In this lesson, children learn that God kept his promises to his people, so they should remember what he has done and stay close to him. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God keeps his promises, so we remember what he has done and we choose to love and obey him every day.
Memory Verse
Deuteronomy 29:9
Therefore keep the words of this covenant and do them, that you may prosper in all that you do.
(WEB)
Have the children cross their hands over their hearts, then open their arms wide like a book opening. Say the verse together slowly, opening your arms on each important word, so they can picture keeping God’s words close.
The Story: Deuteronomy 29 for Kids
Long ago, the people of Israel had walked through the wilderness for forty years. Moses was their leader, and he gathered everyone together in the land of Moab. Moses wanted them to remember something very important. They had seen with their own eyes how God rescued them from Pharaoh in Egypt. God had sent great signs and wonders to set them free.
Moses reminded them of something amazing. Their clothes had not worn out, and their shoes had not worn out, even after all those years. God had cared for them every single day. They had not even needed to eat regular bread or drink wine, because God was providing for them in his own way.
Moses then told them about the battles they had won. Two kings tried to fight against them, but God helped them defeat both kings. The land of those kings was given to some of the tribes as their own home. God had kept every promise he made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Moses looked at the crowd, which included men, women, children, and even people from other nations who lived among them. He said, “Keep the words of this promise, and do them.” He wanted everyone to choose to follow God, because God had chosen them to be his special people. Moses warned them not to turn their hearts away and start worshiping false gods like the nations around them.
Moses also explained that the things God has not shared belong to him alone. But the things God has told us belong to us and to our children forever. So we should obey everything God has taught us. The story ends with a clear lesson: God’s words are meant to be learned and lived out by every generation.
Read It Together
Deuteronomy 29:5-6
5 I have led you forty years in the wilderness. Your clothes have not grown old on you, and your shoes have not grown old on your feet. 6 You have not eaten bread, neither have you drunk wine or strong drink; that you may know that I am the LORD your God.
(WEB)
Point out how God took care of his people for forty years. Ask the children to notice that their clothes and shoes did not wear out, which was a sign of God’s special care. Help them see that God’s care is still something we can trust today.
Deuteronomy 29:13
That he may establish you today as his people, and that he may be your God, as he spoke to you, and as he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.
(WEB)
Show the children that God chose the people of Israel to be his own. Explain that God keeps his promises from one generation to the next. Remind them that God wants to be their God too, and that he is faithful to his word.
Deuteronomy 29:29
The secret things belong to the LORD our God; but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.
(WEB)
Point out that some things belong only to God, but he has given us what we need to know. Talk about how the Bible is a gift that helps us learn and obey God. Encourage the children to treasure God’s words and share them with their families.
Talk About It
- What is one thing God did for the people of Israel that you think was amazing?
- Why do you think Moses wanted the people to remember all the things God had done for them?
- How did God take care of the people of Israel during their long journey in the wilderness?
- What might happen if someone started to forget what God has done and turned away from him?
- How can you remember God’s faithfulness in your everyday life at home or at school?
Activity Ideas
Remembrance Stone Drawing
Give each child a piece of paper, crayons or markers, and a small paper bag or sticky note. Ask them to draw one thing God has done for them, like a family, a home, or a favorite food. Tape the drawings to a wall or fold them into the bag. Explain that these drawings are their way of remembering God’s faithfulness, just like the people of Israel remembered God’s care.
Follow the Leader Walk
Clear a space in your room or outside. Pick one child to be Moses and have the rest follow in a line behind them. As they walk, call out things God did for his people, such as “God led them out of Egypt” or “God gave them food,” and have the children stop and point up as they say, “Thank you, God!” Remind them that God leads us every day, just as he led his people.
Remember Jar at Home
Find an empty jar and a stack of small paper slips. Place the jar on the kitchen table with a pen beside it. Each day for one week, ask family members to write one thing God did for them that day and put it in the jar. At the end of the week, open the jar together and read every note aloud. This helps your family remember God’s faithfulness, just as Moses wanted the people to do.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Deuteronomy 29 is part of Moses’ final teaching to Israel before they enter the Promised Land. It renews the covenant God made with his people and calls every generation to remain faithful to him. The passage shows that God’s promises extend beyond one generation, and that remembering God’s past work strengthens our trust in him today.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the warning sections about curses and judgment. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness, his care for his people, and the joy of knowing him. Children can understand that choosing to obey God matters, without becoming fearful about God’s anger.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for keeping your promises to us, just as you kept them to your people long ago. Help us remember all the good things you have done for us. Teach us to love you and follow your words every day. Thank you for being our faithful God. Amen.
