How Did Yisrael Learn about Hashem?

By living in an environment where a multitufe could not survive, they gained the Awareness that Hashem is the sole source of their sustenance. By clustering around the Mishkan, by the powerful influence of Moshe, by the clouds of glory and the daily Mann, Israel learned the awareness of Hashem in all aspects of Bitachon. And here they gained the attitude of total isolation from the nations and their ways. Thus the Wilderness was the grand preparation for Israel's future history. -- Journey into Greatness