YEA Lesson Library
On Dry Ground
About This Lesson
This lesson teaches that God lead and protected the Israelites with a pillar of cloud and a pillar of fire. God also led them through the Red Sea on dry ground.
Scriptures
Exodus 14:13-30
Exodus 14:14
Psalm 27:1-3
Psalm 27:11-13
Psalm 77:19-20
Psalm 106:7-11
Isaiah 43:15-16
Words to Know
PILLAR - a vertical upright structure
DIVIDED - split into parts
ROD - a stick used for walking and herding sheep
The Lesson
God led the Israelites out of Egypt with His mighty hand. But, how did He lead them? He led them through the desert by a cloud during the day. When the big cloud moved, the people followed. When the cloud stopped, the people stopped. At night a pillar of fire led them.
But, Pharaoh wanted the Israelites back. He didn't have anyone left to do all the work. So he led his soldiers in a chase to bring the Israelites back to Egypt. The Israelites camped out at the edge of the Red Sea. Pharaoh thought they were trapped between the desert and the Red Sea.
The Israelites were afraid. They couldn't run away. The sea was in front of them. Pharaoh's army was behind them. But God took care of the Israelites. He set His cloud between the Israelites and Pharaoh's army.
God told Moses to hold his rod out over the Red Sea. Then God sent a strong wind. It blew all night. The water divided and made a path through the sea. The Israelites walked through the sea “On Dry Ground!”
Pharaoh's army tried to follow the Israelites. But, when the Israelites were safe on the other side, God told Moses to raise his rod again. This time the water came back together. Crash! It may have sounded like thunder. And all of Pharaoh's army was covered by the water.
The Israelites didn't have to fight Pharaoh's army. God fought for them. He kept His people safe. The Israelites believed God could take care of them when they saw this great thing.
Daily Devotions
Sunday - Exodus 14:21-22
Monday - Exodus 14:27-28
Tuesday - Psalm 106:9-11
Wednesday - Psalm 77:19-20
Thursday - Isaiah 43:15-16
Friday - Psalm 27:1-3
Saturday - Psalm 27:11-13
Objectives
At the end of this lesson, the children will be able to:
1. Name the two things God used to lead the Israelites through the wilderness.
2. Describe how the Israelites crossed the RedSea.
3. Tell what happened to Pharaoh's army when they tried to follow the Israelites.
4. State that God protected and fought for the Israelites.
Topics & Themes
God’s Leading/Guidance
God’s Protection
Israelites
Pharaoh
Pillar of Fire/Cloud
Red Sea
Materials Needed
Bible, YEA Students and Teacher's books, attendance and memory verse charts, stickers, CD or cassette, music player, songbook, bathroom tissue tubes, cotton balls, red and orange tissue paper, glue, flashlight, map, container of water, towels
Preparation
God did the impossible by parting the Red Sea. But, three to five year olds don't understand the physical principles that rule God's creation, like how water fills a space. Asking them thought-provoking questions will help them discover for themselves what we as adults take for granted. And, what the children discover for themselves stays with them much longer than what is simply told to them.
You will need a shallow container, that is half filled with water, and towels to absorb spills. A road map and flashlight will be needed to introduce the lesson. Before you come to class, cut red and orange tissue paper into one inch squares. Make one "pillar of cloud" and a "pillar of fire" according to the directions in the Activity section. These will be used when teaching the lesson. You will need two bathroom tissue tubes per child. (For large classes, you may need to ask parents ahead of time to save them for you.)
Review Questions
1. What two things did God use to lead the Israelites through the desert?
2. Why did Pharaoh want the Israelites to come back to Egypt?
3. Tel how the Israelites got across the Red Sea.
4. What happened to Pharaoh's army?
5. Who fought for the Israelites and took care of them?
6. Do you think God will take care of you?
REACH Activity
Letter: C (Note: Use only words with the K sound, not the S sound.)
Words: cloud, camped, couldn’t, crash, covered, care, color
Sentence:
GOD CARED FOR HIS PEOPLE, SO HE SENT A CLOUD AS THEY CAMPED NEAR THE RED SEA.
Song
“He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands” is on page 43 of the Kids Classics Collection.
Closing Prayer
Have the children repeat the following as their prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, You led your people through the sea. I know you will take care of me. Thank you, In Jesus' name. Amen.
Printable Pages
