This lesson teaches children that God can be trusted to provide when we are in need, even when we feel thirsty and afraid. Kids ages 5 to 11 can learn it in 20 to 30 minutes, with a story, a memory verse, some discussion and a simple activity.
Big Idea
When we are thirsty or scared, we can ask God for help, and He always keeps His promises to us.
Memory Verse
Exodus 17:6
Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock in Horeb. You shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it, that the people may drink.” Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.
(WEB)
Teach the children to cup both hands like a bowl, then slowly pour an invisible drink into them. Every time they say the verse, they pour the water into their mouths. This helps them remember that God gives water to His people.
The Story: Exodus 17 for Kids
The people of Israel were walking through the desert with Moses as their leader. God had told them where to go, and they went. But when they arrived at a place called Rephidim, there was no water anywhere. The children were hot and dry, and so were the animals.
The people were very upset. They complained to Moses and said, “Give us water to drink!” Moses asked them why they were arguing with him and testing the LORD. But the people were still thirsty and angry. They even said, “Why did you bring us out of Egypt just so we would die here?”
Moses was worried, and he cried out to God. He asked God what he should do with these people. God answered him kindly. God told Moses to walk ahead of the people, to take some of the leaders with him, and to bring his walking stick. God said, “Strike the rock, and water will come out of it so the people can drink.”
Moses did exactly what God said. He struck the big rock, and clear water came gushing out! Everyone drank and was refreshed. Moses named that place Massah and Meribah, which means testing and arguing, to remember what the people had done.
Later, enemies called the Amalekites came to fight the Israelites. Moses told a young man named Joshua to pick soldiers and go fight. Moses went up on a hill with Aaron and Hur. When Moses held up his hands to God, Israel was winning. When his arms got tired and dropped, the enemy started winning. So Aaron and Hur held up his arms until the sun went down, and Israel won the battle.
Read It Together
Exodus 17:1-2
1 All the congregation of the children of Israel traveled from the wilderness of Sin, by their journeys, according to the LORD’s commandment, and encamped in Rephidim; but there was no water for the people to drink. 2 Therefore the people quarreled with Moses, and said, “Give us water to drink.” Moses said to them, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the LORD?”
(WEB)
Point out that the people were thirsty and had no water, and they started arguing with Moses. Ask the children how it feels when they are thirsty or hungry and start getting grumpy. Remind them that it is okay to tell God how they feel.
Exodus 17:5-6
5 The LORD said to Moses, “Walk on before the people, and take the elders of Israel with you, and take the rod in your hand with which you struck the Nile, and go. 6 Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock in Horeb. You shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it, that the people may drink.” Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.
(WEB)
Show the children that God gave Moses a clear plan. God knew exactly what the people needed, and He provided water right from a rock. Explain that God is always able to provide for His people.
Exodus 17:11
When Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed. When he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.
(WEB)
Point out that Moses needed help holding up his hands. Aaron and Hur stood beside him and helped him keep them up. Talk about how friends and family can help us when we get tired or need a hand.
Talk About It
- What did the people feel like when they had no water, and what did they do about it?
- Why do you think Moses cried out to God instead of trying to solve the problem alone?
- How did God take care of the people even when they were complaining?
- Who helped Moses hold up his hands, and how can we help people who are tired?
- What is one thing you can ask God for help with this week?
Activity Ideas
Draw the Rock with Water
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a cup of water for each child. Have the children draw a big gray rock on their paper, then draw clear water pouring out of it in blue. Let them color their picture and talk about how God gave water when the people needed it.
Be Moses, Aaron, and Hur
Choose one child to be Moses and two children to be Aaron and Hur. Give Moses a tired arm that must be held up. Aaron and Hur stand on each side and gently hold his arm up while the rest of the class cheers. Switch roles so everyone gets a turn, and talk about how helping each other makes it easier.
Water Bottle Reminder
You will need a small empty water bottle, a sticky note, and a marker. Write the memory verse reference Exodus 17:6 on the sticky note and stick it to the bottle. Ask the child to take it home and drink from it each day, reminding them that God always provides what we need.
Teacher Notes
This passage shows that God’s people often grumble when they face hardship, and God still answers with patient provision. For adults, it also highlights the importance of bringing our needs to God in prayer and the value of supporting one another when we are weary. Moses’ example of crying out to God is a model for how we can approach the Lord honestly.
Be careful not to suggest that God will always give us exactly what we want right away, as if faith guarantees instant results. The story shows God’s faithfulness in providing what the people truly needed, which is different from granting every wish. Help children see God as trustworthy, not as a vending machine.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You for taking care of us when we are thirsty, hungry, or scared. Help us to tell You how we feel and trust that You always keep Your promises. Show us how to help our friends when they are tired, just as Aaron and Hur helped Moses. Thank You for loving us. Amen.
