This lesson teaches children that God kept His promises to Israel, and that we can trust Him to keep His promises to us too. It works well for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the discussion, and one activity.
Big Idea
God remembers His promises, and He wants His people to remember what He has done for them. When we remember, we learn to trust Him and to live His way.
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)
Hold both hands out in front of you, palms up, like you are carrying a heavy box of promises. Then slowly lift them above your head as you say the verse together. Do this three times so the words stay in your memory.
The Story: Deuteronomy 29 for Kids
Moses was leading the people of Israel toward the Promised Land, and they had come a long way. For forty years, God had walked with them through the wilderness. Their clothes did not wear out, and their shoes did not fall apart. God gave them food and water every single day.
Moses gathered everyone together in the land of Moab. He reminded them of all the amazing things they had seen God do in Egypt. They saw the great trials and the powerful wonders that God brought against Pharaoh. Moses wanted them to remember that God had rescued them.
Moses told them that God was making a special agreement with them, called a covenant. God promised to be their God, and they promised to follow Him. Moses said, “Keep the words of this covenant and do them, so that you may prosper in all that you do.” He wanted them to choose to obey God because God had been so faithful to them.
Moses also warned them that some people might turn their hearts away from God. He said that turning toward other gods would bring sad results. He told the people to watch their hearts carefully and stay close to the Lord.
Moses explained that children and grandchildren would one day ask why the land had such hard times. The answer would be that people had forgotten God’s covenant. Moses wanted the people to teach their children about God so they would never forget Him.
At the end of the chapter, Moses reminded everyone that some things belong only to God. But the things God has shown us belong to us and to our children forever. Moses said that we can learn God’s words and do them.
Read It Together
Deuteronomy 29:2-3
2 Moses called to all Israel, and said to them: Your eyes have seen all that the LORD did in the land of Egypt to Pharaoh, and to all his servants, and to all his land; 3 the great trials which your eyes saw, the signs, and those great wonders.
(WEB)
Point out that the people had seen God’s power with their own eyes. Ask children to think about something they have seen God do in their own lives or in the Bible. Explain that remembering God’s work helps us trust Him more.
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)
Show children that God took care of His people for forty years in the wilderness. Point out the detail that their clothes and shoes did not wear out. Explain that God’s care for them was steady and everyday, and that God’s care for us is steady too.
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)
Explain that some things about God are secret and only He fully knows them. But the things He has told us in His Word belong to us and to our children. Encourage children to read and learn the Bible so they can know God’s words and live them out.
Talk About It
- What is one thing God has done for you that you want to remember?
- Why do you think Moses wanted the people to remember what God did in Egypt?
- How did God take care of the Israelites in the wilderness for forty years?
- What is a promise you can make to God about how you want to live?
- How can we tell our children and friends about the good things God has done?
Activity Ideas
Remembrance Stone Craft
Gather small smooth stones or pieces of paper, markers, and a bowl. Ask each child to write or draw one thing God has done for them on a stone or paper. Stack the stones together or place the papers in the bowl. Explain that just like the Israelites, we can build reminders of God’s faithfulness.
Follow the Leader Wilderness Walk
Clear a space in the room or outside. Have one child lead the group in simple movements like walking slowly, stepping over pretend rocks, or stretching tall. Each time the group moves, have them say “God takes care of us.” End by pointing out how God led His people step by step.
Take-Home Promise Card
Give each child an index card and crayons. Ask them to draw a picture of something God has promised or done, and write the word “Remember” at the top. Encourage the family to place the card on the kitchen table or bedside. Ask the child to explain the picture to a family member during the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Deuteronomy 29 is part of Moses’ final message before Israel entered the Promised Land. It reminds God’s people that the covenant is a relationship, not just a set of rules. God’s faithfulness in the past is the foundation for trusting Him in the future, and the chapter calls the whole community, including children and outsiders, to commit to Him.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the warnings about curses and judgment in detail. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and the invitation to remember and trust Him. Children benefit most from a clear message of God’s love and care.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You for remembering Your promises to us. Help us to remember all the good things You have done in our lives. Teach us to follow You and to tell our children about Your love. Help us to trust You every day. Amen.
