In this lesson, children learn that when God’s people turn away from Him and then cry out to Him, He hears them and cares for them. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
Even when we make wrong choices, God is ready to listen when we say sorry and ask Him for help. He always wants us to come back to Him.
Memory Verse
Judges 10:10
The children of Israel cried to the LORD, saying, “We have sinned against you, even because we have forsaken our God, and have served the Baals.”
(WEB)
Have the children cup their hands together in front of their chests, then lift them up toward the ceiling as if they are sending a message up high. Say “We cried to the LORD” each time you do the motion.
The Story: Judges 10 for Kids
After a leader named Abimelech, God’s people had other leaders. A man named Tola helped them for twenty-three years. Then a man named Jair led them for twenty-two years. Jair had thirty sons, and each son rode a donkey and had a city of his own. The people were happy and safe for a while.
But the people began to forget God. They started to worship the idols of other nations, the Baals and the Ashtaroth and many more. They stopped serving the LORD, and His heart was sad. So He let their enemies, the Philistines and the people of Ammon, bother them for eighteen years. It was a hard, scary time for the people of Israel.
The people finally cried out to God. They said, “We have sinned against you. We have left our God and served the idols.” God reminded them how He had saved them many times before. He said, “Go and cry to the gods you have chosen. Let them save you.” It was a sad thing for God to say, because the people had chosen idols over Him.
Then the people said, “We have sinned! Do to us whatever seems good to you. Just please save us today.” They threw away their idols and began to serve the LORD again. God felt sorrow for their trouble. Then the people gathered together in a place called Mizpah to get ready to fight their enemies.
The people needed a brave leader. They asked, “Who will begin to fight against the people of Ammon?” They were looking for someone who would lead them. The story shows that God’s people had turned back to Him, and He was ready to help them.
Read It Together
Judges 10:1-2
1 After Abimelech, Tola the son of Puah, the son of Dodo, a man of Issachar, arose to save Israel. He lived in Shamir in the hill country of Ephraim. 2 He judged Israel twenty-three years, and died, and was buried in Shamir.
(WEB)
Point out that God chose ordinary people like Tola to help His people. Tell the children that God can use anyone who is willing to help others.
Judges 10:15-16
15 The children of Israel said to the LORD, “We have sinned! Do you to us whatever seems good to you; only deliver us, please, today.” 16 They put away the foreign gods from among them, and served the LORD; and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel.
(WEB)
Show the children how the people said they were sorry and changed their actions. Explain that God’s heart is moved when people turn back to Him with honest hearts.
Judges 10:17-18
17 Then the children of Ammon were gathered together and encamped in Gilead. The children of Israel assembled themselves together and encamped in Mizpah. 18 The people, the princes of Gilead, said to one another, “Who is the man who will begin to fight against the children of Ammon? He shall be head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.”
(WEB)
Point out that the people gathered together to face a problem. Remind the children that working together with friends and family helps us handle hard things.
Talk About It
- What did the people of Israel do when they forgot about God?
- How did God feel when the people turned away from Him?
- What did the people say when they finally asked God for help?
- What are some things that might tempt us to forget about God today?
- How can we remind ourselves to keep following God every day?
Activity Ideas
Idol Swap Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a basket. Ask each child to draw something that sometimes takes God’s place in their life, such as a toy or a game. Then have them draw a picture of God next to it. Talk together about why God should be first, and place the drawings in the basket as a reminder.
Call and Answer Game
You will need a open space and a bell or a small object to ring. Stand at one end of the room and call out “Cry to the LORD!” The children answer by running toward you and saying “We’re coming, Lord!” Then ring the bell and say that God always hears us. Play a few rounds to show that God is always listening.
Take Home Promise Card
You will need index cards, a pencil, and a small rubber band. Have each child write “God hears me when I call” on one side of the card and draw a simple heart on the other. Encourage them to take the card home and put it by their bed. Each night, they can read it aloud and say a short prayer.
Teacher Notes
This passage shows a pattern that repeats throughout the book of Judges: God’s people turn away from Him, face the consequences, cry out for help, and find that God is faithful to restore them. For adults, it is a reminder that God’s love remains steady even when we drift. His willingness to hear our sorrow is a deep comfort for every season of life.
Be careful not to suggest to children that God punishes them every time they make a mistake or that He will stop loving them when they fail. The story is about a whole nation falling into idolatry and then turning back, and God’s response is rooted in His covenant love. Keep the focus on His mercy and welcome, not on fear.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, we are sorry when we forget You or choose other things over You. Thank You for always listening when we call out to You. Help us to turn back to You each day and trust that You will hear us. Amen.
