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Israel Meets With Difficulties
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brought relief to Moses, but it also brought better order among the
people.
The fact that he had been chosen to instruct others did not lead
Moses to think that he himself needed no instruction. The chosen
leader of Israel listened gladly to the suggestions of the godly priest
of Midian, and adopted his plan.
The people continued their journey from Rephidim, following
the movement of the cloudy pillar. Their route had led across barren
plains, over steep slopes, and through rocky gorges. Now Mount
Sinai lifted its massive front before them in solemn majesty. The
cloudy pillar rested on its summit, and the people spread their tents
on the plain beneath. This was to be their home for nearly a year. At
night the pillar of fire assured them of divine protection, and while
they were deep in sleep, the bread of heaven fell gently on the camp.
Here Israel was to receive the most wonderful revelation ever
made by God to humanity. The Lord had gathered His people here so
that He might impress them with the sacredness of His requirements
by declaring His holy law with His own voice. They were to go
through radical changes, because the degrading influences of slavery
and idolatry had left their mark on the people’s habits and character.
God was working to lift them to a higher moral level by giving them
a knowledge of Himself.
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