This lesson teaches children that God blesses his people and keeps them safe, even when Moses is no longer with them. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
Before Moses died, he blessed each tribe of Israel, and that shows us God loves his people and takes care of every one of them.
Memory Verse
Deuteronomy 33:27
The eternal God is your dwelling place. Underneath are the everlasting arms. He thrust out the enemy from before you, and said, ‘Destroy!’
(WEB)
Put one hand under the other, then lift them up slowly as if you are holding something safe. Say the words together as you lift, and let the hands rest gently on your knees when you finish.
The Story: Deuteronomy 33 for Kids
Moses was an old man, and he knew his life was almost over. The people of Israel were getting ready to go into a new land, and they were still family to him. So before he died, Moses gathered them together and spoke a blessing over each tribe, one by one.
He first reminded everyone that God had come to them from Mount Sinai. God had given them his law, and it was a shining gift they could hold close. Moses told the people that God loves his people, and that they were all held in his hands.
Then Moses spoke to each family group. He prayed that Reuben would live and not die out. He asked God to help Judah when enemies came near. He blessed Levi and the work of the priests who taught God’s ways. He spoke of Benjamin as someone God keeps close and safe, like a child resting between a father’s shoulders.
Moses blessed Joseph’s family with good gifts from the earth and the sky, like rain, sunshine, and fruit. He spoke of Zebulun and Issachar, saying they would rejoice when they went out and when they came home. Each tribe received a special word, and each word showed that God knew them by name.
Last of all, Moses looked at the whole nation and said that no one is like God. He told them that God is their dwelling place and that his everlasting arms hold them up. Moses said, “You are happy, Israel!” because the Lord was their shield and their help.
Read It Together
Deuteronomy 33:1
This is the blessing with which Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death.
(WEB)
Point out that Moses was called a man of God, and that his blessing came right before he died. Ask children why a last blessing from someone we love can be so special to remember.
Deuteronomy 33:12
About Benjamin he said, “The beloved of the LORD will dwell in safety by him. He covers him all day long. He dwells between his shoulders.”
(WEB)
Show children how the verse describes Benjamin resting safely near God, and how God covers him all day long. Explain that God keeps his people close even when they cannot see him.
Deuteronomy 33:29
You are happy, Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the LORD, the shield of your help, the sword of your excellency? Your enemies will submit themselves to you. You will tread on their high places.”
(WEB)
Read this verse slowly and point out the word happy. Tell children that Israel was happy because God had saved them and was their shield, which means he protects them from harm.
Talk About It
- What is one thing you think Moses wanted the people to remember before he died?
- How do you think Benjamin felt, resting safely close to God every day?
- What are some ways God has shown you that he takes care of you?
- Why do you think each tribe got its own special blessing from Moses?
- How can you tell someone in your family that you are thankful for them today?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Blessing Banner
You will need a long strip of paper, crayons or markers, and tape. Ask each child to draw one thing God gives us, such as sunshine, rain, fruit, or a safe home, and tape the drawings in a row. Read the banner aloud at the end and thank God for each gift.
Shield and Sword Relay
You will need two paper plates for shields and a rolled-up newspaper for a sword. Have children run in a line, passing the shield to the next child at each turn, and call out “The Lord is our shield!” as they pass it. This helps children remember that God protects them.
Blessing Card for Home
You will need index cards, pencils, and an envelope. Have each child write or draw a short blessing for one person at home, like “God keeps you safe.” Let them take the card home and give it to that person. This helps children practice blessing others the way Moses blessed Israel.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s care reaches every part of his people, not just one leader or one family. Moses speaks the blessing from a place of trust, knowing that God will continue to lead Israel after he is gone. It reminds us that God’s promises last longer than any human life.
Avoid suggesting to children that God only blesses people who behave perfectly. The chapter describes each tribe with its own history and strengths, and it simply shows God’s love and faithfulness toward them.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank you for loving us and holding us in your hands. Thank you for keeping us safe like Benjamin resting near you. Help us remember your blessings every day and share them with the people we love. Amen.
