This lesson teaches children that God kept His promise to give His people a home, and that He still keeps every promise He makes. It is written for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God always keeps His promises, and He gives His people more than they can count. Every family got a piece of the land that God chose for them.
Memory Verse
Joshua 19:49
So they finished distributing the land for inheritance by its borders. The children of Israel gave an inheritance to Joshua the son of Nun among them.
(WEB)
Have the children stand up and stretch their arms wide, like they are measuring a big field. When they say the word “inheritance,” they should spread their arms out, then bring their hands together over their hearts.
The Story: Joshua 19 for Kids
After many years, God’s people had come into the land He promised to their ancestors. Now it was time to share the land fairly among the twelve tribes. Joshua, Eleazar the priest, and the leaders of each family gathered at Shiloh, near the Tent of Meeting, to divide the land by lot. A lot was a kind of stone or piece of wood chosen by God’s guidance, so that everyone would know the choice came from Him.
The tribe of Simeon went fourth in line, but their land was not an empty space. Their piece was tucked right in the middle of the land given to the tribe of Judah. Judah’s share was big, and so Simeon’s family received some of their own land inside it. Simeon had thirteen cities and many small villages, and God made sure they had a home to live in.
Next, the tribes of Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, and Naphtali each received their own cities and villages. Each tribe had its own border, its own towns, and its own fields. Some tribes had sixteen cities, others had twenty-two. The people walked along their borders, looking at their new homes and remembering that God had led them there.
The last tribe to receive land was Dan. The tribe of Dan had a hard time at first, because their land was too small for them. So they went north, fought against the city of Leshem, took it, and made it their home. They named the city Dan, after their forefather. Even when things were hard, the people of Dan trusted God, and He gave them a place to live.
When all the land had been shared, the people gave a home to Joshua too. Joshua asked for the city of Timnathserah in the hills of Ephraim, and God’s people gave it to him. He built the city and lived there. Everyone had received what God promised, and the children of Israel were finally settled in their land.
Read It Together
Joshua 19:1-2
1 The second lot came out for Simeon, even for the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families. Their inheritance was in the middle of the inheritance of the children of Judah. 2 They had for their inheritance Beersheba (or Sheba), Moladah…
(WEB)
Point out that the lot for Simeon came out, and that this was a sign God was choosing the land for each tribe. Ask the children to notice how the land was given to families, not just to individuals, so every family belonged to something bigger.
Joshua 19:47
The border of the children of Dan went out beyond them; for the children of Dan went up and fought against Leshem, and took it, and struck it with the edge of the sword, and possessed it, and lived therein, and called Leshem, Dan, after the name of Dan their forefather.
(WEB)
Show the children how the tribe of Dan had to be brave and work hard to get their home. Explain that God helped them, and that sometimes God’s promises come with courage and effort.
Joshua 19:50
According to the LORD’s commandment, they gave him the city which he asked, even Timnathserah in the hill country of Ephraim; and he built the city, and lived there.
(WEB)
Point out that Joshua asked for his city, and God’s people gave it to him as God commanded. Talk about how God cares for leaders and helpers, and how He rewards faithful service.
Talk About It
- Why do you think God gave each family their own piece of land?
- How would you feel if you had to wait a long time for a gift that God promised you?
- What did the people of Dan do when their land was too small, and what can we learn from that?
- How can you tell that God is keeping His promises in your life today?
- What is one thing God has given you that you can thank Him for this week?
Activity Ideas
Draw Your Own Land Map
You will need paper, crayons, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a simple map of a land with a border around it, then add a few cities and small houses inside. Have them write or draw their name on one of the houses, so they see that God gives each person a place to belong.
The Walking Border Game
You will need a rope, string, or a long line of tape on the floor. Lay out the border of a land, then have the children walk slowly along it, stopping at each “city” you have marked with a cup or small paper square. Each time they reach a city, have them say “God keeps His promises,” then move on to the next one.
Take-Home Promise Jar
You will need a small jar or cup, some paper slips, and a pen. Give each child a few slips and ask them to write or draw one promise they can remember from God, such as “God will always be with me.” Have them place the slips in the jar at home and read one out loud each night before bed as a reminder of God’s faithfulness.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter is a record of God dividing the land among the tribes exactly as He had promised. It shows that God’s plans are detailed and personal, reaching down to individual cities, villages, and families. The chapter also shows that faithfulness sometimes involves both God’s gift and human courage, as seen in the tribe of Dan.
Avoid overstating the chapter to children by suggesting that God always gives people exactly what they want or that every hard situation will work out in a simple way. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and His care for His people, while being honest that waiting and effort are sometimes part of receiving His gifts.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Lord, thank You for always keeping Your promises to us. Thank You for giving us homes, families, and friends. Help us to trust You when we wait, and to be brave when things are hard. We love You and thank You for taking care of us. Amen.
