This lesson teaches children that God chose the Levites to serve Him in a special way, and that every job in God’s family matters. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God gives every person in His family an important job to do, and He takes special care of the people who serve Him.
Memory Verse
Numbers 3:7
They shall keep his requirements, and the requirements of the whole congregation before the Tent of Meeting, to do the service of the tabernacle.
(WEB)
Put one hand on your chest and then hold both hands out in front of you, like you are carrying something carefully. Say the verse slowly as you carry your imaginary bowl or box from one side of the room to the other.
The Story: Numbers 3 for Kids
Long ago, God’s people were traveling through the wilderness near Mount Sinai. God spoke to Moses there and gave him a list of families. He wanted Moses to count the families of the tribe of Levi, which was a special tribe that God had chosen for a special purpose.
The Levites were given a very important job. They were to take care of the Tent of Meeting, which was the place where God’s people worshiped Him. Some Levites carried the curtains and the covering. Some carried the boards and the poles. Others took care of the holy things inside the Tent.
Aaron was the high priest, and his sons were priests too. God told Moses to give the Levites to Aaron so they could help him. God said, “They are wholly given to him on behalf of the children of Israel.” This means the Levites were given to help the whole nation.
God also said the Levites belonged to Him. He had kept the firstborn sons of Israel safe when He rescued His people from Egypt. Now He chose the Levites to serve in their place. Moses counted every Levite boy who was one month old and older, and the number was twenty-two thousand.
Each family had its own job. The Gershonites cared for the coverings, the Kohathites carried the holy objects, and the Merarites took care of the wooden frames and the poles. Everyone knew where they belonged and what they were supposed to do.
Read It Together
Numbers 3:5-6
5 The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 6 “Bring the tribe of Levi near, and set them before Aaron the priest, that they may minister to him.
(WEB)
Point out that God spoke first and then gave Moses the instructions. Ask the children to notice that God was the one who decided who would help. He was the one in charge of the plan.
Numbers 3:12-13
12 “Behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of all the firstborn who open the womb among the children of Israel; and the Levites shall be mine: 13 for all the firstborn are mine. On the day that I struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt I made holy to me all the firstborn in Israel, both man and animal. They shall be mine. I am the LORD.”
(WEB)
Show the children that God says the Levites belong to Him in place of the firstborn. Explain that God protected His people and asked for a special kind of service in return, as a way to say thank you.
Numbers 3:38
Those who encamp before the tabernacle eastward, in front of the Tent of Meeting toward the sunrise, shall be Moses, and Aaron and his sons, keeping the requirements of the sanctuary for the duty of the children of Israel. The stranger who comes near shall be put to death.
(WEB)
Help the children see that Moses, Aaron, and his sons were positioned at the front of the Tent. Their place showed that they had a special responsibility to care for the holy things and for the people.
Talk About It
- What job do you think God has given you in your family or at church?
- Why do you think God picked the Levites to take care of the Tent of Meeting?
- How can you show that you take your job seriously, even when it feels small?
- What did God remind the people about the firstborn sons, and why did that matter?
- How does it feel to know that God has a plan for everyone in His family?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Tent of Meeting
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a simple tent with a door and a curtain. Then have them draw a small helper inside, carrying one thing that the Levites took care of, such as a pole or a cloth. Talk about how every helper had a special job that mattered.
Carry the Holy Things Relay
You will need two small baskets, some folded towels, and a few plastic cups. Divide the children into two teams. Each child must carry one item from one end of the room to the other, walking slowly and carefully, without dropping it. Talk about how the Levites had to carry things carefully and obey God’s instructions.
Job Chart at Home
You will need a sheet of paper, a marker, and sticky notes. Write each family member’s name on a sticky note along with one helpful job they can do this week. Place the notes on the chart in the kitchen or family room. Thank God together for each person and the job they are doing.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God is intentional about how His people serve Him. The census of the Levites is not just a count of numbers but a record of people with specific roles in God’s worship. It also points to the idea that God claimed the Levites in place of the firstborn, which helps readers see the value God places on those who serve Him.
With children, avoid overstating the details of the offerings or the redemption money in verses 45 to 51. Keep the focus on the simple truth that God gives everyone a job and that He cares about faithful service, rather than on the specific amounts or procedures.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for giving each of us a job in Your family. Help us to take care of the things You give us, just like the Levites did. Show us how we can help the people around us this week. Thank You for always being with us and for loving us so much. Amen.
