Deuteronomy 21 · Grade 3
Justice in the Land
Read the Story
Sometimes a person was found killed in a field, and no one knew who did it. The elders found the nearest city. Its elders washed their hands. They said, Our hands have not shed this blood. They prayed, Forgive Your people Israel. God cared that innocent blood not stain the land.
Moses gave laws about family life. A father with two wives must give the double portion to his true firstborn son. He must do this even if he loved the other wife more. A son who would not obey was brought to the elders. Rebellion was serious in Israel.
If a man was put to death and hung on a tree, his body must be buried that same day. One who is hanged is cursed by God. Paul later wrote that Christ became a curse for us (Galatians 3:13).
Memory Verse
“So you shall put away the innocent blood from among you, when you shall do that which is right in Yahweh’s eyes.”
Deuteronomy 21:9 (WEB)
Answer the Questions
What did the elders of the nearest city do?
What did God care about?
Who should get the double portion?
Why must the body be buried that day?
What did Paul write about Christ?
Justice in the Land
Write what happened in each box.
Prayer
Dear God, thank You for being just. Help me . Amen.
Take It Home
For families: talk about these together.
- Why did the elders wash their hands?
- How can you be fair to brothers and sisters?
Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.