This lesson teaches children that God wins the battle, not us, and that a leader who remembers this stays humble. It works for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the memory verse, and the activity.
Big Idea
God is the one who saves us. When we help, we help because He is strong, and we should never forget to thank Him.
Memory Verse
Judges 8:23
Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you. The LORD shall rule over you.”
(WEB)
Have the children hold both hands up high, then slowly bring them down and fold them in front of their hearts, as if they are giving the victory away. Say “The LORD shall rule over you” together while you do the motion, and repeat it three times until the children can say it without looking.
The Story: Judges 8 for Kids
Gideon was a leader of the people of Israel, and he had a small army of three hundred brave men. They were chasing two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, who had been hurting Israel for a long time. The men were tired and hungry, but they kept running after the enemy kings.
Gideon came to a town called Succoth and asked the leaders there for some bread for his tired soldiers. The leaders said no. They thought Gideon would never catch the kings, so they would not help. Gideon told them that when he came back, he would teach them a lesson they would not forget.
Gideon kept going. He found the enemy army resting in a quiet place, and he surprised them. He caught both kings and defeated the whole army. Then he went back to Succoth and Penuel, just as he had promised, and he taught those people that being unkind has consequences.
After the battle, the people of Israel wanted Gideon to be their king. Gideon said, “I will not rule over you. The LORD shall rule over you.” He knew that God was the true leader. Later, Gideon made a special item out of gold that the people gave him, and sadly, some people began to worship it instead of God. When Gideon died, the people forgot the Lord who had saved them.
Read It Together
Judges 8:2-3
2 He said to them, “What have I now done in comparison with you? Isn’t the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abiezer? 3 God has delivered into your hand the princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb! What was I able to do in comparison with you?” Then their anger was abated toward him, when he had said that.
(WEB)
Point out how the men of Ephraim were upset, and how Gideon answered them with humility. Ask the children what Gideon said that made the men feel better, and notice that he gave the credit to God.
Judges 8:22-23
22 Then the men of Israel said to Gideon, “Rule over us, both you, and your son, and your son’s son also; for you have saved us out of the hand of Midian.” 23 Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you. The LORD shall rule over you.”
(WEB)
Show the children that the people wanted to make Gideon their king. Point to the place where Gideon says the LORD should rule over them, and talk about why Gideon said no.
Judges 8:33-34
33 As soon as Gideon was dead, the children of Israel turned again, and played the prostitute following the Baals, and made Baal Berith their god. 34 The children of Israel didn’t remember the LORD their God, who had delivered them out of the hand of all their enemies on every side…
(WEB)
Explain that after Gideon died, the people forgot God. Help the children see that remembering what God has done is important, and that we can remind each other of His goodness.
Talk About It
- Why do you think Gideon gave God the credit for winning the battle?
- How did the men of Succoth and Penuel treat Gideon when he was tired and hungry?
- What is one way you can say thank you to God for helping you this week?
- Why is it easy to forget what God has done, and what can help us remember?
- How can you be kind to someone who is tired or hungry, even when it is hard?
Activity Ideas
Crown of Thanks Craft
You will need paper strips, crayons or markers, tape, and some glitter if you have it. Have each child write one thing they are thankful to God for on a paper strip, then decorate the strip. Tape the ends together to make a simple crown or bracelet. Remind them that Gideon gave God the glory, and this crown helps them do the same.
Victory Hands Game
You will need a open space and a few soft balls or beanbags. Divide the children into two teams, and have them pass the beanbag around while you call out “Gideon” or “Midian.” When you say “Gideon,” they cheer and raise their hands. When you say “Midian,” they freeze. End by reminding them that God is the one who gives the victory.
Thank You Card for Home
You will need a sheet of paper, a pencil, and crayons. Ask each child to draw a picture of something God helped them with and write a short note saying thank you. Encourage them to give the card to a parent or family member that night, and talk together about what God has done for your family.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that even a faithful leader can be tempted to take credit or to build something that draws attention away from God. Gideon’s humility at the start of the chapter shines, but the story ends with the people turning to other gods after his death. It reminds us that faithfulness must be remembered and passed on.
Avoid suggesting that children should punish people who are unkind, or that the battle scenes are examples to copy. Keep the focus on Gideon’s humility, God’s power, and the call to remember and thank Him.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You for being the one who saves us. Help us to be humble like Gideon and to give You the credit for every good thing. Help us remember what You have done and to thank You every day. Amen.
