This lesson teaches children that God is the King who reigns over everything, is holy, and listens when His people call on Him. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is our holy King, He hears us when we call, and He is always good and fair. We can praise Him because He is great and He answers His people.
Memory Verse
Psalm 99:9
Exalt the LORD, our God. Worship at his holy hill, for the LORD, our God, is holy!
(WEB)
Put both hands on your heart, then stretch them up high while you say the verse together. Hold your arms up to show that God is high above everyone. Do this three times so the children can say it without looking.
The Story: Psalm 99 for Kids
Long ago, the people of Israel sang a song about their God. They wanted everyone to know that the LORD is the King. He sits on a throne above the cherubim, and the whole earth should feel respect when He is near. The song says the peoples should tremble and the earth should be moved, because this King is so great and so holy.
The people of Israel sang about God’s justice too. The song says that God’s King loves what is fair and right. He does not let people get away with being mean or unfair. He makes things right for His people, like a good judge who always does what is just. The people sang, “Exalt the LORD our God,” which means to lift Him up high in your heart and in your words.
The song then remembers some of God’s special helpers from long ago. Moses and Aaron were among God’s priests, and Samuel was someone who called on God’s name. When these faithful people called out to the LORD, He answered them. The song says God spoke to them from a pillar of cloud, and they kept the rules He gave them to live by.
God is not only powerful, He is also kind. The song says that God forgave His people, even though He took action when they did wrong. The story shows that God can be a fair judge and also a forgiving Father. One line from the song says, “You answered them, the LORD our God,” which tells us God listens and responds.
The song ends the same way it began, by telling everyone to worship God. The people said, “God is holy!” and they climbed up to His holy hill to worship Him. They wanted everyone to know that the LORD our God is holy and worth praising every single day.
Read It Together
Psalm 99:1
The LORD reigns! Let the peoples tremble. He sits enthroned among the cherubim. Let the earth be moved.
(WEB)
Point out the words “The LORD reigns!” and explain that reigning means being the King who is in charge. Ask the children what it would feel like to live in a kingdom where the King always takes care of everyone.
Psalm 99:4
The King’s strength also loves justice. You do establish equity. You execute justice and righteousness in Jacob.
(WEB)
Show the children that this verse says God loves justice, which means doing what is fair and right. Ask them to think of one time when they saw someone being fair, and talk about how God is always fair.
Psalm 99:8
You answered them, the LORD our God. You are a God who forgave them, although you took vengeance for their doings.
(WEB)
Point out that God answered His people and also forgave them. Explain that forgiveness means God chooses to make things right between Him and us, even when we make mistakes.
Talk About It
- What is one thing the song says God is like, and how does that make you feel about Him?
- Why do you think the people of Israel wanted everyone to praise God together?
- How did God answer Moses, Aaron, and Samuel when they called out to Him?
- What is something fair that you could do this week to be like God?
- When you need help, what can you say to God, and how do you know He is listening?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Throne of Glory
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a tall throne with a crown on top to show that God is the King. Let them add little cherubs or clouds around the throne, and encourage them to write “The LORD reigns!” across the top of their picture.
Holy, Holy, Holy Freeze Game
Clear a space in the room and tell the children to walk around like they are people in a big crowd. When you call out “Holy!” everyone freezes like a statue and bows their head, and when you call “Answer!” they wave their hands in the air. Play a few rounds, then talk about how we stop and respect God because He is holy.
Take-Home Praise Jar
You will need an empty jar, paper slips, and a pen. Give each child a few slips and ask them to write one thing they want to praise God for. They can fold the slips and put them in the jar at home, and the family can read one each evening together to remember that God is holy and answers prayer.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 99 celebrates the holiness and kingship of the LORD and insists that His rule is marked by justice and mercy. The psalm connects God’s holiness with His willingness to answer those who call on Him, which shows that the transcendent God is also personally near. Its reminders about Moses, Aaron, and Samuel present faithful prayer and obedience as the response to a God who speaks and forgives.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the imagery of the cherubim or the pillar of cloud as if children must understand every detail. Keep the focus on the simple truths that God is King, God is holy, and God hears His people. Let the children ask questions about the pictures without turning the lesson into a lecture on ancient symbols.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, we praise You because You are our King and You are holy. Thank You for listening when we call on You and for being fair and forgiving. Help us to worship You every day and to trust that You always hear us. Amen.
