In this lesson, children learn that God is in charge of every nation, even when they seem much bigger and stronger than us. Ezekiel 39 tells how God stopped a powerful enemy and made his holy name known. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God is always in control, and He keeps His promises. Nobody is stronger than God, and He always does what He says He will do.
Memory Verse
Ezekiel 39:7
“‘“I will make my holy name known among my people Israel. I won’t allow my holy name to be profaned any more. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD, the Holy One in Israel.
(WEB)
Teach the children to stand tall with their hands on their hips, then slowly raise both arms up over their heads. Say the verse together while they hold their arms high, like a strong tower. Repeat it three times, getting a little quieter each time.
The Story: Ezekiel 39 for Kids
God spoke to a man named Ezekiel and told him to speak to a powerful king named Gog. Gog came from a faraway land, and he had many soldiers, horses, and weapons. Gog thought he could win any fight he wanted. God said, “I am against you, Gog, and I will stop you.”
God promised that Gog’s bow and arrows would fall out of his hands. Gog and his big army would fall down on the mountains of Israel. This was a huge surprise for Gog, because he never thought God could stop him. God wanted everyone to know that He is the one true Lord.
After the battle, there was a lot of work to do. Many people were buried in a special valley, and it took seven months to clean the land. God’s people used their own weapons to make fires for seven years. Nobody needed to cut down trees for firewood, because God had provided everything they needed.
God told Ezekiel that the people would finally know He is the Lord their God. He would bring His people home from faraway places and gather them back to their own land. God said, “I will not hide my face from them any more.” God promised to care for His people again, and He kept His word.
Read It Together
Ezekiel 39:1-2
1 “You, son of man, prophesy against Gog, and say, ‘Thus says the Lord the LORD: “Behold, I am against you, Gog, prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal. 2 I will turn you around, and will lead you on, and will cause you to come up from the uttermost parts of the north; and I will bring you onto the mountains of Israel.
(WEB)
Point out that God spoke to Ezekiel and told him what to say to Gog. Ask the children to notice that God was the one who said He would stop the enemy. Remind them that nothing happens without God knowing about it first.
Ezekiel 39:21-22
21 “I will set my glory among the nations. Then all the nations will see my judgment that I have executed, and my hand that I have laid on them. 22 So the house of Israel will know that I am the LORD their God, from that day and forward.
(WEB)
Show the children that God wanted all the nations to see what He had done. Explain that God wanted His people to know Him as the Lord their God. Point out the word “know” and talk about how we get to know someone by spending time with them.
Ezekiel 39:28-29
28 They will know that I am the LORD their God, in that I caused them to go into captivity among the nations, and have gathered them to their own land. Then I will leave none of them captive any more. 29 I won’t hide my face from them any more; for I have poured out my Spirit on the house of Israel,’ says the Lord the LORD.”
(WEB)
Explain that God promised to bring His people back home and never leave them alone again. Ask the children to find the words “I will not hide my face.” Tell them that God’s Spirit was poured out on His people, which means God stayed close to them.
Talk About It
- What did God tell Ezekiel to say to Gog, and why do you think God chose to speak to someone like Ezekiel?
- Why do you think Gog thought he was stronger than God, and what did he forget about God?
- How did God show His people that He was still taking care of them, even after the battle?
- What is one thing God promised in this chapter that makes you feel safe?
- When you feel small or scared, how can you remember that God is bigger than any problem?
Activity Ideas
Paper Tower Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a tall tower or a mountain and write the memory verse at the bottom. Let them color the picture bright colors. Hang the drawings on the wall as a reminder that God is a strong place for us to stand.
Bow and Arrow Freeze Game
You will need a open space and a soft ball or a rolled-up sock. One child pretends to be Gog and tries to run across the room. The other children act like God’s arrows and try to gently toss the ball to stop Gog. When Gog is “stopped,” everyone freezes and says the memory verse together.
Take-Home Promise Card
You will need index cards, a marker, and a small piece of string or yarn. Write “God keeps His promises” on one side of each card and draw a simple heart on the other side. Punch a hole in the corner and tie the yarn through it. Encourage each child to hang the card on their bedroom door as a reminder during the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God is sovereign over all nations and all enemies. The people of Israel had been taken away and scattered, and God promised to bring them home and restore them. The chapter also shows that God’s main goal is for everyone to know that He is the Lord. These are big truths that adults can take time to think through and apply to their own lives.
With children, avoid overstating the violent details of the battle. Keep the focus on God’s power, His faithfulness, and His promise to care for His people. Talk about the battle only as much as the children need to understand the main point, and keep the conversation gentle and hopeful.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You are bigger than any enemy and stronger than any army. Thank You for keeping Your promises, even when we don’t understand everything. Help us to trust You every day and to remember that You are always with us. Amen.
