This lesson teaches children that God chose the people of Israel to be His own special people, and that He keeps His promises. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God keeps His promises, and He calls His people to listen to Him and obey Him. When we trust Him, He takes care of us.
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)
Put your hands on your heart when you say the first words, then point up to heaven on the word “mine.” Cup your hands together for “possession.” Say the verse together three times, getting a little quieter each time.
The Story: Exodus 19 for Kids
The children of Israel had left Egypt, and now they had come to a wilderness called Sinai. They set up their tents at the foot of a big mountain. Moses was the leader God had chosen, and he climbed up the mountain to talk with God. God called to him from the mountain and told him a message to share with the people.
God reminded the people of what He had done for them. He had rescued them from Egypt, and He had carried them as an eagle carries its babies on its wings. Then God said that if they would listen to His voice and keep His promise, they would be His special treasure. He said they would be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.
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.” Moses went back up the mountain to tell God what the people had said.
God told Moses that the people needed to get ready. They were to wash their clothes and make themselves holy for two days. On the third day, God would come down on the mountain where everyone could see. Moses set a boundary around the mountain so no one would touch it and be hurt.
On the third morning, there was thunder and lightning. A thick cloud covered the mountain, and a loud trumpet sounded. The whole mountain shook, and smoke rose up like a furnace. Everyone in the camp trembled, but Moses led them out to meet God at the bottom of the mountain.
God called Moses up to the top of the mountain. He also told Moses to warn the people not to break through the boundary and come too close. Moses went down and told the people what God had said.
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 spoke to Moses first and reminded the people what He had already done for them. Ask the children to name something God has done for their family. Show how God’s care came before any request He made.
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)
Notice how the people answered together and agreed to obey God. Ask the children what it means to answer “together.” Explain that the people made a promise to follow God’s ways, just as we can promise to follow Jesus.
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)
Help the children picture the thunder, lightning, and trumpet. Point out that the people were frightened, but God was still in control. Explain that God is powerful and holy, and that is why we honor Him with respect.
Talk About It
- What did God remind the people He had already done for them?
- How do you think the people felt when they heard the loud trumpet and saw the thick cloud?
- What promise did the people make to God, and what can you promise God today?
- Why do you think God told Moses to set a boundary around the mountain?
- How can you show God that you want to listen to Him and obey Him this week?
Activity Ideas
Mountain Collage Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and cotton balls. Have each child draw a tall mountain with a path around its base. Glue cotton balls on top to make the thick cloud, and draw small lightning bolts beside it. As you work, talk about how God was present on the mountain even though the people could not see Him clearly.
Follow the Leader Boundary Game
Use masking tape or string to mark a large circle on the floor to represent the boundary around Mount Sinai. One child is Moses and leads the others around the outside of the circle. Each time Moses says “Stay back!” the children must stop at the edge and not step inside. Ask why the boundary was important and how it helped everyone stay safe.
Promise Card for Home
You will need index cards, a pencil, and a marker. Ask each child to write or draw one way they promise to listen to God and obey Him at home, such as helping a sibling or praying each morning. Let them decorate the card and take it home to put on the refrigerator or bedside table as a reminder.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that God starts relationships with His people by reminding them of His faithful care before He asks anything of them. The covenant at Sinai is an invitation into a special relationship, marked by listening, obedience, and holiness. The people’s response of agreement points forward to the call every believer receives to walk faithfully with God.
Be careful not to overstate the frightening details to children. The thunder, smoke, and trembling are meant to show God’s awesome holiness, but young children can become afraid of God if the emphasis is only on the storm. Keep the focus on God’s kindness, His promises, and His desire for a close relationship with His people.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for always keeping Your promises to us. Help us to listen to Your voice and to obey You every day. Thank You for loving us and choosing us to be Your own. We love You, and we want to follow You. Amen.
