In this lesson, children learn that God gave the Israelites water from a rock even when they complained and doubted, and that God keeps his promises. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God takes care of his people even when they complain, and we can trust him when we feel thirsty or scared.
Memory Verse
Numbers 20:11
Moses lifted up his hand, and struck the rock with his rod twice, and water came out abundantly. The congregation and their livestock drank.
(WEB)
Teach the children to hold both hands out in front of them, palms up, as if they are waiting to catch water. Then have them slowly lift their arms over their heads like the water pouring out. Say the verse together while doing the motion twice.
The Story: Numbers 20 for Kids
The people of Israel had walked through the desert for a long time. They came to a place called Kadesh, and there was no water to drink. Miriam, Moses’ sister, died there and was buried. The people were very thirsty and very upset.
The people gathered together and complained to Moses and Aaron. “We wish we had died with our brothers!” they said. “Why did you bring us into this terrible place? There is no water here to drink!” Moses and Aaron were scared, so they went to the Tent of Meeting and fell down with their faces to the ground.
God spoke to Moses and said, “Take your staff and speak to the rock while the people watch. Water will come out of it for them to drink.” Moses gathered the people in front of the big rock. But Moses was angry, and he said, “Listen, you rebels! Shall we bring water out of this rock for you?”
Then Moses lifted his hand and hit the rock two times with his staff. Water poured out of the rock, and there was plenty for everyone and all their animals. God still gave them water, even though Moses had not done exactly what God asked.
Later, the people traveled toward the land God had promised them. They came to Mount Hor. God told Moses to take Aaron and his son Eleazar up the mountain. Moses took off Aaron’s special clothes and put them on Eleazar. Aaron died on the top of the mountain. The people cried for Aaron for thirty days.
Read It Together
Numbers 20:2-5
2 There was no water for the congregation; and they assembled themselves together against Moses and against Aaron. 3 The people quarreled with Moses, and spoke, saying, “We wish that we had died when our brothers died before the LORD! 4 Why have you brought the LORD’s assembly into this wilderness, that we should die there, we and our animals? 5 Why have you made us to come up out of Egypt, to bring us in to this evil place? It is no place of seed, or of figs, or of vines, or of pomegranates; neither is there any water to drink.”
(WEB)
Point out that the people felt thirsty and afraid, and they said hard things. Let the children tell you what they do when they feel scared or grumpy. Explain that God still heard them and cared about them.
Numbers 20:8
“Take the rod, and assemble the congregation, you, and Aaron your brother, and speak to the rock before their eyes, that it pour out its water. You shall bring water to them out of the rock; so you shall give the congregation and their livestock drink.”
(WEB)
Show the children that God told Moses to speak to the rock, not to hit it. Ask them to notice what God promised to do. Remind them that God always keeps his word, even when people do not listen perfectly.
Numbers 20:12
The LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you didn’t believe in me, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.”
(WEB)
Explain gently that Moses and Aaron did not trust God fully in this moment, and they had to face a consequence. Help children see that God is fair and holy, and that he still loved Moses. Do not make this a scary point.
Talk About It
- What did the people of Israel feel when there was no water, and what did they say to Moses?
- How do you think God felt when the people complained about him?
- What did God do for the people even though they were grumbling?
- Why do you think Moses got upset, and what could he have done differently?
- When you feel thirsty, tired, or scared, what is one thing you can say to God?
Activity Ideas
Rock Water Painting
You will need a sheet of paper, a paintbrush, blue and brown paint or markers, and a few small stones. Have each child paint a simple rock shape in brown, then draw blue water flowing out of the top. Talk about how God brought water from a rock when his people needed it.
Staff Tap Game
Use a wooden spoon or a rolled-up paper towel tube as Moses’ staff. Set a cup or a bowl in the middle of the room as the rock. Let each child take a turn tapping the cup gently while saying, “God takes care of us.” Then have everyone cheer when the water is poured out.
Thirst Reminder Card
You will need an index card, crayons, and a rubber band or ribbon. Help each child draw a water cup or a rock on one side and write or draw a short word like “God helps.” Punch a hole at the top and tie the card to a water bottle or lunchbox so they can see it each day.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God remains faithful to his people even in their grumbling and unbelief. Moses’ sin of striking the rock instead of speaking to it, and the resulting loss of entry into the land, is a serious moment that shows God’s holiness. Yet God still provided water, and his mercy is clearly present.
Be careful not to overstate the punishment on Moses to young children, because it can cause fear about God. Focus on God’s care, his promises, and the people’s need to trust him, and keep the emphasis on his kindness.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for taking care of us when we are thirsty and scared. Help us trust you even when we do not understand what is happening. Teach us to speak kindly and wait on you. Thank you for always keeping your promises. Amen.
