This lesson teaches children that God gave His people ten clear words to show them how to love Him and love others, and that these words were given to the whole family of Israel together. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God gave His people ten good words to live by, because He loves them and wants them to live well together. Following His words is how we show we belong to Him.
Memory Verse
Deuteronomy 5:6
“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
(WEB)
Have the children hold up one hand and count out five fingers, then the other hand for five more, as they say the verse together. Then point up, as if to remember the God who brought His people out of Egypt. Repeat it three times, getting a little quieter each time.
The Story: Deuteronomy 5 for Kids
Long ago, the people of Israel had been slaves in the land of Egypt. They worked hard every day, and nobody came to rescue them. But God heard their cries, and He had not forgotten His promise to them. He sent Moses to lead them out of that place of hard work and sadness.
After many weeks of walking through the desert, the people came to a tall mountain called Horeb. Moses went up the mountain to meet with God. The mountain shook and smoke covered the top, because God was there. The people stayed at the bottom and watched from a safe distance, because they were afraid.
Moses came down and told everyone what God had said. God had given them ten words, which we call the Ten Commandments. Some of the words were about loving God first, like “You shall have no other gods before me.” Other words were about loving people, like “Honor your father and your mother.”
The people were scared to hear God’s voice from the fire. They said to Moses, “You go near God and listen for us, and then tell us what He says. We will listen and do it.” God was pleased that they wanted to listen. He said He wished their hearts would always want to fear Him and keep His words.
God told Moses to go back to the tents and then to stay close, so God could teach him more rules to pass along. God wanted the people to walk in every good way He had shown them. He wanted them to live well and have happy days in the land He was giving them.
Read It Together
Deuteronomy 5:1-3
1 Moses called to all Israel, and said to them, “Hear, Israel, the statutes and the ordinances which I speak in your ears today, that you may learn them, and observe to do them.” 2 The LORD our God made a covenant with us in Horeb. 3 The LORD didn’t make this covenant with our fathers, but with us, even us, who are all of us here alive today.
(WEB)
Point out that Moses called all of Israel together and told them to listen. Ask the children why it matters that God made His promise with the people who were standing right there, including the children. Explain that God wanted every person to know His words.
Deuteronomy 5:8-10
8 “You shall not make a carved image for yourself, any likeness of what is in heaven above, or what is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. 9 You shall not bow yourself down to them, nor serve them; for I, the LORD, your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, and on the third and on the fourth generation of those who hate me; 10 and showing loving kindness to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.
(WEB)
Show the children how God asked His people not to make idols or bow down to them. Explain that God is the one true God who loves His people and shows kindness to those who love Him and keep His words. Let them say the phrase “loving kindness” together.
Deuteronomy 5:16
“Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God commanded you; that your days may be long, and that it may go well with you, in the land which the LORD your God gives you.
(WEB)
Point out that God gave this command about parents as part of His ten words, which means honoring parents is part of honoring God. Talk about small ways children can honor their parents at home, and notice that God promised good things when His people obeyed Him.
Talk About It
- What did God do for the people of Israel before He gave them His ten words?
- Why do you think the people were afraid to go up the mountain themselves?
- Which of the ten words do you think is easiest to remember, and why?
- How can keeping God’s words help us love the people around us?
- What is one way you can show God you want to listen to Him this week?
Activity Ideas
Ten Words on Stone Craft
You will need paper plates or flat pieces of cardboard, paint or markers, and a few small rocks. Have each child write one of the ten words, or draw a picture to show it, on a plate. Let them paint a stone to look like one of the tablets. Set the stones and plates out together so the children can see God’s words displayed as a family.
Mountain Listening Game
Mark a spot in the room as the mountain. One child stands near the “mountain” as Moses, while the rest of the group stands back. Moses whispers a short command, such as “Honor your parents,” and the group must act it out before the next command is given. Keep it lively and let each child take a turn being Moses.
Take-Home Word Card
You will need index cards, a pen, and a clip or small envelope. Write one of the ten words on each card, using simple words and a small picture. Give each child a card to take home along with the memory verse. Encourage families to read the card together at dinner and talk about one way they can live it out that week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s words were never meant to be a list of rules for their own sake. They were given by a God who had already rescued His people from slavery, and they describe what a grateful, loving community looks like. Adults can see how each command points toward loving God first and loving neighbors well.
With children, avoid overstating the idea that obeying God guarantees a happy life with no troubles. The passage does promise that God’s way leads to good living and blessing, but children may need to understand that following God does not mean nothing hard will ever happen. Keep the focus on God’s love and faithfulness.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for giving us Your good words to help us love You and love others. Help us listen to You and remember the ways You have helped us. Please help us keep Your words in our hearts each day. Thank You for loving us so much. Amen.
