This lesson teaches children that God sees what people do to others and that He is always fair and in charge. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the verses, and one activity.
Big Idea
God sees every unkind thing people do, and He always keeps His promises to make things right. We can trust Him to be fair, even when we do not understand what He is doing.
Memory Verse
Ezekiel 25:5
I will make Rabbah a stable for camels, and the children of Ammon a resting place for flocks. Then you will know that I am the LORD.”
(WEB)
Teach the children to raise both hands up high when they say “Then you will know that I am the LORD.” Then bring their hands down slowly, showing that God’s plans come down to earth. Repeat the motion three times together until everyone can say it without looking at the page.
The Story: Ezekiel 25 for Kids
God gave a message to a prophet named Ezekiel. God told Ezekiel to speak to the people of Ammon, a nation that lived near Israel. The Ammonites had been mean to God’s people. When Israel’s Temple was destroyed and God’s people were taken away, the Ammonites cheered and laughed about it.
God was not happy about this. He said, “You said ‘Aha!’ against my holy place, and you were glad when my people were hurt.” God told Ezekiel that He would let other nations come and take the land of Ammon. Their homes would become places for animals to rest, and no one would be left there to be proud.
The story did not stop with Ammon. God spoke about Moab, which was another neighbor of Israel. Moab had also been glad when Judah was in trouble. God said He would take away the cities of Moab, too. Then the people of Edom came up in the story. Edom had taken revenge on God’s people, and God said they would not get away with it.
Last of all, God spoke about the Philistines, who had also been cruel to Israel. God told them that He would stretch out His hand against them. Every time, God said the same thing: “Then they will know that I am the LORD.” God wanted everyone to remember that He is real, that He is strong, and that He sees everything.
Read It Together
Ezekiel 25:3
Tell the children of Ammon, ‘Hear the word of the Lord the LORD! Thus says the Lord the LORD, “Because you said, ‘Aha!’ against my sanctuary, when it was profaned; and against the land of Israel, when it was made desolate; and against the house of Judah, when they went into captivity…
(WEB)
Point out the words “Because you said, ‘Aha!'” and ask the children what that sound might mean. Explain that God noticed the Ammonites were happy when others were sad. Remind them that God notices how we treat other people, even when no one else sees.
Ezekiel 25:6-7
6 For thus says the Lord the LORD: “Because you have clapped your hands, stamped with the feet, and rejoiced with all the contempt of your soul against the land of Israel; 7 therefore, behold, I have stretched out my hand on you, and will deliver you for a plunder to the nations. I will cut you off from the peoples, and I will cause you to perish out of the countries. I will destroy you. Then you will know that I am the LORD.”
(WEB)
Show the children the word “clapped” and have them clap their hands once. Explain that clapping and stamping were ways people showed they were celebrating someone else’s pain. Help the children see that God is the one who decides when justice happens, not us.
Ezekiel 25:14
I will lay my vengeance on Edom by the hand of my people Israel. They will do in Edom according to my anger and according to my wrath. Then they will know my vengeance,” says the Lord the LORD.
(WEB)
Point out that God says His people will be part of the story of justice. Explain that God does not need us to take revenge, because He is the one who makes things right. Help the children understand that they should leave payback to God and choose kindness instead.
Talk About It
- What do you think it felt like for God’s people when the Ammonites laughed at them?
- How can we tell when someone is happy because something bad is happening to another person?
- Why do you think God wants us to leave revenge to Him instead of getting even ourselves?
- What is one way you can be kind to someone who has been unkind to you?
- What does it mean that God wants everyone to “know that I am the LORD”?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Picture of God Seeing Everything
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a large eye in the middle of the page, then draw small scenes around it, like a playground, a kitchen table, or a classroom. Explain that God sees all of these places and every choice people make. Let the children share their pictures and tell the group one kind thing they saw someone do.
Stomp, Clap, and Stop Game
You will need a open space and a bell or a wooden spoon to tap on a pot. Explain that the children will act out the unkind actions from the story, such as clapping and stamping. When you tap the spoon, they should stop and freeze, then do a gentle action like a high five or a hug. Talk about how choosing kindness is better than copying unkind behavior.
Take-Home Promise Card
You will need index cards, a marker, and a pen or crayon. Have each child write or draw one way they will show kindness this week. On the other side, write “God sees everything I do.” Encourage the children to put the card on the refrigerator or by their bed. Ask their families to talk together about the card during dinner.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God is the rightful judge of all nations, not just Israel. It reveals that He takes injustice seriously, including mocking and taking advantage of others in their pain. The chapter also reminds believers that God is faithful to His word, and that He will act in history to make His character known.
Avoid overstating to children that every bad thing that happens to someone is a direct punishment from God. The chapter speaks about specific nations and their specific actions, and it is best to keep the focus on God’s justice and faithfulness rather than trying to match troubles to sins in children’s lives.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You see everything we do, both the good and the hard. Help us to be kind to others and to trust You to make things right. Help us remember that You are the LORD, and that You are always fair. Amen.
