This lesson teaches children that God always keeps His promises, even when the news is hard to hear. It is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach, including the story, the verses, and the activity.
Big Idea
God says what He means, and He does what He says. Even when His message is serious, we can trust that He is always true and always fair.
Memory Verse
Ezekiel 21:5
All flesh will know that I, the LORD, have drawn my sword out of its sheath. It will not return any more.”’
(WEB)
Ask the children to hold both hands up like a sword being pulled out of a sheath. Slowly pull your hands apart as you say the words together, then bring them down firmly to show that God’s word will stand. Repeat it three times, getting a little quieter each time.
The Story: Ezekiel 21 for Kids
God spoke to a prophet named Ezekiel and told him to look toward Jerusalem. The people of Israel had turned away from God, and God wanted them to know that He was not pleased. God used Ezekiel to send a serious message to the whole land.
God said that He would draw His sword, like a soldier ready to act. The people would know that God was the one who had done it. Ezekiel’s job was to show the people how serious this was, so he sighed deeply and his heart was heavy, even when people asked him why he looked so sad.
Ezekiel told the people that terrible news was coming. Their hearts would melt with fear, and their hands would grow weak. God said that this would surely happen, and it did not stay a secret. The message was clear: the people needed to listen and turn back to God.
God also showed Ezekiel a picture of a king from Babylon standing at a crossroads. The king shook arrows and looked at signs to decide which road to take. God told Ezekiel that the king’s choice would not be his own. God was the one guiding what would happen, even when the king thought he was in control.
God told Ezekiel to speak about the people of Ammon as well. They too had done wrong, and God would judge them. God said He would bring His judgment in the right place, so everyone would understand that He is the true judge.
Read It Together
Ezekiel 21:3
Tell the land of Israel, ‘The LORD says: “Behold, I am against you, and will draw my sword out of its sheath, and will cut off from you the righteous and the wicked.
(WEB)
Point out that God speaks directly and clearly, so the people cannot say they were not warned. Notice that God says He is against the people because of their sin, not because He is careless or unkind. This shows that God is honest about what He will do.
Ezekiel 21:26-27
26 Thus says the Lord the LORD: “Remove the turban, and take off the crown. This will not be as it was. Exalt that which is low, and humble that which is high. 27 I will overturn, overturn, overturn it. This also will be no more, until he comes whose right it is; and I will give it.”’
(WEB)
Point out that God says the high will be made low and the low will be lifted up. God is in charge of who rules and when. He promises that one day He will give the true king what is rightfully his, which points forward to God’s perfect plan.
Ezekiel 21:31-32
31 I will pour out my indignation on you. I will blow on you with the fire of my wrath. I will deliver you into the hand of brutish men, skillful to destroy. 32 You will be for fuel to the fire. Your blood will be in the middle of the land. You will be remembered no more; for I, the LORD, have spoken it.”’”
(WEB)
Point out that God is serious about sin, and these words are very strong. Help children see that God’s warnings are meant to bring people back to Him, not to make them afraid of Him forever. God ends by saying that He has spoken, and His word is sure.
Talk About It
- What did God want the people of Israel to understand about His message?
- How did Ezekiel show the people how serious the news was?
- Why is it good to know that God always keeps His word?
- What can we do when we hear a warning from God or from our parents?
- How does it help you to know that God is always in charge?
Activity Ideas
Draw Your Own Sword and Sheath
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child draw a sword on one piece of paper and a sheath around it on another. Talk about how God draws His sword only when He is ready. Let the children take their drawings home to remind them of the lesson.
Shake the Arrows Game
You will need a few pencils or wooden spoons, and an open space to move around. Ask the children to act out the king at the crossroads by shaking the pencils and then pointing in a direction. Each time they point, ask them to say, “God is in charge,” to remind them that God guides every choice.
Take-Home Promise Card
You will need index cards, a pen, and a clip or rubber band. Write the words “God keeps His promises” on each card and let each child decorate it. Encourage them to clip it to their bed or backpack. Ask them to read it each morning and tell someone one thing God has promised.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God is holy, just, and faithful. He warns His people honestly, and He is in control even over the powerful rulers of the world. Read the whole chapter yourself before teaching so you understand how the warnings to Israel, Ammon, and Babylon fit together.
When teaching children, avoid making the chapter sound like God is angry all the time or delights in punishment. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and His desire for His people to turn back to Him. Speak about the parts of the chapter that point to God’s perfect king as a hopeful truth.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You always keep Your word. Help us listen when You speak and trust that You are good and fair. Help us remember that You are always in charge, even when we do not understand everything. Amen.
