Children can learn from Amos 9 that God is in control of everything, even when people try to hide from Him, and that He keeps His promise to restore His people. This lesson suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God sees everything and nothing can hide from Him. Even when He is sad about sin, He always keeps His promise to bring His people home and make them strong again.
Memory Verse
Amos 9:14
I will bring my people Israel back from captivity, and they will rebuild the ruined cities, and inhabit them; and they will plant vineyards, and drink wine from them. They shall also make gardens, and eat their fruit.
(WEB)
Teach the children to hold both hands in front of them, then open them slowly like a flower blooming as they say the verse together. Repeat it three times, getting a little quieter each time.
The Story: Amos 9 for Kids
Long ago, a shepherd named Amos spoke messages from God to the people of Israel. In this chapter, Amos saw a vision of the Lord standing beside an altar. God said that people who tried to run away from Him would not escape, not even if they dug deep into the ground or climbed high into the sky.
God reminded His people that He had done great things for them. He had brought Israel out of the land of Egypt, just as He had led other nations from their homes. The people had turned away from Him and did wrong things, so God said that He would stop their sin and remove them from the land.
But God did not forget His promise. He told the people that He would not destroy every one of them. One day He would lift up the family of David, which had fallen apart, and make it strong again. He said, “I will bring my people Israel back.” God was going to restore the land and let His people live there again.
In the end, God painted a happy picture of the future. Farmers would be so busy with a bountiful harvest that the plowman would run into the reaper. Grapes would be so plentiful that sweet wine would flow from the hills. The people would plant gardens, eat their fruit, and live safely in the land God had given them.
Read It Together
Amos 9:2
Though they dig into Sheol, there my hand will take them; and though they climb up to heaven, there I will bring them down.
(WEB)
Point out that nothing can hide from God, even in the deepest or highest places. Ask the children what it means that God can find anyone, anywhere, and talk about how that can comfort us.
Amos 9:8
Behold, the eyes of the Lord the LORD are on the sinful kingdom, and I will destroy it from off the surface of the earth; except that I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob,” says the LORD.
(WEB)
Show the children that God was not happy with sin, but He still chose to keep a remnant of His people. Explain that this shows God’s faithful love even when people make mistakes.
Amos 9:11
In that day I will raise up the tent of David who is fallen, and close up its breaches, and I will raise up its ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old…
(WEB)
Point to the word “raise” and explain that God promised to lift up what had fallen down. Help the children see that God is a Creator who repairs and rebuilds what was broken.
Talk About It
- Where is a place you might want to hide from someone, and why would you want to hide?
- How did it feel to know that God could see you everywhere you went?
- What do you think the people of Israel felt when God told them He would not destroy them completely?
- What is one thing you are looking forward to, like a harvest or a happy time with family?
- How can you show God that you trust Him to keep His promises?
Activity Ideas
Vineyard Collage Drawing
Give each child a sheet of paper, crayons, and some scrap paper or magazine pictures of grapes and gardens. Ask them to draw a hillside with a vineyard and a garden, then glue on pictures of fruit and wine jars. As they work, have them describe what God promised the people of Israel in their own words.
Hide and Seek Blessing Game
Play a simple game of hide and seek in a safe room or yard, with the teacher or a parent hiding first. Explain that nothing can hide from God, and that He always finds us. After each round, say a short sentence aloud about how God keeps His promises, then play again.
Take-Home Promise Card
Give each child an index card and a marker, and ask them to write or draw one thing God has promised. Have them punch a hole in the corner and tie on a piece of yarn so they can hang it near their bed. Encourage them to look at it each night and remember that God never forgets His word.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God is sovereign over all creation and cannot be escaped, yet He is also faithful to His covenant promises. The judgment in the early verses is real, but it is followed by a hopeful picture of restoration that points forward to God’s larger plan of salvation.
With children, avoid overstating the harsh images of judgment or suggesting that God is looking for reasons to punish them. Keep the focus on God’s unfailing love and His promise to bring His people home.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, we thank You that You see us everywhere and that nothing is hidden from You. Help us trust You when we feel lost or afraid, because You always keep Your promises. Thank You for bringing us home and making us strong. Amen.
