Deuteronomy 2 teaches children that God takes care of His people and keeps every promise He makes, even during a long, hard journey. Children ages 5 to 11 can learn this lesson in about 20 to 30 minutes, with a story, a memory verse, a few questions, and a simple activity.
Big Idea
God is with us every step of the way, and He keeps His promises, even when the trip takes a long time.
Memory Verse
Deuteronomy 2:7
For the LORD your God has blessed you in all the work of your hand. He has known your walking through this great wilderness. These forty years, the LORD your God has been with you. You have lacked nothing.
(WEB)
Have children stand up and take big walking steps in place, one step for each word you say together. Then have them put their hands on their hearts and say the verse slowly, reminding them that God walks with them.
The Story: Deuteronomy 2 for Kids
God’s people, the Israelites, had been wandering in the wilderness for a very long time. They had walked around the mountain of Seir for many days. Moses was their leader, and he listened closely to God. God had a clear plan for them, and He wanted them to keep moving forward.
God told Moses to turn north and to lead the people through the land of their relatives, the children of Esau. God said, “Don’t fight them, because I have given that land to Esau’s family.” The people were careful. They bought food and water from Esau’s family with money, so they could eat and drink along the way. Trusting God meant also treating others fairly.
Moses reminded the people that God had blessed them in everything they did. He had watched over them through forty years in the wilderness. God said to them, “I have been with you. You have lacked nothing.” The people had food, water, and everything they needed, because God was faithful.
Next, the people passed the land of Moab, and God told them not to bother those people either. Later they came to the brook Zered and crossed over. The story also tells of a king named Sihon, who would not let them pass through his land. God had a plan, and He said, “I have begun to deliver Sihon into your hand.” God kept His word, and the people won the battle with Sihon’s army.
When the people finally reached the other side of the valley, they could see that God had led them safely. They knew that the promise He made to them was still true. God had been with them through every part of their journey.
Read It Together
Deuteronomy 2:3
“You have encircled this mountain long enough. Turn northward.
(WEB)
Point out that God told Moses it was time to change direction. Ask children how God might guide them when they need to move in a new direction, such as when a plan changes at school or home.
Deuteronomy 2:30-31
30 But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him; for the LORD your God hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate, that he might deliver him into your hand, as it is today. 31 The LORD said to me, “Behold, I have begun to deliver up Sihon and his land before you. Begin to possess, that you may inherit his land.”
(WEB)
Show children that God was in charge even of the king’s heart and of the battle. Explain that God’s plans are always stronger than anything that tries to stop them, and that God is faithful to His promises.
Deuteronomy 2:36
From Aroer, which is on the edge of the valley of the Arnon, and the city that is in the valley, even to Gilead, there was not a city too high for us. The LORD our God delivered up all before us.
(WEB)
Point out the words “The LORD our God delivered up all before us.” Explain that the people saw God’s care every step of the way, and that they can look back and see how God has helped them too.
Talk About It
- What did God tell the people to do when they came to the land of their relatives, and why did He want them to be careful?
- How do you think the people felt after forty years in the wilderness when God kept them safe?
- Why is it important to treat other people fairly, even when they are not part of our family?
- What is one way God showed He was with His people on their long journey?
- How can you remember that God is with you when you feel tired or scared?
Activity Ideas
Footprint Journey Craft
You will need construction paper, crayons, scissors, and a pencil. Have each child trace one foot on paper, cut it out, and write or draw one way God helped them this week. Tape the footprints across a wall in a winding path, so the class can see how God walks with them on their journey.
Follow the Leader Walk
Mark a simple path with chairs or tape on the floor, with a few turns in it. Have one child lead while others follow, and remind them that God leads His people even when the path turns. Stop at a “wilderness” spot and have everyone say the memory verse together before continuing.
Take-Home Promise Card
Give each child an index card and a marker. Ask them to write “God is with me” on one side and draw a small map or path on the other. Encourage them to show the card to their family at home and say the memory verse together during the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God guides His people with a clear purpose, even through long seasons of waiting and wandering. It also shows that God’s faithfulness is steady, and that He cares for His people’s daily needs, such as food and water, while also calling them to deal honestly with others. The chapter records how God’s plans unfolded in real history, and it invites us to trust Him in our own journeys.
Avoid overstating the battle scenes to children. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and care for His people, and explain simply that the conflicts in this chapter were part of God’s plan at that time. Do not suggest that children should use force against others, and talk gently about the fact that God is always fair and always keeps His word.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for walking with us on every part of our journey. Thank You for keeping Your promises, even when the road is long. Help us remember that You are always with us and that You always take care of us. Amen.
