In this lesson, children learn that God keeps His promises even when His people do not deserve it, because He is faithful and loves them. This lesson suits ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God keeps His promises even when we mess up. He is faithful, and He does not give up on His people.
Memory Verse
Deuteronomy 9:3
Know therefore today, that the LORD your God is he who goes over before you as a devouring fire. He will destroy them, and he will bring them down before you. So you shall drive them out, and make them perish quickly, as the LORD has spoken to you.
(WEB)
Have children stand up and point straight ahead while they say the verse together. On the word “devouring fire,” have them wiggle their fingers like flames. Then have them sit down slowly on the word “perish.”
The Story: Deuteronomy 9 for Kids
God’s people, the Israelites, were getting ready to cross the Jordan River into a new land. Moses stood before them and told them something important. The land was full of big, strong people called the Anakim, and they seemed impossible to beat. But Moses said, “Do not be afraid. The LORD your God is going ahead of you like a fire that burns up everything in its path.”
Moses also warned them about something else. He said, “Do not think you are going in because you are good. You are not. God is giving you this land because He keeps His promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” The people had been stubborn and had often turned away from God, even in the desert. Moses wanted them to remember that God was the one who made the difference.
Then Moses told a sad part of the story. While he was up on the mountain getting the stone tablets with God’s words, the people made a golden calf to worship. When Moses came down and saw it, he was so upset that he broke the tablets. He then fell down before God and prayed for forty days and forty nights. He did not eat or drink during that time.
Moses kept asking God to forgive the people. God listened to Moses and did not destroy them. Moses said, “Lord, do not destroy your people, for they are your own, and you brought them out of Egypt by your great power.” God answered his prayer, and He gave the people another chance.
Read It Together
Deuteronomy 9:6
Know therefore, that the LORD your God doesn’t give you this good land to possess for your righteousness; for you are a stiff-necked people.
(WEB)
Point out that Moses tells the people plainly that the land is a gift, not a reward for being good. Ask children to notice that God gives it even though His people are stubborn. This shows that God’s kindness comes first.
Deuteronomy 9:18-19
18 I fell down before the LORD, as at the first, forty days and forty nights. I neither ate bread nor drank water, because of all your sin which you sinned, in doing that which was evil in the LORD’s sight, to provoke him to anger. 19 For I was afraid of the anger and hot displeasure with which the LORD was angry against you to destroy you. But the LORD listened to me that time also.
(WEB)
Explain that Moses fell down and prayed for the people after they sinned. Point out that God listened to Moses. This is a good moment to talk about how praying for others is something God welcomes.
Deuteronomy 9:26-27
26 I prayed to the LORD, and said, “Lord the LORD, don’t destroy your people and your inheritance, that you have redeemed through your greatness, that you have brought out of Egypt with a mighty hand. 27 Remember your servants, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Don’t look at the stubbornness of this people, nor at their wickedness, nor at their sin…
(WEB)
Show children how Moses prayed by reminding God of His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Explain that Moses trusted God’s faithful character, and that we can trust Him the same way.
Talk About It
- What did God promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and why do you think God kept that promise?
- Why do you think the Israelites were tempted to make a golden calf instead of waiting for Moses?
- How did Moses show that he cared about the people, even when they did wrong?
- What is one thing you can do when you feel afraid, like the people did before crossing the Jordan?
- When you mess up, how does it feel to know that God still loves you and keeps His promises?
Activity Ideas
Golden Calf Craft
You will need paper, yellow and brown crayons or markers, glue, and cotton balls. Have each child draw a simple calf shape on paper and color it gold or yellow. Then they can glue small cotton balls on the calf to make it look fluffy. Talk together about how the people turned from God and what they could have done instead.
Fire Path Movement Game
You will need a open space and a few chairs or cones. Set up a path with the chairs. One child is “God” and walks ahead of the others, and the rest of the children follow carefully behind. As they walk, remind them that God goes ahead of His people and keeps them safe. Switch roles so each child gets a turn.
Take-Home Promise Card
You will need index cards, a marker, and a pen for each child. Have each child write or draw one promise they know God keeps, such as “God never leaves me.” Encourage them to put the card somewhere they will see it each day, like on a bedroom mirror or in a school bag. Ask them to show the card to their family at home.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter reminds us that God’s faithfulness does not depend on our goodness. The Israelites were stubborn and rebellious, yet God kept His covenant with their ancestors and used Moses as a mediator. Moses’ intercession is a picture of how God welcomes prayer for others and responds to it.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the idea that God is always angry or ready to destroy. The chapter shows God’s anger, but it focuses on His mercy and faithfulness. Keep the emphasis on God’s love and promises so children feel safe and hopeful.
A Prayer to Close
Lord God, thank You for keeping Your promises even when we make mistakes. Help us remember that You are faithful and that You love us. Help us trust You when we feel afraid, and help us pray for others the way Moses did. Amen.
