In this lesson, children learn that God spoke to His people at Mount Sinai, invited them to obey Him, and made them His own special people. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God chose His people, took care of them, and asked them to listen to Him and obey Him. When we trust God, we belong to Him.
Memory Verse
Exodus 19:5
Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice, and keep my covenant, then you shall be my own possession from among all peoples; for all the earth is mine…
(WEB)
Cup your hands together like a little bowl as you say the verse, then open them wide on “all the earth is mine.” Ask the children to copy you, so the motion reminds them that God owns everything and still calls them His own.
The Story: Exodus 19 for Kids
The people of Israel had left Egypt, and now they had come to a wilderness called Sinai. They set up their tents right in front of a big mountain. God had rescued them from Egypt, and He wanted them to remember how He had carried them safely, as if on the wings of a great eagle.
Moses climbed up the mountain to meet with God. God called to him and said, “Tell the people that if they will truly obey My voice and keep My promise, they will be My own special possession.” God told Moses that Israel would be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation, set apart for Him.
Moses came down and gathered the leaders of the people. He told them everything God had said. All the people answered together, “We will do everything the LORD has said.” They were saying yes to God.
God told Moses to prepare the people for three days. They needed to wash their clothes and make themselves ready. God said He would come down on the mountain in the sight of everyone. Moses set up bounds all around the mountain, so no one would go too close and be hurt.
On the third morning, there was thunder, bright lightning, a thick cloud, and a very loud trumpet sound. Everyone in the camp shook with fear. Moses led the people out to stand at the bottom of the mountain to meet God.
The whole mountain smoked, and it shook greatly, because God came down on it in fire. God called Moses up to the top of the mountain. Then God told Moses to go down and warn the people again, so they would not come too close and get hurt.
Read It Together
Exodus 19:3-4
3 Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him out of the mountain, saying, “This is what you shall tell the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel: 4 ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings, and brought you to myself.
(WEB)
Point out that God called to Moses from the mountain before anyone else spoke. Ask the children to find the words about eagles’ wings, and remind them that God carried His people like a parent carries a child.
Exodus 19:8
All the people answered together, and said, “All that the LORD has spoken we will do.” Moses reported the words of the people to the LORD.
(WEB)
Show the children how the people answered together. Explain that they promised to do everything God had said, and ask them what it looks like to say yes to God in their own homes.
Exodus 19:16-19
16 On the third day, when it was morning, there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud on the mountain, and the sound of an exceedingly loud trumpet; and all the people who were in the camp trembled. 17 Moses led the people out of the camp to meet God; and they stood at the lower part of the mountain. 18 All of Mount Sinai smoked, because the LORD descended on it in fire; and its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked greatly. 19 When the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him by a voice.
(WEB)
Describe the thunder, lightning, and smoke so the children can picture the scene. Point out that God is holy and powerful, and that His people must respect Him and listen carefully.
Talk About It
- What did God remind the people He had done for them before He asked them to obey Him?
- What did the people of Israel promise God when Moses told them His words?
- Why do you think God wanted the people to wash their clothes and get ready for three days?
- How did the people feel when they heard the thunder and saw the smoke on the mountain?
- What is one way you can show God that you want to listen to Him this week?
Activity Ideas
Mountain Sinai Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a large mountain with a thick cloud on top and a few lightning lines around it. Let them add the people of Israel standing at the bottom, looking up. Talk together about how the picture shows God’s power and the people’s respect for Him.
Listen and Respond Game
You will need a small bell or a wooden spoon and a clear space in the room. Stand at one end and ring the bell softly. When the children hear it, they must walk slowly toward you, just as the people came near the mountain. Then ring it loudly and have them stop and stand still, reminding them that God’s voice calls us and we must listen carefully.
Take-Home Promise Card
You will need an index card, a pencil, and tape or a magnet. Help each child write or draw one way they will listen to God this week, such as praying before bed or obeying a parent quickly. Let them take the card home and place it on the refrigerator or by their bed, so they remember to say yes to God each day.
Teacher Notes
This chapter shows that God takes the initiative in His relationship with His people. He reminds them of His past faithfulness, invites them into a covenant, and calls them to a special role among the nations. For adults, the passage highlights both God’s holiness and His desire to draw near to His people, which is why the people were told to prepare carefully.
Avoid overstating the frightening details to children. The thunder and smoke are real parts of the story, but the focus should remain on God’s kindness in calling His people and His desire for them to listen and trust Him, rather than on fear.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You for speaking to us and for calling us Your own special people. Help us listen to Your voice and say yes to You each day, just as Your people did long ago. Thank You for carrying us and keeping us close to You. Amen.
