This lesson teaches children that God goes with His people, even when they are afraid. Deuteronomy 20 describes Israel preparing for battle, and it shows that God’s presence, not the size of the army, is what gives them courage. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
When I feel scared, God is with me, and I do not have to be afraid. God goes before His people and fights for them, so they can be brave.
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 children stand tall with their hands on their hearts, then step forward together on the word “goes.” Repeat the verse three times, stepping forward each time, to show that God goes with us.
The Story: Deuteronomy 20 for Kids
Long ago, God’s people, the Israelites, were getting ready to fight their enemies. Some of those enemies had many horses and chariots, and the Israelites were not sure they could win. Their hearts felt weak and shaky.
Before the battle started, a priest came to the people and spoke to them. He said, “Hear, Israel. Do not be afraid. Do not tremble. God is the one who goes with you to fight for you.” The people were reminded that God had already brought them out of Egypt.
Then the officers spoke next. They asked a few questions. Was there anyone who had built a new house and not yet moved in? Was there anyone who had planted a vineyard but not yet eaten its fruit? Was there anyone who had promised to marry but not yet married? If so, they could go home first, so that they would not die in the battle and someone else would enjoy what was theirs.
The officers also asked, “Is anyone scared or weak in heart? Go home, so your fear does not spread to your brothers.” Some men went home, and the army was made ready with leaders to guide them.
The chapter also tells how Israel was to act toward cities. When they came near a city, they were first to offer peace. If the city accepted peace, the people there would work for Israel. If not, Israel was to surround that city. God would help them in the fight, and they were to follow His commands carefully.
God’s people were told to remember that God was with them in every step. He had promised to fight for them, and they were to trust Him.
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 the words “you shall not be afraid” and ask the children why God’s people could be brave. Show them that the reason is written right there: the LORD their God brought them out of Egypt and is with them. Ask them to name a time God helped them.
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)
Read slowly and point to the phrase “Don’t let your heart faint.” Explain that a faint heart means a heart that feels weak and scared. Ask children what they do when they feel that way, and remind them that God wants them to be brave.
Deuteronomy 20:10-11
10 When you draw near to a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace to it. 11 It shall be, if it makes you answer of peace, and opens to you, then it shall be, that all the people who are found therein shall become forced laborers to you, and shall serve you.
(WEB)
Show that God’s people were asked to offer peace before fighting. Point out that God cares about kindness and fairness, even in hard times. Ask children how they can show peace to someone who is different from them.
Talk About It
- What did the priest tell the people when they felt scared?
- Why do you think God wanted His people to remember that He brought them out of Egypt?
- How did God’s people feel about their fear, and what did God want them to do?
- What does it mean that God goes with us, even when we cannot see Him?
- When you feel afraid, what is one thing you can say or do to remember that God is with you?
Activity Ideas
Brave Heart Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child trace a heart shape and draw a person inside it who feels brave. Let them add a small sun or star to show God’s light. Hang the drawings where children can see them during the week.
Follow the Leader Marching
Choose one adult or older child to lead, and have everyone else follow in a line around the room. Sing or chant the memory verse as you march. Each time the leader stops, everyone stops together, to show that we follow God and stay close to Him.
Brave Words Card at Home
You will need an index card, a pen, and a marker. Write the memory verse on the card in simple words, then let your child decorate it. Ask them to take it home and place it on their bedroom door or by their bed, so they can read it when they feel scared.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s people go into hard situations trusting in Him, not in their own strength or numbers. The instructions about the battle and the cities belong to a specific historical setting, and they are best read with care. The heart of the passage for us is the reminder that God is present and faithful with His people.
Avoid overstating to children that God always makes us win or that we should expect fights to turn out a certain way. Keep the focus on God being with us, which is the truth the text itself emphasizes.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You that You are with us when we feel scared. Help us to be brave, because we know You go before us and fight for us. When our hearts feel weak, remind us that You are near. Amen.
