Exodus 15
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
The sea was big. So big. Yesterday it was open, like a road. The people walked right through, on dry ground.
Now Moses stood on the other side. He looked back at the water. And he began to sing.
"I will sing to Yahweh!" His voice was loud and happy. All the people sang too. Even the water heard it.
Moses' sister was there. Her name was Miriam. She took a little drum in her hand. Boom, boom, boom. All the women danced with her. They sang together, "Sing to Yahweh, for he has won!"
Everyone was safe. Every single one.
What Does This Mean?
Why were they singing so loudly? Because something big had happened. The bad king wanted to catch them. He came with horses and chariots. Fast, fast, faster.
But the sea covered them. Not the people of God. Only the bad king's soldiers went under the water.
God had done that. With his own strong hand. Nobody else could do such a thing. "Who is like you, Yahweh?" sang Moses. Nobody. Nobody at all.
The Common Thread
After the singing, they walked on. Through the desert. Three long days. Hot sand under their feet.
Then they found water. But wait, it tasted bitter. Yuck. The people were thirsty and unhappy.
Moses did not grumble. He talked to God about it. And God showed him a tree. Moses threw it into the water. And the water turned sweet.
God takes care, even when things taste bitter first. He always has, that is who he is.
For You
Do you remember a time you were scared? Maybe in the dark, or somewhere new?
The people were scared of the water too. But God brought them through, safe on the other side. And afterward, he made the bad water sweet again.
God still does that today. He sees you. He hears you. He helps.
You may sing too, just like Miriam with her little drum. Boom, boom, boom. You may clap your hands for God.
Talk About It
What do you think it sounded like when everybody sang together by the sea?
Can you think of something God has helped you with?
Praying Together
Dear God, Thank you for helping your people. Thank you that you help me too. When I am scared, stay close to me. When things taste bitter, make them sweet again. I want to sing for you, like Miriam did. Amen.
Questions about Exodus 15
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Exodus 15 about?
What does Exodus 15 say?
What does Exodus 15 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Exodus 15?
Why is Exodus 15 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Three days after singing on the far shore, they found water they couldn't drink. Moses "cried to Yahweh. Yahweh showed him a tree, and he threw it into the waters, and the waters were made sweet." God didn't lead them to a different spring. He healed the one in front of them. What bitter thing are you asking Him to remove, when He means to sweeten it?
Until your people pass over, Yahweh, until the people you have purchased pass over." Notice what God holds still: not a sea this time, but nations, hardened like stone so Israel can walk through. And notice the word purchased. They owned nothing yet. They were the ones bought. Whatever stands between you and where God is taking you, he can still it long enough for you to pass.
Looking for something for slightly older children?
We also have dedicated versions for elementary age (7-12) and teens (12 and up).
Open in the Children's Bible tool
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