This lesson teaches children that God always keeps His word, even when people think they are too strong to be stopped. It is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach. The story is a bit serious, so keep your tone calm and gentle as you go.
Big Idea
God says what He will do, and He always does it. Proud people cannot stop God from keeping His promises, and we can trust Him to be faithful every single day.
Memory Verse
Ezekiel 26:14
I will make you a bare rock. You will be a place for the spreading of nets. You will be built no more; for I the LORD have spoken it,’ says the Lord the LORD.
(WEB)
Have the children raise both arms high, then slowly bring them down to the floor as they say, “I the LORD have spoken it.” Doing the motion together helps the words stick, and children love the big, dramatic movement.
The Story: Ezekiel 26 for Kids
A long time ago, there was a beautiful city called Tyre. It sat near the sea, and its people sailed ships to many faraway places. They were rich, busy, and very proud of their strong walls and tall towers. When the city of Jerusalem was broken and left in ruins, the people of Tyre laughed and said, “Good! Now we will get more for ourselves.”
God heard them. He sent His prophet Ezekiel to tell the people of Tyre what would happen. God said, “I am against you, Tyre.” He promised that many nations would come against the city, the way ocean waves crash onto the beach.
Then God told Ezekiel about a king named Nebuchadnezzar, who ruled the great city of Babylon. This king would come with horses, chariots, and a huge army. He would break down the walls and towers of Tyre, and the once-busy city would become like a bare rock where fishermen spread their nets to dry.
The people of Tyre had thought their city was safe forever. But God said something that should make everyone stop and listen: “Then they will know that I am the LORD.” God wanted His people, and the whole world, to see that He is in charge of every nation, even the powerful ones.
Ezekiel also told about the sailors and leaders of the sea, who would be shocked and sad when they saw Tyre fall. They would sit on the ground and cry for the city they once admired. The whole story shows that no city, king, or army can stand against the Lord when He has spoken.
Read It Together
Ezekiel 26:3
Therefore thus says the Lord the LORD, ‘Behold, I am against you, Tyre, and will cause many nations to come up against you, as the sea causes its waves to come up.
(WEB)
Point out that God says, “Behold, I am against you.” Ask children to notice that God was not hiding His plan. He told the people ahead of time, so they had the chance to listen and change their hearts.
Ezekiel 26:19-21
19 “For thus says the Lord the LORD: ‘When I make you a desolate city, like the cities that are not inhabited; when I bring up the deep on you, and the great waters cover you; 20 then I will bring you down with those who descend into the pit, to the people of old time, and will make you dwell in the lower parts of the earth, in the places that are desolate of old, with those who go down to the pit, that you be not inhabited; and I will set glory in the land of the living. 21 I will make you a terror, and you will no more have any being. Though you are sought for, yet you will never be found again,’ says the Lord the LORD.”
(WEB)
Show children how God ends this part of the story. Explain that His words are firm, and that even though this was a hard time for Tyre, God is still the one who decides what happens in every nation.
Ezekiel 26:5-6
5 She will be a place for the spreading of nets in the middle of the sea; for I have spoken it,’ says the Lord the LORD. ‘She will become plunder for the nations. 6 Her daughters who are in the field will be slain with the sword. Then they will know that I am the LORD.’
(WEB)
Point out the phrase “Then they will know that I am the LORD.” Explain that God wants people to know Him, not just to be scared of Him, and that He shows His power so that people can trust Him.
Talk About It
- What do you think the people of Tyre felt when they heard God’s warning?
- Why did the people of Tyre laugh at Jerusalem, and what does that tell us about being proud?
- How can we tell that God keeps His promises, even when they are hard to hear?
- What would you have wanted to say to the people of Tyre if you had been there?
- Why do you think God wants everyone to know that He is the LORD?
Activity Ideas
Paper Wall and Tower Craft
You will need construction paper, glue, scissors, and a few small boxes or cups. Have children build a tower or wall using the materials and decorate it as the city of Tyre. Then talk together about how God says His word stands even when strong walls seem safe. Let them knock the tower over gently and say, “God keeps His word.”
Wave and Nets Game
Clear a space in the room and give children a long scarf or string to act as a net. Have them move like waves coming toward the “city” and then pretend to spread nets on the floor. Each time, call out, “I the LORD have spoken it,” and have everyone freeze. This movement game helps children picture the story while reviewing the memory verse.
Take-Home Promise Card
Provide index cards, markers, and stickers. Ask each child to write or draw one promise they know God keeps, such as His love or His help. Encourage them to take the card home and place it somewhere they will see it, like a bedroom door or lunch box. Tell them to share the card with a family member during the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s word is never empty. He announces what He will do, and history unfolds accordingly. It also reminds us that pride and security in worldly strength are not enough to stand against the Lord, and that God’s purposes include making Himself known to all peoples.
When teaching children, avoid overstating how God judges every disaster or suggesting that every hard event is a direct punishment for a specific sin. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and His authority over nations, and let the children ask questions about the hard parts with you.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You that You always keep Your word. Help us to be humble and to trust You when we do not understand what is happening. Teach us to know that You are the LORD, and help us to live as people who believe You. Amen.
