In this lesson, children learn that God keeps His promises and gives His people what they need, even when they feel crowded or afraid. This lesson suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God keeps His promises, and He gives His people room to grow. When we trust Him and work hard, He helps us take the land He has given us.
Memory Verse
Joshua 17:18
But the hill country shall be yours. Although it is a forest, you shall cut it down, and it’s farthest extent shall be yours; for you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have chariots of iron, and though they are strong.”
(WEB)
Hold both hands out flat, palms up, like you are receiving a gift. Then bring your hands together in front of your heart as you say the words slowly with the children. Repeat it three times so the motion sticks.
The Story: Joshua 17 for Kids
A long time ago, God gave the land of Canaan to the people of Israel. Each family group received its own part of the land, like a family receiving a piece of a big birthday cake. Manasseh was the oldest son of Joseph, so his family group received a share too.
Some of the daughters of a man named Zelophehad had no brothers. They came to Eleazar the priest and to Joshua and said, “God told Moses to give us land too.” Joshua remembered what God had commanded, so he gave these women their own share of the land. God cared about them, even though the rules had not covered their situation before.
Later, the children of Joseph came to Joshua with a complaint. They said, “Our land is too small for all of us. We are many people, and God has blessed us.” They felt crowded and worried that there was not enough space for everyone.
Joshua answered them with a challenge. He said, “If you are so many, go up into the forest and clear land for yourselves.” Joshua did not tell them to give up. He told them that God’s blessing meant they had the strength to work hard and claim the land ahead of them.
Joshua also told them that the Canaanites had iron chariots and were strong. He reminded them that they could still drive the Canaanites out. Joshua was saying that God’s people could trust Him, even when the enemy looked powerful.
Read It Together
Joshua 17:1
This was the lot for the tribe of Manasseh, for he was the firstborn of Joseph. As for Machir the firstborn of Manasseh, the father of Gilead, because he was a man of war, therefore he had Gilead and Bashan.
(WEB)
Point out that Manasseh was Joseph’s firstborn son. Explain that the land was shared by families, and that God’s plan included every family group. Ask the children to notice that each family had a place in God’s plan.
Joshua 17:4
They came to Eleazar the priest, and to Joshua the son of Nun, and to the princes, saying, “The LORD commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brothers.” Therefore according to the commandment of the LORD he gave them an inheritance among the brothers of their father.
(WEB)
Show the children that the daughters of Zelophehad went to the leaders and asked for what God had promised. Point out that they were brave to speak up. Explain that God wants us to bring our needs to Him and to the people He has placed in leadership over us.
Joshua 17:17-18
17 Joshua spoke to the house of Joseph, that is, to Ephraim and to Manasseh, saying, “You are a numerous people, and have great power. You shall not have one lot only; 18 but the hill country shall be yours. Although it is a forest, you shall cut it down, and it’s farthest extent shall be yours; for you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have chariots of iron, and though they are strong.”
(WEB)
Read these verses slowly and point out that Joshua told the people to be strong and not afraid. Explain that God gave them the power to take the land. Remind the children that God is still with us when we face hard things.
Talk About It
- How do you think the daughters of Zelophehad felt when they went to ask for their land?
- What is something that makes you feel crowded or like there is not enough room for you?
- What did Joshua tell the people to do when they felt afraid of their enemies?
- How can you show that you trust God to take care of you this week?
- Why do you think God cares about every family, even the smallest ones?
Activity Ideas
Draw Your Own Land Map
Give each child a sheet of paper and crayons or colored pencils. Ask them to draw a map of a land with a river, hills, and a forest. Have them draw their own family’s share of the land, and encourage them to add a small house or tree to show where they would like to grow.
Forest Clearing Relay
Set up two chairs at one end of the room as the “forest” and a bucket at the other end as the “clear land.” Children take turns carrying a small paper ball or sponge from the forest to the clear land. Cheer for each child and remind them that God helped the people clear the forest together.
Take-Home Promise Card
Give each child an index card and a marker. Ask them to write or draw a picture of God keeping a promise, such as a rainbow or a house. Let them take the card home and place it on a bedroom table or bookshelf as a reminder that God keeps His promises.
Teacher Notes
This chapter shows that God keeps His promises to His people, even when those promises involve land, family, and daily needs. Adults can see how Joshua’s response to the complaints of the children of Joseph reflects both faith and realism. God’s people are called to work hard and trust Him together.
Avoid overstating to children that God will always give us exactly what we want or that every problem has a simple solution. The text describes real conflict and fear, and it shows God’s faithfulness within that tension. Keep the focus on God’s character and steady presence.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You for keeping Your promises to us. Help us trust You when we feel crowded or afraid. Give us courage to ask for what we need and strength to work hard. Thank You that You are always with us. Amen.
