This lesson teaches children that God always keeps his promises, even when people think they are strong enough to ignore him. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is in charge, and what he says will happen. Nobody can stop him, not even the most powerful king.
Memory Verse
Ezekiel 30:3
For the day is near, even the LORD’s day is near. It will be a day of clouds, a time of the nations.
(WEB)
Have children stand up and stretch their arms high like a tall tower, then slowly lower them as they say “The day is near.” Repeat it together three times, making the arms go up and down each time so the words stick.
The Story: Ezekiel 30 for Kids
God gave a message to his prophet Ezekiel, a man who spoke for God to the people of Israel. God told Ezekiel to say something sad and scary to the country of Egypt. Egypt was a big, rich nation, and its king, Pharaoh, thought he was very important. Ezekiel was told to warn the Egyptians that a day of judgment was coming.
God said that many of Egypt’s friends and helpers would fall in battle. Their cities would be left empty and ruined. God said, “They will know that I am the LORD.” He wanted the Egyptians to understand that he was the true God, and that their gods, made of wood and stone, could not save them.
God explained that King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon would be the one to carry out this judgment. Babylon’s army would come and take the land. Pharaoh would be weakened, like a man whose arm has been broken and cannot be healed. He would not be able to hold his sword, and his soldiers would be scattered.
God also spoke about his own power. He said, “I will break the arms of Pharaoh.” God was saying that Pharaoh’s strength was not really his own. Only God was truly strong, and he was the one who decided what would happen to the nations.
The people of Egypt learned a hard lesson. They would find out that the Lord was real, and that he kept every word he spoke. God’s promises were not empty like the promises of kings.
Read It Together
Ezekiel 30:6
“‘The LORD says: “They also who uphold Egypt will fall. The pride of her power will come down. They will fall by the sword in it from the tower of Seveneh,” says the Lord the LORD.
(WEB)
Point out that the pride of Egypt, meaning how proud they were of their power, would come down. Explain that God does not like pride, and that being proud of our own strength can make us forget who really holds the power.
Ezekiel 30:19
Thus I will execute judgments on Egypt. Then they will know that I am the LORD.”’”
(WEB)
Show children the words “they will know that I am the LORD.” Explain that God wants people everywhere to know him, and he often shows his power so that they will.
Ezekiel 30:21-22
21 “Son of man, I have broken the arm of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Behold, it has not been bound up, to apply medicines, to put a bandage to bind it, that it become strong to hold the sword. 22 Therefore thus says the Lord the LORD: ‘Behold, I am against Pharaoh king of Egypt, and will break his arms, the strong arm, and that which was broken. I will cause the sword to fall out of his hand.
(WEB)
Ask children to imagine a broken arm that cannot hold anything. Explain that God was the one who made Pharaoh’s arm weak, which shows that God has the power to stop even the strongest people.
Talk About It
- What do you think it felt like for the Egyptian people to hear that their country would be in trouble?
- Why do you think God wanted the Egyptians to know that he was the Lord?
- Can you think of a time when someone thought they were very strong, but needed help from someone else?
- How does it make you feel to know that God is always in control of everything?
- What is one way you can trust God when things feel scary or hard?
Activity Ideas
Broken Arm Drawing
You will need paper, crayons, and tape. Have each child draw a big strong arm holding a sword, then fold the paper to show the arm breaking in the middle. Talk about how only God can make a strong arm strong or weak. Let children tape their drawings to the classroom wall as a reminder.
Tower Freeze Game
Play a simple game where children act like tall towers standing proud and strong. When you call out “Judgment!” they must freeze and then slowly crumble down to the floor. Then call out “God is LORD!” and they stand back up. This helps children act out the idea of pride falling and God’s power remaining.
Promise Card at Home
Give each child an index card and a marker. Ask them to write or draw one promise God has made, such as “God keeps his word.” Encourage them to place the card on the kitchen table or beside their bed. At dinner or bedtime, ask them to read their card aloud to a parent or sibling.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God rules over all nations and keeps his word, even when people are proud and confident in their own power. Ezekiel’s message to Egypt reminds readers that human strength is limited and that God alone is sovereign over history.
Be careful not to make the lesson sound like God enjoys punishing people. Emphasize that the purpose of these judgments is that people will come to know that he is the Lord, and that God’s faithfulness includes his justice.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you that you are strong and that you always keep your promises. Help us to trust you when we feel small or scared. Teach us to be humble and to remember that you are in charge of everything. Amen.
