Joshua 11 teaches children that God keeps His promises, even when the enemy seems much bigger than we are. This lesson is for 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 always keeps it, and we do not need to be afraid when we trust Him.
Memory Verse
Joshua 11:6
The LORD said to Joshua, “Don’t be afraid because of them; for tomorrow at this time, I will deliver them up all slain before Israel. You shall hamstring their horses and burn their chariots with fire.”
(WEB)
Hold both hands up like a big, tall wall in front of you, then slowly lower them as you say “Don’t be afraid.” Then point up to the sky with both hands to show that God is the one who helps us.
The Story: Joshua 11 for Kids
Once, the people of Israel were living in the land God had promised them. Many kings in the land were angry and afraid of them. Jabin, the king of a city called Hazor, decided to gather a huge army to fight Israel. Many of the kings joined him, and their soldiers were as many as the grains of sand on the seashore.
Joshua was the leader of Israel. He had a lot of brave soldiers, but this enemy army was enormous. The armies came together at a place called the waters of Merom and set up camp, ready to fight. Joshua must have been worried, and that is when God spoke to him.
God said to Joshua, “Don’t be afraid of them. Tomorrow at this time, I will hand them over to you.” God told Joshua what to do with the enemy horses and chariots. Joshua trusted God and did exactly what God said.
The next day, Joshua and his army attacked suddenly, and God gave them the victory. The enemy armies ran away, and Israel won the battle. Israel took the city of Hazor and the other cities of the kings, just as God had promised Moses that they would.
After many battles, the land finally had rest from war. Joshua gave the land to the people of Israel, one tribe at a time. Every promise God made came true, just as He had said it would.
Read It Together
Joshua 11:15
As the LORD commanded Moses his servant, so Moses commanded Joshua. Joshua did so. He left nothing undone of all that the LORD commanded Moses.
(WEB)
Point out that Joshua obeyed God completely. He did not skip any part of what God had commanded, which shows that trusting God means following Him all the way.
Joshua 11:20
For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts, to come against Israel in battle, that he might utterly destroy them, that they might have no favor, but that he might destroy them, as the LORD commanded Moses.
(WEB)
Explain that God was in control of the whole battle. Even when things seem scary, children can be reminded that nothing happens outside of what God allows and plans.
Joshua 11:23
So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD spoke to Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance to Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. The land had rest from war.
(WEB)
Show children that God kept every word He spoke. Ask them to notice that the chapter ends with the land resting from war, a clear sign that God finished what He started.
Talk About It
- What do you think Joshua felt when he saw the huge enemy army gathered against Israel?
- What did God tell Joshua to do, and why do you think God said “Don’t be afraid”?
- How did Joshua show that he trusted God when he went into battle?
- What is something that feels too big or scary for you right now?
- How can you remember that God keeps His promises when you feel afraid?
Activity Ideas
Paper Plate Shield Craft
You will need paper plates, markers, crayons, and tape or glue sticks. Have each child draw a picture of something that scares them on one side of the plate, and write or draw “God is with me” on the other side. Tape a craft stick or popsicle stick to the back so it works like a shield. Talk about how God is our protection, just as He protected Israel.
Army Freeze Game
You will need an open space and a few cones or chairs to mark a starting line. Choose one child to be God, and let the rest be Joshua’s army. When God calls “Forward,” the army walks toward the finish line, but when God calls “Stop,” everyone freezes. Talk about how following God’s directions every time keeps us safe and helps us win.
Promise Keeper Card
You will need index cards, a pencil, and a small envelope for each child. Have each child write or draw a promise God makes in the Bible, such as “God will never leave you” or “God will help you.” Let them decorate the card and place it in the envelope to take home. Encourage them to read it aloud before bed this week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Joshua 11 shows that God is sovereign over human armies and political powers. The chapter also makes clear that God used this military campaign to fulfill His promise to give Israel the land, and that Joshua’s obedience in carrying out God’s commands is central to the story. Adults can also reflect on how the chapter reminds us that God keeps His word across generations.
With children, avoid overstating the violence of the chapter. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and Joshua’s trust, and gently explain that the story is part of God’s larger plan for His people rather than an example for children to imitate in their own lives.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You always keep Your promises. When we feel scared, help us remember that You are bigger than anything we face. Help us trust You and follow Your directions, just like Joshua did. We love You. Amen.
