In this lesson, children learn that God wants His people to worship Him in the special place He chooses and not copy the false gods around them. It is a good fit for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach. Use the story, the verses, and the activities below to help children remember that God is worthy of their full devotion.
Big Idea
God is the one true God, and He wants us to worship Him only, in the way He has told us. We do not copy the false gods that other people worship.
Memory Verse
Deuteronomy 12:5
But to the place which the LORD your God shall choose out of all your tribes, to put his name there, you shall seek his habitation, and there you shall come.
(WEB)
Have children stand up tall, then slowly point to the sky with one hand as they say the verse together. Repeat it three times, lowering the hand a little each time so the motion helps them remember the words.
The Story: Deuteronomy 12 for Kids
Moses was speaking to the people of Israel before they went into the new land God was giving them. He wanted them to remember the rules God had given. Many people in that land had built places to worship idols. Some of those places were on high hills and under big green trees, and they had stone pillars and carved images of false gods.
Moses told the Israelites that they must destroy every one of those places. They were not to worship God in the same way those people worshiped their false gods. Instead, God would choose one special place where His name would be honored, and His people would bring their gifts there.
At that special place, the people would bring their offerings, their tithes, and their gifts to God. They would eat together and rejoice in all the good things God had given them. Their families and the Levites, who helped with the worship, would celebrate together before the Lord.
Moses also said that the people should not offer sacrifices just anywhere they liked. God wanted them to come to the place He chose. Moses said, “Be careful that you don’t offer your burnt offerings in every place that you see.” God wanted His people to honor Him in the right way.
Moses ended by telling the people to obey everything God commanded. They must not add to God’s words or take away from them. If they followed God faithfully, it would go well with them and with their children after them.
Read It Together
Deuteronomy 12:2-3
2 You shall surely destroy all the places in which the nations that you shall dispossess served their gods, on the high mountains, and on the hills, and under every green tree. 3 You shall break down their altars, and dash their pillars in pieces, and burn their Asherah poles with fire. You shall cut down the engraved images of their gods. You shall destroy their name out of that place.
(WEB)
Point out that God told His people to destroy the false worship places around them. Explain that God does not want His people to copy the things that dishonor Him. Ask children what kinds of things might pull people away from God today.
Deuteronomy 12:5-7
5 But to the place which the LORD your God shall choose out of all your tribes, to put his name there, you shall seek his habitation, and there you shall come. 6 There you shall bring your burnt offerings, your sacrifices, your tithes, the wave offering of your hand, your vows, your freewill offerings, and the firstborn of your herd and of your flock. 7 There you shall eat before the LORD your God, and you shall rejoice in all that you put your hand to, you and your households, in which the LORD your God has blessed you.
(WEB)
Show children that God chose one special place where His people would come to worship Him. Point out the word “rejoice” in verse 7, and explain that worship is meant to bring joy. Talk about how we can come to God with thankful hearts.
Deuteronomy 12:28
Observe and hear all these words which I command you, that it may go well with you, and with your children after you forever, when you do that which is good and right in the LORD your God’s eyes.
(WEB)
Explain that obeying God brings good things, not because we earn them, but because God is faithful. Help children see that following God’s words is a way of showing love to Him. Ask them what it means to do what is good and right in God’s eyes.
Talk About It
- Why do you think God wanted His people to worship only Him and not the false gods around them?
- What is one thing you can thank God for today, and how can you tell Him about it?
- Why do you think God chose one special place for worship instead of letting people worship anywhere they wanted?
- How does it feel to know that God gives us good things and wants us to rejoice in Him?
- What is one way you can obey God’s words this week at home or at school?
Activity Ideas
Draw the Special Place
Give each child a sheet of paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask them to draw the place where God’s people came to worship, with the offerings, families, and joy. Let them add a sentence about what they would bring to God if they could. Hang the drawings on the wall to remind everyone that worship is about giving our best to God.
Follow the Leader to the Right Place
Choose a spot in the room or yard as the “special place.” Have children walk around, skip, or hop in different directions. Each time they reach the special place, they shout one thing they are thankful for. Explain that God wants us to come to Him and not wander off to other things. This game gets children moving while reinforcing the lesson.
Thank You Card for Home
Give each child a small piece of construction paper and a crayon. Ask them to fold it in half and write or draw one way they can honor God at home this week. Encourage them to take it home and share it with their family. This gives children a simple way to carry the lesson into their everyday lives.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God is holy and that His people are called to worship Him alone and in the way He has revealed. It also shows that obedience is an act of love and trust, and that God’s instructions were meant for the good of His people and their children. The passage points forward to a people who would be shaped by God’s word and His presence.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the idea that God’s special place is still a physical location to visit. Keep the focus on God being the one we worship and on our hearts being turned toward Him. Children can understand that God is worthy of our worship without needing the full historical details of ancient Israel’s worship system.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You are the one true God and that we can worship You. Help us to honor You with our hearts and to obey Your words every day. Teach us to be thankful and to rejoice in all the good things You give us. We love You, Lord. Amen.
