Numbers 13
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Twelve men stood in the sand. Big, strong men. God said to Moses, "Send them to look at the land." The land God wanted to give.
Two of the men were named Caleb and Joshua. Remember those names.
The men walked and walked. Over hills. Through valleys. They saw a land full of fruit. Grapes, big and sweet. Figs. Pomegranates, red and round. The grapes were so big, two men had to carry just one bunch on a pole between them.
But the men saw something else too. Big cities. Tall walls. And very, very tall people.
What Does This Mean?
The twelve men came back to Moses. Everyone came to listen.
"We found the land," they said. "Milk and honey. Look at this fruit!" They held it up. Everyone could smell it. Sweet and fresh.
But then their voices changed.
"The people there are strong," they said. "The cities are big. We saw giants. Next to them, we felt small. Like little grasshoppers."
Ten men were afraid. Very afraid.
But Caleb stood up. Caleb was not shaking. Caleb said, loud and clear, "Let's go! We can do this!"
Same fruit. Same giants. But Caleb saw them differently.
The Common Thread
Why could Caleb be brave? Because Caleb remembered something. God had promised this land. God had brought them out of Egypt already. God had made a way through the sea already.
Caleb did not look only at the giants. Caleb looked at God's promise too.
That is what God's people always get to do. Even when things look scary, God is still there. God still speaks. God still keeps His promises. Long after Caleb, God would send Someone even braver, Jesus, who was never afraid, not even of the biggest, darkest thing of all.
For You
Sometimes you feel small too. Maybe the dark room feels big. Maybe a big dog barks loud. Maybe something new feels scary.
You can feel small, like a little grasshopper. That is all right.
But you can also remember who is with you. God sees you. God is bigger than the giants. God is bigger than the dark.
You can be like Caleb. Not because you are strong. But because God is.
Talk About It
Why were ten men afraid, but Caleb was not?
What is something that feels scary to you? Can you tell God about it?
Praying Together
Dear God, Thank You for the sweet fruit. Thank You that You are bigger than giants. When I feel small, help me remember You. Make me brave, like Caleb. Amen.
Questions about Numbers 13
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Numbers 13 about?
What does Numbers 13 say?
What does Numbers 13 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Numbers 13?
Why is Numbers 13 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Of the tribe of Simeon, Shaphat the son of Hori." One line. That is all Scripture ever says about him. He was chosen, trusted, sent to see the land God promised, and he came back afraid. Your name may only get one line too. What will it say? Not how long you were watched, but what you believed when you looked.
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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