This lesson teaches children that God wants us to ask Him before we make big decisions, not just trust how things look. It suits children about 5 to 11 and takes 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
We should ask God what to do before we decide, because looks can fool us but God always knows the truth.
Memory Verse
Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding.
(WEB)
Cup both hands together like a bowl, then lift them up toward the sky each time you say the verse. Lifting your hands reminds you to bring your choices to God before you act.
The Story: Joshua 9 for Kids
The kings of many nations heard how God had helped Israel win battles. They gathered together to fight Joshua and the people of Israel. But the people of Gibeon were scared, and they came up with a sneaky plan.
The men of Gibeon dressed up like travelers from a faraway country. They put old, patched sacks on their donkeys and carried dry, moldy bread. Their wineskins were torn and their shoes were worn out, so they looked very tired from a long trip.
They walked to the camp at Gilgal and said to Joshua, “We have come from a far country. Please make a promise of peace with us.” Joshua and the leaders believed their story. Nobody stopped to ask God what He thought about it.
Three days later, the Israelites learned the truth. The Gibeonites were actually their neighbors who lived nearby. The leaders had already made a promise in God’s name, so they kept it and let the Gibeonites live, but they gave them hard work to do.
Joshua asked the Gibeonites why they had tricked them. The Gibeonites admitted they were afraid of Israel’s God. From that day on, they carried wood and water for the people and the altar of the Lord.
Read It Together
Joshua 9:14
The men sampled their provisions, and didn’t ask counsel from the LORD’s mouth.
(WEB)
Point out that the men of Israel looked at the bread and the shoes but did not ask God first. Ask the children what they think might have happened if Joshua had asked the Lord before deciding.
Joshua 9:18-19
18 The children of Israel didn’t strike them, because the princes of the congregation had sworn to them by the LORD, the God of Israel. All the congregation murmured against the princes. 19 But all the princes said to all the congregation, “We have sworn to them by the LORD, the God of Israel. Now therefore we may not touch them.
(WEB)
Show the children that the leaders kept their promise even after they learned the truth, because they had made it before the Lord. Talk about how a promise made to God is serious and worth keeping.
Joshua 9:27
That day Joshua made them wood cutters and drawers of water for the congregation and for the LORD’s altar to this day, in the place which he should choose.
(WEB)
Explain that even though the Gibeonites tricked Israel, God still used their situation in a way that served His people and His house. Let the children know that God can work through things we did not expect.
Talk About It
- What did the men of Gibeon pretend to be, and how did they try to fool Joshua?
- Why do you think the Israelites believed the Gibeonites so quickly?
- What is one thing you can ask God about before you make a choice this week?
- How can you tell when someone is telling you the truth and when they are only pretending?
- Why is it important to keep a promise, even when a promise was made by mistake?
Activity Ideas
Ask First Picture Frame
You will need paper, crayons, and a glue stick. Have each child draw a picture of a time they want to ask God for help, such as making a choice or handling a hard day. Glue the drawing onto a folded paper frame and write “Ask God First” across the top to take home.
Gibeon Trick Race
Set up a short course with a chair, a pillow, and a cup of water. Have one child walk the course while looking carefully at the items, then another child closes their eyes and asks the first child to describe them. Talk about how Joshua could have checked the facts by asking God before he trusted what he saw.
Ask-First Reminder Card
Give each child an index card and a marker. Ask them to write or draw one question they will ask God this week, then tuck it into a pocket or a lunch bag. Encourage them to pull it out each day and pray about it, so the habit of asking God first becomes part of their routine.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that appearances can be misleading and that Israel made a serious mistake by relying on their own judgment instead of seeking the Lord’s counsel. The Gibeonites’ trickery is real, but the story also shows God’s faithfulness to His people and the oath they had made in His name.
Avoid suggesting to children that God never allows us to make mistakes or that every bad choice will have an easy fix. Keep the focus on asking God first and trusting Him, without turning the story into a simple rule that promises perfect outcomes.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Lord, help us remember to ask You before we make choices. Help us see clearly and not be fooled by what looks good on the outside. Help us keep our promises and trust that You know what is best for us. Amen.
