This lesson teaches children that God keeps every promise He makes, even when the enemies look big and scary. It is written for children about ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God always keeps His promises. When we trust Him, we do not have to be afraid, because He is stronger than anything we face.
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)
Have the children stand tall with their hands on their hips, like brave soldiers. Then have them slowly lift both arms up over their heads and say the verse together, pausing after “Don’t be afraid” to shake their heads firmly, “no, no.”
The Story: Joshua 11 for Kids
Many years ago, God’s people, the Israelites, were walking toward a land God had promised to give them. Their leader was a man named Joshua. Before they could live there, they had to fight the people already living in the land, and those people were not happy about it.
A king named Jabin of Hazor was very worried. He gathered many other kings together, and they came with a huge army. They had so many soldiers that they looked like grains of sand on the beach. They also had many horses and chariots. The kings camped together by a place called the waters of Merom, ready to fight God’s people.
God spoke to Joshua and said, “Don’t be afraid of them. Tomorrow at this time, I will give them to you.” God told Joshua exactly what to do. So Joshua and his brave warriors came quickly, surprised the enemy, and won the battle, just as God had said they would.
After that, Joshua captured many cities and kings. He did everything the LORD had told him to do, just as Moses had commanded. God gave the Israelites the victory again and again, because God was keeping His word.
In the end, Joshua took the whole land and gave it to the Israelites, tribe by tribe. The chapter says that the land finally had rest from war. God had kept every promise He made to His people.
Read It Together
Joshua 11:8
The LORD delivered them into the hand of Israel, and they struck them, and chased them to great Sidon, and to Misrephoth Maim, and to the valley of Mizpah eastward. They struck them until they left them no one remaining.
(WEB)
Point out that God was the one who gave the victory. The people did not win by their own strength. Ask the children to notice the words “The LORD delivered them into the hand of Israel.”
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)
Show the children that Joshua obeyed God completely. He did not skip any part of what God asked. Point out how the verse says he “left nothing undone,” and talk about how we can follow God’s instructions fully too.
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)
Help the children see that God did exactly what He said He would do. Point to the end of the verse, where the land “had rest from war,” and explain that God’s promises always come true.
Talk About It
- What did the enemy kings decide to do when they heard about God’s people?
- What did God tell Joshua not to be, and why do you think God said that?
- How did God keep His promise to give the land to His people?
- Can you think of a time when you felt scared, and what helped you feel brave?
- What is one promise God has made in the Bible that you are thankful for?
Activity Ideas
Paper Chariot Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a big chariot and a horse, then write or draw a picture of God as a strong protector standing beside them. Explain that the enemies had chariots, but God is stronger than any army.
Marching Around the Waters
Gather the children in an open space and mark a “waters of Merom” area with a piece of string or masking tape. Have them march in a circle around it while you call out “Don’t be afraid!” Each time you say it, they stop and stand tall like brave warriors. This helps them move and remember the message together.
Promise Jar at Home
You will need a jar, small slips of paper, and a pen. Each day for a week, have the family write one promise from God on a slip of paper and put it in the jar. You could use simple promises like “God is with me” or “God will help me.” Open the jar at the end of the week and read them aloud together, thanking God for keeping His word.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God is faithful to His word and that the conquest of the land was part of His promise to Israel. The victories are described as coming from the LORD, not from Israel’s own power. The chapter also notes that God’s judgment on these kingdoms was tied to their rejection of Him, which is a deeper theme adults can explore on their own.
With children, avoid overstating the violence or making the battles sound like a model for how we treat others today. Focus on the simple truths that God keeps His promises, that Joshua obeyed Him, and that God’s people can trust Him to be stronger than their fears.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You always keep Your promises to us. Help us not to be afraid when things feel big and scary, because You are stronger than anything. Help us to trust You and to obey You, just as Joshua did. Thank You for being faithful to us every day. Amen.
