In this lesson, children learn that God keeps his promises to his people, even when someone tries to curse them. The lesson suits ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Teachers can use the story, the memory verse, and the discussion questions in any order.
Big Idea
God blesses his people, and no one can turn that blessing into a curse. When God says he is for us, he always keeps his word.
Memory Verse
Numbers 24:9
He couched, he lay down as a lion, as a lioness; who shall rouse him up? Everyone who blesses you is blessed. Everyone who curses you is cursed.”
(WEB)
Teach the children to cup both hands together like a bowl on the first half of the verse, then open their arms wide on the second half. Say the verse together three times, stepping forward on each “blessed” and stepping back on each “cursed.” Repeat the motion until the children can say it without looking.
The Story: Numbers 24 for Kids
The people of Israel had come out of Egypt and were camped on the plains of Moab. A king named Balak was afraid of them. He sent for a man named Balaam, who was known for speaking words that were supposed to bring curses. Balak wanted Balaam to curse the Israelites so that Balak could defeat them.
Balaam tried to go to Balak, but God had something else in mind. This time, when Balaam looked out over the camp of Israel, he did not try to curse them. He saw the tents spread out like green valleys and gardens beside a river. God’s Spirit came on him, and he began to speak what God gave him to say instead.
Instead of a curse, Balaam spoke a blessing. He said that Israel would grow strong and that their king would be honored. He even said that everyone who blesses Israel would be blessed, and everyone who curses them would be cursed. Balak was angry. He said, “I called you to curse my enemies, and you have blessed them three times!”
Balaam answered that he could only say what the LORD told him to say, even if Balak offered him a house full of silver and gold. He spoke more words about the future, and he even spoke about a star coming out of Jacob. Then Balaam went back home, and Balak went his own way.
The lesson for children is simple. No plan, no person, and no amount of money could stop God from blessing his people. God kept his promise, and the people of Israel were safe in his care.
Read It Together
Numbers 24:5
How goodly are your tents, Jacob, and your tents, Israel!
(WEB)
Point out how Balaam looked at the camp and saw tents that were good and beautiful. Ask the children what kind of places feel safe and happy to them. Explain that God saw his people as something lovely, even while they were still camping in the wilderness.
Numbers 24:6-7
6 As valleys they are spread out, as gardens by the riverside, as aloes which the LORD has planted, as cedar trees beside the waters. 7 Water shall flow from his buckets. His seed shall be in many waters. His king shall be higher than Agag. His kingdom shall be exalted.
(WEB)
Show the children how Balaam used pictures from nature, like valleys, gardens, and trees by the water. Explain that water and growing things are signs of life and care. Help them see that God gives his people everything they need to grow.
Numbers 24:13
‘If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I can’t go beyond the LORD’s word, to do either good or bad from my own mind. I will say what the LORD says’?
(WEB)
Point out that Balaam said he could not go beyond what the LORD had said, even for a great reward. Explain that this shows faithfulness and obedience. Ask the children how they can choose to obey God when someone offers them something they want.
Talk About It
- Why do you think Balak was so upset that Balaam blessed the people instead of cursing them?
- What did Balaam say God would do for his people, and how do you know God keeps his promises?
- What are some things people might offer us to make us do wrong, and how can we say no like Balaam did?
- What are some good things God has given you that you can thank him for today?
- How can you bless someone in your family or class this week?
Activity Ideas
Blessing Tent Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a tent with a green valley or a river beside it. Inside the tent, have them write or draw one blessing they have received from God, such as family, food, or friends. Let them share their drawing with the group and explain what they chose.
Blessing and Curse Movement Game
Mark a line on the floor with tape or a string. Stand on one side with the children. Call out “blessed” and have everyone step forward and raise their arms high. Call out “cursed” and have them step back and cross their arms. Mix the words up and keep the pace playful, then end by saying Numbers 24:9 together with the motions.
Take-Home Blessing Jar
You will need an empty jar, paper strips, and a pen. Ask each child to write one way God has blessed their family this week on a strip of paper and fold it. Place the strips in the jar at home. At dinner each night, pull out one strip and thank God for that blessing together during prayer.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that God’s purposes stand firm even when earthly rulers and hired voices oppose his people. Balaam, though he was a prophet for hire, was forced to speak truthfully about Israel’s blessing. The passage also points forward to the coming of a king and a ruler who would come from Jacob’s line, which Christians see fulfilled in Jesus.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the story as a general promise that every prayer will turn out the way we want. The point is that God keeps his covenant with his people, not that he always gives us every outcome we ask for. Stay with the truth that God is faithful and that his blessing cannot be undone.
A Prayer to Close
Father, thank you that you keep your promises and bless your people. Help us trust you when others speak against us, and help us say no to things that would pull us away from you. Show us how to bless others with our words and our actions. Amen.
