Deuteronomy 6
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Moses stood in front of all the people. So many people. They sat close together, in the sun, waiting to hear.
Moses had words for them. Special words, from God.
"Listen," said Moses. "Listen, everyone."
The people got quiet.
"God is our God," said Moses. "Only Him. Not two gods, not many gods. One God."
The people listened. Some children sat on their mama's lap. Some sat by their papa's feet.
"You must love Him," Moses said. "Love Him with your whole heart. With your whole self. All of you."
What Does This Mean?
Moses was not finished. He had more to say.
"These words," he said, "keep them close. Keep them in your heart, like a favorite stone in your pocket."
"Tell your children," he said. "Talk about God when you sit in your house. Talk about Him when you walk outside. Talk about Him at bedtime. Talk about Him when you wake up."
Imagine that. Talking about God at breakfast. Talking about Him while walking to the well for water. Talking about Him under warm blankets at night.
"Write the words on your door," Moses said. "So when you walk in, you remember. So when you walk out, you remember."
God did not want to be forgotten. Not squeezed into a corner. He wanted to be everywhere, all the time, like sunlight in every room.
The Common Thread
Moses told the people to remember something else too.
"One day your son will ask you," Moses said. "He will ask, why do we do these things?"
"Then you will tell him," said Moses. "We were slaves in Egypt. Slaves, in a hard land. But God brought us out. With His strong hand, He brought us out."
God had rescued them. He carried them out of Egypt like a papa carries a tired child home.
Long, long after Moses, God rescued again. He sent Jesus. Jesus loved God with His whole heart, all the days of His life. And Jesus rescues us too, from everything that keeps us far from God.
For You
You can talk about God too. At breakfast. In the car. At bedtime, under your own warm blanket.
You can tell someone, God loves me. God rescues me. God is one, and He is good.
Talk About It
When do you like to talk about God? At breakfast, or at bedtime?
Can you think of one thing God has done for you?
Praying Together
Dear God, You are one God, and You are good. Help me love You with my whole heart. Thank You for rescuing me. Amen.
Questions about Deuteronomy 6
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Deuteronomy 6 about?
What does Deuteronomy 6 say?
What does Deuteronomy 6 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Deuteronomy 6?
Why is Deuteronomy 6 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
He brought us out from there, that he might bring us in." God did not rescue Israel just to leave them standing free in the wilderness. The exodus had a destination. So does yours. Whatever He pulled you out of, ask what He is bringing you into. Freedom from is only half the story He is telling.
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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