Unfolding God’s Story for TeachersTake time now to read the amazing true story found in Judges 4–5. While it might seem that God uses men more than He uses women to implement His plan, this is actually not the case. Women are equally important, although in the Bible we usually see men exercising the public leadership roles. In our story today however, two women emerge as heroines with leadership positions. We will consider Deborah first. She must have been an amazing godly woman. As a judge and a prophetess, Deborah had the respect of the Israelites. The Israelites willingly submitted to her wisdom. To add to her credit, she also was a wife and mother. God’s people historically repeated cycles of disobedience, consequence, repentance, restoration, and rest. In our story, they had been oppressed for 20 years as a consequence to their rebellion against God. They cried out for help. Restoration began when God heard their cry and spoke to Deborah. She obeyed God’s instruction and gave a message to Barak. Barak was the commander of the army; he was both a leader and warrior. We assume he knew and respected Deborah. Apparently he feared going into battle without her. Perhaps she represented God’s presence to Him. Still, he was willing to give up the honor of conquest to a woman—although in the end it was not Deborah to whom his honor would fall. God’s message to Deborah and Barak was “for this is the day the Lord has handed Sisera over to you” (Jud. 4:14). As far as God was concerned, it had already been done. The Israelites just needed to trust that God was going to do what He said. Deborah asked Barak, “Hasn’t the LORD gone before you?” (v. 14) Perhaps Deborah’s confidence in God gave Barak the courage he needed to charge into battle. We learn from Judges 5:4 that God caused a terrific thunderstorm to confuse and literally stall the 900 iron chariots that Sisera had earlier used to plant fear in God’s people. Thus, God wielded a “sword” of His own,

and no human could claim the victory. The troops fell and were destroyed. Sisera escaped, but he fled to our next heroine. He thought Jael would offer safety and hospitality, but instead she killed him. What one heroine began, another finished. A song of praise followed the victory, and the Israelites rested in peace for 40 years. The Israelites’ cycle of disobedience, consequence, repentance, restoration, and rest can very well mirror our own lives. We too can choose to sin, but we do not have to choose to live there. Although we will face consequences for our wrong, the sooner we acknowledge our sin and truly repent, the sooner we will find rest. Thus, a mark of true faith is repentance. On the cross Christ conquered sin and its consequence—death. Jesus Christ has gone before us. Claim the victory that is yours in Him. Repent, believe, obey, and rest.

Old Testament Unit 8: Judges and Ruth Lesson 1: God Helped Deborah Lead the People

1. God created everything.

2. People disobeyed God.

3. God chose a special people.

4. God sent Jesus to help us.

5. Jesus began the Church.

6. Jesus is preparing heaven for us.

God’s Unfolding StoryBible Story:

God Helped Deborah Lead the People (Judges 4–5:5)

Bible Phrase: “I will sing praise to the Lord God of Israel”

(Judges 5:3).Bible Truth: I will praise God

because He is my Helper.

Arrival• Greet children at eye level and express how happy

you are to see them.• Be sure each child has a name tag and the security

measures of your church are followed.• Label all coats and personal belongings. Strongly

encourage children who have brought items from home, such as toys and books, to place them on a shelf while they are working with other materials. Assure children their items will be safe and they can take them home at the end of the session.

• Help each child make a choice where he or she would like to begin his or her Center Time.

Hour A

Lesson Plan

Suggested Schedule:

ArrivalCenters – 25 minutes

Clean-up Time – 5 minutes

Bible Story Time – 15 minutes

Craft Time – 10 minutes

Snack Time – 10 minutes

Game Time/Dismissal

God’s Unfolding Story for Older Preschoolers, Copyright © 2014 - SundaySchoolZone.com OT08 Lesson 1 Hour A Page 1

Center Time

Art Center: Shaving Cream PaintSupplies:

• Unscented shaving cream• Brown, washable tempera – liquid or dry powderWhat to Do: Squirt shaving cream all over the table and drizzle brown paint over the it. Invite preschoolers to use their hands to mix the brown paint into the shaving cream. This is a really fun activity for preschoolers. You’ll need to use additional shaving cream and paint as more preschoolers join the fun. Link to the Bible Story: As preschoolers play, express that the brown shaving cream is a reminder of today’s Bible story. Explain that the Israelites went into a battle and God helped them win by sending a rain storm. The enemies’ chariots got stuck in the mud and could not move.

Home Living Center: Water Play

Supplies:

• Small rocking chair, sink and stove unit and small table and chairs; plastic dishes, child pots

and pans; pretend food items; doll, doll bed, and doll accessories

• Plastic dishpan, towels, plasticware to wash in waterWhat to Do: Home living items naturally encourage children

to act out roles and activities they observe at home. Invite children to use the plastic containers to fill and pour the water. Make sure

this doesn’t get out of hand! Children may also enjoy washing the dishes in the home living center.

Link to the Bible Story: As preschoolers play with the water, tell about the Bible story and how God used

a thunderstorm to confuse the Israelites’ enemy. Because He did, they were able to win the battle.

Bible Learning Center: Comparing Activity

Supplies: • Copies of Activity Page: Comparing,

“More or Less?” (Reproducible)• Washable markers or crayons

What to Do: Preschoolers should be encouraged to look at the two pictures in each

row and decide which picture has more objects.Link to the Bible Story: As children work on this

activity, talk about how the Israelites won a battle even though they were outnumbered.

Block Center: Build with Blocks

Supplies:

• Wooden blocksWhat to Do: Provide a small carpet

if possible. Blocks are best located in a corner of the room away from the traffic

flow. Link to the Bible Story: As preschoolers

build with blocks, use teachable moments to share the Bible Phrase, Bible truth, or a portion of the Bible story.

God’s Unfolding Story for Older Preschoolers, Copyright © 2014 - SundaySchoolZone.com OT08 Lesson 1 Hour A Page 2

Puzzle Center: Work PuzzlesSupplies:

• Offer a variety of non-fantasy wooden or cardboard puzzles for children to work.What to Do: Invite preschoolers to work puzzles. Encourage children to finish puzzles before leaving the center. Give guidance rather than working a puzzle for a child. Link to the Bible Story: As children work, look for opportunities in conversation to say the Bible phrase or to briefly tell the Bible story.

God’s Unfolding Story for Older Preschoolers, Copyright © 2014 - SundaySchoolZone.com OT08 Lesson 1 Hour A Page 3

Clean-up Time

Introduction• Show the God’s Unfolding Story Cube. Express to the boys and girls that even though we find many stories in the Bible, the Bible really tells one big story, and all the little stories are a part of the big one we can call God’s Unfolding Story. Tell children that each picture represents a chapter in God’s Unfolding Story. Turn the cube and talk about each chapter in the story. (Refer to page 1.) Express that every story from the Bible is from one of these main parts in God’s Unfolding Story. Today’s story is from the third chapter, God chose a special people.

• Express the following in your own words. “In our Bible story time over the last few Sundays we have heard stories about Joshua and the Israelites. We learned the Israelites were living in the land God had promised them. God helped them fight many battles to take the land. Joshua led the people for a long time, but he grew old and died. God chose other people to lead the Israelites. God called these leaders judges. One judge was a very brave woman named Deborah. Today we will hear how God used Deborah and a thunderstorm to win a battle.”

Bible StoryGod Helped Deborah Lead the People (Judges 4, 5:1-5) The Israelites were living in the land of Canaan, but they were not obeying God’s

laws. Because of their disobedience, God’s people were in trouble. There was a very large army trying to fight them. The army had 900 iron chariots! The Israelites remembered how much God loved them. They prayed and asked God to help them fight. God had chosen a woman named Deborah to be a judge among the people. Deborah loved God, and she often spoke to the people about what God wanted them to do. God gave Deborah a message to give to the commander of the Israelite army. Deborah delivered the message, but the commander at first was too afraid to go and fight. He knew how many chariots they had. He asked Deborah to join him in the effort. Deborah knew God would be with them and help them win. She agreed to go with the commander. The commander gathered his army and met Deborah at the top of a mountain. They could

look down the mountain and see all 900 iron chariots, and they were getting closer! Deborah told the commander, “Go. God will help you win!” The commander obeyed and started down the mountain. Then something amazing happened. God caused a big thunderstorm to occur! It happened so fast and there was so much water that it confused the enemy. The soldiers tried to run, but their chariots got stuck in the mud. God’s people were able to win the battle! Deborah and the commander of the army sang a song of praise for the victory God had given them. They sang, “I will sing to the LORD; I will sing praise to the LORD God of Israel” (Jud. 5:3).

Talk Time1. Show the teaching picture for today’s Bible

story. Review by using these or similar questions. “Why were God’s people in trouble? How many iron chariots did the enemy have? Why did the commander of the army not want to fight? Who was the judge that helped the commander to fight? How did God help His people win the battle?”

2. Read the Bible phrase on the teaching picture. Say the phrase together, “I will sing praise to the Lord God of Israel” (Judges 5:3). Ask the boys and girls why the people wanted to praise God. Express that even though the Israelites had disobeyed, they asked God to help them.

3. Close the Bible Story Time by inviting children to join you in prayer. Think of ways that God helps people get through the day. Answers may include providing food, clothes, homes, families, protection from harm, etc. Ask God to give each one a thankful heart for the ways He provides each day.

Bible Story Time

Supplies: • Bible• Teaching Picture “God

Helped Deborah Lead the People” (Reproducible)

• God’s Unfolding Story Cube (Reproducible/Cardstock)

Encourage preschoolers to

help at clean-up time. Assign specific tasks for

preschoolers to do such as placing all the crayons in the

basket, throwing away the trash, gathering all the glue sticks,

etc. Guide children to the Bible Story Time area.

Snack TimeBe sure to wash hands or use hand sanitizer. Say a thank-you prayer to God for the snack. When snack time has ended, encourage preschoolers to help with cleaning up.

Game Time / Dismissal: Charge or Freeze

What to Do: Ask children to form a straight line facing the teacher. This is the start line. The teacher should stand at least six or seven feet away, or more, from the children. Explain to the boys and girls that they will play a game called, “Charge or Freeze.” The teacher will turn her/his back to the children and say, “Charge!” At that command they are to take steps toward the teacher. At any point the teacher may say, “Freeze!” At that command the children are to freeze in their places. When the teacher says, “Freeze!” he/she will turn around. Anyone moving must go back to the start line. The object of the game is to reach the teacher. Play the game as long as children are interested. Express to children that Deborah and the commander had to choose to obey God and charge—another way of referring to going into battle. God was with the Israelites and they won the battle. Deborah and the commander sang a song of praise to God. Dismiss children as parents arrive. Be sure to follow the security procedures of your church.

God’s Unfolding Story for Older Preschoolers, Copyright © 2014 - SundaySchoolZone.com OT08 Lesson 1 Hour A Page 4

Craft Time: Bible Phrase ChariotSupplies: • Copies of “Bible Phrase Chariot” (Reproducible, 1 copy for every child, cardstock recommended)• Crayons or markers• Metal brads• Hole punchWhat to Do: Cut out the chariots and wheels. Punch holes in the wheels and chariots where indicated. Invite children to color their chariots and wheel. Assist with inserting brads to attach wheels on the chariots. Link to the Bible Story: Review the Bible Phrase with the children. Ask children to say today’s Bible Phrase, “I will sing praise to the Lord God of Israel” (Judges 5:3). Talk about why Deborah and the commander sang a song to God. Ask each child to think of a way God helps him or her. Print response on the wheels.

Old Testament Unit 8: Judges and Ruth Lesson 1: God Helped Deborah Lead the People

God’s Unfolding Story for Older Preschoolers, Copyright © 2014 - SundaySchoolZone.com OT08 Lesson 1 Hour A

Resources and SuppliesStandard Art Supplies

(Supplies that are generally in the room)

Washable markersCrayons

Child scissorsPlaydough and accessories

Drawing paperEasel (optional)Glue/glue sticks

Tempera paint, 4 colorsTape/masking tape

Pencils/colored pencilsHole punch

Teacher scissorsStapler/staples

Permanent markersWatercolorsPaintbrushes

Yarn

Standard Equipment

(Equipment that is generally in the room)

BibleSmall beanbag for Bible Story Time

Assorted wooden/cardboard puzzlesSet of wooden blocksSmall cars and trucks

Doll bedBaby doll (soft plastic)

Stove/sink unitPlay dishes/pots and pans

Small table and chairsSmall carpet for block area

Play food itemsStorage shelf for blocks

Tables and chairs for art, puzzles, and Bible Learning Center

CD player/Children’s Worship CDs

Reproducibles(Included with the lesson plan downloads)

Activity Page: Comparing, “More or Less?” (1 copy per child)“Bible Phrase Chariot” (1 copy for every child, cardstock recommended)

Teaching Picture: “God Helped Deborah Lead the People” (1 copy per class)God’s Unfolding Story Cube (Cardstock—1 copy per class)

Parent Page (1 copy per child)Coloring Page, “God Helped Deborah Lead the People”

Additional Art Materials Unscented shaving cream

Brown washable tempera – liquid or dry powder

Additional Home Living MaterialsPlastic dishpan

Plasticware for water play

Additional Craft MaterialsMetal brads – (1 per child)

Hour A

Activity Page: Comparing “More or Less?”Instructions: Copy 1 sheet per child. Use a marker or crayon to circle the square that has the most objects.

OT08 Lesson 1 Hour A Bible Learning CenterGod’s Unfolding Story for Older Preschoolers, Copyright © 2014 - SundaySchoolZone.com

More or Less?

1.

2.

3.

4.

Craft Time: “Bible Phrase Chariot”Instructions: Copy 1 sheet for every child, cardstock recommended. Color the chariot and the wheels. Teacher should attach the wheels, one on each side with a brad.

OT08 Lesson 1 Hour A Craft TimeGod’s Unfolding Story for Older Preschoolers, Copyright © 2014 - SundaySchoolZone.com

I will s

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the Lord God of Is

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udges 5

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I will s

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the Lord God of Is

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God’s Unfolding Story CubeInstructions: Cut out on dotted lines, fold on solid lines. Glue or tape to form a cube.

God’s Unfolding Story for Older Preschoolers, Copyright © 2015- SundaySchoolZone.com

OT08 Lesson 1 OptionalGod’s Unfolding Story for Older Preschoolers, Copyright © 2014 - SundaySchoolZone.com

Coloring PageGod Helped Deborah Lead the People

I will sing praise to the Lord God of Israel. Judges 5:3