Exodus 19 · Grade 5
Covenant at Sinai
Read and Think
Exodus 19 begins the central section of the book. Israel camps at Sinai, the mountain where God first spoke to Moses from the burning bush (3:12). God's sign to Moses has come true: the people are worshiping God at this mountain. God's message begins with grace: You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings, and brought you to myself. Rescue comes first; covenant obligations follow.
God offers Israel a special role: my own possession from among all peoples, a kingdom of priests and a holy nation (19:5-6). As priests stand between God and people, Israel was to bring God's light to the nations. In the New Testament, Peter applies these same words to the church (1 Peter 2:9). The people agree, All that Yahweh has spoken we will do, a promise they will soon struggle to keep.
God then comes down on the mountain with thunder, lightning, a thick cloud, fire, smoke and a trumpet growing louder and louder. The people must consecrate themselves and keep a boundary. This awesome scene shows God's holiness and the distance sin creates. In the New Testament, Hebrews 12:18-24 contrasts Sinai with Mount Zion: through Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, believers can draw near to God with confidence and reverence.
Show What You Know
What earlier sign to Moses was fulfilled at Sinai?
What comes first in God's message, grace or law?
What role did God give Israel among the nations?
Who does Peter apply these words to?
How does Hebrews 12 contrast Sinai with Mount Zion?
Word Bank Fill-In
Use the word bank to fill in each blank.
- Israel camps at Sinai, the mountain where first spoke to Moses from the burning bush (3:12).
- God offers Israel a special role: my own possession from among all peoples, a kingdom of priests and a nation (19:5-6).
- God then comes down on the mountain with thunder, lightning, a thick , fire, smoke and a trumpet growing louder and louder.
Think About It
Why do you think God shows both His nearness and His holiness at Sinai?
What does it mean for Christians today to be a kingdom of priests?
Memory Verse
“‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings, and brought you to myself.”
Exodus 19:4 (WEB)
Copy It
Prayer
Dear God, thank You for today's Bible story. Help me to . Amen.
Take It Home
For families: talk about these together.
- How can you prepare your heart before meeting with God?
- How can you live as part of God's treasured people?
- How can you show reverence for God's holiness?
Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.