Numbers 23 teaches children that God always does what He says, even when a man tries to stop His plan. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God always keeps His word, and nobody can stop what God has promised to do for His people.
Memory Verse
Numbers 23:19
God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should repent. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not make it good?
(WEB)
Have children stand up and cross their arms over their chest like a promise. Then have them nod slowly as they say, “God always keeps His word.” Repeat it together three times, getting a little quieter each time.
The Story: Numbers 23 for Kids
Once there was a king named Balak. He was scared of the people of Israel, because there were so many of them, and he wanted someone to put a curse on them. So he sent for a man named Balaam, who was known for speaking powerful words over people.
Balak took Balaam up on a high hill. They built seven altars and offered a bull and a ram on each one. Balaam said, “Stand here by your offering while I go and meet God.” Balaam went off alone to talk with God.
God put words into Balaam’s mouth. Balaam came back and, instead of cursing Israel, he blessed them. He told Balak, “God is not a man who lies. He has promised to bless His people, and He will do it.”
Balak was angry. He said, “What have you done to me? I brought you here to curse my enemies, and you have blessed them!” Balaam answered, “I can only say what the LORD puts in my mouth.”
Balak was not ready to give up. He took Balaam to another hill, and they built seven altars again. But again, God gave Balaam the words, and again Balaam blessed Israel. No curse could stop what God had promised.
In the end, the people of Israel stayed safe, because God is faithful and always does what He says.
Read It Together
Numbers 23:8
How shall I curse whom God has not cursed? How shall I defy whom the LORD has not defied?
(WEB)
Point out that Balaam asks a question: how can he curse people whom God has not cursed? Ask children what it means that God is on their side. Let them answer in their own words before you go on.
Numbers 23:21
He has not seen iniquity in Jacob. Neither has he seen perverseness in Israel. The LORD his God is with him. The shout of a king is among them.
(WEB)
Show children that God is with His people and that they have no reason to fear. Remind them that God’s presence is something they can count on every day, at school, at home, and everywhere they go.
Numbers 23:23
Surely there is no enchantment with Jacob; Neither is there any divination with Israel. Now it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel, ‘What has God done!’
(WEB)
Explain that Balaam was saying no magic or trick could work against God’s people. Point out that God’s power is greater than anything people try to use against Him, and that children can trust Him completely.
Talk About It
- What did King Balak want Balaam to do to the people of Israel?
- Why do you think God wanted Balaam to bless His people instead of cursing them?
- How did Balaam feel when he had to tell Balak what God said?
- What is one promise from God that you know about, and how do you know He will keep it?
- When you feel scared, what can you remember about God that helps you feel brave?
Activity Ideas
Seven Altar Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask children to draw a hill with seven small stacks of stones on top, one for each altar. Have them write “God keeps His promises” across the bottom of the picture. Let them color it in and take it home to show their family.
Blessing Walk Game
You will need a open space and a few soft items like pillows or cushions. Call out “Blessing!” and have children move like a happy, tall tree with their arms stretched up. Then call out “Curse!” and have them crouch down and cover their heads. Mix up the calls and talk about how God only gives good blessings to His people.
Promise Keeper Card
You will need index cards, a marker, and a few stickers. Have each child write one promise they know God has made, such as “God is with me.” Help younger children draw a simple picture instead. Let them decorate the card and place it on the fridge or by their bed as a daily reminder.
Teacher Notes
This passage shows that God is faithful and cannot be stopped from carrying out His purposes. Even when a powerful king and a famous prophet tried to undo God’s blessing on Israel, God’s word stood firm. For adults, it is a reminder that God’s promises are not based on our strength or the schemes of others.
Be careful not to make Balaam a simple villain or a simple hero when you teach this to children. The story is more complex than a good versus bad picture, so keep the focus on God’s faithfulness rather than on judging Balaam’s character.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You always keep Your word. Help us to trust You when we feel scared, and help us remember that You are with us. We love You and want to follow You every day. Amen.
