Moses and the Ten Commandments

Welcome to Faithful Fable, a place where we share the undiluted word of God in quizzes and stories. Today's story is about Moses and the Ten Commandments, focusing on how Moses received these divine laws on Mount Sinai and brought them to the people of Israel, highlighting the profound impact of these commandments on religious and moral life.

Moses and the Ten Commandments

Once upon a time, long ago, there was a man named Moses, who was chosen by God to lead His people, the Israelites, out of slavery in Egypt. After many struggles and the miraculous Ten Plagues, they were set free. Now, they were in the desert on their way to the Promised Land. But before they could go further, Moses needed to receive a very special gift from God - the Ten Commandments.

A Journey to Mount Sinai

The Israelites at the Mountain

After leaving Egypt, Moses and the Israelites traveled through the desert. They faced many challenges, but with God's guidance, they made it to a mountain called Sinai. It was here that God wanted to talk with Moses.

Moses Climbs the Mountain

Moses left the people at the base of the mountain and climbed up to meet God. The mountain was covered with a thick cloud, and there was lightning and thunder. It was a bit scary, but Moses was brave because he knew God was with him.

The Ten Commandments

A Holy Conversation

At the top of Mount Sinai, God spoke to Moses. He gave Moses rules for living that would help the Israelites know how to love God and each other. These rules are called the Ten Commandments.

The Stone Tablets

God inscribed the commandments on two stone tablets so the people could remember them. The tablets were heavy, but they carried something much heavier: God’s words, which are important for us even today.

The Golden Calf

Trouble in the Camp

While Moses was away, the people became impatient and made a big mistake. They built a golden calf to worship instead of waiting for Moses to return with God's commandments. This made God very sad.

Moses' Return

When Moses came back and saw what they had done, he was very upset. He threw down the tablets, breaking them to show how the people had broken God’s law.

A Second Chance

Moses Prays for the People

Moses knew the people had done wrong, so he prayed to God asking for forgiveness. Because God is loving and merciful, He gave Moses new tablets with the commandments and forgave the people for their mistake.

Teaching the Commandments

Moses went down the mountain again, this time carefully holding the new tablets. He taught everyone what the commandments said and how to follow them. The Israelites promised to obey God's laws.

Living by the Commandments

A Covenant with God

These Ten Commandments became the center of a special promise, or covenant, between God and His people. They promised to follow God’s way, and in return, He promised to be with them always.

The Commandments in Our Lives

The Ten Commandments taught the Israelites how to live in peace with God and each other. They are just as meaningful for us today, showing us the path to a life full of love, respect, and kindness.

Key Takeaways

• God chose Moses to lead the Israelites and receive the Ten Commandments.
• The Ten Commandments were given on Mount Sinai and are important rules for how to love God and others.
• The Israelites made a mistake by worshiping a golden calf, but God forgave them when they asked for forgiveness.
• The commandments are part of a special promise between God and His people.
• They teach us about living in a way that pleases God and helps us live together in peace.

Some Activities

The Stone Tablets

Hey kids, can you imagine what it would be like to carry stone tablets like Moses? Try this fun activity: grab two heavy books and pretend they are the stone tablets. Can you carry them without dropping them? Remember, they are very important and contain God's words, so carry them carefully!

Moses and the Ten Commandments Coloring Page

Printout below Moses and the Ten Commandments Coloring Page and color it. Ask an adult to help you with the print out or coloring choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most important commandment that Moses received?

The most important commandment is to love God above all else (Deuteronomy 6:5).

Why did Moses break the first set of tablets?

Moses broke the first set of tablets in anger when he saw the Israelites worshiping the golden calf, showing they had broken their promise to God.

Did Moses receive the same Ten Commandments on the second set of tablets?

Yes, the second set of tablets had the same Ten Commandments as the first. (Exodus 34:1)

Are the Ten Commandments important for us today?

Yes, they provide moral guidance and help us understand how God wants us to live.

How did God appear to Moses on Mount Sinai?

God appeared as a cloud on Mount Sinai with thunder, lightning, and a loud trumpet sound. (Exodus 19:16-19)

Where can we find the story of Moses and the Ten Commandments in the Bible?

You can find this story in the book of Exodus, chapters 19 to 20. (Exodus 19-20)

Remember, kids, the story of Moses and the Ten Commandments is a reminder of how God wants us to live and treat one another. It's a story full of adventure, mistakes, forgiveness, and promises. Just like the creation story, where everything began, Moses's story shows us God's plan for our lives and how we can be closer to Him every day!