Judges 8
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
It was hot. The sun was high. Gideon walked and walked. His feet hurt. Behind him walked three hundred men. They were so tired. But they kept going.
Gideon came to a town. It was called Succoth. He knocked on the door. "Please," said Gideon. "My men are so tired. Do you have some bread? Just a little bread?"
But the men of Succoth said, "No! We will not give you bread!" That was mean. Very mean.
Gideon walked on. He came to another town, called Penuel. "Please, some bread?" he asked. But the men of Penuel also said, "No!"
Gideon was sad. And a little angry. But he kept going. He had to catch the bad kings. Their names were Zebah and Zalmunna. They had done bad things.
And God helped Gideon. Yes, God helped again! Gideon caught the two kings. The war was over.
Then all the people came to Gideon. They said, "Gideon, you are so strong! Be our king! And your son too, and his son too!"
But Gideon shook his head. "No," he said. "I am not your king. And my son is not your king. God is your King. Only God."
What Does This Mean?
Gideon said something very important. He said, "God is King." Not Gideon. Not a man. God.
God is the greatest. God is the strongest. God helps and God saves. Gideon knew that well.
The Common Thread
There is one true King. His name is Jesus. Jesus is King forever. He is King in heaven, and King on earth, and King in your little heart too. Gideon pointed to God. And God has sent Jesus. Jesus is the very best King.
For You
Sometimes you are tired, like Gideon. Sometimes people say mean things. Sometimes you have to keep going, even when it is hard.
Then you may know: God sees you. God is your King. He helps you, step by step. Just like He helped Gideon.
And do you know what is nice? You can ask God for anything. For strength. For a hug. For bread. God listens. He is a good King.
Talk About It
Have you ever been very tired? What helped you then?
Who is the King of everything? And is He also King of your heart?
Praying Together
Dear God,
You are the King. You are so strong. Thank You for helping Gideon. Please help me too when I am tired. And when someone is mean to me. I love You, big King.
Amen.
Questions about Judges 8
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Judges 8 about?
What does Judges 8 say?
What does Judges 8 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Judges 8?
Why is Judges 8 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Gideon's men were "faint, yet pursuing," and all he asked for was bread. Succoth's answer: "Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in your hand, that we should give bread to your army?" Show us the win first. They wanted the outcome guaranteed before risking a loaf. Who is asking you for bread today, while the ending is still uncertain?
Looking for something for slightly older children?
We also have dedicated versions for elementary age (7-12) and teens (12 and up).
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