In Judges 19, a Bible story, we learn about choices and God's rules for living kindly.
Lesson
Engaging Introduction
Hello everyone! Today we’re going to talk about an important story from the Book of Judges in the Bible. Have you ever read a book or watched a movie where some characters didn’t make the best choices? That’s what we’re going to learn about today. The Book of Judges is full of amazing stories, and sometimes, they’re a bit tough because they show us how people didn’t always do what God wanted them to do. But every story has something to teach us!
In Judges 19, we find a story about a man and his wife traveling through the land of Israel. They stopped in a town called Gibeah, expecting to find safety and kindness. But, sadly, they found that the people there were not following God’s rules for how to treat others. Even though this story shows how things can go wrong, it gives us a chance to think about what God wants for our lives. Just like when we play games or sports and follow certain rules to play fairly, God has given us rules to live our lives kindly and safely.
Remember, even when people in Bible stories made mistakes or did things that weren’t nice, God was always ready to help them and guide them back to the right path. This tells us about God’s love and patience. So, as we learn about this story today, let’s think about how we can make good choices and treat others with kindness!
Main Teaching Points
1. Understanding God’s Rules for Living
First, let’s talk about rules. Why do we have them? Rules help keep us safe and make sure everyone gets along. In Judges 19, the people of Gibeah chose not to follow God’s rules. They weren’t very nice to visitors, which was a big no-no back in those days. God wanted His people to be welcoming and kind to strangers. Just like when you invite a friend over to play and you share your toys, God wanted His people to share kindness with those who visited. The people in Gibeah missed the chance to do this, which led to big problems.
2. The Importance of Hospitality
Imagine you’re having a birthday party, and a new kid in your class shows up. You don’t know them well, but you’ve heard they don’t have many friends. How would you treat them? By being friendly and welcoming, right? Hospitality means being kind and generous to guests or strangers. In the Bible, hospitality was a sign of obeying God’s commands. God wanted His people to always be welcoming. In our story, the man and his wife needed help and a place to stay, but the people in Gibeah didn’t offer them hospitality. This teaches us how important it is to treat others like we would want to be treated, even if they are new or different.
3. Consequences of Bad Choices
Every choice we make has consequences, kind of like when you decide to eat a big piece of candy right before dinner and then don’t feel so great. The people of Gibeah made poor choices by not following God’s rules, which brought trouble. This story shows us the importance of making good choices because what we do can affect not just us, but others around us. God wants us to make choices that show love and kindness, and when we do so, we’re following His path.
4. God’s Love and Patience
One of the greatest things about God is His never-ending love and patience. Even when people in the Bible made mistakes, God was there, guiding them back to the right path. Think of it like when you’re learning to ride a bike. Sometimes you might fall, but your parents or friends will help you get up and try again. God was, and still is, like that helper, always ready to support us as we learn and grow.
Personal Application for Elementary Students
So, what does this story mean for us today? Well, it reminds us of the importance of kindness and making good choices. Each day, we have many opportunities to show God’s love through our actions. For example, when you see someone sitting alone at lunch, you can invite them to join you. Or, when someone’s struggling with a tough math problem, you can offer to help them out.
We’re also reminded that our choices have the power to show others what God’s love looks like. Imagine you’re playing at recess, and you notice someone who isn’t being included in a game. By inviting them to play with you, you’re demonstrating kindness. Or think about when you’re tempted to say something unkind—remembering that God calls us to use our words to lift others up can guide you to make a different, better choice.
Even when we mess up, and we all do sometimes, God is there with love and patience to help us learn and try again. This is similar to how teachers or parents might help us when we make a mistake with our homework or chores. They help us understand what went wrong and encourage us to try once more.
Interactive Discussion Questions
To better understand what we’ve learned, let’s discuss some questions:
1. Why do you think God wanted His people to be so welcoming to others?
Guide students by helping them think about how it feels to be welcomed by someone. Explain that God wants us to share His love with others, and one way we can do that is by being kind and generous.
2. Can you think of a time when you had to make a choice between doing what was right and what was wrong? How did it feel?
Encourage students to share simple, relatable stories, like choosing not to argue with a sibling or deciding to help clean up at home. Discuss how good decisions often make us and those around us feel happier.
3. What are some ways we can show God’s love to others at school or in our neighborhood?
Have students brainstorm ideas such as sharing supplies, offering to help, or including others in games. You can remind them that small actions can have a big impact on how others feel.
By engaging with these questions, we can better understand how the lessons from Judges 19 apply to our lives today. Remember, God’s love and guidance are always there to help us on our journey!
Games
Game 1: Scene Sequencing
Objective: Arrange the events of Judges 19 in the correct order to understand the story sequence.
Number of Players: 4-6
Materials Needed:
– Index cards
– Markers
– A whiteboard or large paper for discussion
Setup:
1. Divide the story of Judges 19 into key events, each described in a single sentence.
2. Write each event on separate index cards.
3. Shuffle the cards and place them face down on a table.
Instructions:
1. Players take turns picking a card and reading it aloud.
2. As a group, players decide where each card fits within the story sequence and place it in what they think is the correct order.
3. Once all cards are placed, review the sequence together and adjust any out-of-order events.
4. Discuss the story with simple questions like “What would you have done differently?” or “How did God’s people learn from this?”
Reinforcement:
This game helps players recall and comprehend the sequence of events in Judges 19. It fosters teamwork and discussion, emphasizing the importance of understanding consequences.
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Game 2: Role Play Relay
Objective: Act out scenes from Judges 19 to better understand character motivations and emotions.
Number of Players: 8-10
Materials Needed:
– Simple costumes or props (e.g., shawls, hats)
– Printed scripts or scene summaries
Setup:
1. Break the story into 3-4 key scenes.
2. Assign players different roles in each scene (e.g., Levite, concubine, townspeople).
3. Prepare costumes or props for each role.
Instructions:
1. The teacher or leader reads aloud a scene summary before each act.
2. Players perform their roles based on the scene summary or scripted lines.
3. After each scene, have a brief discussion about the actions and motives of each character.
4. Rotate roles so each child can experience different parts of the story.
Reinforcement:
This game engages players in the narrative and explores empathy by considering different perspectives. It encourages discussion about the moral and ethical parts of the story.
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Game 3: Judgement Statements
Objective: Explore and reflect on the moral issues in Judges 19 through statement response activities.
Number of Players: 4-6
Materials Needed:
– Whiteboard or paper
– Markers
– Printed moral or ethical statements related to the story
Setup:
1. Create statements relating to themes in Judges 19 (e.g., “In situations of conflict, looking for help is essential” or “Everyone has a role in preventing wrongdoing”).
2. Write these statements on paper.
Instructions:
1. Place statement cards in a pile, face down.
2. Players take turns drawing a card and reading the statement aloud.
3. Discuss as a group whether they agree or disagree with the statement, and why.
4. Encourage players to support their views using examples from the story.
Reinforcement:
This game promotes critical thinking and moral reasoning. It ties the lessons from Judges 19 to real-world scenarios, helping children consider how to act justly in difficult situations.
Takehome
Reflection on Judges 19
Introduction
The story in Judges 19 is a part of the Bible that teaches us important lessons about making good choices and treating others with kindness. It’s important to learn how our actions can affect others and to understand the value of compassion and hospitality.
Activities and Exercises
1. Story Summary:
– With a family member, summarize what happens in the story. Take turns sharing what stood out to you the most about the characters and their actions.
2. Discussing Questions:
– Why is it important to be kind to strangers?
– How do you think the characters in the story could have acted differently to show kindness and hospitality?
– What can we learn from the story about how we should treat others?
3. Role-Playing:
– With your family, act out a scene from the story where a good choice could have been made. Discuss what you could have done differently if you were in that situation.
4. Creative Drawing:
– Draw a picture that represents an important moment in the story. Share your drawing with your family and explain why you chose that moment.
5. Family Reflection:
– As a family, take a few minutes to talk about a time when you saw someone show kindness or help someone in need. How can we all work to create a kinder and more welcoming community?
6. Kindness Challenge:
– Think of one thing you can do this week to show kindness to someone. Write it down and share your plan with a family member. At the end of the week, talk about how it went and how it made you feel.
Conclusion
Remember, even though Judges 19 tells a difficult story, it also reminds us of the importance of treating everyone with kindness and standing up for what is right. We can all make a difference by making good choices and being compassionate to others.
Visuals
Slide 1: Introduction to Judges 19
– Visual: Simple map of ancient Israel highlighting the town of Gibeah.
– Caption: “Where in the Bible is Judges 19 happening?”
– Description: Show a basic map with major areas labeled, indicating the setting of the story.
Slide 2: The Levite and His Concubine Travel
– Visual: Cartoon drawing of a man (Levite) and his concubine with a donkey on a path.
– Caption: “The Journey Begins”
– Description: Illustrate them traveling along a road, indicating a long journey.
Slide 3: Seeking Shelter in Gibeah
– Visual: A welcoming, simple depiction of a city gate with friendly townspeople.
– Caption: “Looking for a Place to Stay”
– Description: Visualize their search for hospitality as they enter Gibeah.
Slide 4: The Old Man Offers Shelter
– Visual: A cartoon showing an elderly man inviting them into his home.
– Caption: “Welcomed by a Kind Stranger”
– Description: Show the interaction in front of a house to depict hospitality.
Slide 5: Unpleasant Night in Gibeah
– Visual: Lower the tone with a shadowy night setting of the house.
– Caption: “The Night Takes a Dark Turn”
– Description: Visualize a sense of discomfort and danger without explicit scenes.
Slide 6: Morning Departure
– Visual: A sunrise scene with the Levite, his concubine, and the donkey leaving.
– Caption: “Leaving Gibeah”
– Description: Symbolize a new day and moving past the events with brighter colors.
Slide 7: Reflection and Lessons
– Visual: Illustration of a heart, hands, and a thoughtful face.
– Caption: “What Can We Learn?”
– Description: Encourage discussion on kindness and understanding through visual symbols of consideration and empathy.
Memory Verse
Key Bible Verse:
Judges 19:20 (New International Version)
“You’re welcome at my house,” the old man said. “Let me supply whatever you need.”
Creative Ways to Memorize:
1. Rhyme:
Create a simple rhyme:
“In Judges nineteen and twenty,
The old man said, ‘You’re welcome plenty!’”
2. Song:
Use a familiar tune like “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”:
“You are welcome at my home,
Let me help you—never alone.
Judges nineteen, twenty to see,
An old man’s words of hospitality.”
3. Motions:
– “You’re welcome”: Gesture with a hand wave
– “my house”: Roof shape over head with hands
– “supply”: Pretend to hand over items
– “whatever you need”: Open arms wide
4. Short Challenge:
Gather supplies (pencils, papers) and have kids say the verse each time they hand an item to a friend, reinforcing sharing and hospitality values.
Group Activity
Activity 1: Story Sequencing
Objective: Students will sequence the events of Judges 19 to understand the story’s progression.
Instructions:
1. Divide the students into small groups of 4-5.
2. Provide each group with a set of shuffled cards, each containing a key event from Judges 19.
3. Ask the groups to work together to organize the cards in the correct order.
Roles:
– Reader: Reads the text on each card aloud.
– Organizer: Arranges the cards based on group decisions.
– Checker: Ensures that all group members agree on the order.
– Reporter: Presents the final sequence to the class.
Discussion Prompts:
– What event do you think is the most important, and why?
– How do the events build upon each other?
Participation: Encourage each student to suggest the order of at least one card and to share their thoughts during the discussion.
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Activity 2: Character Analysis Role-Play
Objective: Students will explore the perspectives and motivations of characters in Judges 19.
Instructions:
1. Assign each student in the group a character from the story (e.g., the Levite, concubine, the old man, and townspeople).
2. Have the students role-play a short dialogue as their characters, expressing their feelings and viewpoints.
Roles:
– Each student plays one character and contributes to the dialogue.
Discussion Prompts:
– What might your character have been feeling in this situation?
– How did the decisions of different characters affect the story?
Participation: Ensure each student shares their character’s perspective and listens to others during the role-play and discussion.
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Activity 3: Peaceful Resolution Brainstorm
Objective: Students will think creatively about how the conflict in Judges 19 could have been resolved peacefully.
Instructions:
1. In groups, students brainstorm peaceful solutions to the conflicts in the story.
2. Encourage them to write down and present their ideas.
Roles:
– Facilitator: Guides the brainstorming session.
– Scribe: Writes down all ideas.
– Timekeeper: Ensures the group stays within the time limit.
– Presenter: Shares the group’s ideas with the class.
Discussion Prompts:
– What could the characters have done differently to avoid conflict?
– How can you apply these peaceful solutions to problems you face in your own life?
Participation: Have each student contribute at least one idea and encourage active listening and feedback during the presentation.
Download PDF for Group Activity
Journaling
Guided Journaling Prompts for Judges 19
1. Understanding the Story:
– Who are the main characters in this chapter? How would you describe them?
– What happens to the Levite and his concubine? Can you retell the story in your own words?
2. Reflecting on the Characters’ Actions:
– How did the people in the town treat strangers and guests? How do you think they should have behaved?
– Have you ever been in a situation where someone was not treated kindly? How did that make you feel?
3. Connecting to Personal Experience:
– Think about a time when you had to make a hard decision. What helped you decide what to do?
– What can we learn from this story about treating others? How can you show kindness and hospitality to someone today?
4. Applying the Lesson:
– What would you do if you saw someone being treated unfairly? Who could you talk to for help?
– How can we make sure everyone feels safe and welcome in our community?
5. Prayer and Reflection:
– Write a prayer asking for courage to stand up for what is right and for kindness to treat others with love.
– Thank God for the guidance to help us make good choices and to care for those around us.
6. Open-Ended Reflection:
– What is one thing you learned from this story that you want to remember?
– If you could change one part of the story, what would it be and why? How might your changes make a difference?
Use these prompts to think deeply about the story, your own life, and your relationship with others.
Quiz
Judges 19 Quiz
Multiple-Choice Questions:
1. Where was the Levite’s concubine originally from?
a) Bethlehem
b) Hebron
c) Jerusalem
2. Who suggested staying overnight in the town of Gibeah?
a) The concubine
b) The Levite’s servant
c) The Levite
True/False Questions:
3. The Levite’s concubine ran away from him to go to her parents’ house.
True / False
4. The people of Gibeah were very welcoming and offered the travelers a place to stay.
True / False
Short-Answer Question:
5. Describe what happened when the Levite, his servant, and concubine arrived in Gibeah and looked for a place to stay.
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Answer Key
1. a) Bethlehem
2. b) The Levite’s servant
3. True
4. False
5. When they arrived in Gibeah, they sat in the town square because no one offered them a place to stay until an old man invited them into his home for the night.
Teacher Tips
Teacher Notes for Teaching Judges 19 to Elementary Students
Objective:
Introduce students to the biblical story while focusing on its themes and morals in an age-appropriate manner.
Pacing Suggestions:
– Introduction (5 minutes): Briefly set the context of the Book of Judges and its role in the Old Testament.
– Story Recap (10 minutes): Provide a simplified version of Judges 19, focusing mainly on broad themes rather than detailed events.
– Discussion (10 minutes): Engage students in discussing the story’s themes.
– Activity (10 minutes): Reinforce lessons through an activity.
– Closing (5 minutes): Summarize key takeaways and answer questions.
Explaining Difficult Concepts:
1. Historical Context:
– “Judges were leaders of Israel before they had kings. Their role was to help guide and rescue the people during difficult times.”
2. Themes of Hospitality and Kindness:
– Highlight the importance of hospitality in the ancient world and how it relates to kindness and caring for others.
3. Moral Decisions:
– Focus on how making good choices is important and how poor decisions can lead to negative outcomes.
– Use examples relevant to the students’ daily lives to illustrate the importance of good decision-making.
Managing Student Engagement:
– Storytelling Techniques: Use animated storytelling to keep students engaged. Use props or visuals (like simple drawings) to make the narrative more tangible.
– Interactive Questions: Pause during the story to ask simple questions that invite students to predict what might happen next or to reflect on characters’ feelings.
– Group Discussion: Encourage students to discuss the story with a focus on how they would show kindness or help someone in need.
– Activity Suggestion: Have students draw a scene from the story or create a “what happens next” comic strip, emphasizing a positive outcome based on kindness and hospitality.
Guidance for Sensitive Topics:
– Be sensitive to the violence and mature themes in the story. Avoid graphic details and focus instead on the broader message of the importance of being kind and making choices that help others.
– Ensure a supportive environment where students feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings.
Conclusion:
Emphasize the overarching lessons of kindness, making good choices, and helping those around us. Reinforce that these lessons reflect values we can apply today.
Crafts
Craft Activity: “Journey in the Promised Land Map”
Objective:
Help students understand the geography and events of Judges 19 by creating a visual map, emphasizing the journey and locations mentioned in the story.
Materials List:
– Large sheet of construction paper or poster board
– Markers or colored pencils
– Crayons
– String or yarn
– Glue sticks
– Scissors (child-safe)
– Small paper or sticky notes
– Printed map of ancient Israel (optional)
– Labels for key locations: Bethlehem, Ephraim, Gibeah, Jerusalem, etc.
Instructions:
1. Introduction: Briefly discuss the story of Judges 19, ensuring it is age-appropriate. Focus on the journey aspect and the different locations mentioned.
2. Create the Base:
– Provide each student with a large sheet of construction paper or poster board.
– If possible, supply a simplified printed map of ancient Israel for reference.
3. Outline the Map:
– Have students use markers or crayons to outline a basic shape of the region of Israel on the poster board.
– Explain where each key location (Bethlehem, Ephraim, Gibeah, Jerusalem) is and have them mark these on the map.
4. Labeling and Pathways:
– Students write the names of each key location on small pieces of paper or sticky notes.
– Glue or tape these labels onto the map in the correct places.
5. Mark the Journey:
– Using string or yarn, show the journey route.
– Cut pieces of string for each segment of the journey (e.g., Bethlehem to Ephraim) and glue them onto the map.
6. Decorate and Personalize:
– Allow students to decorate their maps using crayons or colored pencils, adding drawings of biblical-era structures or nature features, like rivers and hills, near the journey paths.
7. Review the Lesson:
– Once completed, review the map as a class.
– Discuss the events that took place in each location, emphasizing the moral and lessons derived from the story.
Reinforcement of Lesson:
This activity aids in spatial learning by helping students visualize and remember the geographical and narrative sequence of Judges 19. It also opens discussions on traveling in biblical times and its challenges, as well as the moral implications of decisions made throughout the story. Building the map collectively reinforces the collaborative learning aspect, inviting students to work together to understand historical and biblical contexts.
Music
Worship Songs and Activities for Judges 19
Due to the mature content of Judges 19, it’s important to focus on themes that are appropriate for elementary students. Here are a couple of generalized suggestions that emphasize kindness, hospitality, and making good choices:
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Song: “Love One Another”
Lyrics Paraphrase:
– “Jesus taught us to love each other, every day and everywhere.”
– “Help a friend and be kind to others, show God’s love and always care.”
Suggested Actions:
– Form a circle and hold hands while singing.
– Use signing for words like “love,” “friend,” and “help” to engage the children.
– Encourage students to share a hug or high-five with their neighbor at the end.
Connection to Lesson:
While Judges 19 includes difficult themes, focus discussions on the importance of loving our neighbors and treating others with kindness and respect. Discuss how each student can demonstrate this love in their home, school, and community.
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Song: “Be the Light”
Lyrics Paraphrase:
– “Be the light in the darkness, show the way to those lost.”
– “Share the joy and spread God’s kindness, lead others to the cross.”
Suggested Actions:
– Give each student a small battery-operated candle or flashlight.
– Encourage them to raise the light at parts of the song that mention being a light.
– At the end of the song, ask them to make a ‘light’ gesture by opening their arms wide.
Connection to Lesson:
Emphasize the power of being a positive influence in challenging situations. Encourage students to talk about how they can be a light in their own communities, focusing on spreading love and kindness.
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Activity: “Acts of Kindness Jar”
– Provide a small jar and strips of paper.
– Ask students to write down simple acts of kindness they can do for others.
– Place the strips in the jar, mix them up, and let each child pick one to complete during the week.
Connection to Lesson:
This activity reinforces the practice of caring for others and making positive choices, teaching children to contribute to a nurturing and compassionate environment in contrast to the negative behaviors depicted in Judges 19.
Scripture Background
Background Notes for Judges 19
Historical Context:
– Time Period: This story is set during the time of the Judges, a period in Israel’s history before they had kings. It was a time when Israel was ruled by judges who acted as leaders and warriors.
– Location: The events occur mainly in the town of Gibeah, which was part of the territory of the tribe of Benjamin.
Cultural Context:
– Tribal Society: Israel was made up of 12 tribes, each descended from the sons of Jacob. These tribes didn’t always get along, and their unity was often tested.
– Hospitality: In ancient Israel, offering hospitality to travelers was very important. Visitors were welcomed and protected by their hosts—this was a sacred duty.
– Levites: The main character is a Levite. Levites were members of the tribe of Levi, who were responsible for religious duties and played a key role in worship and rituals.
Theological Insights:
– Moral Decline: The passage shows the moral and social chaos when people do not follow God’s laws. It’s a reminder of how far the people had strayed from the teachings given to them.
– Justice and Consequences: The chapter sets the stage for the drastic actions that follow. It highlights the importance of justice and how wrongdoing can lead to severe consequences.
– Community and Leadership: The absence of a strong leader is evident. This story shows what happens when there is no wise leadership to guide the people, emphasizing the need for righteous leaders.
Discussion Points for Elementary Students:
– Choices Have Consequences: Discuss how the actions of individuals can affect the wider community.
– Importance of Hospitality: Talk about why being kind and welcoming to others is important, based on the story’s emphasis on hospitality.
– The Role of Leaders: Consider why having good leaders is important and how leaders can help make communities better.
These notes aim to help students and teachers understand the underlying lessons of Judges 19, while considering its historical and cultural setting.
Download PDF for Scripture Background
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