In this lesson, children learn that God sees what people build and trade, and that wealth and pride cannot keep anyone safe. Ezekiel 27 tells the story of Tyre, a rich city by the sea that thought it was too beautiful to fall. This lesson works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God is the one who is truly in charge, even of the richest cities. Pride and riches cannot keep us safe, but God always keeps His promises and is always good.
Memory Verse
Ezekiel 27:3
And tell Tyre, ‘You who dwell at the entry of the sea, who are the merchant of the peoples to many islands, thus says the Lord the LORD: “You, Tyre, have said, ‘I am perfect in beauty.’
(WEB)
Ask the children to place both hands on their chest, then lift their hands up high. Lower them slowly as you say the words together. Repeat the motion three times so the children remember that pride goes down before God.
The Story: Ezekiel 27 for Kids
Long ago, there was a big city called Tyre. It sat on the edge of the sea, and ships from many lands sailed in and out of its harbor. People came from far away to buy and sell goods there. Tyre was rich, and its people were proud of how beautiful and important their city had become.
God sent His prophet Ezekiel to speak to Tyre. God told Ezekiel to sing a sad song about the city. In the song, Tyre was like a fine ship, built with the best wood from faraway forests. Its sails were made of colorful cloth from Egypt, and its sailors came from many countries.
Many people worked for Tyre. Some were rowers, some were builders, and some were soldiers who guarded the walls. Traders came from Tarshish, Judah, Damascus, and many other places. Each one brought something special, like silver, honey, wine, or gold. The ships carried these treasures all over the sea.
But Tyre began to think that it did not need God. The city said, “We are perfect and beautiful.” God said that a great storm would break this proud ship in the middle of the sea. When that happened, the sailors would weep, put dust on their heads, and sit in the ashes. Other nations would be shocked to see how quickly the great city had fallen.
The story teaches us that Tyre trusted its riches and its beauty instead of trusting God. When God says something will happen, it always does. Tyre’s wealth could not save it from the sea.
Read It Together
Ezekiel 27:4
Your borders are in the heart of the seas. Your builders have perfected your beauty.
(WEB)
Point out that the city boasted about how strong and beautiful it was, and that the builders made it look that way. Ask children what things they might feel proud of, and remind them that good things come from God.
Ezekiel 27:27
Your riches, your wares, your merchandise, your mariners, your pilots, your repairers of ship seams, the dealers in your merchandise, and all your men of war, who are in you, with all your company which is among you, will fall into the heart of the seas in the day of your ruin.
(WEB)
Show the children how the verse lists all the riches, workers, and goods that would sink together. Explain that money and things cannot protect us when trouble comes, but God is always with His people.
Ezekiel 27:36
The merchants among the peoples hiss at you. You have become a terror, and you will be no more.”’”
(WEB)
Read this verse slowly and help children notice how the proud city became a warning to everyone who saw it. Explain that God wants us to learn from this story and to trust Him more than anything we own.
Talk About It
- What kinds of things did the people of Tyre love and trust?
- Why do you think the city felt so proud of its beauty?
- What can we do when we feel tempted to brag about what we have?
- How can we show that we trust God more than our toys, clothes, or money?
- Why is it good to remember that God is always in control of every nation?
Activity Ideas
Paper Ship Craft
You will need construction paper, crayons, tape, and a small cup of sand. Have each child fold a paper boat and decorate its sail with bright colors like the cloth from Egypt. Then let them place the boats in a tray of water or a bowl and talk about how a storm can sink even the grandest ship.
Storm and Shelter Game
Clear a space in the room and ask the children to stand on one side. Call out “Storm!” and have them run to the other side, where you have placed a blanket or table as a safe shelter. Afterward, talk about how God is our true shelter, not the things we collect.
Take-Home Pride Check
Give each child an index card and a pencil. Ask them to draw one thing they have that they are thankful for and one way they can trust God this week. Encourage families to look at the cards together at dinner and pray over them.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter is a sober reminder that human wealth, skill, and beauty are never the final source of security. The prophet shows that God judges pride and self-trust, and that nations and people alike must answer to Him. It also shows God’s authority over the sea and over all the trade routes of the ancient world.
With children, avoid overstating the details about each trading nation or the exact locations of ancient cities. Keep the focus on the simple truth that God is in charge and that pride leads to a fall, rather than turning the lesson into a geography or history report.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You are bigger than every city and every ship on the sea. Help us not to be proud of the things we have, but to trust You every day. Keep us safe in Your care and help us remember that You never change. Amen.
