This lesson teaches children that God cares about how His people treat each other, including people who are different from them, and that He keeps His promises even when others do not. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the reading and one activity.
Big Idea
God is good and fair, and He wants His people to be kind and honest with everyone, because He loves every person.
Memory Verse
Deuteronomy 23:5
Nevertheless the LORD your God wouldn’t listen to Balaam; but the LORD your God turned the curse into a blessing to you, because the LORD your God loved you.
(WEB)
Teach the children to hold both hands together over their hearts, then open them wide like a big hug. Say the words slowly while you make the motion, and let the children copy you until everyone knows it by heart.
The Story: Deuteronomy 23 for Kids
God gave Moses a set of rules for His people, the Israelites, as they got ready to live in the land He had promised them. The people were still learning how to live as God’s family. God wanted them to keep their camp clean, to be honest, and to treat others with care.
Some people in the nearby nations had not been kind to the Israelites when they were traveling out of Egypt. One of them had even hired a man named Balaam to curse God’s people. But God would not listen to Balaam. Instead, God turned the curse into a blessing, because He loved His people very much.
God also taught that the Israelites should not hurt a servant who had run away to them for safety. “Let him live among you,” God said, “and do not treat him badly.” The people were to be generous and fair, even when they were not forced to be. God wanted them to remember how He had kept them safe.
The people learned other rules too, about being clean in the camp and about keeping their promises. When they made a vow to God, they were to do what they had said. God wanted their words to be true, because He always keeps His word.
Read It Together
Deuteronomy 23:15-16
15 You shall not deliver to his master a servant who has escaped from his master to you. 16 He shall dwell with you, among you, in the place which he shall choose within one of your gates, where it pleases him best. You shall not oppress him.
(WEB)
Show the children that God cared for a servant who had run away. Point out the words “do not oppress him” and talk about how we can be fair and kind to others who need help.
Deuteronomy 23:21-23
21 When you vow a vow to the LORD your God, you shall not be slack to pay it; for the LORD your God will surely require it of you; and it would be sin in you. 22 But if you refrain from making a vow, it shall be no sin in you. 23 You shall observe and do that which has gone out of your lips. Whatever you have vowed to the LORD your God as a freewill offering, which you have promised with your mouth, you must do.
(WEB)
Explain that when we promise something to God or to someone else, we should keep our word. Point out that God wants us to be people whose words can be trusted.
Talk About It
- What did God do when the man tried to curse His people, and why do you think He did that?
- How did God want the Israelites to treat someone who ran away to them for safety?
- Why is it important to keep a promise, even when it is hard?
- What is one way you can be kind to someone who is new or different from you?
- How can you remember that God loves everyone, even people we do not know well?
Activity Ideas
Paper Plate Camp Drawing
You will need paper plates, crayons, markers, and glue sticks. Ask each child to draw a small camp on their plate with tents, a path, and a few people walking together. Talk about how God wanted His people to keep their camp clean and kind. Let the children write one kind thing they can do this week on the back of the plate.
Keep Your Word Game
You will need a small object like a ball or a stuffed animal. Stand the children in a circle and pass the object around while the music plays. When the music stops, the child holding the object makes a simple promise, such as “I will help clean up.” Everyone then claps and cheers for them. Explain that God wants us to do what we say we will do.
Promise Card for Home
You will need index cards, pencils, and tape. Have each child write one promise they will keep at home, such as helping with dishes or sharing a toy. Let them decorate the card and tape it to the refrigerator. Encourage them to check their card each day and remember that God is faithful to His promises.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s law was given to shape a holy people who reflect His character. It includes rules that may seem unusual today, but the heart of the chapter is about God’s faithfulness, His care for the vulnerable, and the importance of honest speech and fair treatment. Readers can see God turning a curse into a blessing as a sign of His love for His people.
Avoid overstating the specific cultural rules of this chapter to children. Focus on the timeless truths: God loves everyone, He keeps His promises, and He wants His people to be kind, honest, and fair.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for loving us and for keeping Your promises. Help us to be kind to everyone, even people who are different from us. Help us to keep our word and to treat others fairly. Thank You for turning hard things into good things. Amen.
