In this lesson, children learn that God keeps every promise he makes, even when the job is still unfinished. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God always keeps his promises, even when we have to wait for them to come true. Joshua’s people had more land to receive, and God was still in charge of giving it to them.
Memory Verse
Joshua 13:1
Now Joshua was old and well advanced in years. The LORD said to him, “You are old and advanced in years, and there remains yet very much land to be possessed.
(WEB)
Have children stand tall with arms folded across their chest, then slowly stretch their arms out wide while saying the verse together. Repeat it three times, growing a little bigger each time, to show how God’s promise keeps getting bigger.
The Story: Joshua 13 for Kids
Joshua was now very old. He had led God’s people for many years, and his hair had turned gray. God spoke to Joshua and said, “You are old now, but there is still much land left for my people to take.”
The land was big, and some of it still belonged to other groups of people. There were the Philistines, the Geshurites, and many others living in different towns. God promised to drive them out in front of his people. Joshua did not have to fight every battle by himself.
God told Joshua to divide the land among the families of Israel. Nine and a half tribes would get their share on the west side of the Jordan River. The rest of the people had already received their land on the east side, because Moses had given it to them before he died.
Some people, like the Levites, did not receive a piece of land. God said that he himself would be their inheritance. Their job was to serve God at the tent of meeting, and God promised to take care of them.
When you tell this story, pause and ask the children what they think it would feel like to wait for a gift that someone promised you. Remind them that God’s people trusted him to finish what he had started.
Read It Together
Joshua 13:6
All the inhabitants of the hill country from Lebanon to Misrephoth Maim, even all the Sidonians. I will drive them out from before the children of Israel. Just allocate it to Israel for an inheritance, as I have commanded you.
(WEB)
Point out that God says he will drive out the people who are in the way. Ask the children to notice that God is the one doing the work, and his people are following his plan.
Joshua 13:14
Only he gave no inheritance to the tribe of Levi. The offerings of the LORD, the God of Israel, made by fire are his inheritance, as he spoke to him.
(WEB)
Show the children that the Levites had a special gift from God that was different from land. Explain that God’s presence was their true inheritance, and that is a gift worth more than anything.
Joshua 13:33
But Moses gave no inheritance to the tribe of Levi. The LORD, the God of Israel, is their inheritance, as he spoke to them.
(WEB)
Help the children see the same promise repeated at the end of the chapter. Point out that God kept his word to the Levites, and he keeps his word to us too.
Talk About It
- What is something you have waited a long time to receive, and how did it feel to wait?
- Why do you think God told Joshua there was still land left to take?
- How did the Levites get what they needed even though they had no land?
- What can you do when you feel like God is taking a long time with his promises?
- How has God shown you that he keeps his word in your own life?
Activity Ideas
Map Drawing Craft
You will need a large sheet of paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask children to draw a simple map of the land, dividing it with lines to show the tribes getting their share. Let them color each section in a different color and label it with a simple name or picture. Hang the maps on the wall as a reminder of God’s faithful gifts.
Waiting Game Movement
Gather the children in an open space and tell them you are going to play a game about waiting. Have them march in place slowly while you count to ten, then freeze when you say “Promise!” Then give them a silly action to do, like clapping or spinning. Explain that waiting can be hard, but God’s promises always come true.
Take-Home Promise Card
You will need index cards or small pieces of paper, a pencil, and a rubber band. Ask each child to write or draw one promise God has made, such as “God is always with me.” Let them put the card in a pocket or a shoe to carry it home. Encourage them to read it to someone in their family during the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s promises are not canceled by delay or unfinished work. Joshua was old and the task was not complete, yet God remained faithful and kept directing the process. The chapter also reminds us that God’s people receive different gifts, and the Levites were given God himself as their portion.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the details of each tribe and each town. Children can get lost in long lists of names and places, so keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and the simple truth that he keeps his promises.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for keeping your promises to us, even when we have to wait. Help us to trust you when things take a long time, and remind us that you are always working for our good. Thank you that you are our inheritance and that we can count on you. Amen.
