This lesson teaches children that God loves and claims people from every nation, and that everyone who knows Him belongs in His city. It works well for children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God knows and loves people from every country, and He counts every one of them as born in His city.
Memory Verse
Psalm 87:2
The LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.
(WEB)
Have the children place both hands on their hearts, then slowly open their arms wide like a gate swinging open. Say the verse together as the arms open, showing that God welcomes everyone who comes to Him.
The Story: Psalm 87 for Kids
Long ago, God’s people lived in a special city called Zion, also called Jerusalem. It sat on a holy mountain, and God chose it to be His home among His people. The city had big gates, and God loved those gates very much.
The psalm writer looked at Zion and said, “Glorious things are spoken about you, city of God!” He was amazed that God would make such a beautiful city His own. People sang songs about it, and some even danced for joy because of it.
Then the writer named many faraway places. He spoke of Rahab, Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Ethiopia. These were nations that were not Israel, and some of them had been enemies. Yet God said that people from all these places would one day know Him.
God said that when He writes down the names of the peoples, He would say, “This one was born there.” Each person from those nations would be counted as a citizen of Zion. God Himself would make the city strong and secure.
The last line of the psalm says that all the singers and dancers are saying, “All my springs are in you.” It means that everything good and fresh that they need comes from God. The people in the city found their life and joy in Him.
Read It Together
Psalm 87:1-2
1 His foundation is in the holy mountains. 2 The LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.
(WEB)
Point out that God’s foundation is on holy mountains and that He loves Zion’s gates more than any other homes. Ask the children what it means to be loved more than anything else, and remind them that God’s love is that strong.
Psalm 87:4-5
4 I will record Rahab and Babylon among those who acknowledge me. Behold, Philistia, Tyre, and also Ethiopia: “This one was born there.” 5 Yes, of Zion it will be said, “This one and that one was born in her”; the Most High himself will establish her.
(WEB)
Show the children how God names many different nations here. Explain that God knows where each person comes from and still welcomes them into His family, no matter where they were born.
Psalm 87:7
Those who sing as well as those who dance say, “All my springs are in you.”
(WEB)
Point to the words about springs. Explain that a spring is where fresh water flows out of the ground, and that God is the source of everything good in our lives. Ask the children where they feel God giving them good things.
Talk About It
- What are some of the places the psalm names, and what do you think it felt like for those people to hear that God loved them?
- Why do you think God wanted His city to be known by all the nations?
- How does it feel to know that God counts you as one of His own?
- What are some things people do when they are happy about God, like singing or dancing?
- Who is someone you know who is different from you, and how can you show them God’s love this week?
Activity Ideas
Paper Map of Many Nations
Give each child a sheet of paper, crayons, and a copy of a simple world map or a printed list of the places in the psalm. Have them draw a small house or heart for each nation, then write “born in Zion” beside it. Display the maps together on the wall as a reminder that God welcomes everyone.
Gate Opening Game
Ask the children to stand in two lines facing each other to make a gate. One child walks through, and each time someone passes, the others call out a country name and cheer. Let each child take a turn walking through so everyone feels welcomed by the group.
Spring Water Jar at Home
Give each child a clear jar or cup, a few drops of food coloring, and some water. Explain that water from a spring is clean and fresh, like God’s gifts. Encourage them to share the jar with a family member at home and say one good thing God has given them that day.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this psalm celebrates that God’s family is bigger than any one people group or nation. It shows that God claims those from all backgrounds, including those once considered outsiders, and that He is the source of life and joy for all who belong to Him.
Avoid suggesting that children should explain exactly how the psalm’s place names relate to modern countries, since scholars debate many details. Keep the focus on God’s welcoming love for everyone.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Lord, thank You that You know each of us by name and love us very much. Help us to welcome everyone You welcome, and to remember that You are the spring of all our joy. Thank You for making us part of Your family. Amen.
