Numbers 4 teaches children that God gives every person a special job to do for him, and that he cares about getting each job done carefully and safely. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach, including the story, the Bible reading and the activity.
Big Idea
God gives every person a job to do, and he wants us to do our jobs carefully and with love.
Memory Verse
Numbers 4:49
According to the commandment of the LORD they were counted by Moses, everyone according to his service, and according to his burden. Thus were they counted by him, as the LORD commanded Moses.
(WEB)
Teach the children to hold both hands out flat, then lift one hand higher than the other, like a helper saying “I have my job.” Say the words slowly and do the motion each time you say “job.” Repeat it three times together so the motion and the words stay together in their minds.
The Story: Numbers 4 for Kids
Long ago, God’s people were traveling through the desert. They lived in tents, and they carried a special tent called the Tent of Meeting, where God was close to them. Only certain people could take care of its holy things. God spoke to Moses and Aaron, the leaders of his people, and gave them a list of jobs.
God said that the men from the family of Kohath would carry the most holy things. These were things like the ark, the golden altar and the lampstand. Their job was very important, but God gave them strict rules to keep them safe. They were not allowed to touch the holy things directly, or they could die.
The family of Gershon had a different job. They carried the curtains and the coverings of the Tent. The family of Merari carried the heavy boards and pillars that held the Tent up. Each family had its own work, and each family knew exactly what it was.
Moses and Aaron counted the men in each family who were old enough to do this work. They counted those from thirty years old up to fifty. Every person was given a job that fit the way God had planned it. Nobody was left out, and nobody had to do someone else’s job.
God told Moses that the families should be careful and do exactly what he had commanded. He wanted his people to stay safe and to honor him. The families did their jobs one step at a time as they moved through the desert.
Read It Together
Numbers 4:15
“When Aaron and his sons have finished covering the sanctuary, and all the furniture of the sanctuary, as the camp moves forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to carry it: but they shall not touch the sanctuary, lest they die. These things are the burden of the sons of Kohath in the Tent of Meeting.
(WEB)
Point out that the Kohathites were told to carry the holy things, but they were warned not to touch them directly. Ask the children why God would give such a careful rule, and remind them that God cares about keeping his people safe.
Numbers 4:27
At the commandment of Aaron and his sons shall be all the service of the sons of the Gershonites, in all their burden, and in all their service; and you shall appoint their duty to them in all their responsibilities.
(WEB)
Show the children that God gave each family a clear job and a leader to report to. Explain that when everyone knows their place, the work gets done well and no one is confused or left out.
Talk About It
- What job do you think God gave the family of Kohath, and why was it so important?
- Why do you think God said the people must not touch the holy things?
- How did each family in the story have a different job to do?
- What is one job you have at home or at school, and how can you do it carefully?
- How does it make you feel to know God gives everyone a special job?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Tent Helper
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child draw a small tent on the paper, then draw a person carrying something inside it, such as a curtain, a pole or a bowl. Ask the child to write or draw one word that describes the job their helper is doing. Display the pictures together on a wall to show that the whole camp had many helpers.
Carry the Holy Things Game
You will need a few light objects, such as a cup, a spoon and a small pillow, and an open space. Give each child one object and ask them to carry it carefully from one side of the room to the other without dropping it. Each time they arrive, say a short thank you for doing their job well. Talk about how careful and patient each helper had to be.
Job Card for Home
You will need an index card or a sheet of paper, a pen and a small box. Help each child write one job they can do at home this week, such as setting the table or feeding a pet. Let them decorate the card and put it in the box. Encourage them to pull one card each day and do that job as a way of serving God and their family.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Numbers 4 shows that God organizes his people with care and gives each person a meaningful role in the community of faith. The chapter also reveals God’s holiness and his concern for his people’s safety, since the careful rules protected the Levites from death when they handled the sacred objects. Adults can see in this passage that service to God is ordered, purposeful and taken seriously.
Avoid overstating the strict rules to children, since the chapter’s warnings about death can frighten young listeners. Instead, focus on God’s loving care in giving clear instructions so that his people could serve him safely and well.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank you for giving each of us a job to do. Help us to do our work carefully and with a happy heart, just as the families did long ago. Show us how to serve you and others every day. Keep us safe and close to you. Amen.
