Precious were the lessons taught to Israel during their sojourn at Sinai. This was a period of special training for the inheritance of Canaan. And their surroundings here were favorable for the accomplishing of God's purpose. On the summit of Sinai, overshadowing the plain where the people spread their tents, rested the pillar of cloud which had been the guide of their journey. A pillar 35 of fire by night, it assured them of the divine protection; and while they were locked in slumber, the bread of heaven fell gently upon the encampment. On every hand, vast, rugged heights, in their solemn grandeur, spoke of eternal endurance and majesty. Man was made to feel his ignorance and weakness in the presence of Him who hath "weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance." Isaiah 40:12. Here, by the manifestation of His glory, God sought to impress Israel with the holiness of His character and requirements, and the exceeding guilt of transgression.

Det var en dyrebar lære, der blev givet Israel under deres ophold ved Sinaj. Dette var en tid, hvor de fik en særlig forberedelse til at overtage Kana'an som deres arv. Og deres omgivelser her var gunstige før opfyldelsen af Guds formål. Over Sinajs top hvilede skystøtten, som havde vist dem vej på rejsen, og overskyggede sletten, hvor folket havde opslået deres telte. Som en ildstøtte om natten forvissede den dem om den guddommelige beskyttelse; og mens de lå i deres dybe søvn, dalede brødet fra himmelen blidt ned over lejren. Til alle sider talte vidtstrakte, forrevne højdedrag i deres højtidelige storhed om evighedens vedvaren og majestæt. Mennesket følte sin uvidenhed og svaghed i hans nærværelse, som vejer bjerge med bismer eller i vægtskål høje. Esajas 40,12. Her søgte Gud gennem åbenbarelsen af sin herlighed at give Israel et indtryk af sit væsens og sine kravs hellighed og af den store skyld, man pådrager sig ved at synde.