In this lesson, children learn that God is powerful and wise, and that everything in the sky, sea, and world is under His care. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is far greater than anything we can see or imagine, and He made everything with His power and wisdom.
Memory Verse
Job 26:14
Behold, these are but the outskirts of his ways. How small a whisper do we hear of him! But the thunder of his power who can understand?”
(WEB)
Hold your hands out wide like you are showing how big the world is, then fold them close and whisper “how small a whisper.” Do this together, saying the verse slowly, so children feel how much bigger God’s thunder is than our quiet voices.
The Story: Job 26 for Kids
Job was a good man who had lost many things, and he was sad and tired. His friends had been talking to him, but Job was not happy with what they said. So Job spoke up and told them that they had not really helped him at all, because someone who has no strength cannot be saved by words alone.
Job then began to think about how great God is. He said that the dead, even those who live under the waters, shiver before God. Job pictured the sky stretched out over empty space, with the earth hanging on nothing at all. Children, this is something only God can do, because no one else could make the world float like that.
Next, Job talked about the clouds. He said God holds the waters inside the thick clouds, and the clouds do not burst open until God says so. He also said God marks out a boundary for the sea and separates the light from the dark. Job told his listeners that the pillars of heaven shake when God speaks, which shows how mighty He is.
Job spoke about the sea too. He said God stirs up the sea with His power and by His understanding He strikes through a sea creature called Rahab. Job said that the heavens are made beautiful by God’s Spirit and His hand reaches even to the swift serpent. Job reminded everyone that these things are only the edges of what God does.
At the end, Job said that we hear only a tiny whisper about God, but the thunder of His power is something no one can fully understand. Job’s words helped everyone see that God is greater than all of creation, and that we can only begin to know Him.
Read It Together
Job 26:7
He stretches out the north over empty space, and hangs the earth on nothing.
(WEB)
Point out that God hangs the earth on nothing at all. Ask children to imagine something floating in the air with no string. Explain that this shows God’s power, because only He can hold the world in place.
Job 26:10
He has described a boundary on the surface of the waters, and to the confines of light and darkness.
(WEB)
Point out that God marks a boundary between light and darkness. Ask children to notice that day and night happen in order because God set the limits. Let them name one thing that happens every day that reminds them of God’s care.
Job 26:12-13
12 He stirs up the sea with his power, and by his understanding he strikes through Rahab. 13 By his Spirit the heavens are garnished. His hand has pierced the swift serpent.
(WEB)
Point out that God’s Spirit makes the heavens beautiful. Ask children to name something in nature that they think is beautiful, and explain that God made it with His own hands and His own Spirit.
Talk About It
- What is the biggest thing you have ever seen, and how does God’s power compare to it?
- Why do you think God can hold the earth up with nothing underneath it?
- What did Job learn about God when he thought about the sky, the sea, and the clouds?
- How can you show God that you know He is powerful and wise?
- What is one thing God has made that you think is amazing, and why?
Activity Ideas
Cloud and Sea Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a big blue sea at the bottom of the page and a fluffy cloud at the top. Help them add a few stars and a sun. As they draw, talk about how God sets the boundary between the sea and the sky, and how He holds the clouds in place.
Thunder and Whisper Game
You will need a clear space in the room and a way to make a loud noise, such as clapping or stomping. Have children stand in a circle. Call out “thunder” and let them stomp and shout loudly, then call out “whisper” and have them speak very softly. Explain that our whispers are small, but God’s thunder is greater than anything we can understand.
Take-Home Hand Sign
You will need a sheet of paper and a pencil. Have each child trace their hand on the paper and write the memory verse inside the outline. Ask them to take it home and show it to a family member, teaching the big-and-small hand motion from the lesson. Encourage them to say the verse together at dinner.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s power reaches into every part of creation, from the deepest waters to the farthest sky. Job was reminded that human wisdom is small compared to God’s understanding, and that God is able to hold the world in His hands. Adults can take comfort in knowing that the same God who governs the sea also cares for each person.
One thing to avoid overstating to children is the detailed meaning of Rahab and the swift serpent, since these images are poetic and not fully explained in the text. Keep the focus on God’s greatness and care, and let children enjoy the wonder of the picture without trying to explain every symbol.
A Prayer to Close
Father, thank You for being so great and so wise. We see Your power in the sky, the sea, and the clouds, and we know that we can only hear a whisper of Who You are. Help us trust You every day, because You hold everything together. Amen.
