Israel Meets With Difficulties
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From Rephidim the people continued their journey, following the
movement of the cloudy pillar. Their route had led across barren
plains, over steep ascents, and through rocky defiles. Now before them
in solemn majesty Mount Sinai lifted its massive front. The cloudy
pillar rested upon its summit, and the people spread their tents upon
the plain beneath. Here was to be their home for nearly a year. At
night the pillar of fire assured them of divine protection, and while
they were locked in slumber, the bread of heaven fell gently upon the
encampment.
Here Israel was to receive the most wonderful revelation ever made
by God to men. Here the Lord had gathered His people that He might
impress upon them the sacredness of His requirements by declaring
with His own voice His holy law. Radical changes were to be wrought
in them; for the degrading influences of servitude and idolatry had left
their mark upon 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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