Bible Story Lessons

God's mighty power had delivered the people of Israel from being slaves in Egypt.  And now God was going to take His people to the land of Canaan, which He had promised to Abraham.

After the Israelites left their homes in Egypt, they travelled for some time.  They were guided by a cloud that God had sent to show them the way to go.  But, they had to stop when they reached the edge of the Red Sea.  They could not go further because they had no boats in which to cross over to the other side.

How do you think the Israelites got across the Red Sea? (Let the children respond).  No, they couldn't fly, because there were no aeroplanes in those days.  And no, they couldn't wade across because the water was too deep and they would all have drowned!

In the meantime, Pharaoh, that wicked king of Egypt once again changed his mind!  He was sorry that he had let the people of Israel leave Egypt.  But, he knew the direction they travelled and that they would have to stop when they reached the Red Sea.

"I'll catch them there!" he shouted and ordered the whole Egyptian army to chase after the Israelites and recapture them and bring them back into slavery again!

And now the people of Israel were trapped at the edge of the Red Sea.   What were they to do? (Let the children respond).  No, they could not run away, because the huge Egyptian army and chariots were fast approaching them.

The Israelites started to get afraid when they heard the rumble of the Egyptian chariots coming closer and closer.  They could see many soldiers waving spears and swords!  The people ran to Moses and complained loudly.  They screamed that they wished they had stayed in Egypt!

What do you suppose Moses did? (Let the children respond).   Well, Moses told the people that God would fight for them, and then he prayed to God for help.

It was dark by this time, and the cloud which had guided the Israelites moved in between them and the Egyptian army.  On Israel's side, the cloud was bright like fire, but on the Egyptian side it was pitch black and Pharoah's army could not see which way to go.

A terrible muddle of horses, chariots and soldiers resulted and this took hours and hours to sort out!  Pharoah was angry that he was unable to catch the Israelites!

The people of Israel were safe and I'm sure they gave a huge cheer when they heard the yells and screams and neighing of frightened horses.  Let's hear what it sounded like! (Let the children cheer).

The people were still scared, but God had a plan and told Moses hold his staff over the Red Sea.  When Moses did this, God caused a strong wind to blow over the water all that night and a dry path was formed through the sea.

And then the Israelites marched right across to the other shore and didn't even get their feet wet! (Let the children march around the room and pretend they are crossing through the sea).

The Egyptians decided that if the Israelites could cross over that way, so could they!  They followed through the path in the waters, but God caused the wind to stop blowing.  The waters rushed back and all the Egyptian chariots and soldiers were drowned!  God had saved His people from Pharoah! (Let the children play act as Egyptians trying to swim in the sea).

When the Israelites saw how God had saved them from the Egyptian army, and brought them through the Red Sea to safety, they were very happy.  Moses and all the children of Israel then sang a song of praise to God.

It was God's mighty power that delivered them from being slaves in Egypt, and God continued to do wonderful things for them as He led them to the land of Canaan.

God is still the same today and always keeps His promises.  In Matthew 7:11, Jesus said:

"How much more shall your Father which is in Heaven
give good things to them that ask Him?"

And so when you are sick or sad, or have a need, remember how God saved the people of Israel and helped them cross the Red Sea.  Talk to Jesus and He will hear you and answer your prayer, and meet your need.

God bless!