This lesson teaches children that God rescued His people from Pharaoh and the Egyptian army, and that He is strong enough to save us. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach, including the story, reading, and activity.
Big Idea
God is strong, and He saves the people He loves. When we are scared, we can trust Him to take care of us.
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 arms up high like strong muscles on the word “strength,” then place one hand over their heart on the word “salvation.” Do this motion together three times so the verse sticks.
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 chased after them with his horses, chariots, and soldiers. The Israelites were trapped with the big sea in front of them and the Egyptian army coming from behind.
But God made a path right through the middle of the sea. The Israelites walked across on dry ground, with walls of water standing up on each side like giant towers. Their feet stayed dry the whole way across.
When Pharaoh’s army followed them into the sea, God let the water come back down. The horses and chariots sank, and the enemy soldiers could not stop it. God had saved His people.
After this, Moses and the people sang a happy song to thank God. Moses’s sister Miriam grabbed a tambourine and led the women in singing and dancing. She sang, “Sing to the LORD, for he has triumphed gloriously!” Everyone was filled with joy.
Later, the people walked for three days and found no water to drink. Then they came to a place where the water was bitter and they could not drink it. God showed Moses a tree, and 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 the people did not sing because the danger was over by luck. They sang because God had won the battle for them. Ask children to notice who the song is about.
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 the question the people asked about God. Explain that no one is like God, because He is holy and does wonderful things that no other power can do.
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)
Point out that God told His people to listen to Him and obey Him. Explain that God says “I am the LORD who heals you,” so He cares for His people even when they face hard things.
Talk About It
- What did the Israelites see in front of them when they came to the sea, and how do you think they felt?
- How did God make a way for His people to cross the sea?
- Why do you think Miriam and the women wanted to sing and dance after God saved them?
- What is something hard that you have been scared of, and how can you remember that God is strong?
- When the people were thirsty at Marah, what did they do, and what did God do for them?
Activity Ideas
Paper Plate Sea Walls
You will need paper plates, blue and brown crayons or markers, and tape. Have each child draw a path of dry sand through the middle of a blue paper plate, then tape two folded paper strips on the sides to make tall walls of water. As they work, remind children that God made a path through the sea for His people.
Tambourine Parade
You will need paper plates, dry beans or rice, and tape, or any simple shakers you have at home. Let children decorate their shakers and then march around the room while singing a simple praise song. Tell them this is like Miriam and the women celebrating God’s victory.
Sweet Water Reminder Card
You will need an index card, a marker, and a small sticker or drawing supplies. Have children write or draw a tree and a glass of water on the card, along with the words “God makes bitter things sweet.” Encourage them to take the card home and place it somewhere they will see it when they feel worried.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Exodus 15 shows that God’s power over every enemy is complete, and that He is the one who saves His people from danger and oppression. The song celebrates not only a past rescue but God’s ongoing faithfulness to lead, protect, and heal His people in the middle of their journey.
Avoid suggesting that children should expect God to always remove every scary situation right away. The passage shows God saving His people from Pharaoh, and it also shows them facing thirst and complaining, so keep the focus on God’s faithful care rather than promising instant answers.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You are strong and You save us. When we feel scared, help us remember that You made a way through the sea for Your people. Thank You for caring for us every day. Amen.
