In this lesson, children learn that God rescued the Israelites from Pharaoh’s army and that He is strong enough to save us, too. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the song and the activity.
Big Idea
God is strong, and He saves His people. When we feel scared, we can sing and trust Him, because He always keeps His promises.
Memory Verse
Exodus 15:2
Yah is my strength and song. He has become my salvation. This is my God, and I will praise him; my father’s God, and I will exalt him.
(WEB)
Teach children to hold both fists up in front of their chest like they are holding a shield, then lift their arms high on the word “salvation.” Do it together as you say the verse aloud, three times. The motion makes the idea of God as our strength easy to remember.
The Story: Exodus 15 for Kids
God’s people, the Israelites, had left Egypt after many years of being slaves. Pharaoh changed his mind and sent his soldiers and chariots to chase them. The Israelites found themselves trapped at the edge of the Red Sea, with the water in front of them and the enemy behind.
Then Moses lifted his hand, and God sent a strong wind that pushed the sea back. The waters stood up like walls, and the Israelites walked across on dry ground. The people of Israel were safe on the other side.
When Pharaoh’s army followed them into the sea, God let the waters rush back over the chariots and soldiers. None of them were left behind. The Israelites saw with their own eyes that God had saved them.
Moses and the people sang a song to the LORD. Miriam, Moses’s sister, took a tambourine and led all the women in singing and dancing. She sang, “Sing to the LORD, for he has triumphed gloriously!”
After the celebration, the people walked into the wilderness for three days without finding water. When they finally found water at Marah, it was bitter and they could not drink it. Moses cried out to God, and God showed him a tree. When Moses threw it into the water, the water became sweet and good to drink.
Read It Together
Exodus 15:1
Then Moses and the children of Israel sang this song to the LORD, and said, “I will sing to the LORD, for he has triumphed gloriously. The horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.
(WEB)
Point out that Moses and the people sang because God had won the victory. Ask children what things make them want to sing, and remind them that God gave the Israelites a reason to sing.
Exodus 15:11
Who is like you, the LORD, among the gods? Who is like you, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?
(WEB)
Show children how the verse asks who is like God. Let them name some things that are great and wonderful, then explain that God is greater than all of them.
Exodus 15:26
And he said, “If you will diligently listen to the LORD your God’s voice, and will do that which is right in his eyes, and will pay attention to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you, which I have put on the Egyptians; for I am the LORD who heals you.”
(WEB)
Explain that God said He is the one who heals His people. Point out that God cares for us in every kind of trouble, and that listening to Him helps us live well.
Talk About It
- What did the Israelites see God do at the Red Sea?
- How do you think Miriam and the women felt when they sang and danced?
- What did the people do when the water at Marah was bitter?
- What did God do to make the water sweet?
- When you feel scared, how can you remember that God is strong and will help you?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Victory Sea Scene
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and blue paint if you have it. Have each child draw the Red Sea with walls of water on both sides and the Israelites walking through on dry ground. Encourage them to add a small detail, like Miriam with her tambourine. Display the pictures where the children can see them during class.
Strong Like the LORD Movement Game
Clear some space and have children stand in a line. Call out “Walk through!” and they march in place with big steps, then call out “Strong!” and they flex their arms. Finish by letting them clap a tambourine rhythm and sing the memory verse together. This helps children connect the story with movement and sound.
Take-Home Sweet Water Cup
You will need a clear cup, water, and a small spoon of sugar or a sweet drink mix. Let each child stir the sugar into their water and taste it, talking about how God turned bitter water sweet. Send the cup home with a note reminding families that God takes care of us, and invite them to say the memory verse together at dinner.
Teacher Notes
This chapter shows that God is the one who wins the battle and saves His people from danger. The song of victory is a response of worship, celebrating who God is and what He has done. The story of Marah also shows that God provides for His people and cares for them even when they grumble and struggle.
Avoid suggesting that God will always make hard things sweet right away or that every problem disappears when we pray. Children may take that too literally. Instead, remind them that God is always with us and faithful to His promises, even when we must wait.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank you that you are strong and that you save your people. Help us to trust you when we feel scared, and help us to sing your praise. Thank you for taking care of us every day. Amen.
