Moses: The Ten Commandments

Bible stories about Moses, for Kids in grade 3,4.

All stories:
The Boy Who Floated to FreedomThe Battle of the Stubborn KingCrossing of the Red SeaThe Ten CommandmentsThe Promised Land
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 Moses: The Ten Commandments
The desert was quiet after the Red Sea crossing. The people of Israel had walked for many days — past rocky cliffs, through wide valleys, and over hot sand that shimmered like gold in the sun. They were free at last, but freedom was new to them.

Thunder, Lightning, and a Voice Like No Other
Sometimes, they grumbled.

“We’re hungry!” they complained.

“We’re thirsty!” others cried.

Each time, God provided — sweet water from a rock, bread called manna from heaven, and even meat in the evenings.

And at last, after many weeks, the cloud that led them stopped beside a great mountain. Its top was hidden by mist and thunder. Moses looked up. “This is it,” he said quietly. “Mount Sinai. God has brought us here to meet Him.”

Early the next morning, Moses climbed partway up the mountain. The air was cool, but his heart beat fast.

God spoke to him from within the cloud:

“Tell the Israelites this: You have seen what I did in Egypt. I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself. If you obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured people.”

Moses hurried down the mountain and told the people. Their voices rose together:

“We will do everything the Lord has said!”

Then God said, “I will come down in a thick cloud, so the people may hear Me speak with you and know that I am their God.”

For three days, the Israelites prepared. They washed their clothes and stayed near their tents. No one was allowed to climb the mountain or even touch it, because it was holy ground.

And then came the third morning. At dawn, thunder rolled across the desert. Lightning flashed through the sky. A sound like a trumpet grew louder and louder.

The people trembled and stared as smoke poured from the top of the mountain — thick, swirling, glowing smoke — because God Himself had come down in fire.

Moses climbed higher, his face glowing in the light. Then came the voice — deep, powerful, and clear as a river:

“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.”

And there, on that mountain, God gave ten special commands — not just for that moment, but for all time.

The Ten Commandments

You must not have any other gods but Me.– God alone is the true King.

You must not make idols or worship them.– Nothing else deserves your heart.

You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God.– Treat His name with honor and respect.

Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.– Take time to rest and remember God’s goodness.

Honor your father and your mother.– Respect and obey your parents.

You must not murder.– Life is precious to God.

You must not commit adultery.– Be faithful to your promises.

You must not steal.– Take only what is yours.

You must not lie about others.– Tell the truth and protect your neighbor’s name.

You must not covet what belongs to someone else.– Be thankful for what you have.

When God finished speaking, the mountain still shook. The people covered their faces and cried out, “We can’t hear it anymore! Moses, you speak to us — but don’t let God speak directly to us, or we’ll die!”

Moses answered gently, “Don’t be afraid. God has come to show you His greatness, so you’ll always remember to follow Him.”

The Stone Tablets
Then God called Moses up the mountain again. For forty days and nights, Moses stayed there with God. The mountain glowed with lightning at night and was wrapped in thick cloud by day.

God gave Moses two tablets of stone, carved by His own hand, with the Ten Commandments written on them. These were not just rules — they were a promise: a way for the people to live in freedom, peace, and goodness.

As Moses listened, God also gave instructions for building a special tent, called the Tabernacle, where His presence would dwell among His people.

But while Moses was on the mountain, the people grew impatient.“Where is Moses?” they grumbled. “He’s been gone too long!”

They gathered around Aaron, Moses’ brother, and said, “Make us a god we can see.” So Aaron took their gold jewelry, melted it, and shaped it into a golden calf.

The people danced and sang, “This is our god who brought us out of Egypt!”

When Moses came down, carrying the stone tablets, he saw the people’s wild celebration — and his heart broke. In anger, he threw down the tablets, and they shattered on the ground.

“How quickly you’ve turned away from the Lord!” he cried.

Moses prayed for the people, asking God to forgive them. And God did, because His mercy is greater than our mistakes.

Later, God told Moses to carve new tablets, and once again He wrote His commandments upon them. Then the people began to build the Tabernacle, and God’s glory filled their camp.

God sets His people free — and then teaches them how to stay free.The commandments weren’t chains; they were a guide for living with love and peace. Each command helps us love God and others more deeply.

Even when we fail, God forgives and restores us. Just as He gave Moses new tablets, God gives us new chances when we turn back to Him.

Conclusion
That day at Mount Sinai changed everything. The same God who split the sea and led by fire now spoke to His people, showing them not just His power, but His heart. And from that mountain, God’s voice still echoes — calling His children to live with truth, kindness, and love. It's the Ten Commandments.