In this lesson, children learn that God is in charge of every nation, even the rich and powerful ones, and that he keeps his promises. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is the boss of every country and every city, and nothing happens without him knowing about it. Even very strong cities are not stronger than God, so we can trust him to take care of us.
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)
Teach the children to hold both arms up high like a big building, then slowly bring them down to their sides as you say “The LORD of Armies has planned it.” Let them do it together three times so the motion sticks with the words.
The Story: Isaiah 23 for Kids
Long ago, there was a busy city called Tyre. It sat on the edge of the sea, and it was full of ships and sailors. Traders came from many faraway places to buy and sell things at its markets. People said Tyre was rich and very, very proud.
Then the prophet Isaiah brought a message from God. Isaiah told the people of the ships to cry out, because bad news was coming to Tyre. The city would be laid waste, and the ships would have no harbor to sail into. Some people were afraid and sad when they heard the news.
God had a plan for Tyre, and the plan included an end to all the pride. The people of Tyre had forgotten that God made their city and their riches. Their sailing and their trading could not keep them safe from God’s plan.
The story tells us that Tyre would be forgotten for seventy years. Then God would bring the city back to life. He would turn its wealth into something holy, used to help people who loved him. God does not forget his people, even when they go through hard times.
So Isaiah reminded everyone that the one who rules over all the nations is the LORD of Armies. Tyre might look strong, but God is stronger. Nothing in the whole world can stop him from doing what he has decided to do.
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 Isaiah starts with a warning, called “the burden of Tyre.” Ask the children what it feels like to hear bad news, and explain that God gave this warning so the people could think about their choices.
Isaiah 23:11
He has stretched out his hand over the sea. He has shaken the kingdoms. The LORD has ordered the destruction of Canaan’s strongholds.
(WEB)
Show the children how this verse says God stretches out his hand over the sea and shakes the kingdoms. Explain that God is powerful enough to move even the biggest nations, and he is still gentle with those who trust him.
Isaiah 23:18
Her merchandise and her wages will be holiness to the LORD. It will not be treasured nor laid up; for her merchandise will be for those who dwell before the LORD, to eat sufficiently, and for durable clothing.
(WEB)
Point out that God turns what was used for pride into something holy that helps others. Tell the children that God can use what we have, too, when we give it back to him with love.
Talk About It
- What do you think the ships of Tarshish were feeling when they heard the bad news?
- Why do you think the people of Tyre were so proud of their city?
- How does it help you to know that God is in charge of everything?
- What is one thing God has given you that you could use to help someone else?
- Why do you think God waited seventy years before bringing Tyre back?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Harbor Picture
You will need paper, crayons or colored pencils, and a few cotton balls for clouds. Ask each child to draw a city by the sea with boats in the water, then glue on cotton ball clouds in the sky. As they draw, remind them that God sees every harbor and every house, and that he is bigger than any city.
Strong Building Game
You will need a few empty cardboard boxes or pillows for building walls. Have the children build a tower together, then gently knock it down while saying “God is in charge.” Let them rebuild it, then talk about how God is stronger than any tower people can make.
Take-Home Thank You Card
You will need a sheet of paper and a pencil for each child. Ask the children to write or draw one thing God has given them, such as family, food, or a friend. Encourage them to take the card home and share it at dinner, thanking God together for his care.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Isaiah 23 shows that God rules over all nations and judges pride, including the pride of wealthy and powerful cities. The chapter also shows that God’s judgment is not the final word, because he promises to restore Tyre and redirect its wealth toward the holy purposes of his people.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the historical details of Tyre or implying that God is harsh toward everyone who is rich. Keep the focus on God’s power and faithfulness, and on the simple truth that we can trust him to be in charge of our lives.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you that you are in charge of every city and every country. Help us to trust you when we feel small or scared. Thank you that you keep your promises and that you take care of us. Amen.
