Joshua 10 teaches children that God keeps His promises and fights for His people, even when the battle looks impossible. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is faithful. When He makes a promise, He keeps it, and He is always strong enough to help the people who trust Him.
Memory Verse
Joshua 10:8
The LORD said to Joshua, “Don’t fear them, for I have delivered them into your hands. Not a man of them will stand before you.”
(WEB)
Teach the children to hold both hands up in front of them, palms out, like a shield, then slowly open their arms wide as if saying “I will not be afraid.” Repeat the motions three times together until they can say the verse while moving.
The Story: Joshua 10 for Kids
Joshua and the people of Israel had a new home in the land God promised them. But some kings in that land were angry, and they were not happy that a group of new people had come. Five kings joined together and made a plan to attack a city called Gibeon. The people of Gibeon had made peace with Joshua, so they sent a message asking him to come and help them quickly.
Joshua was ready. He marched all night from Gilgal so he could surprise the enemy kings. Before the battle, God spoke to Joshua and said, “Do not be afraid of them. I have given them into your hands.” God told Joshua that the victory was already his to receive.
God helped His people in the battle. The enemies ran away, and God sent big stones falling from the sky on them. The sun also stayed in the sky a long time so that Joshua’s army had enough daylight to win. Joshua trusted God, and God fought for Israel.
The five kings hid in a cave. Joshua had the cave closed with large stones and guards placed at the entrance. Later, the kings were brought out and then defeated. Joshua told his soldiers, “Be strong and brave, for the Lord will do this to all your enemies.” Then the kings were put to death, and the people of Israel went on to win many more cities in the land.
Read It Together
Joshua 10:10
The LORD confused them before Israel. He killed them with a great slaughter at Gibeon, and chased them by the way of the ascent of Beth Horon, and struck them to Azekah and to Makkedah.
(WEB)
Point out that the Lord was the one who confused the enemy army. Ask the children to notice that Israel did not win by its own strength alone, but because God acted on their behalf.
Joshua 10:12-13
12 Then Joshua spoke to the LORD in the day when the LORD delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel. He said in the sight of Israel, “Sun, stand still on Gibeon! You, moon, stop in the valley of Aijalon!” 13 The sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the nation had avenged themselves of their enemies. Isn’t this written in the book of Jashar? The sun stayed in the middle of the sky, and didn’t hurry to go down about a whole day.
(WEB)
Show the children that Joshua prayed to God in front of everyone. Explain that God answered Joshua in a surprising and powerful way, and that nothing is too hard for Him.
Joshua 10:25
Joshua said to them, “Don’t be afraid, nor be dismayed. Be strong and courageous, for the LORD will do this to all your enemies against whom you fight.”
(WEB)
Point out Joshua’s words of encouragement to his soldiers. Explain that Joshua reminded them to be strong and brave because of who God is, not because of how strong they felt.
Talk About It
- What did God tell Joshua before the battle started?
- How do you think Joshua felt when he saw God fighting for his people?
- What are some hard things you have faced where you needed God’s help?
- Why do you think God wanted His people to be brave instead of scared?
- How can you remind yourself that God keeps His promises when you feel afraid?
Activity Ideas
Paper Shield Craft
You will need paper plates, crayons or markers, string, and tape. Have each child draw a bold symbol on one side of a paper plate, such as a cross or a heart. Tape a loop of string to the back so they can wear it or hold it. As they decorate, talk about how God is a shield who protects His people.
Stones and Sun Relay
You will need a few soft balls or rolled-up socks and a open space to run. Divide the children into two teams and have them race to carry the balls from one side of the room to the other. Each time a child finishes, shout “God fights for us!” and have everyone cheer. This helps children connect movement with the message of victory.
Promise Keeper Card
You will need index cards, a pen, and a small envelope. Write Joshua 10:8 in simple words on each card and let the children decorate it. Help them write one thing they are afraid of on the back, then tuck the card into the envelope to take home. Encourage them to read it aloud before bed this week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God is faithful to His promises and actively involved in the battles His people face. The victory belongs to the Lord, and the people of Israel were called to trust Him and act in obedience. Adults can see that God’s power is greater than any enemy, and that courage grows from remembering His character.
Be careful not to overstate the details of the miraculous events for young children, such as the sun standing still. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and His care for His people, and avoid turning the story into a lesson about guaranteed outcomes for every hard situation.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You that You keep every promise You make. When we feel scared, help us remember that You are with us and You fight for us. Give us brave hearts like Joshua’s, and help us trust You in every hard thing. Amen.
