This lesson teaches children that God is in charge of everything, even the nations that try to fight against His people, and that He keeps every promise He makes. It suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God is bigger than any enemy, and He always keeps His word to take care of His people. Nothing can stop Him from doing what He says.
Memory Verse
Ezekiel 38:23
I will magnify myself, and sanctify myself, and I will make myself known in the eyes of many nations. Then they will know that I am the LORD.”’
(WEB)
Have children stand tall with arms out wide, then slowly bring their hands together in front of their chest as they say “Then they will know that I am the LORD.” The stretching motion shows how God makes Himself known to everyone.
The Story: Ezekiel 38 for Kids
God spoke to a man named Ezekiel and told him to face a leader named Gog, who lived in a faraway land in the north. Gog had a huge army with horses, swords, and shields. Many other nations were marching with him, including people from Persia, Cush, and Put.
God told Ezekiel to say something important to Gog. “I am against you,” God said, “and I will bring you out with all your army.” Gog thought he could go into a land where people lived peacefully, without walls or gates to protect them. He wanted to take their things and steal from them.
But God knew exactly what Gog was planning. God said, “I am going to stop you. In that day, my people Israel will be safe, and I will shake the whole earth so that everyone knows I am the LORD.” Gog’s army would turn against each other, and God would send storms, hail, and fire to defeat them.
God asked Gog a question that was really for everyone to think about: “Are you the one I spoke about long ago through my prophets?” God had been telling people for years that this would happen, and now it was coming true. Nothing had taken God by surprise.
In the end, God showed His power so that every nation would see Him clearly. The people who had planned to attack God’s people found out that God was the one who truly ruled over them all.
Read It Together
Ezekiel 38:1-3
1 The LORD’s word came to me, saying, 2 “Son of man, set your face toward Gog, of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal, and prophesy against him, 3 and say, ‘Thus says the Lord the LORD: “Behold, I am against you, Gog, prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal.
(WEB)
Point out that God speaks first and tells Ezekiel exactly what to say. Ask children who is really in charge in this story, and remind them that God is the one giving the orders from the very beginning.
Ezekiel 38:10-12
10 “‘Thus says the Lord the LORD: “It will happen in that day that things will come into your mind, and you will devise an evil plan. 11 You will say, ‘I will go up to the land of unwalled villages. I will go to those who are at rest, who dwell securely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates, 12 to take the plunder and to take prey; to turn your hand against the waste places that are inhabited, and against the people who are gathered out of the nations, who have gotten livestock and goods, who dwell in the middle of the earth.’
(WEB)
Show children how Gog made a plan in his heart to take what did not belong to him. Explain that God sees our plans too, and that nothing is hidden from Him, even when people think no one is watching.
Ezekiel 38:18-20
18 It will happen in that day, when Gog comes against the land of Israel,” says the Lord the LORD, “that my wrath will come up into my nostrils. 19 For in my jealousy and in the fire of my wrath I have spoken. Surely in that day there will be a great shaking in the land of Israel; 20 so that the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the animals of the field, all creeping things who creep on the earth, and all the men who are on the surface of the earth will shake at my presence. Then the mountains will be thrown down, the steep places will fall, and every wall will fall to the ground.
(WEB)
Describe the great shaking in these verses and point out that God is the one who makes the mountains and walls fall. Help children see that God’s power is so strong that the whole earth responds to Him.
Talk About It
- What did Gog want to take from the people who lived in peace, and why was that wrong?
- How do you think Ezekiel felt when God told him to speak to such a powerful enemy?
- Why do you think God wanted every nation to know who He is?
- What is one promise from God that you are glad He keeps?
- When you feel scared about something bigger than you, how can remembering God’s power help you?
Activity Ideas
Draw the Shaking Mountains
Give each child a sheet of paper, crayons, and a pencil. Ask them to draw tall mountains, a big sky with dark clouds, and a few falling walls at the bottom. Talk together about how God is strong enough to make even mountains move, and let each child share one thing they drew.
Hooks and Hands Game
Ask children to form a line and hold hands while one leader pretends to be Gog. Gently “hook” the leader with a finger and walk slowly around the room while everyone sings a short song about God’s power. This helps children picture how God leads even the most powerful enemies exactly where He wants them to go.
Take-Home Promise Card
Cut index cards in half and give one to each child. Have them write or draw one way they have seen God keep a promise, such as His care for their family. Encourage them to place the card on their bedside table so they can remember God’s faithfulness each night before sleep.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God rules over every nation and every plan, even when human power looks overwhelming. Ezekiel was sent to speak God’s words clearly, and the chapter reminds us that God’s purposes will be carried out in His time. Its vivid imagery of storms and shaking is meant to show God’s majesty and holiness.
Avoid turning this lesson into a detailed map of future events or naming specific modern countries as the enemy. Children may become confused or anxious if they think the passage is a prediction about current news. Keep the focus on God’s power and faithfulness.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You are bigger than any enemy and stronger than any army. Help us remember that You always keep Your promises to take care of Your people. When we feel scared, help us trust that You are in charge. We love You, and we want everyone to know that You are the LORD. Amen.
