Joshua 13
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Joshua was old. Very old. His hair was white. His beard was white. He had walked so many roads. He had fought so many battles.
One day God came to Joshua. God said something special. God said: "Joshua, you are old now. But there is still land left. So much land!"
God pointed here. And there. And there too. Big pieces of land. Hills. Rivers. Cities with walls.
Then God said: "I will give this land to my people. I promise."
Joshua listened well. God told him what to do. The land had to be divided. Every family would get a piece. Like slicing a big cake. A piece for you. A piece for you. And a piece for you.
But one tribe got no land. That was the tribe of Levi. Do you know why? Because they had something even better. God Himself was their gift. They could work in God's house. They could sing for God. That was their piece of the cake.
What Does This Mean?
God keeps His promises. Always. Even when you are old and gray. Even when it takes a long time.
God had said long ago: "I will give my people a home." And look, He was doing it! Step by step. Piece by piece.
God does not forget what He says. Never.
The Common Thread
Long, long after Joshua, Jesus came. And Jesus also promised something. Jesus said: "I am going to make a home for you. A home with God. Forever."
Just like God gave land to Joshua's people, Jesus is making a place for us. A beautiful place. With no more tears. No more boo-boos. Just being with God.
God's promises always come true. From Joshua. To Jesus. To you.
For You
Do you know what is nice? God sees you. God knows your name. And God has good things for you too.
Sometimes you have to wait. Wait for your birthday. Wait for Daddy to come home. Wait for the cake to be ready. Waiting is hard!
But God is never too late. What He says, He does.
And do you remember the tribe of Levi? They did not get land. They got God. That was enough. Because God is the very best gift.
You may know that too. God wants to be with you. Every day. When you wake up. When you play. When you sleep.
That is better than a whole big piece of land.
Talk About It
Have you ever had to wait a long time for something? What was it?
The tribe of Levi got God as their gift. What do you think, is God a nice gift?
Praying Together
Dear God,
Thank you that you keep your promises.
Thank you that you never forget me.
You are the best gift.
I love you.
Amen.
Questions about Joshua 13
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Joshua 13 about?
What does Joshua 13 say?
What does Joshua 13 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Joshua 13?
Why is Joshua 13 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Heshbon and its cities. Dibon, Bamoth Baal, Beth Baal Meon. These were once strongholds of enemy kings, places where other gods were worshiped. Now they are quietly listed as inheritance for Reuben. What God gives you may still carry the shape of old battles. He does not skip the ground where you struggled; He gives it a new name in your story.
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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