Israel learns firsthand, as they fight enemies such as Amalek that success depends on the Lord. Without the Lord's direction and strength, they will lose. Victory comes by God's intervention. Moses serves as chief mediator between God and the Israelites, and God uses Moses and his subordinates to teach the people about Himself through His Law. God uses Moses to provide access to Him. God's people go to Mount Sinai, where God establishes His covenant with them. Sinfulness prevents the people from approaching God personally, yet God graciously appoints Moses an intermediary, to make a covenant with His people.