This lesson teaches children that God is in charge of every kingdom and that his kingdom will last forever. It is designed for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, questions, and a simple activity.
Big Idea
God is the King who lasts forever, and nothing can take his kingdom away from him. Even when scary things happen in the world, God is still in charge.
Memory Verse
Daniel 7:14
Dominion was given him, and glory, and a kingdom, that all the peoples, nations, and languages should serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which will not pass away, and his kingdom that which will not be destroyed.
(WEB)
Have children stand up tall and raise both arms over their heads like a crown, then slowly bring them down as they say the verse together. Repeat it three times, making the motion bigger each time so the words stick.
The Story: Daniel 7 for Kids
One night, a man named Daniel had a strange dream. He saw four big, wild animals rising out of a great, stormy sea. Each animal looked very different from the others, and each one was frightening in its own way. Daniel did not know what the dream meant, and it made him feel troubled inside.
The first animal looked like a lion with eagle’s wings. Then the wings were pulled off, and the lion stood up on two feet like a person. The second animal looked like a bear, and it was told to get up and eat a lot of meat. The third animal looked like a leopard with four bird wings and four heads. Each of these animals stood for a powerful king who would rise up on the earth.
Then came the fourth animal, the scariest of all. It had huge iron teeth, ten horns, and it crushed everything under its feet. Suddenly a little horn grew up among the others, and it had eyes like a man and a mouth that spoke proud, boastful words. Daniel watched these things with a heavy heart.
Then Daniel saw something wonderful. A great throne was set up, and God, called the Ancient of Days, sat down on it. His clothes were as white as snow, and the throne was made of fire. Thousands and thousands of angels stood around him, and the books of judgment were opened. God was clearly in charge of everything.
Daniel also saw someone like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He came before God, and God gave him authority, glory, and a kingdom. Everyone from every nation would serve him, and his kingdom would never end. Daniel was still troubled, but he remembered this truth and kept it close to his heart.
Read It Together
Daniel 7:9
“I watched until thrones were placed, and one who was ancient of days sat. His clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool. His throne was fiery flames, and its wheels burning fire.
(WEB)
Point out that God’s throne is described as a real seat of rule, with fire and light all around it. Ask children to notice that God is the one who sits in charge, not the scary animals. Help them see that God is above every power in the world.
Daniel 7:13-14
13 “I saw in the night visions, and behold, there came with the clouds of the sky one like a son of man, and he came even to the ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. 14 Dominion was given him, and glory, and a kingdom, that all the peoples, nations, and languages should serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which will not pass away, and his kingdom that which will not be destroyed.
(WEB)
Show children that the one like a son of man is given a kingdom that lasts forever. Explain that this points ahead to Jesus, who would later be called the Son of Man and whose kingdom will never end. Let children say the word “forever” together.
Daniel 7:27
The kingdom and the dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole sky, will be given to the people of the saints of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions will serve and obey him.’
(WEB)
Point out that God gives his people a share in the kingdom and that every power will serve and obey him. Ask children to notice the word “everlasting” and talk about what it means for something to never run out or end.
Talk About It
- What kinds of scary animals did Daniel see in his dream?
- How did Daniel feel when he watched those animals, and how do you feel when something scary happens?
- Who sat on the throne, and what did he look like?
- What did God give to the one like a son of man, and how long will that kingdom last?
- How can knowing that God is always in charge help you when you feel afraid?
Activity Ideas
Draw Daniel’s Dream Animals
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw one of the four animals from the dream, such as the lion with eagle wings or the animal with iron teeth. Let them add bright colors and big teeth. Then hang the pictures on the wall and talk about how each animal looked different from the others.
Crown Walk Game
You will need a open space and a cardboard crown for each child, which can be made from paper strips taped into a circle. Have children walk around the room while balancing their crowns. When you call out “Forever!” they freeze and hold the crown high over their heads. Explain that God’s crown and kingdom never fall off.
Kingdom Promise Card
You will need an index card, a pencil, and a small envelope for each child. Ask children to write or draw a picture of God sitting on his throne on one side of the card. On the other side, they can write the word “forever.” Let them take the card home and put it somewhere they will see it, like by their bed, as a reminder that God is in charge.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that human kingdoms rise and fall, but God’s kingdom is everlasting and will be given to his holy people. Daniel’s vision looks ahead to the rule of the Son of Man, which Christians connect with Jesus. The chapter reminds God’s people to trust him even when the world seems frightening and out of control.
Be careful not to overstate the details of the animals and horns to children, since the chapter’s symbols are complex and debated among Bible scholars. Focus on the simple truth that God is in charge and his kingdom lasts forever.
A Prayer to Close
Lord God, thank you that you sit on your throne and rule over everything. When we feel scared or worried, help us remember that your kingdom will never end. Keep us close to you and help us trust you every day. Amen.
