Moses in the Wilderness
After fleeing Egypt, Moses found himself in the wilderness of Midian. Once a prince in Pharaoh’s palace, he was now a humble shepherd. But God had big plans for Moses—plans that would involve leading the Israelites out of slavery and through the wilderness to the Promised Land.
The Classic Tale of Peter Rabbit Hardcover: The Classic Edition by acclaimed Illustrator, Charles Santore (Charles Santore Children's Classics)
$10.17 (as of April 21, 2025 16:24 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
With Jesus I Have Hope: A Kid's Bible Story About Hope in the Resurrection of Jesus Our King, Featuring a Christian Lesson showing the True Meaning of ... to Grade 2 (With Jesus Series Book 24)
$0.99 (as of April 21, 2025 16:24 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)This story teaches us about trusting God, even when the journey is long and hard.
Fun Fact: Moses spent 40 years in the wilderness before God called him to lead the Israelites—and another 40 years leading them through the wilderness!
Link to Other Story: Discover how the Israelites crossed the Red Sea!
Quiz of the Day
When Jesus told his disciples to beware of the "leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees," to what was he referring?
What did Jesus send disciples to fetch on his triumphal entry into Jerusalem?
What object featured in Jacob's dream at Bethel?
Why did Solomon turn away from God when he was old?
Which king dreamed about a large statue of a man made from different metals?
Your Score: /5
Moses in the Wilderness
Chapter 1: Moses’ Call at the Burning Bush
One day, while tending sheep near Mount Horeb, Moses saw something amazing—a bush on fire but not burning up! When he went to take a closer look, God spoke to him from the bush: “Moses, take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”
God told Moses He had seen the suffering of the Israelites in Egypt and planned to rescue them. He said, “I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring My people out of Egypt.”
Moses was afraid and made excuses, but God promised to be with him and gave him signs to prove His power (Exodus 3:1-12).
Chapter 2: The Plagues and the Exodus
Moses obeyed God and returned to Egypt with his brother Aaron. Together, they went to Pharaoh and delivered God’s message: “Let My people go, so they may worship Me in the wilderness.” But Pharaoh’s heart was hard, and he refused (Exodus 5:1-2). To show His power, God sent ten plagues upon Egypt.
After the tenth plague, Pharaoh finally let the Israelites go. Moses led them out of Egypt, and God guided them with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21-22).
Chapter 3: Trials in the Wilderness
After escaping Egypt, the Israelites faced a new challenge: the wilderness. The journey to the Promised Land wasn’t easy, but God was with them every step of the way, providing for their needs and teaching them to trust Him.
1. Hunger in the Desert
Soon after leaving Egypt, the Israelites ran out of food. They complained to Moses, saying, “If only we had died in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted. But now you’ve brought us into this wilderness to starve!” (Exodus 16:3).
But God had a plan. He told Moses, “I will rain down bread from heaven for you.” The next morning, the ground was covered with manna—a flaky, bread-like substance. God also sent quail for meat. The Israelites gathered just enough for each day, learning to trust God for their daily needs (Exodus 16:4-36).
2. Water from a Rock
As the journey continued, the Israelites grew thirsty. They complained again, saying, “Why did you bring us out of Egypt to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?” (Exodus 17:3).
God told Moses to strike a rock with his staff. When Moses obeyed, water gushed out, providing enough for all the people and their animals (Exodus 17:5-7).
3. Victory Over the Amalekites
While camping at Rephidim, the Israelites were attacked by the Amalekites. Moses told Joshua to lead the fight while he stood on a hilltop, holding up the staff of God. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning. But when his arms grew tired and he lowered them, the Amalekites gained the upper hand.
Aaron and Hur came to help. They held up Moses’ arms until sunset, and the Israelites won the battle. God taught them that victory comes through faith and dependence on Him (Exodus 17:8-16).
Chapter 4: The Ten Commandments
At Mount Sinai, God gave Moses the Ten Commandments—rules to help the Israelites live in a way that honored Him. Moses spent 40 days on the mountain, receiving instructions from God (Exodus 20:1-17).
But while Moses was away, the Israelites grew impatient and made a golden calf to worship. When Moses returned and saw this, he was so angry that he broke the stone tablets. But after the people repented, Moses chiseled out new tablets and God rewrote the commandments to renew His covenant with them (Exodus 32-34).
Chapter 5: The Journey Continues
After receiving the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai, the Israelites continued their journey through the wilderness. This part of their story is filled with challenges, lessons, and moments of God’s faithfulness.
1. The Tabernacle: God’s Presence with Them
God instructed Moses to build a tabernacle—a portable tent where His presence would dwell among the people. The Israelites contributed materials like gold, silver, and fine linen, and skilled workers built everything exactly as God had commanded (Exodus 25-31, 35-40).
The tabernacle was a reminder that God was with them, guiding and protecting them every step of the way.
2. Complaints and Consequences
Despite God’s provision, the Israelites often complained. They grumbled about the food, the lack of water, and the challenges of the journey. At one point, they even wished they were back in Egypt (Numbers 11:4-6)!
Their lack of trust had consequences. For example, when they refused to enter the Promised Land because they feared the giants living there, God made them wander in the wilderness for 40 years until that generation had passed away (Numbers 14:26-35).
3. Moses’ Leadership Tested
Leading the Israelites wasn’t easy. Moses faced constant challenges, including rebellion from his own people. At one point, his brother Aaron and sister Miriam criticized him, but God defended Moses as His chosen leader (Numbers 12:1-15).
Moses also made mistakes. When the people complained about water again, God told Moses to speak to a rock to bring forth water. Instead, Moses struck the rock twice in anger. Because of this, God told Moses he would not enter the Promised Land (Numbers 20:1-13).
4. Preparing for the Promised Land
After 40 years in the wilderness, the Israelites finally reached the border of the Promised Land. Moses appointed Joshua as the new leader and reminded the people of God’s laws and promises.
In his final speech, Moses said, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6).
Moses climbed Mount Nebo, where God showed him the Promised Land. Though Moses didn’t enter it, he saw the fulfillment of God’s promise before he died (Deuteronomy 34:1-12).
What Can We Learn from This Story?
1️⃣ Trust God’s Timing: Moses spent 40 years in the wilderness before God called him. Sometimes, God prepares us in unexpected ways for His plans.
2️⃣ God Provides: In the wilderness, God gave the Israelites everything they needed. He will provide for us too, even in difficult times.
3️⃣ Obedience Matters: Moses obeyed God, even when it was hard. Our obedience can lead to amazing blessings.
4️⃣ Patience and Perseverance: The journey through the wilderness was long, but God was always with His people.
Discussion Questions:
- Have you ever had to wait a long time for something? How did you handle it?
- How has God provided for you in a tough situation?
- What’s one way you can show obedience to God this week?
Bible Verses to Remember
- “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
—Deuteronomy 31:8 - “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
—Isaiah 40:31 - “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
—Proverbs 3:5
Activity: Apply the Lesson!
- Wilderness Map: Draw a map of the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness. Label key events like the Red Sea, Mount Sinai, and the Promised Land.
- Manna Snack: Make a simple snack (like crackers or bread) to remind you of God’s provision in the wilderness.
- Prayer Journal: Write down a situation where you need to trust God’s timing or provision. Pray about it daily and record how God works in your life.
Link to Other Story: Discover how Joshua led the Israelites into the Promised Land!
Leave a Reply
Related Posts