Joshua 17
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Long ago, the people of Israel got new land. Each family got a piece.
There were five sisters. Their names were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. Their papa had died. He had no sons.
The sisters were worried. Would they get any land at all? They walked to Joshua. Their sandals made little clouds of dust.
They said, "Yahweh told Moses to give us land too."
Joshua listened. He did not say no. He gave the sisters land, just like their brothers.
What Does This Mean?
Some other families were not happy. They said, "We have so many people! Give us more land!"
Joshua looked at them. He said, "Then go to the forest. Cut down the big trees. Make room there."
The families said, "But the hills are full of trees. And down in the valley, there are strong chariots. Iron chariots!"
Did Joshua get scared? No. He said, "You are strong. Cut down that forest. That land will be yours too."
Chop, chop, chop. Their axes swung. Wood chips flew like snow. It was hard work. Very hard.
The Common Thread
God had promised this land, long, long before. To Abraham. To Moses. To all of Israel.
Even the five sisters got what God promised. Even the family with too many people got what God promised.
God did not forget anyone. Not the sisters. Not the tired workers with their axes.
Jesus is like that too. He remembers everyone. The small ones. The forgotten ones. He always keeps His promises.
For You
Sometimes you might think, "Nobody sees me." The sisters thought that too, maybe.
But God saw them. He heard them. He gave them what was promised.
God sees you too. Right now. On this lap, hearing this story. He knows your name.
Talk About It
Who were the five sisters who asked Joshua for land?
What did the families have to do to get their land in the forest?
Praying Together
Dear God, Thank You that You see me. Thank You that You do not forget anyone. Thank You for always keeping Your promises. Amen.
Questions about Joshua 17
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Joshua 17 about?
What does Joshua 17 say?
What does Joshua 17 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Joshua 17?
Why is Joshua 17 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Notice the odd detail: "These cities belonged to Ephraim among the cities of Manasseh." Ephraim's towns sit right inside Manasseh's land. God gave each tribe a portion, but never a private one. Your inheritance has a brother living in the middle of it. Can you bless what he received inside what you were given?
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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