This lesson teaches children that God is the One in charge of every nation, and that He keeps every promise He makes, both to bring judgment and to bring rescue. It is built for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the memory verse, and the activity.
Big Idea
God is in charge of all the countries in the world, and what He says will happen, always happens. We can trust Him because He never breaks His word.
Memory Verse
Ezekiel 30:19
Thus I will execute judgments on Egypt. Then they will know that I am the LORD.”’”
(WEB)
Before you say the verse, hold both hands out in front of you, palms up, like a scale that is balanced. Then tap your chest twice on the words “I am the LORD.” Ask the children to copy your hands and tap along with you until they can say it without looking.
The Story: Ezekiel 30 for Kids
God gave a message to a man named Ezekiel, who lived far away from his home in a land called Babylon. God told Ezekiel to stand up and speak to the people. The message was about Egypt, a big and powerful country with a famous king named Pharaoh. Egypt had many cities, many soldiers, and many helpers from other nations, and the people there felt very proud of their strength.
God said that a day was coming when Egypt would fall. Ezekiel was told to cry out, “Oh no, the day is near!” The people of Egypt would be hurt, and their cities would be empty and quiet. God said the nations that helped Egypt would fall too, because they had trusted in Egypt instead of in Him.
God also said that He would bring a king named Nebuchadnezzar from Babylon to fight against Egypt. God told Ezekiel, “I will make the rivers dry and I will break the arms of Pharaoh.” God was telling them that even the mighty things people count on can be made weak when God decides to act.
Later, God gave another message to Ezekiel. He said, “I have broken the arm of Pharaoh, and it will not be made strong again.” God wanted the people to understand that Pharaoh could not hold his sword any longer. Then God said something important: “Then they will know that I am the LORD.” God wanted Egypt, and everyone who heard about it, to learn that He alone is God.
This story can seem scary, but God was showing that He is faithful. He always does what He says. Just as He promised judgment on the proud, He also promised to rescue His people, and He keeps every one of His promises.
Read It Together
Ezekiel 30:2-3
2 “Son of man, prophesy, and say, ‘Thus says the Lord the LORD: “Wail, ‘Alas for the day!’ 3 For the day is near, even the LORD’s day is near. It will be a day of clouds, a time of the nations.
(WEB)
Point out that God gave Ezekiel a message to share with the people. Explain that the word “prophesy” means to speak what God has said. Ask the children to notice that the message came from God, not from Ezekiel’s own ideas.
Ezekiel 30:6
“‘The LORD says: “They also who uphold Egypt will fall. The pride of her power will come down. They will fall by the sword in it from the tower of Seveneh,” says the Lord the LORD.
(WEB)
Point out the word “pride” and explain that it means thinking you are better than others or do not need God. Show how God does not like pride, and that trusting in ourselves instead of God can lead us into trouble. Ask children what helps them remember to trust God.
Ezekiel 30:25-26
25 I will hold up the arms of the king of Babylon; and the arms of Pharaoh will fall down. Then they will know that I am the LORD, when I put my sword into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he stretches it out on the land of Egypt. 26 I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and disperse them through the countries. 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 see who He is through what He does. Remind the children that God’s power is always used for good and for His purposes.
Talk About It
- What did God want the people of Egypt to learn when He showed His power?
- Why do you think God wanted the people to know that He is the LORD?
- What is something that makes a person feel very strong, and why can it fail?
- How does it feel to know that God always keeps His promises?
- What is one way you can trust God this week when something feels scary?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Balanced Scale
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a simple balance scale with two pans, one labeled “Pride” and one labeled “God.” Talk about how God’s power outweighs everything else. Let the children draw a small picture of something they feel strong about, then move it to the “God” side of the scale.
Stand Tall, Then Bow
You need an open space in the room and a timer. Call out “Stand tall like Pharaoh!” and have the children stand straight with their chins up. Then call out “Bow before God!” and have them bow low. Repeat several times, faster each round. End by saying the memory verse together while everyone bows.
Trust Jar at Home
You will need a clean jar, paper slips, and a pen. Ask your child to write one thing they are worried about on a slip of paper and place it in the jar. Explain that the jar is a reminder to give their worries to God, who is always in control. Each evening, read a slip together and pray about it.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Ezekiel 30 shows that God rules over every nation and every power, including those that seem unbeatable. The chapter reminds us that His judgments are real and that He is faithful to every word He speaks. It also shows that the goal of God’s actions is that people come to know who He is.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the idea of God’s judgment as something the children are personally responsible to bring about or to watch for in the news. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and His character, and avoid making predictions about modern countries or events.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, we know that You are in charge of every country and every king. We do not need to be afraid when things feel big or scary, because You keep Your promises. Help us to trust You every day and to remember that You are the LORD. Amen.
