In this Numbers 24 Sunday school lesson, children learn that God is in charge of every word spoken, and He can turn a curse into a blessing. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
No one can stop God from keeping His promises to His people. Even when someone tries to curse them, God makes sure they are blessed instead.
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 stand up tall, then slowly spread their arms wide on the word “blesses” and bring their hands together in front of their hearts on “cursed.” Let them repeat the verse while doing these motions. The movement helps them remember that blessing and cursing are opposites, and God is the one who decides.
The Story: Numbers 24 for Kids
Israel was camped on the plains of Moab, getting ready to enter the land God had promised them. The king of Moab, whose name was Balak, was scared of these people. So he sent for a man named Balaam, who was known for speaking powerful words over people. Balak wanted Balaam to put a curse on Israel.
Balaam set out to meet with Balak, but this time something different happened. When he looked over the camp of Israel, he saw families living together, tribe by tribe. God’s Spirit came upon him, and instead of cursing them, Balaam began to speak blessings. He said, “How beautiful are your tents, Jacob, and your dwelling places, Israel!”
Balak was very angry. He said, “I called you to curse my enemies, and you have blessed them three times!” Balak told Balaam to go home, but Balaam explained that he could only say what God told him to say, even if Balak offered him a house full of silver and gold.
Balaam kept speaking. He told of a star that would come out of Jacob and a ruler who would rise from Israel. He also spoke about other nations and what would happen to them. Balaam was giving words from God, not his own wishes.
When Balaam finished, he got up and went back home. Balak went his own way too. The people of Israel were safe, and God’s plan for them stayed on track.
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 beauty. Ask the children what they see when they look at their own family or church, and whether they can find something good to say about the people around them.
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)
Show the children that Balaam was willing to say no to a great reward. Explain that doing what is right matters more than getting what we want, and that God’s word is more important than any amount of money.
Numbers 24:17
I see him, but not now. I see him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob. A scepter will rise out of Israel, and shall strike through the corners of Moab, and break down all the sons of Sheth.
(WEB)
Tell the children that this verse is a promise about a star and a ruler coming from Israel, which Christians have long connected to Jesus. Help them see that God had good news planned long before it happened.
Talk About It
- What did Balak want Balaam to do, and what did Balaam do instead?
- Why do you think Balaam could not say the curse Balak wanted?
- How did God turn something bad into something good in this story?
- What is one good thing you can say about a person in your family this week?
- When someone tries to hurt you or say unkind things, how can you remember that God is still taking care of you?
Activity Ideas
Paint a Tent Scene
You will need paper, crayons or watercolors, and a pencil. Ask the children to draw the camp of Israel with tents spread out in rows, gardens near the water, and a bright star in the sky. Let them talk about what they drew and why they chose those colors.
Blessing or Curse Game
Stand the children in a line and call out words. If the word is kind, like “friend” or “kind,” they clap and take a step forward. If the word is unkind, like “mean” or “bad,” they stand still and cross their arms. End by reminding them that God always chooses blessing.
Take-Home Blessing Jar
You will need a clear jar, paper slips, and a pen. Ask the family to write one blessing for each other on a slip and put it in the jar. Read the slips together at dinner each week. This helps the children practice speaking kindly and remember Balaam’s story.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that God is sovereign over human speech and intention. Balaam wanted reward and tried to gain it by cursing, yet God would not let him speak anything but what God intended. The chapter also shows God’s faithfulness to His people and His plan to bring a ruler from Israel, which the New Testament connects to Jesus.
Avoid telling children that Balaam was a good man who simply made a mistake, or that they should ever try to use magic or curses. The story is about God’s power and protection, not about how to speak charms over others.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Lord, thank You that no one can stop Your plans for us. Help us to speak kind words and to look for the good in the people around us. Keep us safe under Your care, and remind us that You always bless Your children. Amen.
