In this lesson, children learn that God wants his people to keep his law and choose his way every day. Deuteronomy 27 is best for children ages 5 to 11, and the lesson takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Have a few large stones or paper rocks, crayons, and a marker ready before class.
Big Idea
God gives us his rules because he loves us, and when we choose to obey them, we show that we belong to him. Obeying God is a choice we make each 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)
Have children stand tall, then bend their knees and raise their arms high like they are listening carefully. Then they tap their ears twice and say the words together. Repeat this motion three times until it feels easy.
The Story: Deuteronomy 27 for Kids
A long time ago, God’s people, the Israelites, were getting ready to cross the Jordan River and go into the new land God promised them. Moses was their leader, and he was getting older. Before they crossed over, he gathered the people together and told them to remember God’s commands. He said, “Keep every command I give you today.”
Moses told the people that when they crossed the river, they should take big stones, cover them with plaster, and write all of God’s laws on them so everyone could read them. They would set up the stones on Mount Ebal and build an altar there to worship the Lord. The stones were not to be cut with iron tools. The people were to offer gifts to God and celebrate before him.
Then Moses and the priests called out, “Be quiet and listen, Israel! Today you have become the people of the Lord your God.” Moses wanted them to hear that they now belonged to God, and that meant obeying him. He was reminding them of their special place as God’s family.
Next, the people were divided into two groups. Six tribes stood on Mount Gerizim to bless the people, and six tribes stood on Mount Ebal to speak the curses. The Levites called out the rules God had given, one by one. After each rule, all the people answered together, “Amen.” Their answer meant, “Yes, we agree, and we will do this.”
The rules covered many things, like honoring your father and mother, being fair to people who need help, and not hurting your neighbor. Each time, the people shouted “Amen” to show they would keep God’s ways. The message was clear: loving God means doing what he says, not just saying the words.
Read It Together
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)
Point out the words “Today you have become the people of the LORD your God.” Explain that God’s people belong to him and are part of his family. Ask children what it feels like to belong to a family and how that shows up in daily life.
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 warned not to make idols, which are things people worship instead of God. Help children name things that can take God’s place in our hearts, like toys, games, or popularity. Keep the tone gentle and focused on loving God first.
Deuteronomy 27:26
‘Cursed is he who doesn’t uphold the words of this law by doing them.’ All the people shall say, ‘Amen.’”
(WEB)
Point out that the last rule is about doing God’s law, not just hearing it. Ask children to think about how we show we are listening to God by how we act. Remind them that God helps us do what is right.
Talk About It
- Why do you think God gave his people rules to follow?
- What is one rule from God’s Word that you find easy to keep, and why?
- What do you think it means to say “Amen” to something God says?
- How does obeying God show that we belong to his family?
- What is one way you can choose God’s way this week at home or school?
Activity Ideas
Paper Stone Tablets
Give each child a paper rock cut from grey construction paper or a small real stone. Have them write or draw one rule that helps them obey God, such as “Be kind” or “Help at home.” Let them decorate their stone with crayons. Keep the stones on a shelf as a reminder of God’s words.
Amen Stand Game
Divide the room in half and have one side stand up and call out a simple rule like “Share your toys.” The other side answers together, “Amen!” Then switch sides. Keep it lively, and end by reminding children that God’s rules are good for them.
Family Promise Card
Give each child an index card to take home. Help them write “Today I will obey God by…” and fill in one action. Encourage them to read the card to a parent or sibling at dinner. Suggest tucking the card somewhere they will see it each morning.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s law was given to shape a people who belonged to him. Moses calls Israel to remember that obedience flows from relationship, not from trying to earn God’s love. The blessings and curses were a public way of stating what it means to live under God’s covenant.
With children, avoid making the curses sound like a list of ways to get in trouble with God. Focus instead on God’s goodness and his desire for his people to live well. Emphasize that he helps us obey, and that our choices show whose family we belong to.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank you for being our God and for making us part of your family. Help us listen to your words and choose your way every day. When we make mistakes, help us come back to you. We want to love you and do what is good. Amen.
