This lesson teaches children that God can win battles through ordinary people who are brave and willing to help. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is strong, and He can use brave people, even a woman or a shepherd boy, to help His people when they are willing to step up.
Memory Verse
Judges 5:2
“Because the leaders took the lead in Israel, because the people offered themselves willingly, be blessed, the LORD!
(WEB)
Have children stand up tall and raise both arms above their heads like a victory cheer each time they say “willingly.” Then have them wave their arms slowly from side to side as they say “be blessed, the LORD!” Repeat it together three times.
The Story: Judges 5 for Kids
A long time ago, the people of Israel were in trouble. Their enemy was a mean king named Jabin, and his army captain was Sisera. Sisera had nine hundred iron chariots, and he had been bullying God’s people for twenty years. The people cried out to God for help, and God chose a brave woman named Deborah to lead them.
Deborah was a prophet and a judge. She sent for a man named Barak and told him that God wanted him to lead an army against Sisera. Barak said, “I will go, but only if you come with me.” Deborah agreed, but she told him that the victory would come through a woman. Barak gathered ten thousand men from the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali, and they went up to Mount Tabor.
When Sisera heard about the army, he brought his chariots to the river Kishon. Deborah told Barak, “Go down, for today the LORD has given Sisera into your hand.” God sent a great rainstorm, and the river rose so high that the chariots got stuck in the mud. Sisera jumped out of his chariot and ran away on foot.
Sisera ran until he came to the tent of a woman named Jael. She was a friend of his king, so he thought he was safe. Jael invited him in, gave him milk to drink, and covered him with a blanket. When he fell asleep, she took a tent peg and a hammer, and she brought an end to Sisera’s cruel reign.
When Barak came looking for Sisera, Jael showed him the body. That day, God’s people won their freedom. Deborah and Barak sang a happy song about how God had fought for them, and the land had peace for forty years.
Read It Together
Judges 5:3
“Hear, you kings! Give ear, you princes! I, even I, will sing to the LORD. I will sing praise to the LORD, the God of Israel.
(WEB)
Point out that Deborah wanted to sing and praise God out loud for what He had done. Ask children what they might sing about when God helps them. Help them see that thanking God is a way to remember His kindness.
Judges 5:20-21
20 From the sky the stars fought. From their courses, they fought against Sisera. 21 The river Kishon swept them away, that ancient river, the river Kishon. My soul, march on with strength.
(WEB)
Point out that God used the rain and the river to help His people. Show children that nothing is too big for God to use, even the weather. Explain that God is in charge of everything He made.
Judges 5:24
“Jael shall be blessed above women, the wife of Heber the Kenite; blessed shall she be above women in the tent.
(WEB)
Point out that God honored Jael, who was not a soldier, for her courage. Explain that God can use anyone, whether a child, a grandparent, or a neighbor, when they are willing to trust Him.
Talk About It
- What do you think Deborah felt when God asked her to lead the people?
- How did God use the rain and the river to help His people win?
- Why do you think God chose Jael, someone that others might not expect, to help?
- What is one thing you could do to help someone, even if you feel small?
- Why is it good to sing and thank God when He helps us?
Activity Ideas
Paper Tent and Peg Craft
You will need construction paper, glue, crayons, and a few craft sticks. Have each child fold a sheet of paper into a tent shape and draw a picture of Jael’s tent on the front. Glue a craft stick at the bottom to look like a tent peg. Talk together about how God used ordinary things to bring victory.
River Rush Movement Game
You will need an open space and a blue scarf or ribbon for the river. Have children stand in a line and wave the scarf gently like the river, then faster like the storm. Call out “chariots stuck!” and have children freeze and then slowly walk away like Sisera running. Play a few rounds and talk about how God is powerful.
Victory Song Take-Home
You will need a small piece of paper and a pencil for each child. Ask each child to write or draw one thing God has done for them and tape it to a sheet to take home. Encourage families to sing a short thank-you song together during the week. This helps the lesson stay in the heart long after class.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Judges 5 shows that God is faithful to His people even when their leaders are weak and their enemies are strong. The song of Deborah celebrates God as the true Warrior who gives His people victory, and it honors those who step forward willingly. It also reminds us that God often works through people whom others overlook.
With children, avoid overstating the violence in Jael’s story. Keep the focus on God’s power and His faithfulness, and gently explain that the story is an ancient account of God rescuing His people. Do not suggest that children should act out the violent parts of the story.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You that You are strong and You can help us in every situation. Help us be brave and willing like Deborah, Barak, and Jael when You ask us to help. Thank You for always being with us, and help us remember to sing and thank You every day. Amen.
