In this lesson, children learn that God is in charge of every nation, even the powerful ones that seem unbeatable. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach. Use it with a family or a small class, and adjust the pace to match the youngest child in the room.
Big Idea
God is the boss of the whole world, and nobody is bigger than Him. Even the richest and proudest cities belong to God, and He can change what happens to them.
Memory Verse
Isaiah 23:9
The LORD of Armies has planned it, to stain the pride of all glory, to bring into contempt all the honorable of the earth.
(WEB)
Put both hands up high like a king on a throne, then slowly bring them down to your lap. Do this each time you say the verse, so the children link the words with a big, steady movement that shows God being in charge.
The Story: Isaiah 23 for Kids
Long ago, there was a busy city called Tyre. It sat by the sea, and ships from many places sailed in and out of its harbor. Merchants got rich there, and people in Tyre were very proud of their city. They thought nothing could ever hurt it.
The prophet Isaiah had a message from God about Tyre. He told the ships of Tarshish to cry out, because their city was going to be ruined. The people of Tyre would not have their houses or their harbor any more. The seaside people were told to be still and sad, because their city was falling down.
Isaiah said that God had planned this. God is the one who runs the kingdoms of the earth. He can take down a proud city when He decides to. The people of Tyre had trusted in their own wealth, but God wanted them to remember who really rules.
The story does not end in sadness forever. God said that Tyre would be forgotten for seventy years. After that, God would bring Tyre back. The city would again be busy with trade, and the things it earned would be set apart for the Lord and for people who serve Him.
So the lesson is that God can take away what seems strong, and He can also bring back what He wants to bless. Children should hear that God keeps His plans and always does what He says.
Read It Together
Isaiah 23:1
The burden of Tyre. Howl, you ships of Tarshish! For it is laid waste, so that there is no house, no entering in. From the land of Kittim it is revealed to them.
(WEB)
Point out that this verse starts with a message about Tyre, and it says the city is laid waste. Ask children to notice that the message came from God, not from the city’s own leaders or merchants.
Isaiah 23:17
It will happen after the end of seventy years that the LORD will visit Tyre, and she shall return to her wages, and will play the prostitute with all the kingdoms of the world on the surface of the earth.
(WEB)
Show children the promise that God will visit Tyre again after seventy years. Point out that God does not forget His people or His cities, and that He brings things back in His own good time.
Talk About It
- What did the people of Tyre think would always keep their city safe?
- Why do you think God wanted the proud people of Tyre to remember who is in charge?
- What are some things that people sometimes trust in instead of God?
- How does it feel to know that God is stronger than any king or country?
- What is one way you can remember that God keeps His promises even when we have to wait?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Harbor Picture
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a seaside city with ships in the harbor, tall buildings, and a crown on top of the tallest tower. Then have them draw a small heart or a cross in the sky above the city to show that God is watching over everything. Talk together about what the picture shows.
King of the Castle Game
You will need a sturdy chair or a small step, and a timer or a count to ten. One child stands on the chair and pretends to be the proud city. The others try to tap the chair gently to show that God can move anything He wants. Then switch roles and let everyone take a turn, ending by reminding the children that God is the true King over everything.
Take-Home Promise Card
You will need an index card, a marker, and a rubber band or paper clip. Write “God is in charge” on one side and draw a small crown on the other. Let the child take the card home and place it somewhere they will see it, such as by the bathroom mirror or in a lunch box. Encourage them to read it aloud at bedtime and share one thing that reminds them God is in control.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God rules over all nations, including the wealthy and powerful ones that trust in their own strength. Tyre was a major trading center, and its pride in commerce made it a target of God’s judgment. The chapter also holds a promise of restoration, showing that God’s justice and mercy both have a place in His plans for the world.
When teaching children, avoid suggesting that every hardship or loss is a direct punishment from God for a specific sin. Keep the focus on God’s rule and His faithfulness, rather than on tying every event to a particular wrong choice.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, we know that You are the King over every nation and every city. Help us remember that You are bigger than anything we are afraid of. Thank You that You keep Your promises and that You care about us every day. Amen.
