Congregational Bible Study (30 mins.) lfb lesson 22, introduction to section 5 and lesson 23.
Introduction to section 5
After seeing how Jehovah delivered his people from Egypt and led them powerfully through the Red Sea, we now come to a key moment in Israel's history: their arrival at Mount Sinai. There, Jehovah not only provided them with material provisions and protection, but also established a covenant with them that distinguished them as his special nation. In this section, we will learn why God gave them the Law, the tabernacle, and the priesthood, and how this teaches us to value obedience, loyalty, and humility in our service to Jehovah.
Section 22 Analysis: The Miracle of the Red Sea
Why were the Israelites afraid when they arrived at the Red Sea?
The Israelites were afraid because they were trapped between the sea and the pursuing Egyptian army, and they thought they were going to die. They began to shout and say to Moses, “Why did you bring us up out of Egypt?” But Moses, who trusted in Jehovah, said to them, “Do not be afraid. Wait and see how Jehovah saves us.”
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
The Israelites were afraid when they reached the Red Sea because they felt trapped. Behind them came the powerful Egyptian army, and in front of them was the sea, which prevented them from advancing. Focusing on what they saw with their eyes, they doubted that Jehovah could protect them and thought they would die there, even recalling their life in Egypt with despair.
Their reaction showed a lack of faith, but at the same time it teaches us that, although we may sometimes feel cornered and have no way out, Jehovah always has the power to open a path that we could not imagine, just as he did when he parted the sea to save them.
Because they saw they were trapped: the sea in front of them and Pharaoh's army with its chariots and soldiers behind them. They thought there was no way out and that they would die. Fear made them forget that Jehovah had already shown that he could save them in powerful ways.
Exodus 14:10-12 shows that the Israelites, seeing the Egyptians approaching, cried out in despair and even reproached Moses for having brought them out of Egypt. This reveals how fear can lead us to lose our temper and distrust, even when God has already shown His help.
Nehemiah 9:9 says that Jehovah “saw the distress of our fathers at the Red Sea.” This teaches us that although the Israelites were terrified, Jehovah did not abandon them, but listened to their feelings and acted to deliver them.
Psalm 106:7 explains that the people “did not remember your great acts of kindness in Egypt.” Fear caused them to forget what God had done with the plagues and how He had protected them. Similarly, if we fail to remember the evidence of Jehovah’s help in the past, it’s easy for fear to control us.
Hebrews 11:29 highlights that they ultimately crossed the Red Sea as if it were dry land thanks to their faith. Although they were initially overcome by fear, they managed to trust in Jehovah. This reminds us that faith doesn't mean not feeling fear, but rather continuing to act with confidence that God will help us.
What did Jehovah do to save the Israelites?
Jehovah led his people with a cloud by day and with fire by night. Then he placed the cloud between the Egyptians and the Israelites, providing light on the Israelite side, while on the Egyptian side there was darkness. He caused a strong wind to blow all night, split the Red Sea in two, and opened a dry land path for his people to cross. Then he caused walls of water to fall on Pharaoh's army, completely destroying it.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Jehovah first protected his people immediately. He moved the pillar of cloud and placed it between the Egyptians and the Israelites. This left the Egyptians in darkness and unable to advance, while the Israelites had light to organize themselves. Then he told Moses to stretch out his hand over the sea. Jehovah caused a very strong wind to blow all night, and the waters parted, forming great walls of water on either side and a dry path in the middle. Thus, millions of Israelites were able to walk across the sea on dry land in complete safety.
Jehovah parted the Red Sea with a powerful wind all night long, creating a safe, dry path for his people to cross. When the Egyptians tried to follow them, he closed the waters around them and destroyed the entire army. Thus, he completely freed the Israelites.
Exodus 14:21-22 explains that Moses stretched out his hand, and Jehovah sent a strong wind that divided the sea in two, leaving a path of dry land. This shows that Jehovah has complete control over nature and can use his power in surprising ways to save those who trust in him.
According to Nehemiah 9:11, Jehovah not only opened the way, but also caused the Egyptians to sink like a stone in troubled waters. This contrast teaches that God not only protects His people, but also eliminates any threat that attempts to destroy them.
Psalm 136:13-15 emphasizes that Jehovah divided the sea because his loyal love endures forever. This indicates that his intervention was not only an act of power, but also a demonstration of his deep love. He uses his strength on behalf of those who are faithful to him.
Psalm 106:10-12 tells us that after witnessing deliverance, the Israelites trusted Jehovah more deeply and praised him with songs. This reminds us that when we experience God's help, we should not simply accept the relief, but respond with gratitude, stronger faith, and heartfelt praise.
What does it teach us about Jehovah?
The lesson of the Red Sea teaches us that Jehovah is a powerful God who always protects and delivers his people. When the Israelites were trapped and thought there was no way out, Jehovah demonstrated that he has control over nature and over the strongest armies.
He opened a path where it seemed impossible and placed a barrier of protection between his people and their enemies. This shows us that Jehovah never abandons those who trust in him, that he fights for them, and that he deserves all our praise and gratitude, because he is a faithful, just, and saving God.
What practical lessons can we learn?
We can learn several practical lessons from the miracle of the Red Sea.
First, when we face seemingly impossible situations, we must trust in Jehovah instead of letting ourselves be dominated by fear, because He always has a way out that we cannot see.
Second, Jehovah protects his people and fights for them, so we do not need to rely on our human strength to overcome difficulties.
And third, remembering past deliverances strengthens our faith, just as the Israelites sang and praised after being saved. Likewise, we can express gratitude and trust in Jehovah when we see how he helps us in difficult times.
Section 23 Analysis: They Make a Promise to Jehovah
What happened at Mount Sinai?
He gave the Israelites laws about how to worship him and how they should behave, and Moses wrote them down for the people. Then Jehovah spoke to the Israelites from the mountain amid fire, thunder, lightning, a dark cloud, and the sound of a horn that grew louder and louder. The mountain shook violently, and the people were terrified. There, Jehovah declared, “I am Jehovah. You must worship no other god.”
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Moses went up the mountain and there Jehovah gave him the laws for his people, teaching them how to worship him and how to behave, which would mark the beginning of the covenant between God and the Israelites.
Jehovah gathered his people at Mount Sinai to give them his laws. There he displayed his power with lightning, thunder, smoke, fire, and a loud horn blast. This awesome scene struck fear into the Israelites, but it also helped them understand that Jehovah was a real, powerful, and respectable God.
Exodus 19:16-19 recounts how the mountain trembled and was covered with smoke when Jehovah descended. This was not a mere spectacle, but a way of impressing upon the Israelites that they were standing before the Creator of the universe. Thus, they learned that obeying His laws was not optional, but a sacred duty.
In Exodus 20:18-20, the people were afraid as they saw and heard everything that was happening. Moses explained to them that Jehovah was revealing himself in this way so that they would always remember his power and not sin. The fear of God is not panic, but a deep respect that helps us turn away from evil.
Nehemiah 9:13-14 emphasizes that at Sinai, Jehovah gave them true laws and good commandments. These rules were not meant to limit them, but to protect them and give them a righteous and orderly way of life. This teaches us that obeying God never harms us; it always benefits us.
Deuteronomy 7:6 shows that Jehovah chose Israel as his special people. Giving them his Law at Sinai was a testament to that choice, for no other nation had received such direct guidance. This reminded them that they had a privilege, but also a great responsibility.
What did the Israelites promise?
When Moses came down from the mountain and told the Israelites what Jehovah had said, they replied, “We will do whatever Jehovah tells us.” Then, when Moses wrote down the laws Jehovah gave him for the people and read them to the Israelites, they promised, “We will do everything Jehovah asks us to do.”
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
They also promised to accept and obey all the laws Moses read to them from Jehovah, publicly committing themselves to be his special people under that covenant.
They promised to be obedient to Jehovah. Twice they said, “We will do everything Jehovah has said.” With this, they committed themselves to obeying the laws Moses had given them and to maintaining a special relationship with God as his chosen people.
Exodus 24:3 says that after hearing the words of the Lord, all the people responded in unity. This shows that it was not an individual decision, but a national agreement to obey. It is an example of how obedience to God strengthens unity among those who worship Him.
In Exodus 24:7-8, Moses read the Book of the Covenant and then sealed it with blood to confirm the commitment. The blood represented the seriousness and sacredness of the promise. This teaches that obeying Jehovah is not something to be taken lightly, for it is a solemn commitment.
Deuteronomy 7:9 reminds us that Jehovah keeps his covenant and shows loyal love to those who love him and keep his commandments. That is, obedience would bring blessings and protection from God. Israel's promise, therefore, was not only an obligation but also a guarantee of receiving Jehovah's love.
Nehemiah 9:14 mentions that Jehovah gave them commandments and the Sabbath as a sign of their relationship with him. Keeping that promise not only involved legal obedience, but also maintaining a close friendship with God, who wanted the best for his people.
What does it teach us about Jehovah?
This story teaches us that Jehovah is a close and authoritative God who guides his people with love, but also establishes clear rules for proper worship. He showed himself powerful on Mount Sinai, with thunder, lightning, and fire, reminding us that he deserves respect and reverential fear.
At the same time, he revealed himself as a God who wants to have a special relationship with his people, giving them laws to protect them and help them live justly.
This teaches us that Jehovah is not a distant God, but someone who cares about us, gives us direction, and expects obedience from those who want to be his special people.
What practical lessons can we learn?
We can learn several practical lessons from Mount Sinai.
First, Jehovah deserves our deep respect and obedience, for He is a holy God who sets clear standards for our good.
Second, when we obey His commands, we benefit, because those laws are designed to protect us and help us live in peace and harmony.
Third, our promises to Jehovah must be taken seriously, just as the Israelites promised to do everything God asked. Today we too must fulfill what we offer Him in our service and dedication.
And finally, preparing ourselves to listen to Jehovah is vital, just as the people prepared to hear his voice. In the same way, we must approach his Word with an attitude of reverence and a willingness to obey.
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