Numbers 17
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
There were twelve big families in Israel. Each family had its own leader. But the people were often grumpy. They grumbled at Moses. They grumbled at Aaron. And really, they were grumbling at God.
God wanted to show something. Something important. So God said to Moses: "Take twelve sticks. One stick from every family leader. Write their names on the sticks."
And on Aaron's stick, Moses wrote Aaron's name.
Moses laid all twelve sticks in the tent. The holy tent, where God was. The sticks lay there all night. It was dark and quiet.
The next morning Moses went into the tent. And what did he see? Eleven sticks lay there, just the same. Dry. Dead. Just wood.
But one stick was different. Aaron's stick!
Aaron's stick had little buds on it. And leaves! And flowers! And even almonds, real ripe almonds, growing on that piece of wood!
Moses picked up the sticks. He walked outside. He showed them to all the people. Everyone looked. Everyone saw. Aaron's stick was alive!
God said: "Now you know. I chose Aaron. Keep his stick in the tent, so no one grumbles again."
What Does This Mean?
God can make a dead stick bloom. Just like that, in one night. No one can do that. Only God.
The people had to know: God chooses. God knows what He is doing. Even when you cannot see it, God is busy.
The Common Thread
A dead stick that suddenly lives again. That reminds us of something very special. Later, much later, Jesus came. Jesus died on a cross. A cross is also made of wood. And Jesus was laid in a grave.
But then, three days later, Jesus was alive again! Just like that stick, only much more wonderful. Because God makes alive what is dead. That is what God does.
For You
Sometimes you have to wait. You want something now, but Mama says: not yet. That is hard.
The people also had to wait and trust. God knew what He was doing.
You may trust God too. He sees you. He loves you. And He can do things no one else can. Even make flowers grow on a dead stick.
Look outside sometime. Do you see a flower? Do you see a leaf on a tree? God made that. The same God who let Aaron's stick bloom, makes everything grow. Just for you to see.
Talk About It
What do you think Moses thought when he saw the flowers on the stick?
Can you name something only God can do?
Praying Together
Dear God,
You are so big. You can make a dead stick bloom. That is amazing.
Thank you for flowers. Thank you for leaves. Thank you that You take care of me.
Help me to trust You. Even when I have to wait.
Amen.
Questions about Numbers 17
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Numbers 17 about?
What does Numbers 17 say?
What does Numbers 17 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Numbers 17?
Why is Numbers 17 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Moses did so. As Yahweh commanded him, so he did." No speech, no crowd, no miracle recorded here. Just a man putting a dead stick that bloomed back in its place because God said to. Most of your obedience will look like that. Unwatched, unapplauded, and still the thing God counts as faithfulness.
Twelve staffs went in, dead wood every one of them. Only Aaron's came out with buds, blossoms, and "ripe almonds" all at once. God didn't settle the argument with a speech. He settled it with life. You can argue for your calling, or you can lay it down overnight in his presence and let him grow something on it.
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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