This lesson teaches children that God keeps every promise He makes, even when we do not see the whole picture. Deuteronomy 34 tells how Moses saw the Promised Land from a mountain and then died before going in. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God always keeps His promises, even when they happen in ways we do not expect. Moses trusted God to the very end, and God was faithful to him.
Memory Verse
Deuteronomy 34:4
The LORD said to him, “This is the land which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, saying, ‘I will give it to your offspring.’ I have caused you to see it with your eyes, but you shall not go over there.”
(WEB)
Hold both hands out flat in front of you, palms up, like you are receiving a gift. Then slowly raise your arms up high, showing that God gives and God keeps His word. Say the verse together three times while you move your arms.
The Story: Deuteronomy 34 for Kids
Moses had led the people of Israel for forty years in the desert. God had promised to bring them to a good land, and now the time was almost here. But God told Moses that he would not go into that land himself.
Moses climbed up a tall mountain called Mount Nebo. From the top, God showed him the whole land. He could see the hills of Gilead, the lands of Naphtali and Judah, and even the faraway sea. God said to him, “This is the land I promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”
Moses died on that mountain, just as God had said. He was one hundred twenty years old, and his eyes were still strong. God Himself buried Moses in a valley, and nobody knows exactly where his grave is today.
The people of Israel cried for Moses for thirty days. They were very sad that their leader was gone. But then Joshua, the man Moses had chosen, became their new leader. Joshua was filled with wisdom, and the people listened to him and did what God commanded.
Read It Together
Deuteronomy 34:1-2
1 Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, that is over against Jericho. The LORD showed him all the land of Gilead, to Dan, 2 and all Naphtali, and the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, and all the land of Judah, to the western sea…
(WEB)
Point out that God took Moses to a high place so he could see the land. Ask the children how it might feel to climb a mountain and see something you have waited for your whole life.
Deuteronomy 34:5-6
5 So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the LORD’s word. 6 He buried him in the valley in the land of Moab opposite Beth Peor, but no man knows where his tomb is to this day.
(WEB)
Show the children that Moses died in the place God chose, and that God Himself took care of his burial. Explain that God was still in charge at the end of Moses’ life.
Deuteronomy 34:9
Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands on him. The children of Israel listened to him, and did as the LORD commanded Moses.
(WEB)
Point out that Joshua was ready to lead because Moses had prayed for him and laid hands on him. Remind the children that God prepares people for the work He gives them.
Talk About It
- How do you think Moses felt when God told him he would not go into the land?
- What is one promise God made that you have seen Him keep?
- Why do you think God wanted Moses to see the land even though he could not enter it?
- How did the people of Israel show that they loved Moses?
- What can you do when you feel sad about something that has ended?
Activity Ideas
Mountain View Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a tall mountain with a small figure standing at the top. Then have them draw the land below with hills, rivers, and a sea in the distance. Encourage them to label it “God’s Promise” and explain what they drew.
Promise Keeper Game
You will need a open space and a few soft objects like pillows or rolled socks. Give one child the role of God and the others the role of Israel. The child playing God calls out a promise, such as “I will bring you home,” and everyone must move to the spot named. Switch roles so each child has a turn leading the promise.
Take-Home Promise Jar
You will need a clean jar, strips of paper, and a pen. Ask each child to write or draw one promise God has made in the Bible, such as His love or His help. Let them place the strips in the jar to take home. Encourage the family to read one paper together each evening before bed.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s promises do not depend on us seeing their full fulfillment. Moses lived his whole life trusting God’s word, and he died before the promise was completed in his lifetime. Joshua and the next generation carried that promise forward, reminding us that God works through the faithfulness of many people over time.
Be careful not to overstate the mystery of Moses’ grave to children. Simply say that God buried Moses and that the exact place is not known. Focus on the fact that God was present at the end of Moses’ life rather than speculating about details the text does not describe.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for always keeping Your promises to us. Help us to trust You even when we cannot see the whole plan, just like Moses did. Give us courage when things feel hard and remind us that You are always with us. Amen.
