This lesson teaches children that God sees proud people who think they are above everyone, and that He brings them low. It is a good fit for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, a few Bible readings, and an activity.
Big Idea
God does not like pride. When people think they are better than everyone and do not need God, He is able to bring them down, and He always keeps His promises to take care of His people.
Memory Verse
Isaiah 47:4
Our Redeemer, the LORD of Armies is his name, is the Holy One of Israel.
(WEB)
Hold both hands up high, then slowly bring them down to your sides as you say the words together. Say “Our Redeemer” with your hand on your heart, then point up to the sky on “Holy One.” Repeat it three times with the children and then try it without looking.
The Story: Isaiah 47 for Kids
Long ago, the people of Babylon lived in a grand city. Their land was strong, and their kings had many riches. The city was so proud that its people thought nothing could ever touch them. They sat on soft seats and felt safe, and they forgot that every good thing they had came from God.
God spoke to the prophet Isaiah with a message for Babylon. He told the proud city to come down from its high place and sit in the dust. The city that used to be called tender and fine would now grind flour with heavy stones, like a servant does. God said, “I was angry with my people, and I let you rule over them. But you showed them no mercy.” The Babylonians had been cruel, even to the old people.
The people of Babylon said in their hearts, “I am, and there is no one else besides me. I will never be a widow, and I will never lose my children.” They felt very sure of themselves. They trusted in their tricks, their wise ideas, and their magic spells. They thought no one could see what they were doing.
God said that these things would come suddenly, in one day. Disaster would fall on Babylon, and the city would lose its children and its husbands. All of the spells and star-readers that Babylon trusted would not save them. They would burn up like dry straw in a fire, and there would be no one left to help them.
This story reminds us that God sees everything. He is the one who gives strength and protects His people. The Babylonians forgot this, and they paid a high price for their pride.
Read It Together
Isaiah 47:7
You said, ‘I will be a princess forever;’ so that you did not lay these things to your heart, nor did you remember the results.
(WEB)
Point out that the people said they would always be strong and never lose anything. Ask the children what it feels like when someone says they never make mistakes, and how it feels when someone is kind and humble instead.
Isaiah 47:10
For you have trusted in your wickedness. You have said, ‘No one sees me.’ Your wisdom and your knowledge has perverted you. You have said in your heart, ‘I am, and there is no one else besides me.’
(WEB)
Show how the people thought no one could see them. Remind the children that God always sees what we do, even when no other person does.
Isaiah 47:15
The things that you labored in will be like this: those who have trafficked with you from your youth will each wander in his own way. There will be no one to save you.
(WEB)
Point out that the friends and helpers Babylon trusted could not save them. Explain that only God can truly save us, and He never leaves us alone.
Talk About It
- What did the people of Babylon say about themselves, and why was that a problem?
- How do you think God felt when the people forgot about Him?
- What is a time when you felt very proud of something you did, and what helped you remember to be thankful?
- Why do you think God told the proud city to sit in the dust?
- Who can you help this week so that you show God’s kindness to others?
Activity Ideas
Paper Crown Craft
You will need construction paper, crayons, tape, and scissors. Let each child cut a strip long enough to fit around their head and decorate it with crayons. Then ask them to write one thing they are thankful to God for on the crown. Talk about how we give God the credit for every good gift, instead of wearing a proud crown of our own.
Stand Tall, Sit Low Game
Have the children stand up tall and look proud when you call out “Babylon stands!” Then call out “Babylon sits in the dust!” and let them all sit on the floor. Play a few rounds, and each time you call a new command, make it a little faster. Finish by reminding the children that God is the one who lifts up the humble.
Take-Home Thankful Jar
You will need an empty jar, paper, and a pencil. Ask the family to write down one thing each day for which they are thankful to God, and drop it into the jar. At the end of the week, read the notes together and thank God for each one. This helps children remember that every good thing comes from Him.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that pride blinds people to their need for God and to the consequences of their actions. Babylon trusted its power, its wisdom, and its magic, but none of these could stand against the Lord of Armies. The chapter also shows that God cares for the oppressed and will bring justice to those who have been cruel.
With children, avoid overstating the idea that bad things only happen to proud people. Many faithful people suffer, and Isaiah’s words were aimed at a specific nation with a specific history. Focus on the truth that God sees, God judges pride, and God is faithful to His people.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, we know that You see everything we do. Help us to be humble and to remember that every good gift comes from You. Please keep us from being proud, and help us to be kind to others, just as You are kind to us. Thank You for always being our Savior and our strong helper. Amen.
