Gideon's Army - Bible Lessons for Kids
The story of Gideon and his army powerfully shows how God can use small, unlikely numbers to accomplish great things. Found in the Book of Judges, this story shows how Gideon trusted God’s instructions, even when his army was reduced to just 300 men. There are many great ways to teach this story, including engaging crafts, hands-on activities, helpful YouTube videos, and printable lesson plans that help children understand the importance of faith, obedience, and trusting God’s power in every situation.
WHO WAS GIDEON?
Before Israel had kings, God used Judges to lead His people. Gideon was a Judge during a time when the Midianites were causing trouble. They stole the Israelites' animals, and they destroyed their crops. The Bible says the Israelites hid in caves in the mountains to escape the Midianites.
During this time, the Israelites were not following God. They worshipped Baal and Asherah, both idols. They trusted false gods instead of the One True God.
God called Gideon to lead an army to defeat the Midianites and bring the Israelites back to Him.
STORY OF GIDEON’S ARMY
Judges 6-8 tells how the Israelites faced an enemy: the Midianites. An army of 32,000 Israelites assembled, but God told Gideon it was too large. God said anyone who was afraid could go home. There were only 10,000 soldiers left. But God said there were still too many people, so He told Gideon to have the soldiers drink from a stream. Only the men who lapped water by bringing it to their mouths could stay in the army. This was only 300 men.
That night, Gideon divided the 300 men into groups and gave them trumpets and a torch hidden inside a jar. They went to the Midianite camp, blew trumpets, and broke the jars. The sudden noise and light caused confusion and fear, and the Midianite army began attacking each other! God used the small Israelite army, and the Midianites were defeated.
Gideon’s Army Bible Lessons for Kids
Are you teaching the story of Gideon’s Army to kids? Our print-and-go lesson plans, printable crafts, activities, and discussion questions are perfect for kids aged 3 to 8.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT GIDEON’S ARMY
God purposefully made the Israelite army small. He knew that if the Israelites won the battle against the Midianites with a big army, they would be full of pride. The Israelites would think they had won because they had a strong army. God wanted to show that He had the power. When the Israelites won the battle with a small army of 300 men, it showed that God was in control and God had the power, not the Israelites.
Torch and jar CRAFT FOR OLDER KIDS
Crafts are a great way to help kids connect with the Bible stories they are learning. During craft time, talk with kids about the story and remind them that Gideon’s soldiers hid their torches inside jars, then broke the jars to reveal the torch light underneath. God’s plan for Gideon probably seemed unusual, especially after He reduced Gideon’s army to only 300 men! But Gideon chose to trust and obey God instead of relying on the size or strength of his army. As kids create their craft, remind them that we won’t always understand God’s plans, but we can trust that He is in control and that His plans are bigger than what we can accomplish on our own.
In Gideon Bible Lessons for Older Kids, you’ll find template pieces for a printable craft that connects to the story. Kids will have a torch and a jar template to color. Once colored, use a paper fastener to attach the two jar pieces to the torch. The jar pieces can then swing open to unveil the torch underneath.
torch CRAFTS FOR PRESCHOOL KIDS
Kids love the part of Gideon’s story about the torch when Gideon and his soldiers carried torches inside jars, and then broke the jars to reveal the light. The miracle that happens when the enemy sees the flaming light and runs away shows God’s amazing power.
For a simple craft for young kids, cut small squares of colored tissue paper or construction paper. Then have kids glue the small squares onto a torch template. Kids can scrunch the paper to add 3D texture to the flames, or they can simply glue the pieces onto the picture. For the torch template, check out Gideon Bible Lesson for Preschool.
OTHER CRAFTS AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE STORY OF GIDEON’S ARMY
Air-Dry Clay Pots: The Israelites carried clay pots and torches when they attacked the Midianites. Have kids make their own clay pots using air-dry clay. Check out Incredibusy for instructions on making pinch clay pots.
Water Relays: The men in the army either lapped water or drank from a cupped hand. Connect this to water relays and have kids complete various relays involving water. Check out the Barefoot Mama for great water relay ideas, including the classic sponge race and water balloon toss.
Flashlight Games: While it’s not safe to play with fire, like the torches the Israelites used, kids can play flashlight games! KinderCare has fabulous ideas for flashlight games, including Flashlight Freeze Tag and Hide-and-Seek in the Dark. Milwaukee with Kids also has some fun ideas.
YOUTUBE VIDEOS ABOUT GIDEON’S ARMY
Here are some suggestions for YouTube videos about Gideon’s Army to show your kids. Before showing any videos, preview them to ensure they match the lesson you intend to teach:
WANT TO CONTINUE LEARNING ABOUT OLD TESTAMENT STORIES?
This lesson is part of a seven-week series on beloved Old Testament stories. This series covers 7 “big names” in the Old Testament and includes lessons on God Calls Samuel, Ruth and Boaz, Ruth and Naomi, Samson, Solomon Asks for Wisdom, and the Fiery Furnace.
