This lesson teaches children that God keeps His promises and protects His people, even when everything around them seems frightening. It suits children roughly ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach, including the activity.
Big Idea
God always keeps His promises. He knew exactly what would happen, and He protected His people the whole time. We can trust Him when things feel scary.
Memory Verse
Exodus 11:7
But against any of the children of Israel a dog won’t even bark or move its tongue, against man or animal; that you may know that the LORD makes a distinction between the Egyptians and Israel.
(WEB)
Have children stand up and put one hand over their heart. Then, as they say the verse together, have them move their hand slowly to the side, like a shield, to show that God’s protection surrounds His people. Repeat it three times, getting a little quieter each time.
The Story: Exodus 11 for Kids
God’s people, the Israelites, had been slaves in Egypt for a very long time. Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, would not let them go. God had already sent nine plagues to show Pharaoh that He was the true God. Now God told Moses that one more plague was coming, and after it, Pharaoh would finally let the people leave.
God also told Moses something surprising. He asked the Israelites to ask their Egyptian neighbors for silver and gold jewelry. Imagine that! The Egyptians were kind to them, and they gave the Israelites many valuable things. God made the Egyptians look kindly on His people, and Moses became very respected in the land.
Then Moses gave a message to Pharaoh. He said, “This is what the LORD says: About midnight I will go out into the middle of Egypt.” The people of Egypt would be very sad that night, because a great cry would fill the whole land. But God promised to protect His own people. Not even a dog would bark at the Israelites.
God was showing the whole world that He treats His people differently from the Egyptians. He was keeping His promise. Pharaoh was angry and stubborn. He would not listen, even though God had shown His power again and again.
Read It Together
Exodus 11:1
The LORD said to Moses, “Yet one plague more will I bring on Pharaoh, and on Egypt; afterwards he will let you go. When he lets you go, he will surely thrust you out altogether.
(WEB)
Point out that God told Moses the plague would come, and then Pharaoh would let them go. Ask children to notice that God was already planning the way out before the hard part happened.
Exodus 11:3
The LORD gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh’s servants, and in the sight of the people.
(WEB)
Show children that God gave His people favor with the Egyptians. Explain that God can change how people feel toward us, and that He takes care of His people in ways we might not expect.
Talk About It
- What do you think the Israelites felt when they heard that one more plague was coming?
- Why do you think God told the Israelites to ask their neighbors for jewelry before they left?
- How did God protect His people, even while the rest of Egypt was in trouble?
- Can you think of a time when you felt scared but remembered that God was with you?
- What is one promise from God that you are glad He always keeps?
Activity Ideas
Shield of Protection Craft
You will need paper plates, crayons or markers, scissors, and yarn or string. Have each child draw a picture of something that makes them feel safe, such as a family member or a pet, on the middle of the plate. Punch two holes on the sides and tie the yarn so they can wear the plate as a shield. Talk about how God protects us like a shield.
Walk Through the Night Game
You will need a blindfold or a dark room, and a few soft objects like pillows or stuffed animals. Choose one child to be Moses and have them stand at the front of the room. The rest of the children try to walk quietly to the front without bumping into anything, just as God’s people stayed safe in the dark. When they reach Moses, they can say the memory verse together.
Promise Keeper Card
You will need index cards, a pen or pencil, and a small envelope for each child. Have children write or draw one promise God has made, such as “God is always with me.” Ask them to put the card in their envelope and take it home. Encourage them to read the card each night before bed as a reminder that God always keeps His word.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God is sovereign over history and over the hearts of rulers. He announces the final plague in advance, and He distinguishes between Egypt and Israel so that everyone can see His power. The hardened heart of Pharaoh is also part of God’s larger purpose, which adults can explore with more depth as they grow in their own understanding.
Be careful not to make the plague sound like a game or make the Egyptians seem like villains only. Children may need reassurance that God loves all people and is always fair, and that the story is about God keeping His promises rather than about punishment alone. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and protection of His people.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for always keeping Your promises to us. When we feel scared, help us remember that You are with us and You protect us. Help us trust You every day, just like Moses and the Israelites did. Amen.
