In this lesson, children learn that God wants people to give back to Him from what He has given them, and that the things we give can be holy to Him. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
Everything we have comes from God, so we can give some of it back to Him with a happy heart. Giving to God is a way of saying thank you.
Memory Verse
Leviticus 27:30
“‘All the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is the LORD’s. It is holy to the LORD.
(WEB)
Teach the children to hold both hands out in front of them, palms up, like they are receiving a gift, then bring them slowly to their chest. Say the verse together while the children do the motion, then repeat it again with the motion getting slower each time.
The Story: Leviticus 27 for Kids
Long ago, God gave His people a special job. He told Moses to teach the children of Israel how to give things back to Him. God had blessed them with homes, fields, animals, and families. Now He asked them to set some of these things apart as holy, just for Him.
Moses told the people that a person could make a special promise, called a vow, to give something to the LORD. Sometimes a person would promise to give a gift of money, based on their age. The priest would help them figure out how much it was worth. Even animals could be given to God, and once they were given, they belonged to God.
The people learned that God is fair and careful about every gift. If someone wanted to trade one animal for another, they could not switch it for a worse one. God wanted His people to be honest and to keep their word. Their promises mattered to Him.
The people also learned about tithes, which means giving a tenth of what they grew or raised. Moses told them that a tenth of their crops and a tenth of their herds belonged to the LORD. Every tenth one was holy. It was a way of remembering that God takes care of them, and that He is the one who provides the harvest.
At the end of the chapter, Moses reminded the people that these were the commands God gave them on Mount Sinai. God was teaching His people to remember Him in everything they owned. They were to trust Him and to honor Him with what He had given.
Read It Together
Leviticus 27:32
All the tithe of the herds or the flocks, whatever passes under the rod, the tenth shall be holy to the LORD.
(WEB)
Point out that God asked for a tenth of every herd and flock, which means the people did not have to guess how much to give. Ask the children how a clear plan can help us keep our promises to God.
Leviticus 27:9-10
9 “‘If it is an animal, of which men offer an offering to the LORD, all that any man gives of such to the LORD becomes holy. 10 He shall not alter it, nor change it, a good for a bad, or a bad for a good: and if he shall at all change animal for animal, then both it and that for which it is changed shall be holy.
(WEB)
Show the children that when something was promised to God, it was taken seriously and could not be swapped for something else. Explain that God wants us to keep our word and to be faithful in what we say we will do.
Leviticus 27:28
“‘Notwithstanding, no devoted thing, that a man shall devote to the LORD of all that he has, whether of man or animal, or of the field of his possession, shall be sold or redeemed. Everything devoted to destruction is most holy to the LORD.
(WEB)
Explain in simple words that the things given completely to God were set apart for Him in a special way. Help the children see that God is holy and deserves our very best.
Talk About It
- What is one thing God has given you that you are thankful for?
- How can you show God thank you with the things you have?
- Why do you think God wanted His people to keep their promises to Him?
- What does it feel like to give something to someone you love?
- How can you remember that everything you have comes from God?
Activity Ideas
Thank You Gift Box Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a small empty box or envelope. Have each child draw a picture of something God has given them, such as family, food, or a favorite toy. Tuck the drawings into the box and explain that this is a gift they are giving back to God as a thank you.
Tithe Tag Game
Gather ten small objects, like blocks, buttons, or dried beans. Let the children take turns picking one object at a time and placing one in a “holy” bowl for every ten they collect. Explain that a tenth of what we receive belongs to God, and cheer each time a child places one in the bowl.
Take-Home Promise Card
Give each child an index card and a pencil. Ask them to write or draw one way they will give back to God this week, such as helping at home or sharing a toy. Let them take the card home and place it somewhere they will see it each day to remind them of their promise.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God cares about the details of our lives, including our money, possessions, and promises. Giving to God is an act of trust that He provides, and the chapter reminds us that our gifts should be offered honestly and with care. It also points to the importance of keeping our word and treating our commitments to God as serious.
When teaching children, avoid suggesting that God is a demanding trader who must be paid to be pleased. Keep the focus on gratitude and trust in God’s love rather than on rules about valuations and fines.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for everything you have given us. Help us remember that all good things come from you. Teach us to give back to you with happy hearts and to keep the promises we make. Thank you for loving us and caring for us every day. Amen.
