The Hebrews were enslaved by the Egyptians. They appealed to God for deliverance. He heard their appeal and sent Moses to ask Pharaoh to let the Hebrews go. Pharaoh refused and God sent ten plagues to convince Pharaoh. After the Pharaoh realized that God will not stop until the Hebrews were released he let them go.
The shortest road from Goshen to Canaan went through the Philistine country. But God didn't lead them that way. God said, "If they have to go into battle, they might change their minds. They might return to Egypt."
So God led the people toward the Red Sea by taking them on a road through the desert. (Exodus 13: 17-18)
Remember that the reason the Israelites were in Egypt in the first place is because Joseph had been sold into slavery by his brothers, he saved up grain because he interpreted Pharaoh's dream, his brothers come for food, etc (both you and your students should be very familiar with this story by now!). Joseph still remembered that Egypt wasn't his home, and he didn't want to be buried there. "Moses took the bones of Joseph along with him. Joseph had made the sons of Israel take an oath and make a promise. He had said, 'I'm sure that God will come to help you. When he does, you must carry my bones up from this place with you.'" Exodus 13:19.
After the Hebrews left, Pharaoh changed his mind (again!) and pursued them to the edge of the Red Sea. God parted the sea long enough for the Hebrews to cross over to the other side. Once they were across God closed the gap in the sea and drowned the pursuing Egyptian army. The Hebrews were free!
By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud. It guided them on their way. At night he led them with a pillar of fire. It gave them light. So they could travel by day or at night. 22 The pillar of cloud didn't leave its place in front of the people during the day. And the pillar of fire didn't leave its place at night. Exodus 13:21
The Israelites had lived in Egypt for 430 years.
Aaron's sister Miriam was a prophet. She took a tambourine in her hand and all the women followed her, playing tambourines and dancing. Miriam sang to them,
"Sing to the Lord.
He is greatly honored.
He has thrown Pharaoh's horses and their riders
into the Red Sea." Exodus 15:20-21
What is the deepest water or largest body of water you have ever swam in? Were you nervous the first time you did it? Could you touch the bottom?
Today, we're going to learn about how the Israelites escaped from Egypt and got across a large body of water.
Read story from a Children's storybook Bible for younger children.
For older children, read story from an age-appropriate Children's storybook Bible or tell the story yourself.
Scripture for Kids to Read Aloud: Exodus 13:17-22, Exodus 14:23-31
First, ask the children if they have any questions about the story. What to do if you don't know the answer?
Scripture Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left. Exodus 14:21-22
Supplies 2 sheets of white paper per student, colored pencils or crayons, scissors, tape
Heads up! This activity would be a good intro to the lesson.
Scripture Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left. Exodus 14:21-22
Supplies bowl of water, pepper, dish soap
Scripture By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people. Exodus 13:21-22
Supplies orange glow sticks and orange baloons
Scripture Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left. Exodus 14:21-22
Supplies red balloons, masking tape
Scripture Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron's sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her, with tambourines and dancing. 21 Miriam sang to them: "Sing to the Lord, for he is highly exalted. The horse and its rider he has hurled into the sea." Exodus 15:20-21
Supplies two paper plates per student, beans or bells, stapler, streamers or ribbon
Scripture By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people. Exodus 13:21-22
Supplies Black and white construction paper, red and orange tissue paper, cotton balls.
Scripture By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people. Exodus 13:21-22
Supplies 2 popsicle sticks per student, card stock, cotton balls, orange glitter or tissue paper, glue
Scripture Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left. Exodus 14:21-22
Supplies large brown paper, blue (or red) paper, glue, crayons or markers
Scripture By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people. Exodus 13:21-22
Supplies 1 liter bottle, matches, warm water
Scripture Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea and they went into the Desert of Shur. Exodus 15:22
Supplies printed map of wilderness journey