Q Choose at least two of these discussion prompts to address. As always, think paragraph rather than a sentence or two. Then offer some feedback to two of your classmates' responses. Identify something you found surprising as you read. Explain why you found it surprising and analyze that component of the reading. How does the Mosaic Covenant differ from the earlier covenants made through Noah and Abraham? Discuss the theophany (revelation of God) at Mount Sinai and the nature of the laws delivered in Exodus 20-23. After having rescued his people form slavery in Egypt, why does Yahweh still permit the institution of human slavery (Exod. 21:1-11)? Why do you suppose the Torah writers depict Yahweh as “like a devouring fire” (Exod. 24:17-18), “jealous,” and so wrathful that Moses must repeatedly dissuade him from annihilating his people (cf. Exod. 33:3-5; 34:9, and Num. 14:10-38)? Describe the nature of the Mosaic Covenant. How do its conditional terms differ from the absolute promises of the Abrahamic Covenant? (What must the Israelites do to keep Yahweh’s favor?) Which of the commandments struck you as interesting/intriguing or gave you pause or . . . Analyze Moses as a literary character. Has he changed at all? What motivates him? (Imagine yourself a profiler who is trying to convey to others who this character is.) How does God differ from the Mesopotamian gods of Gilgamesh epic? Free thinking: What did you find most interesting about the book of Exodus and why? What did you find least interesting about Exodus and why? Analyze a relationship found in Exodus. (e.g. God and Moses) Dealer's Choice: Comment on anything about Exodus you like, but be sure to be analytical in your approach.