Week 184 · about 45 minutes
Numbers 25
Numbers 25 · Memory verse Numbers 25:13
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Queues the lesson plan, this story’s coloring page (Numbers 25), the matching word search and answer key (Numbers 25 word search), the memory-verse tracer, and a parent slip.
Five-minute object lesson
Prop: a smooth stone
Hold a smooth stone. Read Numbers 25 in about four minutes, stopping at Numbers 25:13: “It shall be to him, and to his offspring after him, the covenant of an everlasting priesthood, because he was jealous for his God, and made atonement for the children of Israel.’”” Ask, “What does this prop have to do with Numbers 25?” Let two children answer, then say the memory verse together.
Story script
Numbers 25 is a real chapter from the Old Testament. It starts, “Israel stayed in Shittim; and the people began to play the prostitute with the daughters of Moab;” That is not a motto invented for a poster. It is the first sentence a family hears when this page is opened at night.
Keep going a little further. The chapter also says, “Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,” Numbers 25 opens with these words: “Israel stayed in Shittim; and the people began to play the prostitute with the daughters of Moab;” The line to keep is Numbers 25:13: “It shall be to him, and to his offspring after him, the covenant of an everlasting priesthood, because he was jealous for his God, and made atonement for the…” Carry the word “offspring” from that verse into the rest of the day.
The line worth learning out loud is Numbers 25:13: “It shall be to him, and to his offspring after him, the covenant of an everlasting priesthood, because he was jealous for his God, and made atonement for the children of Israel.’”” If the rest of the chapter feels crowded, hold that one sentence until the room is quiet.
What happens first in Numbers 25? Then try this: Read “It shall be to him, and to his offspring after him, the covenant of an everlasting priesthood, because he…” once more. What does it show you about God? You do not have to finish every verse. You can close the book after the memory verse and still have read the Bible together.
Group game
Walk the room as if you are moving through Numbers 25. Every time you freeze, a child says one word from Numbers 25:13. The last child says the whole verse.
Craft
On a US Letter sheet, draw one picture from Numbers 25 and write Numbers 25:13 under it. Send it home as tonight’s reminder, not as a decoration contest.
Memory verse
Numbers 25:13
“It shall be to him, and to his offspring after him, the covenant of an everlasting priesthood, because he was jealous for his God, and made atonement for the children of Israel.’””
Take-home prayer
Father, thank you for Numbers 25. Help us remember Numbers 25:13 when we wake up, and teach us to notice you in an ordinary night. Amen.