 1:1-5

God’s Burden | God’s Love

1. Introduction: What must we do with the revealed Word of God? Where does Malachi fit in Jewish history? What is the role of prophets? What is the unique writing style of this book? What are some questions covered in Malachi? God’s Burden: What is the burden of the Lord? How is it communicated? (1)
2. God’s Love: Why do Israelites question God’s love? How does God prove His love? Did God really ‘hate’ Esau? Was Esau’s future in jeopardy even before he was born? How did Esau confirm the prophesy in his life? (2-5)
3. Your Reflection: Do you know the burden of the Lord for your Life|Church|Nation? Have you questioned God’s love? What do we learn about God’s character from this passage?

Chapter 34 Death of Moses | Start of Joshua Death of Moses: Where did Moses die? Why was he denied entry to promised land? How was he buried? What is the title given to Moses? How old was Moses when he died? What lead to his death? Was the promise of promised land ‘for ever’ or for a ‘limited time ?’ (32:48- 52, 34:1-8) The Next Leader: Why was Joshua the right choice after Moses? Should Israelites be worried that Moses will not be leading them? (9) Legacy of Moses: What made Moses a great leader? (10-12)

Chapter 33 Great God| Blessing on Israel Tribes | Blessed Israel GLORY OF GOD: What is the title given to Moses? How does Moses exalt God? Why was the law given to people of Israel? (1-5) BLESSINGS ON TRIBES: What tribes are listed? Is any tribe missing? Which tribes are given prominence? What are some central themes in these blessings? What are the specific blessings given to each tribe? Are the blessings material or spiritual, temporal or long lasting, or both? (6-25) How is the blessing of Moses similar/different from blessing of Jacob? BLESSED ISRAEL: What made Israel a blessed nation? (26-29)

Chapter 32 The Song of Moses

1. WORSHIP: Why is our God worthy of worship? (1-6)
2. REFLECTION: Why are Israelites asked to ‘remember’ and what must come to mind when they reflect on the past? (7-14)
3. DEFLECTION: What was the turning point for Israelites that lead to their fall? How did they dishonor God? (15-18)
4. PUNISHMENT: How will the Lord respond to rebellion by Israelites? Is there any hope for Israelites? (19-43) What is the final exhortation of Moses? (44-47) Where will Moses die? (48-52)

Chapter 31 Moses final exhortation to Joshua and Israelites | The book

1. When does Moses recognize that his time is coming to an end? What is the message given by Moses to Israelites? Why shouldn’t Israelites worry about change of leadership? (1-6)
2. What charge did Moses give Joshua? Was it given publicly or privately? (7-8) ( 14-15, 23)
3. What did Moses deliver to the priests? Where was the book placed? What instructions did Moses give to the priests? (9-13, 24-27)
4. What type of song did God ask Moses to write? (16-22) What message did Moses give elders and officers? (28-29)

Chapter 30 Restoration | the Laws | the Choice

1. What is the path to restoration? What leads to change of heart? (1-3)
2. What is restored to repentant Israel? (4-10)
3. What can we say about the nature of God’s laws? (11-15)
4. What are the choices offered to Israelites, and what are the consequences? (16-20)

Chapter 29 The Covenant: Reviewed and Renewed, Revealed versus Secret Things

1. When was the earlier covenant made? What lessons should the Israelites have learned from history? What should have been the response to the covenant? Why is it that they were able to ‘see’ but ‘not see’? (1-9)
2. Who are the parties to the ‘renewed covenant’ and what are the key elements? (10-19)
3. How does God deal with covenant breakers? Are the heathens able to recognize the justice of God? (20-28)
4. What is the difference between ‘revealed and secret things’? What should be our response to ‘revealed’ and ‘secret’ things?

Chapter 28 Choices have Consequences

1. What is the choice given to Israelites? What is the choice given to us today? (1-2)
2. What are the blessings proclaimed? What is the condition for inheriting the blessings? What are the blessings promised to us today? (3-14)
3. What type of curses will follow disobedience? Are we subject to curses today? (15-68)