Numbers 29 teaches children that God gave His people special days to stop, gather, and worship Him, and that these days were full of joy and gifts for Him. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes. It works well for a Sunday school class, a family devotional, or a small group.
Big Idea
God gave His people special days to remember Him together. When we set time apart for God, we show Him that He matters most.
Memory Verse
Numbers 29:1
“‘In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a holy convocation; you shall do no regular work: it is a day of blowing of trumpets to you.
(WEB)
Hold both hands up like a trumpet and blow a loud, pretend “toot” while you say the verse. Then stretch your arms wide, like you’re welcoming a big party. Do this together a few times until the kids are shouting it with you.
The Story: Numbers 29 for Kids
God spoke to Moses and told the people of Israel about a special month called the seventh month. On the first day of that month, the people were to stop their regular work and gather for a holy meeting. Trumpets were blown to call everyone together. It was a day to remember that God was their King.
Ten days later came the Day of Atonement. God told the people to humble themselves and to do no ordinary work that day. They were to bring a special gift to God, and a goat was offered to take away their sins. God wanted His people to come back to Him with clean and sorry hearts.
Five days after that, a happy week began. This feast was called the Feast of Booths, and it lasted seven days. Families were told to bring many animals as gifts to God, and every day the number of bulls went down, one fewer each day. God wanted His people to celebrate with thankful hearts.
On the eighth day there was one more special meeting, a solemn gathering where the people stopped working and gave a last gift to God. The people had many feasts and gifts, and God wanted them to keep all of them. Moses listened carefully and told the people everything God had commanded him. The people obeyed, and they did just what God asked.
Read It Together
Numbers 29:7
“‘On the tenth day of this seventh month you shall have a holy convocation. You shall afflict your souls. You shall do no kind of work…
(WEB)
Point out the words “holy convocation” and explain that it means a holy meeting where people come together to worship God. Ask the children what they think it would feel like to stop their work and gather with everyone to honor God.
Numbers 29:12
“‘On the fifteenth day of the seventh month you shall have a holy convocation. You shall do no regular work. You shall keep a feast to the LORD seven days.
(WEB)
Show the children that God asked His people to keep a feast for seven days. Explain that a feast is a happy time of eating and thanking God. Talk about a time your family celebrated something good together.
Numbers 29:39
“‘You shall offer these to the LORD in your set feasts, besides your vows, and your freewill offerings, for your burnt offerings, and for your meal offerings, and for your drink offerings, and for your peace offerings.’”
(WEB)
Point out that God gave the people many kinds of gifts to bring to Him. Explain that gifts to God can be offerings of our time, our kindness, and our thankful hearts. Ask what gift the children could bring to God this week.
Talk About It
- What special day do you like best, and why do you enjoy it?
- Why do you think God wanted His people to stop their work and worship Him?
- How did the people show God they were thankful in this story?
- What is one way you can set aside time to thank God this week?
- How does it make you feel to know that God loves to spend special time with His people?
Activity Ideas
Paper Trumpet Craft
You will need a paper towel tube, a sheet of construction paper, tape, and crayons or markers. Have each child decorate the outside of the tube and roll the paper into a cone shape that fits one end of the tube. Tape the cone in place and let the children decorate it with bright colors. Remind them that trumpets called the people to gather for God.
Feast Day Follow-the-Leader
Clear a space in your room or classroom where children can move freely. Call out a movement, such as “blow the trumpet” or “walk in a circle to celebrate,” and have the children copy you. Each time you call out a new action, remind the group that God gave His people many happy ways to worship Him together.
Thankful Jar at Home
Gather an empty jar, slips of paper, and a pen or pencil. Encourage the family to write one thing they are thankful for on each slip and drop it into the jar. Open the jar together at dinner each week and read the notes aloud. This helps children see that giving thanks to God can become a regular part of family life.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Numbers 29 describes the sacred calendar Israel followed, with festivals and sacrifices given at set times to honor the Lord. These offerings pointed to the people’s need for atonement and their gratitude for God’s provision, and they show that worship in the Old Testament was ordered and intentional. Christians read this chapter as part of God’s larger story, in which Jesus fulfills the sacrifices and brings lasting forgiveness.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the details of each animal count or the exact meaning of every offering. The main point is that God gave His people set times to gather, thank Him, and seek Him, and children can grasp that without needing every number explained. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and His desire for His people to remember Him.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for giving us special times to gather and worship You. Help us remember that You matter most in our lives. Teach us to bring You our thankful hearts every day, not just on special days. We love You, Lord. Amen.
