This lesson teaches children that God wants His people to follow Him with their whole hearts and to listen to His truth. It is best for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is good and wise, so we should always obey Him and trust what He tells us, even when it is hard.
Memory Verse
Deuteronomy 17:19
It shall be with him, and he shall read from it all the days of his life; that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them…
(WEB)
Have children hold an open hand flat in front of them, then slowly close it into a fist and open it again, as if turning pages in a Bible. Say the verse together while you move, and ask them to do the motion each time they hear the word “read.”
The Story: Deuteronomy 17 for Kids
Long ago, God’s people, the Israelites, were getting ready to enter a new land. God gave them many rules to help them live well and stay close to Him. Some of these rules were about how to worship God and how to treat one another fairly.
God told the people that they must never offer Him an animal that was sick or hurt. He wanted the very best, because He deserves the very best. He also warned them to stay away from worshiping other gods, like the sun, the moon, or the stars. These things were not God, and He had not asked His people to honor them.
If someone turned away from God, the judges had to look carefully at the facts. They needed at least two or three witnesses before deciding anything. God wanted His people to be fair and to tell the truth, so no one would be punished based on just one person’s word.
When the Israelites were unsure about a hard decision, God told them to go to the place He chose and ask the priests and judges. A leader of the people should always remember God’s teaching. God said, “Read it every day,” so that the leader would learn to fear the LORD and not become proud.
God wanted His people to be a family that listens to Him, obeys Him, and stays humble. He knew that following Him would bring a good and blessed life.
Read It Together
Deuteronomy 17:8-9
8 If there arises a matter too hard for you in judgment, between blood and blood, between plea and plea, and between stroke and stroke, being matters of controversy within your gates; then you shall arise, and go up to the place which the LORD your God chooses. 9 You shall come to the priests who are Levites, and to the judge who shall be in those days. You shall inquire, and they shall give you the verdict.
(WEB)
Point out that when the people had a hard question, they did not have to guess. God gave them a place to go and people to help them find the answer. Ask children who they can go to when they have a hard question today, such as a parent, teacher, or pastor.
Deuteronomy 17:14-15
14 When you have come to the land which the LORD your God gives you, and possess it, and dwell in it, and say, “I will set a king over me, like all the nations that are around me”; 15 you shall surely set him king over yourselves, whom the LORD your God chooses. You shall set as king over you one from among your brothers. You may not put a foreigner over you, who is not your brother.
(WEB)
Explain that God’s people were allowed to have a king, but God chose who the king should be and required him to be one of their own brothers. Point out that God cares about who leads His people and wants leaders who will honor Him. Talk about how God is the one who truly leads us.
Deuteronomy 17:19-20
19 It shall be with him, and he shall read from it all the days of his life; that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them; 20 that his heart not be lifted up above his brothers, and that he not turn away from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left; to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he and his children, in the middle of Israel.
(WEB)
Show children that God wanted the king to read His Word every day so he would not become proud. Explain that reading God’s Word helps us stay humble and remember that we are not better than others. Ask children why reading the Bible helps us love God and others.
Talk About It
- Why do you think God wanted His people to offer Him only their very best?
- What are some ways we can show God that we want to worship Him with our whole heart?
- Why is it important for people to tell the truth and not judge others on just a rumor?
- Who are some people who help us learn about God and make good choices?
- What is one way you can stay humble and follow God’s Word this week?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Treasure Box for God
Give each child a sheet of paper, crayons, or markers, and ask them to draw a special box or gift for God. Tell them to draw their best and most colorful picture, because God deserves our very best. Encourage them to write or draw one thing they can give God this week, like kindness or prayer.
Follow the Leader Game
Have the children stand in a line, and choose one child to be the leader who calls out simple actions like “hop,” “clap,” or “turn around.” Each child must follow the leader carefully, just as God’s people were to listen to His truth. Afterward, talk about how it feels to listen to a good leader and what it means to follow God.
Take-Home Bible Bookmark
Give each child a strip of cardstock or heavy paper and some markers. Ask them to write “Deuteronomy 17:19” on it and decorate the bookmark with a Bible or a heart. Encourage them to place it in their Bible at home and use it each day to remember to read God’s Word.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God cares deeply about worship, justice, and the character of His people and their leaders. God wanted His people to honor Him with their best, to seek truth carefully, and to remain humble through regular reading of His Word. These principles still shape how Christians think about faithfulness and integrity today.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the harsh punishments described in this chapter, since the passage is an ancient legal text for a specific nation. Focus instead on God’s desire for a faithful, honest, and humble people who listen to Him and love Him with their whole hearts.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for loving us and teaching us how to live. Help us give You our very best and listen carefully to Your Word. Help us be honest, fair, and humble, just as You want us to be. We love You, Lord. Amen.
