This lesson teaches children that God makes a promise with his people and that they can answer by saying yes and doing what God says. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, a verse, and an activity.
Big Idea
God made a promise with his people, and they said they would do what he asked. God keeps his promises, and we can show we trust him by listening and obeying.
Memory Verse
Exodus 24:7
He took the book of the covenant and read it in the hearing of the people, and they said, “All that the LORD has spoken will we do, and be obedient.”
(WEB)
Teach children to hold both hands out in front of them, palms up, like they are receiving a gift. Then bring their hands together in a clap on the word “do.” Say the verse slowly together three times, pausing with the clap each time.
The Story: Exodus 24 for Kids
God had rescued the people of Israel out of Egypt, and now he wanted to make a special agreement with them. He called Moses up a big mountain called Sinai. God told Moses to bring Aaron, his brother, along with Nadab, Abihu, and seventy leaders of the people. The rest of the people had to stay at the bottom of the mountain.
Moses came down and told the people everything God had said. The people all answered together, loudly. They said, “We will do everything the LORD has said.” Moses wrote down God’s words. Early the next morning, he built an altar and set up twelve stone pillars, one for each of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Young men brought animals to offer to God. Moses poured half of the blood into bowls and sprinkled the other half on the altar. Then Moses read the book of the agreement out loud, and the people promised again to obey. Moses sprinkled some of the blood on the people and said, “This is the blood of the agreement God has made with you.”
Moses went up the mountain with Joshua, his helper. The elders stayed behind. The cloud of God’s glory covered the mountain for six days. On the seventh day, God called to Moses from inside the cloud. To the people below, God’s glory looked like a fire burning on top of the mountain.
Moses stayed on the mountain for forty days and forty nights. He was there with God the whole time, waiting to receive the stone tablets. God was keeping his promise to lead his people, and Moses was keeping his promise to listen.
Read It Together
Exodus 24:1-2
1 He said to Moses, “Come up to the LORD, you, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel; and worship from a distance. 2 Moses alone shall come near to the LORD, but they shall not come near. The people shall not go up with him.”
(WEB)
Point out that God invited special people up the mountain, but only Moses was allowed to come very close. Ask children why they think God set up these rules. Explain that God is holy, and he cares about his people knowing how to come to him.
Exodus 24:3
Moses came and told the people all the LORD’s words, and all the ordinances; and all the people answered with one voice, and said, “All the words which the LORD has spoken will we do.”
(WEB)
Show children how the people answered Moses with one voice. Ask them to say something together with the group, like “Yes, we will listen!” Explain that when a whole community agrees to follow God, it is a strong and happy thing.
Exodus 24:12
The LORD said to Moses, “Come up to me on the mountain, and stay here, and I will give you the stone tablets with the law and the commands that I have written, that you may teach them.”
(WEB)
Point out that God gave Moses the stone tablets with his commands written on them. Explain that God’s rules are a gift that helps us know how to live and love others. Children can see God’s Word as something written down so we can always read it.
Talk About It
- What did the people of Israel promise God in this story?
- Why do you think Moses built an altar and set up twelve stones?
- How did it feel to know God was keeping his promise to his people?
- What is one thing God has asked you to do, and how can you show him you will do it?
- Who helps you remember to listen to God’s words?
Activity Ideas
Stone Pillar Craft
Gather small smooth stones or pieces of clay, paint, markers, and a flat tray. Let each child decorate a stone with a symbol or word that reminds them of a promise they can keep for God. Place the stones together in a group on the tray, just like the twelve pillars. Talk about how each stone is a reminder that the whole family of God keeps promises together.
Mountain Listening Game
Set up a simple path with chairs or cones to look like a mountain climb. Have one child be Moses and walk up the path while the rest of the group stays at the bottom. Call out “Moses, listen!” and have the group repeat a simple rule back together. Switch roles so every child has a turn being Moses and every child practices listening and answering.
Promise Card for Home
Give each child an index card and crayons. Ask them to draw a picture of one way they will obey God this week, such as helping at home or being kind to a sibling. Help them write the words “I will do it” at the bottom. Encourage them to put the card somewhere they will see it each morning as a reminder of their promise.
Teacher Notes
This passage shows that God’s relationship with his people is built on a covenant, a binding agreement in which he initiates and sustains the relationship. Adults can see here both the holiness of God, who must be approached on his terms, and his gracious provision of a way for people to draw near through sacrifice and his written word. The people’s response of “all that the LORD has spoken we will do” reflects a faith that is both sincere and dependent on God’s power to keep them faithful.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the idea that people can perfectly keep promises on their own. The Israelites soon failed to keep their word, and children should understand that we rely on God’s grace and forgiveness, not just our own promises. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and invite children to trust him to help them obey.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank you for keeping your promises to us, even when we forget ours. Help us listen to your words and do what you ask, just as the people of Israel said they would. Show us how to trust you each day. Amen.
