In this lesson, children learn that God is the one who chooses who leads His people, and that He keeps His promises even when people argue against Him. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is in charge, He chooses who leads, and we can trust Him when we feel unsure. Even when people complain or pick fights, God keeps caring for His people.
Memory Verse
Numbers 16:5
He said to Korah and to all his company, “In the morning, the LORD will show who are his, and who is holy, and will cause him to come near to him. Even him whom he shall choose, he will cause to come near to him.
(WEB)
Have the children stand tall and point up with one finger on the word “holy,” then fold their hands over their hearts. Say the verse together three times, getting a little quieter each time, so the words stay in their heads.
The Story: Numbers 16 for Kids
Long ago, the people of Israel were walking through the wilderness on their way to the land God had promised them. A man named Korah was a Levite, which meant he helped with the work of the holy tent where God’s presence was. But Korah wanted more. He gathered together a group of leaders, including Dathan and Abiram, and they came to Moses and Aaron with a complaint.
Korah and his followers said, “You take too much on yourselves. Everyone here is holy, and God is with all of us!” They wanted to share the job of leading. Moses fell down on his face in front of them, because this was a serious problem. He knew God would show who was really His.
Moses told Korah to bring his group, along with fire pans and incense, to the tent the next morning. Each person would stand before God. Dathan and Abiram refused to come. They said Moses had not brought them to a good land, and they were angry with him. Moses was upset too, and he asked God not to accept their offerings.
The next morning, God’s glory appeared to everyone gathered at the tent. God said He was ready to deal with the people who were causing trouble. Moses and Aaron asked God to spare the rest of the people. Then Moses warned everyone to move away from the tents of the troublemakers.
Moses said, “If these men die the way everyone dies, then God did not send me. But if the ground opens up and swallows them, you will know they have turned against the LORD.” Right away, the ground split open, and Korah, Dathan, and Abiram and their families went down into the earth. Fire also came out from God and burned up the two hundred fifty men who had brought the incense.
The next day, many people still complained against Moses and Aaron. A plague started among them. Aaron ran with his censer and stood between the dead and the living, and the plague stopped. God showed that He had chosen Moses and Aaron to lead, and that He protects His people.
Read It Together
Numbers 16:3
They assembled themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said to them, “You take too much on yourself, since all the congregation are holy, everyone of them, and the LORD is among them! Why do you lift yourselves up above the LORD’s assembly?”
(WEB)
Point out that Korah and his group said everyone was holy and God was with them, but they were wrong about who should lead. Ask children what it feels like when someone tells us we are not in charge of something. Help them see that complaining against God’s choice is a serious mistake.
Numbers 16:28-30
28 Moses said, “Hereby you shall know that the LORD has sent me to do all these works; for they are not from my own mind. 29 If these men die the common death of all men, or if they experience what all men experience, then the LORD hasn’t sent me. 30 But if the LORD makes a new thing, and the ground opens its mouth, and swallows them up, with all that belong to them, and they go down alive into Sheol; then you shall understand that these men have despised the LORD.”
(WEB)
Show how Moses told the people that God would prove who sent him. Explain that God Himself made the decision clear, so the people would know God was in charge. Let the children see that God’s ways are sure, even when they seem surprising.
Numbers 16:46-48
46 Moses said to Aaron, “Take your censer, and put fire from off the altar in it, and lay incense on it, and carry it quickly to the congregation, and make atonement for them; for wrath has gone out from the LORD! The plague has begun.” 47 Aaron did as Moses said, and ran into the middle of the assembly. The plague had already begun among the people. He put on the incense, and made atonement for the people. 48 He stood between the dead and the living; and the plague was stayed.
(WEB)
Point out that Aaron stood between the dead and the living and the plague stopped. Explain that God gave a way for His people to be protected. Tell the children that God cares for His people, even when they make mistakes.
Talk About It
- Why do you think Korah wanted to be a leader when God had already given him a special job?
- How did Moses respond when people said bad things about him?
- What does it mean that God chooses who He wants to lead?
- Why is it important to trust God even when we don’t understand what He is doing?
- How can we show respect to the leaders God has put in our lives?
Activity Ideas
Draw the Desert Camp
Give each child a sheet of paper and some crayons or markers. Ask them to draw the camp of Israel with the tent in the middle and families around it. Then have them draw a line separating the tents of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram from the others. Talk about how God kept His people safe by showing them who was truly chosen.
Follow the Leader Walk
Clear a space in the room or outside. Have one child be Moses and lead the group in a slow walk, saying “Stand before the LORD.” Let children take turns being the leader, but remind them that only God chooses who leads. Stop and freeze every so often to remind them that God is always watching over His people.
Protection Pebble at Home
Gather a small smooth stone or pebble for each child, a marker, and a small bag or pocket. Let children write or draw a simple reminder such as “God protects me” on the stone. Encourage them to keep it in their pocket or bag and touch it when they feel afraid or unsure. Explain that it is a reminder that God keeps His promises.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God alone decides who serves Him in the role He gives, and that rebellion against His appointed leaders is taken very seriously. It also shows God’s patience and mercy, since Moses and Aaron intercede for the people and the plague is stopped. The chapter reminds us that God’s holiness and justice are real, and that His people are called to trust Him.
Avoid overstating the harsh judgment to young children. Focus on God’s care and protection rather than on frightening details, and be careful not to suggest that every hard thing is a direct punishment from God. Keep the emphasis on trusting that God is in charge and loves His people.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for being in charge and for choosing good leaders for us. Help us trust You when we feel unsure, and help us be kind when we disagree with others. Keep us safe under Your care. Amen.
