This lesson teaches children that God blesses His people, and that He keeps caring for them even when they are far from home. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the discussion, and a simple activity.
Big Idea
Moses gave a special blessing to God’s people before he died, and it reminded them that God loves them and takes care of them every day.
Memory Verse
Deuteronomy 33:27
The eternal God is your dwelling place. Underneath are the everlasting arms. He thrust out the enemy from before you, and said, ‘Destroy!’
(WEB)
Put both arms out wide, then cross them over your chest like a hug. Say the words slowly while you hug yourself, and remind the children that God’s arms are always holding them up.
The Story: Deuteronomy 33 for Kids
The people of Israel had walked a very long way through the wilderness. They were almost ready to enter the land God had promised them. Moses was an old man now, and he knew his time on earth was ending. He wanted to bless the people before he went home to be with God.
So Moses gathered all the tribes together and spoke good words over each one. He told them that God had come from Mount Sinai to be with His people. He said God was shining like the morning sun and that God loves the people very much. Moses reminded them that God’s words were a gift to keep close to their hearts.
Then Moses blessed each family group by name. He spoke about Judah, who was asked to help his people. He spoke about Benjamin, and he said that the Lord would keep Benjamin safe and close, like a child held tight on a father’s shoulders. Each blessing was different, because each family had a different place among God’s people.
Moses also blessed Joseph’s family with rain, dew, and good harvests from the land. He said the land would be full of good things because the Lord was pleased with them. Moses told Zebulun and Issachar to be happy as they went out and came home, because God would give them plenty to share.
At last Moses said something that made the whole gathering smile. He told the people, “Who is like you, Israel? You are a people saved by the Lord.” He reminded them that God is their shield and their help. Every family could know that God was on their side.
When Moses finished speaking, the people had heard many blessings. They learned that God cared for every family, not only the strong ones or the big ones. God’s love reached all the way from the heavens down to the people standing in the field.
Read It Together
Deuteronomy 33:12
About Benjamin he said, “The beloved of the LORD will dwell in safety by him. He covers him all day long. He dwells between his shoulders.”
(WEB)
Point out that Benjamin is described as being close to God and safe in God’s care. Ask the children what it feels like to be held by someone who loves them very much.
Deuteronomy 33:26-27
26 “There is no one like God, Jeshurun, who rides on the heavens for your help, in his excellency on the skies. 27 The eternal God is your dwelling place. Underneath are the everlasting arms. He thrust out the enemy from before you, and said, ‘Destroy!’
(WEB)
Show the children that God is described as a helper and a dwelling place. Explain that the everlasting arms are a picture of God holding His people strong and steady.
Deuteronomy 33:29
You are happy, Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the LORD, the shield of your help, the sword of your excellency? Your enemies will submit themselves to you. You will tread on their high places.”
(WEB)
Point out the question Moses asks, “Who is like you?” Help the children see that God saves His people and protects them, and that no one else can do that in the same way.
Talk About It
- What did Moses do before he died, and why do you think he wanted to bless the people?
- Which family group in the story would you like to hear a blessing for, and what would you hope God would give them?
- How does it make you feel to know that God’s arms are always holding you up?
- What are some ways God takes care of your family every day?
- How can you bless someone in your home or class this week, the way Moses blessed the tribes?
Activity Ideas
Hand Blessing Cards
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child trace one of their hands on the paper and cut it out. On the palm, they can write or draw one blessing they want for a family member. Encourage them to give the card to that person before the week ends.
Shield and Sword Relay
You will need two cardboard boxes or pillows to use as obstacles, and a cardboard shield for each team. Set up a short course in the room. Teams take turns carrying their shield across the course while another child calls out, “The Lord is our help!” When everyone finishes, talk about how God protects His people.
Take-Home Promise Jar
You will need a clean jar, paper strips, and a pen. Each day for one week, the child writes one thing God gave them or one way God helped them. They fold the strip and place it in the jar. At the end of the week, open the jar together and read the promises, thanking God for His care.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows Moses speaking words of blessing over the whole nation of Israel. It reminds believers that God’s presence, protection, and provision reach every family, and that God’s people are called to live in His word and His covenant. The blessings also remind us that God is faithful to the people He has chosen.
With children, avoid overstating how each tribe’s blessing applies to specific modern situations. The chapter is a farewell blessing for an ancient nation, so focus on the big truth that God loves and protects His people rather than trying to match every detail to a child’s life.
A Prayer to Close
Father, thank You for loving us and for holding us close like a family. Thank You for being our shield and our help every day. Help us to bless others with kind words and kind actions, just as Moses blessed Your people. We trust Your strong arms to keep us safe. Amen.
