This lesson teaches children that God keeps His promises even when His people do not deserve them. It is designed for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God keeps His promises because He is faithful, not because we are good. When we mess up, God still loves us and still keeps His word to us.
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 tall and point ahead with one finger, then slowly hold up both hands in front of them like a wall, showing God going before them. Say the verse together while pointing forward each time you say “before you.”
The Story: Deuteronomy 9 for Kids
God’s people, the Israelites, were getting ready to cross the Jordan River into a new land. The land was full of big nations with tall people and strong cities. Moses told the people to listen carefully, because God was going to go ahead of them like a fire that burns up the way.
Moses wanted them to know something important. God was not giving them the land because they were good. The people had often complained and turned away from God in the wilderness. Moses reminded them that they had been stubborn and rebellious many times.
While Moses was up on the mountain, the people made a golden calf to worship. Moses came down, saw what they had done, and was so upset that he broke the stone tablets God had given him. Then he fell down before the Lord for forty days and nights, asking God to forgive the people.
Moses prayed, “Lord, please do not destroy your people. Remember your promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” God listened to Moses and kept His promise. He did not give up on His people, even though they had done wrong.
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 says the land is a gift, not a reward for good behavior. Ask children what a gift is and why a gift is different from something we earn. Help them see that God’s love and promises come freely.
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)
Show how Moses prayed for the people even when they had hurt God. Explain that Moses was like a friend who stood up for others. Point out that God listened to Moses’s prayer.
Deuteronomy 9:29
Yet they are your people and your inheritance, which you brought out by your great power and by your outstretched arm.”
(WEB)
Highlight that Moses reminds God that the people belong to Him. Tell children that God calls His people His own, and He does not let go of them.
Talk About It
- What did the people do wrong while Moses was on the mountain?
- Why did Moses pray for the people instead of letting God punish them?
- How do you feel when someone forgives you after you have done something wrong?
- What does it mean that God keeps His promises even when we make mistakes?
- How can you remind yourself that God loves you when you feel bad about something you did?
Activity Ideas
Mountain and Tablets Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, scissors, and glue. Have children draw a tall mountain on one sheet of paper and two tablet shapes on another. Cut out the tablets and glue them to the mountain. As they work, talk about how Moses carried God’s words down from the mountain.
Move Like Moses Game
Clear a space in your room or yard. Have children walk slowly like Moses going up a mountain, then fall down on their knees when you say “Moses prayed.” Each time they fall, say something God keeps His promise to do, like “God is with us.” This game helps children remember the story through movement.
Take-Home Promise Card
You will need index cards and a pen. Write “God keeps His promises” on each card and have children decorate them with drawings. Encourage them to place the card somewhere they will see it each day, such as on their bedroom mirror or in their school bag. Ask them to read it aloud before bed.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s faithfulness does not depend on human goodness. Israel was repeatedly stubborn, yet God kept His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Moses stands as a mediator who pleads for the people, pointing forward to the greater mediator Jesus Christ.
When teaching children, avoid suggesting that God is angry with them every time they sin. Focus on the fact that God forgives and keeps His promises. Be careful not to make the story about punishment alone, since the chapter’s emphasis is on God’s mercy and faithfulness.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You for keeping Your promises even when we make mistakes. Help us remember that You love us and stay with us always. Teach us to trust You when we feel sorry for what we have done. Amen.
