1. The Israelites were given a set of laws and commandments by God that they were expected to follow in order to live according to His will. In the wilderness, the Israelites were tested and tempted by various challenges, such as hunger, thirst, and idol worship. Those who followed God's will, like Moses and Joshua, were rewarded with blessings, while those who disobeyed faced consequences.
2. The Israelites had misconceptions about God when they were in the wilderness. They often complained, grumbled, and rebelled against God's plans and promises, thinking that God had abandoned them or that He was punishing them unfairly. They also doubted God's power and ability to provide for their needs.
3. Moses played a significant role in the history of the Israelites as a prophet, leader, and mediator between God and the people. He was chosen by God to deliver the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, and he led them through the wilderness for 40 years, receiving the Ten Commandments and other laws from God along the way. Moses was also a judge and a teacher, helping the Israelites to understand and follow God's will.
4. Prophets played various roles in the history of Israel, depending on the specific time period and context. Generally, prophets were messengers of God who spoke on His behalf, warning the people of impending judgment and calling them to repentance and obedience. They also provided guidance and counsel to the leaders of Israel and helped to interpret God's will for the people. Some prophets, like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, wrote books that were later included in the Old Testament.