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Old Testament · Exodus 19:1–20:21

The Ten Commandments

At Mount Sinai, God prepares Israel to be his special people. After the people agree to obey, God descends on the mountain amid thunder, lightning, cloud, trumpet sound, smoke, and fire. God speaks the Ten Commandments and other covenant instructions, commanding Israel to worship him alone, honor his name and Sabbath, and treat others rightly. The people stand at a distance in fear while Moses approaches the thick darkness where God is present.

Coloring pages: 7Age/complexity: Explore (ages 3–5) · Imagine (ages 6–8) · Discover (ages 9–12)

Lesson resource collection

Color the story, one scene at a time.

Choose individual pages for your group, or print a coordinated story sheet when one is available.

Print The Ten Commandments: 4-Scene Story Sheet

Moses and the people of Israel gathered at their camp in the Wilderness of Sinai before Mount Sinai.

Israel Camps Before Mount Sinai

Exodus 19:1–20:21

Moses reports God’s words to Israel’s elders and gathered people at their camp before Mount Sinai; the people promise to do everything God has said.

The People Promise to Listen

Exodus 19:1–20:21

Moses and the people of Israel prepare respectfully at the foot of Mount Sinai, with clean garments and a boundary around the mountain.

Preparing to Meet God

Exodus 19:1–20:21

Moses stands at the foot of Mount Sinai while the people of Israel respond with awe as the mountain is surrounded by thick cloud, smoke, fire, lightning, and a loud trumpet sound.

Thunder and Cloud at Sinai

Exodus 19:1–20:21

Moses and Aaron near the permitted approach to Mount Sinai while priests and the people of Israel remain behind a boundary, with God’s presence represented by the holy mountain, cloud, smoke, or darkness.

Respecting the Holy Boundary

Exodus 19:1–20:21

Moses and the people of Israel listen at Mount Sinai as God’s presence is represented by radiant cloud, fire, smoke, and holy darkness.

God Speaks the Ten Commandments

Exodus 19:1–20:21

Moses approaches thick darkness over smoking Mount Sinai while the people of Israel stand at a distance, with thunder, lightning, and trumpet sound described in Exodus 20:18–21.

Moses Approaches the Thick Darkness

Exodus 19:1–20:21

Scripture reference

Exodus 19:1–20:21

Use this reference as you prepare and read the account with your class.

Talk together

A thoughtful question