Deuteronomy 13
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Moses stood before the people. The sun was hot. The sand was warm under their feet. Moses had something important to say.
“Listen,” said Moses. “Someday, someone may come to you. He may say, ‘Look, a wonder!’ He may even do something strange and true. But then he will say, ‘Come, let’s follow other gods.’”
Moses shook his head. “Do not listen to him,” he said. “Not even if it is your best friend. Not even if it is someone you love very much.”
The people were quiet. They listened close.
“Only Yahweh is your God,” said Moses. “He brought you out of Egypt. He carried you out of that hard, sad place. Love him. Follow him. Hold on to him, like a hand you never let go.”
What Does This Mean?
Think of a voice you know. Maybe your mommy’s voice. You know it in the dark. You know it in a big crowd. You run to it.
God wanted his people to know his voice like that. So well, that no other voice could trick them. Not a stranger’s voice. Not even a voice from someone they loved.
Some people in the story did listen to the wrong voice. That made God sad, and it made the people do very wrong things. Moses said this was serious. So serious, that the wrongness had to be taken far, far away. God is not soft about things that pull his people away from him. He loves them too much for that.
The Common Thread
Long, long after Moses, someone came who never once said the wrong thing. His name was Jesus. He always spoke true words. He always led people back to God, never away.
Jesus said, “My sheep know my voice.” Just like Moses wanted. A voice you know so well, you follow it anywhere.
For You
You will hear lots of voices in your life. Some will be true. Some will not.
God wants you to know his voice so well, that you can tell the difference. You learn his voice by hearing his words, again and again, like a song you know by heart.
Whose voice do you listen to the most?
Talk About It
Can you think of a voice you know very well, even without seeing the person?
What are some true things God says about himself, that you already know?
Praying Together
Dear God, Let me know your voice. Help me listen only to you. You brought your people out of Egypt. You love me too. Thank you. Amen.
Questions about Deuteronomy 13
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Deuteronomy 13 about?
What does Deuteronomy 13 say?
What does Deuteronomy 13 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Deuteronomy 13?
Why is Deuteronomy 13 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
The sign came true. The dream landed. And still God says don't listen. Notice what is being measured here: not your skill at spotting a fake, but "whether you love Yahweh your God with all your heart and with all your soul." Something can be powerful, persuasive, even accurate, and still be pulling you away. What has been impressing you lately?
Looking for something for slightly older children?
We also have dedicated versions for elementary age (7-12) and teens (12 and up).
Open in the Children's Bible tool
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