This lesson teaches children that God always keeps his promises, even when we cannot see how. Joshua 21 tells how the Levite families received their own cities, just as God had said through Moses. It suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God keeps every promise he makes, and he always does exactly what he says.
Memory Verse
Joshua 21:45
Nothing failed of any good thing which the LORD had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass.
(WEB)
Have children stand tall and clap once for each word of the verse as you say it together. Then have them cross their arms over their hearts and say “Not one thing failed!” while shaking their heads slowly from side to side.
The Story: Joshua 21 for Kids
A long time ago, God’s people, the Israelites, had finally settled into the land he had promised them. Each tribe had received its own share of the land. But the Levites were different. They were the families chosen to serve God at the Tabernacle, and they did not get a large piece of land like the others. Instead, God had promised that they would have cities to live in, with fields for their animals.
The leaders of the Levite families came to Eleazar the priest and to Joshua. They said, “God commanded through Moses that we should be given cities to live in.” Joshua and the leaders listened carefully. They knew God’s words were true.
So the Israelites gave the Levites forty-eight cities in all, spread out across the land. The Kohathites, the Gershonites, and the Merarites each received their own cities. Some of the cities were in Judah, some in Benjamin, some in Ephraim, and some on the far side of the Jordan River. Every family got the homes God had promised.
Think about how the people must have felt as each city was handed over. God had said it would happen, and now it was really happening. The Levites could say, “We have a home, just as God said!” Their hearts were full of thanks.
At the very end of the chapter, the Bible says God gave his people rest all around them. Their enemies could not stand against them, because God was fighting for them. Not one of his promises had failed. Everything God had spoken came true.
Read It Together
Joshua 21:1-3
1 Then the heads of fathers’ houses of the Levites came near to Eleazar the priest, and to Joshua the son of Nun, and to the heads of fathers’ houses of the tribes of the children of Israel. 2 They spoke to them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, saying, “The LORD commanded through Moses to give us cities to dwell in, with their suburbs for our livestock.” 3 The children of Israel gave to the Levites out of their inheritance, according to the commandment of the LORD, these cities with their suburbs.
(WEB)
Point out that the Levite leaders came to ask for what God had already promised. Explain that asking God and his leaders for what he has said is a good thing to do, because they can remember his words together.
Joshua 21:43
So the LORD gave to Israel all the land which he swore to give to their fathers. They possessed it, and lived in it.
(WEB)
Show children the words “He gave” and “they possessed it.” Explain that God gave his people the land himself, and they received it as a gift from him, not because they earned it.
Joshua 21:44
The LORD gave them rest all around, according to all that he swore to their fathers. Not a man of all their enemies stood before them. The LORD delivered all their enemies into their hand.
(WEB)
Point out that God gave the people rest from their enemies. Remind children that God protects his people and keeps them safe, even when things feel scary.
Talk About It
- What did God promise the Levite families, and how did he keep that promise?
- Why do you think the Levites needed cities of their own to live in?
- Can you think of a time when God kept a promise to you or to someone you know?
- How do you feel knowing God always does exactly what he says he will do?
- What is one promise from God that makes you feel brave or safe?
Activity Ideas
Paper Cities Craft
You will need paper, markers, scissors, and glue. Have each child draw a small house or city on a square of paper and write the name of a Levite city on it, such as Hebron or Shechem. Glue the cities onto a large piece of paper to make a map of the land God gave the Levites.
Promise Keeper Game
Set up a simple obstacle course with chairs and cushions to represent the land. Have children walk through the course, and each time they pass an obstacle, have them say, “God keeps his promises!” Let them take turns being the one who calls out the promise while others move. This helps them move their bodies while learning.
Take-Home Promise Card
Give each child an index card and a pencil. Ask them to write or draw one thing God has promised, such as “God is always with me.” Encourage them to keep the card in a pocket or on their nightstand. Suggest they read it aloud to a family member at dinner that week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s promises are reliable across generations. The Levites were given cities not because of their own strength but because God had spoken, and the chapter’s closing summary affirms that not one of his good promises failed. Adults can see God’s faithfulness in the details of how the land was divided.
Be careful not to overstate the exact historical details of each city’s location to children, since the names and borders can be hard to follow. Focus on the big truth that God kept his word, rather than memorizing every town.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank you that you always keep your promises to us. Help us remember that your words are true and that you never forget what you have said. Teach us to trust you each day, knowing that not one good thing you have promised will fail. Amen.
