In this lesson, children learn that God cares about the gifts we bring to Him, and that each person’s gift matters. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God notices every gift we bring to Him, and each one matters to Him.
Memory Verse
Numbers 7:1
On the day that Moses had finished setting up the tabernacle, and had anointed it and sanctified it, with all its furniture, and the altar with all its vessels, and had anointed and sanctified them…
(WEB)
Have children stand tall, then slowly lift both hands up over their heads like they are carrying a gift to God. Let them lower their hands and say the verse together while they lift again.
The Story: Numbers 7 for Kids
A long time ago, the people of Israel were traveling through the desert. God had told them to build a special tent called the tabernacle, where they could worship Him and meet with Him. When Moses finished building it and set everything in its place, it was a very special day.
The leaders of each tribe came to Moses with gifts. There were twelve leaders in all, one for each tribe. Each leader brought an offering to the Lord, and each one gave something different. Some brought wagons and oxen to help carry the tabernacle, and others brought silver dishes, golden spoons full of sweet incense, and animals for sacrifices.
The leaders did not bring their gifts all at once. Each one came on his own day, one after another, for twelve days. Nahshon went first, from the tribe of Judah. Then came Nethanel, then Eliab, and then the others took their turns, each bringing the same kinds of gifts as the one before.
God spoke to Moses and said, “Accept these from them, so they can be used to serve at the Tent of Meeting.” Moses took the wagons and oxen and gave them to the Levites, so they could carry the holy things on the journey. Everyone was given a job that fit what they could do.
Every gift was brought with care, and every leader had his own day to shine. The people learned that God sees each person and wants each one to bring what He has given them.
Read It Together
Numbers 7:2-3
2 The princes of Israel, the heads of their fathers’ houses, offered. These were the princes of the tribes. These are they who were over those who were counted: 3 and they brought their offering before the LORD, six covered wagons, and twelve oxen; a wagon for every two of the princes, and for each one an ox: and they presented them before the tabernacle.
(WEB)
Point out that the leaders came with their gifts on purpose and brought them to the Lord. Ask children what they think it means to bring something to God with a happy heart.
Numbers 7:10-11
10 The princes gave offerings for the dedication of the altar in the day that it was anointed, even the princes gave their offerings before the altar. 11 The LORD said to Moses, “They shall offer their offering, each prince on his day, for the dedication of the altar.”
(WEB)
Show children that God told each leader to come on his own day. Explain that God gives each person a time and a place to serve Him, and no one is forgotten.
Numbers 7:88-89
88 And all the cattle for the sacrifice of peace offerings twenty-four bulls, the rams sixty, the male goats sixty, the male lambs a year old sixty. This was the dedication of the altar, after it was anointed. 89 When Moses went into the Tent of Meeting to speak with the LORD, he heard his voice speaking to him from above the mercy seat that was on the ark of the Testimony, from between the two cherubim: and he spoke to him.
(WEB)
Tell children that after all the gifts were brought, Moses went into the tent and heard the Lord speaking to him. Point out that God cares about His people and wants to talk with them.
Talk About It
- What kind of gift do you think you could bring to God today?
- Why do you think each leader brought a gift on a different day?
- How do you feel when someone notices something good you have done?
- What is one thing God has given you that you could use to help others?
- How can you show God that you want to serve Him this week?
Activity Ideas
Paper Gift Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Ask each child to draw a gift they would like to bring to God, such as a song, a kind word, or a helping hand. Let them cut out their drawing and tape it to a wall or table to make a gift display.
Twelve Day Parade
Ask children to line up and take turns walking to the front of the room one at a time, like the leaders who came on their own days. Each child can hold up a small object, such as a toy or a block, and say what it stands for. Cheer for each child as they bring their gift forward.
Gift Jar at Home
You will need an empty jar or box and some slips of paper. Each day, invite your child to write or draw one good thing they did or one thing they can give to God, and place it in the jar. At the end of the week, read the slips together and thank God for each gift.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Numbers 7 shows that God values every offering made in faith, whether large or small, public or private. The chapter also points to the order and care God expects in worship, with each tribe given its own day and its own role in serving Him.
When teaching children, avoid suggesting that God only accepts gifts that are expensive or impressive. Keep the focus on giving with a willing heart and on God’s care for each person.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You for seeing each of us and for loving the gifts we bring to You. Help us to give You our best, even when it seems small. Help us to serve You with happy hearts every day. Amen.
