This lesson teaches children that God is with His people even when they face frightening things, and that they do not need to be afraid. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is with us, so we do not have to be scared. When we feel afraid, we can remember that the Lord is near and He helps us.
Memory Verse
Deuteronomy 20:4
For the LORD your God is he who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.”
(WEB)
Have the children stand tall, put their hands on their hearts, and then open their arms wide like they are giving a big hug. As they say the words together, they can feel how close God is to them.
The Story: Deuteronomy 20 for Kids
God’s people, the Israelites, were getting ready to go into the land He had promised them. Sometimes they would have to fight battles against people who lived there. Some of those enemies had horses and chariots, and they had more soldiers than Israel did. That could make anyone feel nervous.
Before the army marched into battle, a priest would come forward and speak to the people. He would tell them, “Hear, Israel. Do not let your heart faint. Do not be afraid of them.” The priest reminded them of something very important: the Lord their God was going with them to fight for them.
Then the officers spoke to the crowd. They asked a few kind questions. “Has anyone built a new house and not yet moved in? Go home, so you do not die in battle and someone else enjoys your house.” They also asked about people who had planted a vineyard or who were engaged to be married. Each person could go home to finish those important things first.
The officers also asked, “Is anyone scared or weak in the heart? Go home, so you do not make your brothers and sisters feel afraid too.” Being honest about feeling scared was not wrong, and the army made room for it.
When Israel came near a city, they first offered peace. If the people opened their gates, they would live and serve under Israel. If the city refused peace and chose to fight, Israel would surround it until God gave them the victory. God also taught His people to care for the trees and the land, because the trees were for food and were not their enemies.
Read It Together
Deuteronomy 20:1
When you go out to battle against your enemies, and see horses, chariots, and a people more than you, you shall not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God is with you, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.
(WEB)
Point out that the people could see big horses and chariots, and that the Lord reminded them He brought them out of Egypt. Ask the children what it means that God has already helped His people before.
Deuteronomy 20:3
And shall tell them, “Hear, Israel, you draw near today to battle against your enemies. Don’t let your heart faint! Don’t be afraid, nor tremble, neither be scared of them…
(WEB)
Show the children the three things the priest said: do not let your heart faint, do not be afraid, and do not tremble. Let them repeat each one with you as a fun way to remember.
Deuteronomy 20:19
When you shall besiege a city a long time, in making war against it to take it, you shall not destroy its trees by wielding an ax against them; for you may eat of them. You shall not cut them down; for is the tree of the field man, that it should be besieged by you?
(WEB)
Explain that God cared even about the trees and did not want them cut down for no reason. Point out that God notices and cares about small things and living things.
Talk About It
- What are some things that make you feel scared, and how can you remember God is with you when that happens?
- Why do you think the priest told the people not to be afraid before they went into battle?
- How do you think the Israelites felt when they heard that God was going with them?
- What is one way you can be brave this week, even if you still feel a little nervous?
- Why do you think God wanted His people to take care of the trees and not cut them down for no reason?
Activity Ideas
Brave Heart Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child trace a big heart on the paper and cut it out. Inside the heart, they can draw or write something that makes them feel scared, then draw a small picture of God standing beside them. Talk about how God is with them in each of those moments.
Be Brave Movement Game
Gather the children in an open space. Call out “Strong!” and have them stand tall with arms up. Call out “Don’t tremble!” and have them shake their legs gently and then stop. Finish with “God is with you!” and have them wrap their arms around themselves. Repeat the game a few times, speeding up each round for fun.
Brave Thoughts at Home
You will need a small notecard for each child and a pencil. Ask each child to write or draw one brave thought, such as “God is with me” or “I do not have to be afraid.” Help them tape the card to their bedroom mirror or door. Encourage them to read it each morning before school or bedtime.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s people did not face conflict with their own strength but with confidence in God’s presence and faithfulness. The fear that the priest and officers address is real, and God meets it with reassurance, not shame. The chapter also shows that God’s care reaches into justice, mercy, and even the protection of living things.
Avoid telling children that God wants them to fight physical battles or that enemies are a model for how to treat people today. Keep the focus on the comfort that God is with His people and that fear does not have the final word.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for being with us every day. When we feel scared, help us remember that You are close and You help us. Make us brave and kind, and help us trust You with everything. Amen.
