In this lesson, children learn that God is in charge of every kingdom, and that proud people who ignore Him will not stand. The lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the memory verse and a short activity.
Big Idea
God is the King over all kings. Nobody is greater than Him, and He knows everything we do.
Memory Verse
Daniel 5:21
He was driven from the sons of men, and his heart was made like the animals’, and his dwelling was with the wild donkeys. He was fed with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of the sky; until he knew that the Most High God rules in the kingdom of men, and that he sets up over it whomever he will.
(WEB)
Have children stand tall with their arms raised high like a king on a throne, then slowly lower their arms and bow their heads each time they say “the Most High God rules.” Repeat the motions three times so the words and actions stay together in their minds.
The Story: Daniel 5 for Kids
Long ago, a king named Belshazzar gave a big party for a thousand of his lords. The party was in a fancy room, and everyone was eating and drinking wine. Belshazzar wanted to show off, so he told his servants to bring out the gold and silver cups that had been taken from the temple in Jerusalem. The people at the party drank from those holy cups and praised their gods made of gold, silver, wood, and stone.
Suddenly, a hand appeared and began writing on the wall right near the lamp. The king’s face turned pale, and his knees started knocking together. He shouted for his wise men to come and read the writing. “Whoever reads it for me will wear purple clothes and a gold chain,” he said. But none of the wise men could read the words.
The queen heard the noise and came to the room. She told the king about a man named Daniel, who had wisdom from God and had served the king’s father. “Let Daniel come,” she said. So Daniel was brought in before the king.
Daniel did not want a reward. He told the king that God had given Nebuchadnezzar, the king’s father, a great kingdom. But when that king became proud and would not listen to God, God humbled him and sent him to live with the animals for a time. Daniel then said, “You, Belshazzar, knew all this and still did not humble your heart.”
Daniel read the words on the wall. They meant that God had counted the king’s kingdom and brought it to an end. The king had been weighed on God’s scale and found not good enough. His kingdom would be given to other people.
That very night, the king was killed, and Darius the Mede took over the kingdom. God had kept His promise, and the proud king learned that God is in charge.
Read It Together
Daniel 5:22-23
22 “You, his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, though you knew all this, 23 but have lifted up yourself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before you, and you and your lords, your wives, and your concubines, have drunk wine from them. You have praised the gods of silver and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which don’t see, or hear, or know; and you have not glorified the God in whose hand your breath is, and whose are all your ways.
(WEB)
Point out that Belshazzar knew the story of his father but still refused to honor God. Ask children what it means to humble your heart, and how we can show God that we trust Him instead of ourselves.
Daniel 5:26-28
26 “This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE: God has counted your kingdom, and brought it to an end. 27 TEKEL: you are weighed in the balances, and are found wanting. 28 PERES: your kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.”
(WEB)
Explain that Daniel read the writing as a message from God. Show children that God knows our hearts and gives us a chance to listen before things go wrong.
Daniel 5:29
Then Belshazzar commanded, and they clothed Daniel with purple, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.
(WEB)
Note that Daniel was rewarded for telling the truth, even though the news was hard. Help children see that Daniel stayed faithful to God even when a king was watching.
Talk About It
- What did Belshazzar do at the party that showed he did not respect God?
- How do you think Daniel felt when he had to tell the king a hard message?
- Why do you think the king was so scared when he saw the hand writing on the wall?
- What are some ways we can show God that we know He is in charge of everything?
- Why is it important to be humble and listen when someone tells us the truth?
Activity Ideas
Handwriting on the Wall Craft
You will need a large sheet of brown paper, a black marker, and some tape. Crumple the paper a little, then smooth it out to look like old plaster. Let each child trace their hand in gold or yellow crayon and write one word that reminds them that God is in charge, such as “King” or “Holy.” Tape the finished papers up in the classroom or at home.
Stand Tall, Bow Low Game
You will need an open space and a timer or a clap. Call out “King” and have children stand tall like kings, then call out “Proud” and have them slump down low. Call out “Humble” and have them bow their heads with their hands folded. Play faster as the children get the hang of it, then end by saying together that God is the one who rules.
Take-Home Promise Card
You will need index cards, crayons, and a pencil. On each card, have the child draw a crown and write “God is King” in large letters. Encourage them to keep it on their nightstand or in their backpack and read it aloud each morning. Ask them to share with a family member what the card means to them.
Teacher Notes
This chapter shows that God rules over every earthly kingdom and holds every person accountable for how they respond to Him. Belshazzar had seen what happened to his father, yet he chose pride and mockery instead of humility. For adults, the story is a sober reminder that God’s patience is real but not endless, and that remembering His past faithfulness should lead us to honor Him now.
Avoid overstating the frightening parts of the story to children, such as the king’s fear or his death. Keep the focus on God’s authority and Daniel’s faithfulness, and reassure children that God loves those who trust and obey Him.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, we know that You are the King over everything. Help us to stand tall in our trust in You and to bow our hearts when we need to listen. Thank You for being in charge and for loving us so much. Help us to honor You every day. Amen.
