Numbers 32
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
It was hot and dusty. The people of God had walked for a long, long time. Behind them lay sand. In front of them lay a river.
But right here, on this side of the river, there was grass. Soft, green grass, as far as you could see.
And there were sheep. So many sheep! Hundreds of sheep, and cows too. They belonged to the families of Reuben and Gad. The sheep put their noses in the grass and they ate, and ate, and ate some more.
The men of Reuben and Gad looked at the grass. Then they looked at their sheep. Then they looked at each other.
They went to Moses. Moses was old, with grey hair, and he listened well.
"Moses," they said, "look at this land. It is good land for sheep. May we stay here? Please don't make us go over the river."
Moses was quiet. And then Moses got upset.
What Does This Mean?
"Wait," said Moses. "Your brothers have to walk on. They have to go over the river. Will you sit here in the grass while they go?"
That was the question. Are you going to help, or are you going to stay behind?
The men of Reuben and Gad stood still. They thought about it. And then they came close to Moses.
"No," they said. "We will help. We will build little walls here for our sheep. We will build safe houses for our children. Our little ones can stay here. But we will go along. We will not go back home until every brother has his own place."
Moses looked at them for a long time. Then he nodded.
"Good," said Moses. "Do what your mouth has said. Keep your promise."
The Common Thread
God had made a promise long ago. He said: I will give you a good land. God does not forget His promises. Never.
And the people learned something. You don't only look at your own sheep. You look at your brother too.
Much later, Someone came who did that better than anyone. Jesus. He did not stay where it was safe and green. He came all the way to us. He went first, for everybody.
For You
You have things you love. Maybe a bear. Maybe a bike. Maybe the last cookie on the plate.
And sometimes someone next to you needs help. Then you can look up from your own things. You can say: I will come. I will help.
And when you say you will do something? Then you do it. Just like the men with the sheep. God likes it when your mouth and your hands say the same thing.
Talk About It
Which of your things do you love the most? Would you share it with someone?
Can you think of a time you helped someone? What did you do?
Praying Together
Dear God, thank You for grass and sheep and safe houses. Help me to look at other people too. Help me to do what I say. Thank You that You always keep Your promises. Amen.
Questions about Numbers 32
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Numbers 32 about?
What does Numbers 32 say?
What does Numbers 32 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Numbers 32?
Why is Numbers 32 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Build cities for your little ones, and folds for your sheep; and do that which you have spoken."
Moses lets them care for their families first, then holds them to their word. Comfort is not forbidden, forgetting is. It is easy to build your own folds and quietly let the promise slip. What did you say you would do, back when it cost you nothing?
The children of Gad built Dibon, Ataroth, Aroer," a list most of us skim right past. But these men were building houses they would soon walk away from. They had promised to cross the Jordan armed and stay in the fight until every other tribe was settled. Homes raised, then left. Is there anyone you are willing to fight for whose blessing you will never share?
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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