This lesson teaches children that God keeps His promises and protects His people, even when the world around them looks scary. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God always keeps His promises, and He takes care of the people who belong to Him. When we trust Him, we don’t have to be afraid, even when things feel very scary.
Memory Verse
Exodus 11:7
But against any of the children of Israel a dog won’t even bark or move its tongue, against man or animal; that you may know that the LORD makes a distinction between the Egyptians and Israel.
(WEB)
Teach children to hold both hands out flat, palms up, then slowly move them apart like a curtain opening. Each time you say the verse together, make the same motion. This helps children picture God making a difference between His people and everyone else.
The Story: Exodus 11 for Kids
God told Moses that He was going to send one more terrible trouble on Egypt. Pharaoh was the king of Egypt, and he would not let God’s people go. God said that after this last trouble, Pharaoh would finally let them leave. Moses had to tell the people something very important first.
God asked the Israelite families to ask their Egyptian neighbors for gifts of silver and gold. God made the Egyptians feel kind toward the Israelites, so they gave them these gifts. Moses was respected by Pharaoh’s servants and by the people of Egypt. Moses was very important in the land.
Then Moses gave God’s message to Pharaoh. He said, “At midnight, I will go through the middle of Egypt.” Something very sad would happen to every firstborn child and firstborn animal in the land. The whole country would cry out, because it would be the saddest night Egypt had ever known.
But God said something wonderful about His people. Not even a dog would bark at the Israelites that night. God wanted everyone to see that He keeps His people safe and treats them differently. Moses was angry when he left Pharaoh, because Pharaoh would not listen to God.
God already knew that Pharaoh’s heart would stay hard. Moses and Aaron did many wonders in front of Pharaoh. Pharaoh still would not let the people of Israel go out of his land. God was still in control of everything that was happening.
Read It Together
Exodus 11:1
The LORD said to Moses, “Yet one plague more will I bring on Pharaoh, and on Egypt; afterwards he will let you go. When he lets you go, he will surely thrust you out altogether.
(WEB)
Point out that God told Moses about the coming trouble before it happened. Ask children to notice that God was planning ahead and that nothing surprised Him. Remind them that God always knows what is going to happen next.
Exodus 11:2-3
2 Speak now in the ears of the people, and let every man ask of his neighbor, and every woman of her neighbor, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold.” 3 The LORD gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh’s servants, and in the sight of the people.
(WEB)
Show children how God gave His people favor in the eyes of the Egyptians. Explain that God can change how people feel toward us. Point out that God took care of His people even in a difficult place.
Exodus 11:9-10
9 The LORD said to Moses, “Pharaoh won’t listen to you, that my wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt.” 10 Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh, and the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he didn’t let the children of Israel go out of his land.
(WEB)
Explain that Pharaoh chose not to listen to God, and his heart stayed hard. Help children see that God’s plan still went forward, even when people refused to obey. Talk about how we can choose to listen to God and trust Him.
Talk About It
- How do you think the Israelite children felt when God said they would be safe?
- What is one thing God promised in this story that He kept?
- Why do you think God wanted everyone to see that He protects His people?
- What can you do when you feel scared, like the people in this story might have felt?
- How can you show that you trust God to take care of you this week?
Activity Ideas
Paper Plate Protection Craft
You will need a paper plate, crayons or markers, scissors, and glue. Have each child draw a picture of their family inside the plate, then fold the plate in half like a taco shell. Let them decorate the outside with a door or a doorframe. Talk about how God protected the Israelite homes, and how He protects us today.
Shadow Walk Game
You will need an open space and a flashlight or a lamp. Have children walk slowly around the room while one leader shines the light. When the leader says “Midnight!” everyone freezes and stays still. Explain that God’s people were safe even when the night was dark and scary.
Take-Home Promise Card
You will need index cards, a pencil, and a marker. Ask each child to write or draw one promise that God makes in the Bible, such as “God will take care of me.” Let them decorate the card and place it on their nightstand or in their backpack. Encourage them to read it aloud each night before bed.
Teacher Notes
This passage shows that God is in control of every event, including the hard ones. He keeps His promises to His people even when the world around them is full of trouble. For adults, the passage also shows that God’s justice and mercy are both real, and that He treats His people with care.
Be careful not to make the plagues sound like something to joke about or to focus on in a scary way. Keep the emphasis on God’s faithfulness and protection of His people, and gently remind children that the Egyptian families were also people God cared about.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You for keeping Your promises to us. Help us trust You when we feel scared or unsure. Thank You for taking care of us every day, just like You took care of Your people long ago. Amen.
