This lesson teaches children that God is the true Lord over everything, even the frogs, bugs, and flies that Pharaoh thought he could control. It is best for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, with a short story, a memory verse, and simple activities.
Big Idea
God is in charge of everything, and no one is stronger than Him. Even when people say no to God, He can do what He promised. He is the one true God.
Memory Verse
Exodus 8:10
He said, “Tomorrow.” He said, “Be it according to your word, that you may know that there is no one like the LORD our God.
(WEB)
Teach the children to hold both hands up like they are holding a big, tall book, then slowly raise their voices as they say “There is no one like the LORD our God.” Do the motion together three times so the words stick.
The Story: Exodus 8 for Kids
God sent His servant Moses to tell the king of Egypt, whose name was Pharaoh, to let God’s people go. God’s people were the Israelites, and they had been slaves in Egypt for a very long time. Pharaoh did not want to let them go. He said no.
So God sent a plague of frogs. Frogs came up out of the river and filled the whole land. They were in the houses, in the beds, and even in the ovens. Imagine a frog hopping onto your pillow! Pharaoh was so unhappy that he begged Moses to pray and make the frogs go away. Moses prayed, and the frogs all died. People piled them up in heaps, and the land smelled bad.
Then Pharaoh changed his mind again. He would not let the people go. God told Moses to strike the dust of the earth, and it turned into tiny bugs called lice. Even the magicians of Egypt could not make lice, and they said to Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God!” But Pharaoh still would not listen.
Next, God sent swarms of flies into the houses of the Egyptians. The land was ruined by the buzzing flies. But God made a difference. The land of Goshen, where His people lived, had no flies at all. God was showing everyone that He could tell His people apart from the Egyptians.
Pharaoh said, “Go and sacrifice to your God, but do not go far away.” Moses prayed again, and God removed every fly. Not one was left. But Pharaoh hardened his heart and did not let the people go. He did not listen, even after God had shown His power.
Read It Together
Exodus 8:1
The LORD spoke to Moses, Go in to Pharaoh, and tell him, “This is what the LORD says, ‘Let my people go, that they may serve me.
(WEB)
Point out that God told Moses exactly what to say to Pharaoh. Explain that God spoke first, and Moses listened and obeyed. Ask the children how they can listen to God’s words.
Exodus 8:6
Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt; and the frogs came up, and covered the land of Egypt.
(WEB)
Show the children that Aaron did what God asked, and the frogs came. Help them see that when God gives a command, it happens exactly the way He says. Pause to talk about how God keeps His word.
Exodus 8:22
I will set apart in that day the land of Goshen, in which my people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there; to the end you may know that I am the LORD on the earth.
(WEB)
Point out that God kept the flies away from His people in Goshen. Explain that God protects and cares for those who belong to Him. Ask the children what it means that God knows exactly where each of His people is.
Talk About It
- What did Pharaoh say to Moses, and what did Pharaoh do after the frogs came?
- Why do you think God made the flies stay away from the land of Goshen?
- What surprised you most about the frogs, the lice, or the flies?
- How can you show God that you believe He is in charge of everything?
- When someone tells you no, what can you do instead of getting angry or stubborn?
Activity Ideas
Frog Craft
You will need paper plates, green paint or crayons, glue, and googly eyes if you have them. Have each child paint or color a paper plate green, then glue on two eyes and fold a paper strip for legs. While the children work, tell them that God made the frogs come and then made them go. Let them take their frog home to remind them that God is the one who is in charge.
Frog Hop Game
Mark a starting line and an ending line with tape or string about ten steps apart. Ask the children to hop like frogs from the start to the end, then call out “Frogs go away!” and have them freeze. Each time they freeze, say a phrase from the memory verse. This game gets the children moving and helps them remember the words.
Take-Home Verse Card
You will need index cards, a pencil, and markers or crayons. Write the memory verse reference on one side of the card and draw a simple picture of a frog or a fly on the other. Encourage each child to read the verse with a parent or sibling at home that week. Ask the family to say together, “There is no one like the LORD our God.”
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s power reaches into every part of ordinary life, including the places we would never expect. Pharaoh’s stubbornness reminds us that a hard heart can keep saying no even after clear evidence. The chapter also shows God’s care and protection for His people, marking them apart from those who resist Him.
With children, avoid overstating the idea that God sends pain or harm to punish people as a simple rule for daily life. Focus instead on God’s power, His faithfulness to His promises, and His protection of those who trust Him. Keep the emphasis on what God is like, not on frightening details.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You are bigger than everything in this world. Help us to listen to You like Moses did, and to trust that You always keep Your promises. Protect us and help us to love You more each day. Amen.
