Deuteronomy 33
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Moses was very old. His hair was white. His eyes were tired. He knew: soon I will not be here anymore.
Moses loved his people. He loved them very much. They were called Israel. There were many, many people. Big families, all together.
Before he went away, Moses wanted to say something special. Something warm. Something good. It was like a big hug in words. That is called a blessing.
Moses stood up. He looked at all the people. And he began to speak.
"Listen," said Moses. "God loves you. God is so strong! He comes from the high mountain. He shines like the sun."
Moses said something for every family. He called all the names. Reuben. Judah. Levi. Benjamin. Joseph. And more, and more. For each family a kind word.
"May you be safe," said Moses. "May you have bread. May you have oil. May you have joy."
What Does This Mean?
Moses was going to die soon. But he did not say scary things. He said good things. He said: God is with you. God will help you. God will not let you go.
Listen carefully. Moses said something so beautiful about God. He said: "Underneath are the everlasting arms."
Do you know what that means? God has strong arms. Big, big arms. And those arms are underneath you. Always. When you fall, God catches you. When you sleep, God holds you. When you are scared, God carries you.
You cannot fall out of God's arms. Never. They are always there.
The Common Thread
Moses blessed the people. He said good words over them.
Later, someone else came. His name was Jesus. Jesus also blessed people. Jesus laid His hands on little children. Just as small as you. He said: "Come to Me."
Jesus has strong arms too. Just like His Father. And Jesus loves you.
For You
Do you sometimes fall? Off your bike, or in the grass? Ouch! Then Daddy or Mommy comes. And they pick you up.
God is like that. Only even better. God is always near you. In the daytime. And at night, when it is dark in your room. God's arms are underneath you.
You do not have to be scared. God holds you tight. He whispers: "I love you. You are Mine."
Close your eyes for a moment. Feel it? God is here. Right now.
Talk About It
Where do you feel safe? On Daddy's lap, or in your bed?
God has arms that never let go. What would you like to say to God about that?
Praying Together
Dear God,
Thank You for Your big, strong arms. They are always underneath me. When I fall, You catch me. When I sleep, You watch over me. Thank You that You love me. I love You too.
Amen.
Questions about Deuteronomy 33
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Deuteronomy 33 about?
What does Deuteronomy 33 say?
What does Deuteronomy 33 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Deuteronomy 33?
Why is Deuteronomy 33 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Levi received no fields, no inheritance to hand down. What he received was this: "They shall teach Jacob your ordinances, and Israel your law. They shall put incense before you." Words and worship, that was his whole estate. What are you leaving behind? Land someone will sell, or something someone will pray?
Moses is blessing Levi, the tribe of priests, and prays, "Bless, Yahweh, his substance. Accept the work of his hands." Then he asks God to crush those who rise against Levi.
Notice the order. First the work is blessed, then it is protected. God does not just guard your calling from attack; He first delights in it. Before He deals with your enemies, He receives what your hands have offered. Your quiet, faithful work matters to Him.
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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