The Story of 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.
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Quiz of the Day
Which prophet said, "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son"?
What is the common name of the prayer that Jesus taught to his disciples?
What did the sailors of the ship Jonah was on do to increase their chances of survival?
Zacharias and Elizabeth were told by an angel that they would have a son. What was he to be called?
Of what did Potiphar's wife falsely accuse Joseph resulting in him being thrown into prison?
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Moses and the Ten Commandments
Long ago, God chose a man named Moses to rescue His people, the Israelites, from slavery in Egypt. After God sent ten powerful plagues, Pharaoh finally let them go! But the adventure wasn’t over. Moses led the people through the desert to a mountain called Sinai, where God had a HUGE surprise waiting.
The Journey to Mount Sinai
Life in the Desert
After escaping Egypt, the Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years. They faced hunger, thirst, and scary animals. But God provided for them every day:
- Manna: Bread-like food that appeared every morning.
- Water from a rock: Moses struck a rock, and water gushed out!
- A pillar of cloud and fire: God guided them with a cloud by day and fire by night.
Expert Insight: The desert journey wasn’t just about survival—it was a time for the Israelites to learn to trust God.
Why Mount Sinai?
We do not know why God chose Mount Sinai, but it became a place of profound spiritual significance where God revealed His covenant and commandments to the Israelites (Exodus 19:16-19).
Moses Climbs Mount Sinai
The Scary (But Safe!) Mountain
Imagine a mountain covered in dark clouds, lightning, and booming thunder! The Israelites were so scared, they told Moses, “YOU talk to God—we’ll stay down here!”
Fun Fact: Mount Sinai is also called “Mount Horeb” in some Bible parts. Experts think it’s in modern-day Egypt or Saudi Arabia!
What Happened at the Top?
For 40 days and nights, Moses talked with God. No snacks, no naps—just God teaching him 10 special rules to help people love Him and each other.
Why 40 Days?
In the Bible, the number 40 often means “a time of testing or preparation.” For example:
- Noah’s flood lasted 40 days.
- Jesus fasted for 40 days in the wilderness.
The Ten Commandments on Tablets
God carved these commandments onto two stone tablets. Here’s what they mean for kids:
| Commandment | Kid-Friendly Meaning | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. You shall have no other gods before Me | Love God above everything else. | God is our Creator and loves us most. |
| 2. You shall not make for yourself a carved image or worship any idol | Worship only God, not things or people. | God is living and wants our full attention. |
| 3. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain | Speak God’s name with love and respect. | God’s name is holy and powerful. |
| 4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy | Rest, pray, and spend time with family. | Rest helps us remember God's blessings. |
| 5. Honor your father and your mother | Show love and respect to parents. | Families are part of God's plan. |
| 6. You shall not murder | Be kind and peaceful with everyone. | God values every life. |
| 7. You shall not commit adultery | Keep your promises to those you love. | Trust is essential for relationships. |
| 8. You shall not steal | Always ask before taking things. | Honesty builds trust. |
| 9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor | Tell the truth, even when it’s hard. | Lies hurt relationships. |
| 10. You shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor | Be happy with what you have. | God provides everything we need. |
Expert Insight: The tablets were made of blue sapphire stone, according to ancient Jewish tradition. Imagine how heavy and shiny they were!
Download Moses with the Ten Commandment Tablets Coloring Page
The Golden Calf Mistake
Impatient Israelites
While Moses was away, the people got bored. They melted their jewelry to make a golden calf idol to worship. Big mistake!
Why a Calf?
In Egypt, people worshipped animal gods like bulls. The Israelites copied this, forgetting God’s miracles.
Moses’ Big Feelings
When Moses saw the calf, he was so upset he dropped the tablets, breaking them. This showed the people had broken their promise to God.
Bible Detail: Moses ground the golden calf into powder, mixed it with water, and made the people drink it! (Exodus 32:20)
God’s Second Chance
Moses Prayed… and God Listened!
Moses asked God to forgive the people. And guess what? God did because He his a merciful father! He gave Moses new tablets with the same rules.
Parent Tip: Use this story to teach kids about forgiveness. Say, “Even when we mess up, God still loves us!”
The Second Set of Tablets
This time, God told Moses to carve the tablets himself. Why? To show that we must work hard to keep God’s laws.
What God Expects From Us Today
As a child of God, the Ten Commandments serve as a loving guide to help us live a safe and joyful life. Here's how:
For Kids:
- Pray before bed (Commandment #4).
- Share toys instead of fighting (Commandment #8).
- Say “sorry” when you make mistakes (like the Israelites did!).
For Adults:
- Put God first, not money or fame (Commandment #1).
- Keep marriage promises (Commandment #7).
- Avoid gossip (Commandment #9).
Personal Story: Once, a kid told me, “I broke Commandment #9—I lied about eating cookies.” We talked about saying sorry, and guess what? His mom forgave him, just like God!
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. These commandments apply to all Christians too, because God’s rules never expire! Just like a parent gives their child guidelines to stay safe and happy, God gave us these commandments to protect our hearts, strengthen our relationships, and keep us close to Him.
For example:
- When you honor your parents (Commandment #5), you build trust in your family.
- When you tell the truth (Commandment #9), friendships grow stronger.
- When you avoid jealousy (Commandment #10), you learn to appreciate the gifts God gave YOU.
Personal Anecdote: A Sunday School teacher once told me, “The commandments are like guardrails on a mountain road—they keep us from falling!” Imagine driving without guardrails! God’s rules keep us safe on life’s bumpy journey.
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.
Activities & Fun
1. “Carry the Tablets” Challenge
- What You’ll Need: Two heavy books, a timer.
- Steps:
- Pretend the books are stone tablets.
- Walk across the room without dropping them!
- Time yourself—can you beat your record?
- Think: God’s rules are important, even if they feel “heavy” sometimes.
2. Ten Commandments Matching Game
- How to Play:
- Write each commandment on a card.
- Write their meanings on separate cards.
- Mix them up and match them!
3. Coloring Page
Download Moses and the Ten Commandment Coloring Page!
The Ten Commandments in Other Religions
- Judaism: The commandments are part of the Torah.
- Islam: Moses (Musa) is a prophet, and the commandments align with Islamic teachings.
- Christianity: Jesus said the commandments show us how to love (Matthew 22:37-40).
Key Lessons
- God is patient: He gave the Israelites many chances.
- Rules are for our good: Like a parent’s guidance.
- Forgiveness is possible: No mistake is too big for God.
Want more stories? Try Noah’s Ark or David and Goliath next!
Don’t Forget Your Infographic!
Stick it on your fridge or classroom wall!
Frequently Asked Questions
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!
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