In this lesson, children learn that God is the Most High who rules over every kingdom, even when a proud king forgets it. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is in charge of everything, even the kings of the world. When we are proud, God can help us remember that He is the true King, and He is always kind and fair.
Memory Verse
Daniel 4:3
How great are his signs! How mighty are his wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. His dominion is from generation to generation.
(WEB)
Teach the children to raise both arms high over their heads and then slowly open them wide, like a giant sky. Say “His kingdom is forever” as you move, and let them copy you each time you say it.
The Story: Daniel 4 for Kids
A long time ago, there was a powerful king named Nebuchadnezzar. He ruled the great city of Babylon, and he had a lot of money, big houses, and many people who obeyed him. He was very proud of all he had built.
One night, the king had a strange dream that frightened him. In the dream, he saw a huge tree growing in the middle of the earth. Its branches reached up to the sky, and animals and birds found food and shelter under it. Then a holy messenger came down from heaven and said the tree must be cut down, though its stump would be left in the ground.
The king’s wise men could not explain the dream. Then Daniel came in. God had given Daniel the ability to understand dreams, so he was able to tell the king what it meant. Daniel was sad to share the news, but he said the king was the tree, and that God would humble him.
Daniel gave the king some good advice. He said the king should stop doing wrong, be kind to people who are poor, and show mercy. But the king did not change his heart. A year later, while he was walking on the roof of his palace, he bragged, “Look at this great city that I built!”
Right then, a voice came from heaven and said the kingdom had been taken away from him. The king was driven out from among people, and he lived outdoors and ate grass like an ox. His hair grew long like feathers, and his nails grew like birds’ claws. This lasted for seven long periods of time.
At the end of that time, the king looked up to heaven, and his mind came back to him. He praised the Most High God and said that God’s kingdom lasts forever and that no one can stop Him. God returned the king to his throne, and the king learned that God rules over all the earth.
Read It Together
Daniel 4:34
At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted up my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honored him who lives forever; for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom from generation to generation.
(WEB)
Point out how the king looked up after his trouble. Show the children that when we stop being proud and look to God, He hears us and helps us.
Daniel 4:35
All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; and he does according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth; and no one can stop his hand, or ask him, “What are you doing?”
(WEB)
Explain that no one can stop God’s hand or question what He does. Help children see that God is powerful, and that His power is always used wisely and well.
Daniel 4:37
Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven; for all his works are truth, and his ways justice; and those who walk in pride he is able to abase.
(WEB)
Show how the king ended by praising God. Point out that God’s ways are always right and fair, and that He can bring low anyone who walks in pride.
Talk About It
- What did the king say that made God send the message about him?
- Why do you think God wanted the king to learn that He was the true King?
- How did Daniel help the king, even though the news was hard to share?
- What is one way we can be humble instead of proud, like the king learned to be?
- How does it make you feel to know that God is always in charge of everything?
Activity Ideas
Crown Craft
You will need paper, crayons, tape, and scissors. Have each child draw and color a simple crown, then cut it out and tape it to fit their head. As they wear it, talk about how only God is the true King and that He is always in charge.
Tree Shake Game
Ask the children to stand tall like the great tree, with arms stretched up as branches. Call out “Shake off the leaves!” and have them wiggle and bend low. Then call out “Stand up, God is King!” and they stand tall again, showing that God lifts up the humble.
Take-Home Reminder
Give each child a sheet of paper and a pencil to draw one thing they are thankful God rules over, like their family, their pet, or the sky. They can take it home and place it somewhere they will see each day as a reminder that God is King.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God is sovereign over all human power, including the most famous rulers of history. Pride can blind us to our dependence on God, but God is patient and willing to restore those who turn back to Him. The chapter also shows that God’s mercy invites us to do what is right and kind toward others.
With children, avoid overstating the idea that God punishes everyone who is proud or that trouble always comes from pride. Keep the focus on God being in charge and on His kindness toward those who humble themselves.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You are the King over everything. Help us to be humble and to remember that we need You every day. Thank You for always being kind and fair. We love You. Amen.
