Sunday School

THE LESSON BACKGROUND. After the children of Israel were delivered from Egyptian bondage (see Exodus 12:31-38), God led them into the wilderness by a cloud during the day and a pillar of fire at night (see Exodus 13:17-22). When they arrived in the wilderness of Sin, in response to their murmurings, God provided food for them to eat (see Exodus 16:1-15). Then the Israelites journeyed from the wilderness of Sin and made camp in Rephidim where God commanded Moses to hit the rock to bring forth water for His people (see Exodus 17:1-7). After being victorious in their first conflict since leaving Egypt (see Exodus 17:8-16), Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law visited him and gave Moses some wise advice on how to solve disputes among the people (see Exodus 18:1-27). Then the Israelites left Rephidim and came to the wilderness of Sinai. While camped there at the foot of Mount Sinai, God made the Mosaic Covenant with them and all the people agreed to His terms of obedience (see Exodus 19:1-8). Then after demonstrating His power in the cloud above Mount Sinai, God gave His people the Ten Commandments. This is where our lesson begins.