Israel’s journey is difficult after crossing the sea—not because of enemies like the Egyptians but because of their own ungrateful and unbelieving hearts. They grumble against the Lord when they are hungry and thirsty, even desiring to return to Egypt! Although they are freed from physical slavery, they require a deeper liberation of their hearts.

At Mount Sinai they enter into a covenant relationship with the Lord. The storyline of Exodus to this point teaches a critical lesson about the relationship between God’s grace and his commands. God does not say to the enslaved Israelites, “If you obey my commandments, I will rescue you.” Just the opposite: he first rescues them by grace, then teaches them how to respond. First gracious acceptance, then gracious guidance. It is God’s heartfelt and gracious acceptance alone that can liberate the heart to love him.