Today, we'll find out what happened after the Israelites left Egypt.
Israel Leaves Egypt
The Israelites hurried to leave Egypt. They packed everything they had and brought along their sheep, goats, cattle, and other animals.
Before they left, the Egyptians even gave them silver, gold, and clothing. The Egyptians wanted them to leave quickly because they were afraid of God's power.
God did not leave His people alone during their journey. During the day, He guided them with a tall pillar of cloud. At night, the cloud became a pillar of fire that gave them light.
Wherever the pillar went, the Israelites followed because God was leading them every step of the way.
Pharaoh Changes His Mind
After a while, Pharaoh began to think differently.
He asked, "Why did we let the Israelites go? Who will do all the work for us now?"
So Pharaoh gathered hundreds of chariots and his best soldiers. They hurried after the Israelites to bring them back to Egypt.
Soon the Israelites saw the Egyptian army racing toward them.
In front of them was the Red Sea.
Behind them came Pharaoh's army.
The Israelites became very frightened.
They cried out to Moses,
"Why did you bring us here? We are going to die!"
Moses Trusts God
Even though everyone else was afraid, Moses trusted God.
He said, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the salvation of the Lord. The Lord will fight for you."
What wonderful words!
Moses knew that nothing is impossible with God.
God Makes a Way
Then God told Moses,
"Lift up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea."
Moses obeyed God.
Immediately, a strong east wind blew all night long.
The water separated into two huge walls!
Right through the middle appeared a dry road.
Can you imagine walking between two giant walls of water?
The Israelites hurried across the Red Sea on dry ground.
At the same time, the pillar of cloud moved behind them to protect them from the Egyptians.
The pillar gave light to God's people, but darkness covered the Egyptian army so they could not reach Israel.
The Egyptian Army Follows
When the Egyptians saw the dry path, they chased after the Israelites into the sea.
Pharaoh's horses, chariots, and soldiers all followed them.
But God was watching over His people.
As the Egyptians drove through the sea, their chariot wheels became stuck and difficult to move.
The soldiers realized,
"The Lord is fighting for Israel!"
The Sea Closes
When the last Israelite safely reached the other side, God spoke to Moses again.
"Stretch out your hand over the sea."
Moses obeyed.
The walls of water came crashing back together.
The sea covered Pharaoh's army.
Not one soldier survived.
God had completely rescued His people.
Israel Praises God
When the Israelites saw God's amazing miracle, they were filled with awe.
They knew that God had protected them.
They trusted the Lord and believed in His servant Moses.
Soon after, Moses and the Israelites sang joyful songs praising God for saving them.
God had shown once again that He is powerful, faithful, and always keeps His promises.
What Can We Learn?
This story teaches us many important lessons.
1. God always keeps His promises.
God promised to rescue His people, and He did exactly that.
2. We should trust God even when we are afraid.
The Israelites saw the sea in front of them and the army behind them. It looked impossible, but God made a way.
3. God fights for His people.
Sometimes we cannot solve our problems alone. We can pray and trust God to help us.
4. Obey God even when you don't understand.
Moses simply obeyed God's instructions, and God performed an amazing miracle.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Let's see how much you remember!
- What did the Egyptians give the Israelites before they left Egypt?
- Why did Pharaoh chase after the Israelites again?
- What guided Israel during the day?
- What guided them at night?
- What was in front of Israel when the Egyptian army came?
- What did Moses tell the people when they became afraid?
- What happened when Moses stretched out his staff over the Red Sea?
- How did God protect the Israelites while they crossed?
- What happened to Pharaoh's army?
- What lessons can we learn from this story about trusting God?
MEMORY VERSE
Exodus 14:13 (ESV)
"Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will work for you today."
Encourage the children to repeat the verse several times until they can say it together.
KIDS ACTIVITIES
1. Red Sea Craft
Blue construction paper
Brown paper
Assorted colors of paper
Glue
Popsicle stick
Let children create the Red Sea by folding two blue papers outward to form water walls. Glue a brown strip in the middle for the dry path and add small paper people crossing the sea.
Children walk between them while another child plays Moses holding a staff.
Talk about how God made a way for His people.
Choose one child to hold a paper cloud.
When the leader raises the cloud, everyone follows.
Later switch to a paper flame.
Explain that God guided Israel both day and night.
Children carry a stuffed sheep while walking through the "Red Sea."
This reminds them that the Israelites hurried across while trusting God.
Pray together, thanking God that He is always with us and asking Him to help us trust Him just as Moses did.
Thank You for protecting the Israelites and making a way through the Red Sea. Help us remember that You are always with us, even when we are afraid. Teach us to trust You, obey You, and believe that nothing is impossible for You.
In Jesus' name we pray.
Amen.
Brown paper
Assorted colors of paper
Glue
Popsicle stick
Let children create the Red Sea by folding two blue papers outward to form water walls. Glue a brown strip in the middle for the dry path and add small paper people crossing the sea.
2. Walking Through the Red Sea
Create two long rows using blue cloth or crepe paper.
Children walk between them while another child plays Moses holding a staff.
Talk about how God made a way for His people.
3. Follow the Pillar Game
Create a paper cloud and a paper flame.
When the leader raises the cloud, everyone follows.
Later switch to a paper flame.
Explain that God guided Israel both day and night.
4. Red Sea Relay
Create an obstacle course.
Children carry a stuffed sheep while walking through the "Red Sea."
This reminds them that the Israelites hurried across while trusting God.
5. Prayer Time
Ask children to think of something that makes them afraid.
Pray together, thanking God that He is always with us and asking Him to help us trust Him just as Moses did.
CLOSING PRAYER
Dear God,
Thank You for protecting the Israelites and making a way through the Red Sea. Help us remember that You are always with us, even when we are afraid. Teach us to trust You, obey You, and believe that nothing is impossible for You.
In Jesus' name we pray.
Amen.
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