As the people journeyed through the wilderness, many precious lessons were fixed in their minds by means of song. At their deliverance from Pharaoh’s army the whole host of Israel had joined in the song of triumph. Far over desert and sea rang the joyous refrain, and the mountains reechoed the accents of praise, “Sing to the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously!” Exodus 15:21. Often on the journey this song was repeated, cheering the hearts and kindling the faith of the travelers. The commandments as given from Sinai, with promises of God’s favor and records of His wonderful works for their deliverance, were by divine direction expressed in song. They were chanted to the sound of instrumental music, and the people kept step as their voices united in praise. TEd 27.1
Thus their thoughts were uplifted from the difficulties of the way, the turbulent spirit was calmed, the principles of truth were implanted in the memory, and faith was strengthened. Acting and working together taught order and unity, and the people were brought into closer touch with God and with one another. TEd 27.2
Of the dealing of God with Israel during the forty years of wilderness wandering, Moses declared: “As a man chastens his son, so the Lord your God chastens you,” “to humble you, and to test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not.” Deuteronomy 8:5, 2. “He found him in a desert land, and in the wasteland, a howling wilderness; He encircled him, He instructed him, He kept him as the apple of His eye. As an eagle stirs up its nest, hovers over its young, spreading out its wings, taking them up, carrying them on its wings, so the Lord alone led him, and there was no foreign god with him.” Deuteronomy 32:10-12. TEd 27.3
God surrounded Israel with every facility, gave them every privilege that would make them an honor to His name and a blessing to surrounding nations. If they would walk in the ways of obedience, He promised to make them “high above all nations which He has made, in praise, in name, and in honor.” “All peoples of the earth,” He said, “shall see that you are called by the name of the Lord, and they shall be afraid of you.” “The peoples who shall hear all these statutes shall say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’” Deuteronomy 26:19; 28:10; 4:6. In the laws committed to Israel, explicit instruction was given concerning education. To Moses at Sinai God had revealed Himself as “merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth.” Exodus 34:6. The fathers and mothers were to teach these principles to their children. Moses by divine direction declared: “These words which I command you today, shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.” Deuteronomy 6:6, 7. TEd 27.4
These things were not to be taught as a dry theory. Those who would impart truth must practice its principles themselves. Only by reflecting the character of God in the uprightness, nobility, and unselfishness of their own lives can they impress others. TEd 28.1
True education is not forcing instruction on an unready and unreceptive mind. The mental powers must be awakened, the interest aroused. God’s method of teaching provided for this. In the home and the sanctuary, through the things of nature and of art, by methods and rites and symbols unnumbered, God gave to Israel lessons illustrating His principles and preserving the memory of His wonderful works. Then, as inquiry was made, the instruction given impressed mind and heart. TEd 28.2
In the arrangements for the education of the chosen people it is demonstrated and proved that a life centered in God is a life of completeness. Every desire and drive He has implanted, He provides to satisfy; every faculty imparted, He seeks to develop. TEd 28.3
God, the Author of all beauty, Himself a lover of the beautiful, provided to gratify the love of beauty in His children. He made provision also for their social needs, for the kindly and helpful associations that do so much to cultivate sympathy and to brighten and sweeten life. TEd 28.4