This lesson teaches children that God is the Lord over every nation, even the ones that seem powerful and proud, and that he keeps his promises. It is written for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is in charge of every king and every country. Nothing is too big for him, and he always keeps his word.
Memory Verse
Ezekiel 29:6
“‘“All the inhabitants of Egypt will know that I am the LORD, because they have been a staff of reed to the house of Israel.
(WEB)
Have the children put one hand on their heart and then point up to the sky with both arms, saying “Then they will know that I am the Lord.” Repeat it three times, getting a little louder each time, and let them choose one motion to keep the words in their memory.
The Story: Ezekiel 29 for Kids
God spoke to a man named Ezekiel. God told him to speak to a king named Pharaoh, who ruled the land of Egypt. Egypt was a rich and powerful country with a great river called the Nile. Pharaoh was very proud of that river, and he said, “The river is mine, and I made it for myself.”
God was not pleased with Pharaoh’s pride. God said he would catch Pharaoh like a big fish and pull him out of the water. Pharaoh would be left out in the wild, far from home. Egypt would become empty and quiet, and no one would live there for forty years.
The people of Egypt had once been a help to the people of Israel, but they also let them down. When Israel leaned on Egypt for help, Egypt broke, like a stick that snaps in your hand. Israel had trusted the wrong thing.
God also said something hopeful. After forty years, God would gather the Egyptians back home. Egypt would be a small and humble kingdom, no longer ruling over the other nations. God had the final say over Egypt’s future.
Later, God told Ezekiel that the king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar, had worked very hard to take the city of Tyre. Nebuchadnezzar had not gotten much payment for his work there. So God said he would give him Egypt as his reward, because Nebuchadnezzar had served God’s plan, even without knowing it.
Read It Together
Ezekiel 29:3
Speak and say, ‘Thus says the Lord the LORD: “Behold, I am against you, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great monster that lies in the middle of his rivers, that has said, ‘My river is my own, and I have made it for myself.’
(WEB)
Point out that Pharaoh thought he was in control of his river. Ask the children who they think is really in control of the world, and show them how God speaks directly to a proud king here.
Ezekiel 29:9
The land of Egypt will be a desolation and a waste. Then they will know that I am the LORD. “‘“Because he has said, ‘The river is mine, and I have made it;’
(WEB)
Show the children the words “they will know that I am the Lord.” Explain that God wants everyone to know who he is, even when they do not want to hear it, and that the story is about God’s power being shown.
Ezekiel 29:14
I will reverse the captivity of Egypt, and will cause them to return into the land of Pathros, into the land of their birth. They will be a lowly kingdom, there.
(WEB)
Point out that God promised to bring the Egyptians back home after forty years. Explain that God can bring hope even after a time of sadness, and that his plans do not end with punishment.
Talk About It
- What do you think Pharaoh did wrong when he said the river belonged to him?
- Why do you think it is dangerous to trust something that will break, like a stick that snaps?
- How does it make you feel to know that God is in charge of the whole world?
- What is one thing you could do this week to remember that God is bigger than anything you worry about?
- Can you think of a time when you saw God keep a promise to you or to someone you know?
Activity Ideas
Paper Fish Craft
You will need construction paper, scissors, crayons, and a stapler. Have each child draw and cut out a big fish shape, then decorate it with scales. Staple a small paper crown to the top of one fish to remind them of Pharaoh, and talk about how God can catch even the proudest king.
Fish and Net Game
You will need a small bean bag or soft ball and a few chairs. Set up the chairs as a river and have one child pretend to be Pharaoh standing in the middle. Let the other children take turns tossing the bean bag gently to show God pulling Pharaoh back to shore, then switch roles so everyone gets a turn.
Take-Home Reminder Card
You will need an index card, a marker, and a rubber band. Have each child write the memory verse on one side and draw a picture of a fish or a river on the other. Let them keep it in a pocket or tie it to a bedpost so they can remind themselves at home that God is in charge.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God is sovereign over every nation and ruler, including those who oppose his people. Egypt’s pride and its false trust are real dangers, and the chapter reminds us that human power is always temporary. God’s ultimate purposes stand firm even when his people face hard times.
Be careful not to suggest that every hardship is a direct punishment from God, or that children can read a country’s future from one passage. Keep the focus on God’s character and his faithfulness rather than on predicting events.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank you that you are in charge of everything, even the biggest kings and the strongest rivers. Help us not to be proud like Pharaoh, and help us trust you instead of things that can break. Thank you that your promises always come true. Amen.
