In this lesson, children learn that God keeps every promise He makes, even when the job is still unfinished. Joshua 13 is a good fit for children about 5 to 11 years old, and the lesson takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God always keeps His promises, and He gives His people a place to belong. Even when we still have work to do, we can trust that God is faithful.
Memory Verse
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)
Ask the children to stand tall, hold out both hands with palms up, and then slowly bring them together as they say the words. The motion shows God keeping His word from one side to the other, which helps the verse stick.
The Story: Joshua 13 for Kids
Joshua was now an old man, and he had led God’s people for many years. One day God spoke to Joshua and said, “You are old, and there is still a lot of land left to take.” God’s people had not yet claimed all the land He had promised them. Some of it was still in the hands of other peoples.
God did not leave Joshua to figure it out alone. He told Joshua exactly what land was still waiting and promised that He would drive out the people who lived there. God said, “Divide this land for an inheritance.” Joshua had a clear job to do, and God gave him the promise that made it possible.
Joshua’s job was to share out the land. The tribe of Reuben, the tribe of Gad, and half of the tribe of Manasseh had already received their land on the other side of the Jordan River. Moses had given it to them before he died. Each family knew where its home would be, because God had kept His word.
The people of Levi were different. They did not receive a piece of land like the others. God told Joshua that the Levites would serve Him by working at the place of worship, and God Himself would be their inheritance. Their gift was God’s presence, not a field or a village.
Even though some enemies remained in the land, God’s promise stood firm. The people were learning that the Lord who started the good work would finish it. Joshua could look at the map and at the families around him and see that God was faithful.
Read It Together
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)
Point out that God spoke to Joshua even though Joshua was old and the work was not finished. Explain that God still talks to His people and keeps working with them when things seem unfinished.
Joshua 13:7
Now therefore divide this land for an inheritance to the nine tribes and the half-tribe of Manasseh.”
(WEB)
Show the children that God gave Joshua a clear next step. Ask them to notice that God’s instructions came with His promise to provide, so the people could move forward with confidence.
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)
Explain that the tribe of Levi received God Himself as their inheritance. Help the children see that a close relationship with God is a gift worth more than any piece of land.
Talk About It
- What did God tell Joshua when he was old and there was still work to do?
- How do you think Joshua felt when God gave him a big job to finish?
- Why do you think God gave the Levites Himself instead of a piece of land?
- What is one promise God has made that you can trust today?
- How can you show thankfulness to God for the good things He has given you?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Promise Map
Give each child a sheet of paper and a crayon, and ask them to draw a simple map with a river in the middle. On one side they can draw a house to show the land God gave to the tribes, and on the other side they can draw a heart to show God’s presence. Let them label each part and tell you what it means to them.
Walk the Promised Land
Mark a long path in a room or outdoor space with masking tape or chalk, and label one end “Start” and the other “Promised Land.” Have the children walk slowly from start to finish while you read a sentence about God keeping His promises. Stop at a few points to talk about how God was with His people along the way.
Promise Keeper Card
Cut a folded index card in half and let each child write or draw one promise God has kept in their life. Provide stickers or stamps for decoration. Encourage them to take the card home and place it somewhere they will see it each day as a reminder of God’s faithfulness.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Joshua 13 shows that God’s promises do not depend on our progress. The chapter is honest that much land remained to be taken, yet God’s word stood firm and He provided a clear way forward. It also highlights that the Levites’ inheritance was the Lord Himself, reminding us that communion with God is the deepest portion any believer can receive.
Avoid overstating to children that God will always give us exactly what we want or that every problem will disappear quickly. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and His presence with His people, rather than promising specific outcomes in their own lives.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You for always keeping Your promises to us. Help us trust You when the work feels unfinished. Thank You that You are with us every day, and help us remember that You are our greatest gift. Amen.
