Deuteronomy 23 teaches children that God cares how his people treat one another, and that he keeps his promises even when people do not. This lesson works well for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Read the story aloud, act out the key moments, and let children answer the questions in their own words.
Big Idea
God is holy and kind, so his people should be clean, fair, and good to others. God takes care of his people even when others try to hurt them.
Memory Verse
Deuteronomy 23:14
For the LORD your God walks in the middle of your camp, to deliver you, and to give up your enemies before you. Therefore your camp shall be holy, that he may not see an unclean thing in you, and turn away from you.
(WEB)
Hold both hands out in front of you, then bring them together like a cup. Say “God walks with us” as you bring your hands together, and tap your chest on “keep us.” Repeat it three times with the motions.
The Story: Deuteronomy 23 for Kids
Long ago, God’s people, the Israelites, were walking through the desert after leaving Egypt. They lived in a big camp, and God wanted that camp to be clean and holy. Moses taught them that God was walking right in the middle of their camp to keep them safe.
Some people from the nations of Moab and Ammon had been unkind. They did not bring bread or water to the Israelites on their journey. They even hired a man named Balaam to curse God’s people. But God would not listen to Balaam. Instead, God turned that curse into a blessing, because God loved his people.
God also taught his people how to treat others. They were not to wish harm on the Edomites or the Egyptians. The Edomites were family, because they were related to Jacob’s family. The Israelites had also lived as foreigners in Egypt, so they knew what it felt like to be far from home.
God gave his people rules to keep their camp clean. When someone was not clean, that person had to stay outside the camp until evening. Then he would wash himself and come back in. God wanted his people to show respect for him in every part of their lives.
God also said his people should be fair. If a servant ran away from his master and came to them for safety, they were not to send him back. They were to let him live among them and treat him kindly. God said, “Do not treat him badly.”
Finally, God taught his people about honesty and kindness with money and promises. They were not to charge their own brothers interest when they lent money. When they made a promise to God, they were to keep it. God wanted his people to be trustworthy.
Read It Together
Deuteronomy 23:5
Nevertheless the LORD your God wouldn’t listen to Balaam; but the LORD your God turned the curse into a blessing to you, because the LORD your God loved you.
(WEB)
Point out that God turned a curse into a blessing. Ask children to notice the reason given, that God loved his people. Remind them that God’s love can change bad situations into good ones.
Deuteronomy 23:15-16
15 You shall not deliver to his master a servant who has escaped from his master to you. 16 He shall dwell with you, among you, in the place which he shall choose within one of your gates, where it pleases him best. You shall not oppress him.
(WEB)
Show how God wanted his people to welcome someone who needed safety. Explain that God cares about people who are treated unfairly. Ask children how they can make a new friend feel welcome at school or church.
Deuteronomy 23:21
When you vow a vow to the LORD your God, you shall not be slack to pay it; for the LORD your God will surely require it of you; and it would be sin in you.
(WEB)
Talk about what it means to keep a promise. Explain that God takes our words seriously. Encourage children to think about a promise they can keep this week, like helping at home or being kind to a sibling.
Talk About It
- What did God do when Balaam tried to curse his people?
- Why do you think God wanted his camp to be clean and holy?
- How can we show kindness to someone who is new or far from home?
- What is one promise you can make to God or to your family this week?
- How did God take care of his people even when others were unkind?
Activity Ideas
Draw the Camp
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask children to draw a camp with tents in a circle, and draw a small heart or cross in the middle to show God walking with his people. Let them add one kind action their family can do, like sharing food or helping a neighbor.
Walk the Wilderness
You will need a room with some open space and a few chairs or pillows to act as tents. Have children walk slowly around the space, pretending to be travelers. Stop them now and then to say “God is with us,” and have them clap once to show God’s protection. End by having them sit down together in a circle.
Promise Jar
You will need a jar, small slips of paper, and a pen. Each child writes one promise they will keep this week, such as “I will tidy my room” or “I will say thank you.” Place the slips in the jar and read a few together at dinner or bedtime. Remind children that God wants us to keep our word.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Deuteronomy 23 shows that God’s law covered everyday life, including cleanliness, justice, honesty, and care for the vulnerable. The chapter also reminds readers that God protects his people and can turn harm into blessing. Adults can see both God’s holiness and his compassion in these verses.
Avoid overstating the details about the specific rules, such as those about bodily cleanliness or the exclusion of certain groups, which children may find confusing or upsetting. Focus instead on God’s love, his care for his people, and the call to be honest and kind.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank you for walking with us every day and keeping us safe. Help us to be clean in our hearts, fair to others, and kind to everyone we meet. Help us keep our promises and welcome people who need a friend. We trust you to take care of us. Amen.
