In this lesson, children learn that God keeps His promises and that He gives His people what He has planned for them, even when the job ahead is hard. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God gives His people a place of their own, and He helps them when the work feels too big. We do not have to be afraid when God has promised to be with us.
Memory Verse
Joshua 17:18
But the hill country shall be yours. Although it is a forest, you shall cut it down, and it’s farthest extent shall be yours; for you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have chariots of iron, and though they are strong.”
(WEB)
Ask the children to stand tall with their arms wide, like they are holding a big piece of land. Then have them swing one arm forward as if they are cutting through a forest. Say the verse together while you move, and repeat it three times until the motions feel natural.
The Story: Joshua 17 for Kids
A long time ago, God’s people, the Israelites, were getting ready to live in the land He had promised them. The tribes were given their own pieces of land to call home. One of those tribes was Manasseh, and Manasseh was the oldest son of Joseph. Each family in Manasseh received a part of the land to care for.
There was a family with no sons, only five daughters. Their names were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. These sisters went to Eleazar the priest and to Joshua, their leader, and they asked for their share of the land. They reminded everyone that God had told Moses to give them an inheritance, too. So Joshua gave them land among their relatives, just as God had commanded.
Later, the families of Joseph came to Joshua with a complaint. They said, “Why did you give us only one part of the land? We are a big family, and God has blessed us.” Joshua answered them with a challenge. He said, “If you are so many, then go into the forest and clear out a place for yourselves.”
The people of Joseph were worried. They said the hills were too crowded and that the enemy had strong iron chariots. Joshua did not give up on them. He told them that they were strong and could drive the enemies out of the land. He said that the hill country would be theirs, even if they had to cut down the trees to make room.
Read It Together
Joshua 17:3-4
3 But Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, had no sons, but daughters. These are the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. 4 They came to Eleazar the priest, and to Joshua the son of Nun, and to the princes, saying, “The LORD commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brothers.” Therefore according to the commandment of the LORD he gave them an inheritance among the brothers of their father.
(WEB)
Point out that these five sisters had no brothers to receive land, but they still asked God’s leaders for what God had promised. Show children that they can bring their questions and needs to God and trust Him to hear them.
Joshua 17:14-15
14 The children of Joseph spoke to Joshua, saying, “Why have you given me just one lot and one part for an inheritance, since we are a numerous people, because the LORD has blessed us so far?” 15 Joshua said to them, “If you are a numerous people, go up to the forest, and clear land for yourself there in the land of the Perizzites and of the Rephaim; since the hill country of Ephraim is too narrow for you.”
(WEB)
Explain that the people of Joseph felt they did not have enough room. Notice that Joshua did not scold them but told them to go and work. Help children see that God often gives us work to do as part of His plan.
Joshua 17:17-18
17 Joshua spoke to the house of Joseph, that is, to Ephraim and to Manasseh, saying, “You are a numerous people, and have great power. You shall not have one lot only; 18 but the hill country shall be yours. Although it is a forest, you shall cut it down, and it’s farthest extent shall be yours; for you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have chariots of iron, and though they are strong.”
(WEB)
Point out the words “You are a numerous people, and have great power.” Remind children that God makes His people strong, and that big jobs become possible when we trust Him.
Talk About It
- What was the big promise God gave to His people about the land?
- How do you think Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah felt when they asked Joshua for their share?
- Why did the people of Joseph think the hill country was too small for them?
- What did Joshua tell them to do when they felt scared of the enemies?
- What is one hard job God might be asking you to do this week, and how can you trust Him with it?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Promised Land Map
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a simple map with a forest, hills, and a home in the middle. Label the home with the child’s name and write one thing God gives them, such as family, food, or friends. Help the children explain their maps to each other.
Forest Clearing Game
You will need a few sheets of paper, tape, and a open space in the room. Tape several paper “trees” to the walls or floor, then have children take turns walking through the room while acting out clearing a path, with pretend axes. After each path is cleared, say, “God is with us.” This helps children remember that God helps us finish hard tasks.
Take-Home Prayer Card
You will need index cards, a pencil, and a marker. Have each child write or draw a picture of one thing they want God to help them do this week. Tuck the card into a pocket or backpack, and encourage them to pull it out each day and say, “God is with me.” Families can talk about the card together at dinner.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God keeps His promises to give His people a place and a purpose. It also shows that faithfulness sometimes includes hard work, as the people were called to clear forests and drive out enemies. The story reminds us that God’s leaders listen to real needs, as Joshua did for the daughters of Zelophehad.
Be careful not to overstate the military details to children. The chapter describes conquest and the presence of enemies, so focus on God’s faithfulness and His call to trust Him, rather than on battle. Keep the emphasis on God’s help and the children’s courage.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You for keeping Your promises to Your people. Help us trust You when the work feels big, and remind us that You are always with us. Give us courage to ask You for what we need, and help us follow where You lead. Amen.
