In this lesson, children learn that God wants his people to obey his law and that obeying brings a blessing. Deuteronomy 27 is best for children ages 5 to 11, and it takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach, including the memory verse and the activity.
Big Idea
God gives us his rules because he loves us, and when we choose to obey him, we are doing what makes him happy. Obeying God is a choice we can make every day.
Memory Verse
Deuteronomy 27:10
You shall therefore obey the LORD your God’s voice, and do his commandments and his statutes, which I command you today.”
(WEB)
Hold both hands up like you are listening to someone talk. Then cup your hands over your ears and say “obey” as you bring your hands down to your sides. Do this motion together each time you say the verse.
The Story: Deuteronomy 27 for Kids
Moses was getting very old, and the people of Israel were about to cross the Jordan River into the land God had promised them. Before they went in, Moses gathered the whole nation together. He wanted them to remember the rules God had given them.
Moses told the people to set up some big stones on Mount Ebal and cover them with plaster. On those stones they were to write all the words of God’s law, so everyone could read them. They were also to build an altar there and offer sacrifices to God, and they were to be happy as they worshiped him.
Then Moses and the priests spoke to all of Israel. “Be quiet and listen,” they said. “Today you have become God’s people. So you must obey the voice of the Lord your God.”
Next, the people were split into two groups. Six tribes stood on Mount Gerizim to bless the people, and six tribes stood on Mount Ebal to say the curses. The Levites read out the curses one by one. Each time, every person answered with a loud “Amen” to agree.
The curses named many things that go against God’s law, such as making idols in secret, dishonoring parents, and cheating people who cannot defend themselves. Each time the Levites finished a curse, all the people said, “Amen.” The last curse said that anyone who does not do the words of this law is cursed.
Read It Together
Deuteronomy 27:2-3
2 It shall be on the day when you shall pass over the Jordan to the land which the LORD your God gives you, that you shall set yourself up great stones, and coat them with plaster. 3 You shall write on them all the words of this law, when you have passed over; that you may go in to the land which the LORD your God gives you, a land flowing with milk and honey, as the LORD, the God of your fathers, has promised you.
(WEB)
Point out that God told the people to write his law where everyone could see it. Ask the children why it might help to have God’s rules written down in a place they can read every day.
Deuteronomy 27:9
Moses and the priests the Levites spoke to all Israel, saying, “Be silent, and listen, Israel! Today you have become the people of the LORD your God.
(WEB)
Show the children that Moses reminded the people they had become God’s people. Explain that belonging to God is a gift, and it is also a reason to listen closely to him.
Deuteronomy 27:15
‘Cursed is the man who makes an engraved or molten image, an abomination to the LORD, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and sets it up in secret.’ All the people shall answer and say, ‘Amen.’
(WEB)
Explain that the people were asked to answer “Amen” after each curse, which means “I agree.” Point out that the first curse is about not making idols, and ask children what things today might try to take God’s place in our hearts.
Talk About It
- What did Moses want the people of Israel to remember before they went into the new land?
- Why do you think God wanted his law written on big stones where everyone could read it?
- What does it mean to say “Amen” when you agree with something that is said?
- Which of God’s rules in this chapter do you think is the most important to follow, and why?
- What is one way you can choose to obey God this week at home or at school?
Activity Ideas
Stone Tablet Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a few gray or brown paper plates to look like stones. Have each child draw a simple rule from God’s law on a plate, such as “Honor your father and mother.” Let them decorate the edges with paint or markers, then tape the plates to the wall to make a display that looks like the stones Moses described.
Amen Game
Gather the children in a line or a circle. Read a simple rule from God’s law, such as “Do not lie,” then pause so everyone can shout “Amen!” together. Take turns being the reader, and have everyone do a silly movement like stomping their feet or clapping each time they say “Amen.”
Take-Home Promise Card
Give each child an index card and a pencil. Ask them to write or draw one way they will obey God this week, such as helping with dishes without being asked. Let them take the card home and place it on the fridge or by their bed as a reminder to talk about with their family.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s law was given as a covenant, a promise between God and his people. The blessings and curses were a way of showing that obeying God leads to life and disobeying leads to harm. The chapter also reminds us that God’s people are shaped by his words, not by their own preferences.
Be careful not to overstate the curses to children as if God is waiting to punish them for every mistake. Focus instead on God’s kindness in giving clear guidance and on the joy of living in relationship with him.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank you for giving us your good rules to help us live well. Help us to listen carefully to you and to choose to obey you, even when it is hard. Help us remember that you love us and want the best for us. Amen.
