This lesson teaches children that God chose the people of Israel to belong to Him because He loves them, and that He keeps His promises. It is best for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Chapter 7 is a hard chapter, so keep the focus on God’s faithful love and on how His people are called to follow Him.
Big Idea
God loves His people and keeps His promises, so we can trust Him and follow Him. He chose His people because He loved them, not because they were big or strong.
Memory Verse
Deuteronomy 7:6
For you are a holy people to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for his own possession, above all peoples who are on the face of the earth.
(WEB)
Hold both hands over your heart, then lift them up like you are giving a gift. Say the words slowly as you do it, so children remember that God’s people belong to Him and are special to Him.
The Story: Deuteronomy 7 for Kids
God’s people, the Israelites, were about to enter a new land that God had promised to give them. Before they went in, Moses reminded them of who God is. God was going to clear out many nations who lived there, and that was going to be a big job.
Moses told the people that they must not make friends with those nations or join in their worship of false gods. “Don’t make agreements with them,” Moses said. Those other gods were not real, and following them would lead God’s people far away from Him.
Then Moses reminded the people that they were holy, set apart for the Lord. God had not chosen them because they were the biggest nation. They were actually the smallest of all peoples. God chose them because He loved them and kept the promise He made to their ancestors.
Moses told them to remember what God had done. He had rescued them from slavery in Egypt with His mighty hand. “Know that the Lord your God is God, and He is faithful,” Moses said. God keeps His promises to the people who love Him and obey Him.
God promised to bless His people with food, families, and good things in the land. He would take away sickness from among them. The people did not have to be afraid, because God was with them, great and awesome.
Read It Together
Deuteronomy 7:7-8
7 The LORD didn’t set his love on you, nor choose you, because you were more in number than any people; for you were the fewest of all peoples: 8 but because the LORD loves you, and because he desires to keep the oath which he swore to your fathers, the LORD has brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.
(WEB)
Point out that God did not choose Israel because they were impressive. He chose them because He loves them. Ask children to notice the word “because” and talk about what it means to be loved for no reason of our own.
Deuteronomy 7:9
Know therefore that the LORD your God himself is God, the faithful God, who keeps covenant and loving kindness with them who love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations…
(WEB)
Show children that God is described as faithful, meaning He always keeps His word. Explain that God’s love lasts for a very long time, even to a thousand generations, which is a way of saying forever.
Deuteronomy 7:21
You shall not be scared of them; for the LORD your God is among you, a great and awesome God.
(WEB)
Let children see that the people did not need to be scared, because God was right there with them. Remind them that when we feel afraid, God is still with us and is still strong.
Talk About It
- Why do you think God chose the Israelites to belong to Him?
- What are some things God has done to show He loves you?
- How did God keep His promises to His people in this chapter?
- What might help you feel brave when you are scared, like the Israelites were told to be?
- How can we show God that we want to follow Him and not other things that take His place?
Activity Ideas
Make a Heart Promise Card
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child draw a large heart and write or draw one promise God has kept, such as “God is with me.” Help them cut it out and decorate the edges. Let them keep it on a desk or in a pocket.
Stomp and Remember Game
Clear some floor space and call out simple actions. When you say “God chose us,” children stomp their feet. When you say “God is faithful,” they clap three times. When you say “Don’t be afraid,” they stand very tall. Play a few rounds so children link the words with movement and remember the lesson.
Take-Home Promise Jar
You will need a jar, paper strips, and a pen. Ask families to write one thing God has done for them each week and place it in the jar. Then read the notes together at dinner or bedtime. This helps children see God’s faithfulness again and again in everyday life.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s choice of Israel rests on His love and His faithful promises, not on Israel’s strength or size. The call to holiness means being set apart for God, which shapes how His people live and worship. Christians read this chapter as part of the larger story of God’s covenant faithfulness, and it points to a God who keeps His word.
Avoid suggesting to children that God wants His people to harm or fear other people. The chapter describes an ancient conflict in a specific historical setting, and it is best taught by focusing on God’s faithfulness, love, and the call to trust Him rather than on the harder details of the conquest.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for loving us and choosing us to be Yours. Thank You that You keep every promise You make. Help us trust You when we feel scared, and help us follow You and not things that take Your place. We know You are always with us. Amen.
