Ezekiel 32 teaches children that God is in charge of every nation, even the most powerful ones, and that he keeps his promises. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is the King over all the kingdoms of the world, and nobody is stronger than him. He sees everything and he always keeps his word.
Memory Verse
Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.”
(WEB)
Have the children stand tall, then slowly lower themselves to a crouch as they say “Be still.” Then have them stand up with both hands raised high on “know that I am God.” Repeat it together three times so the motions become the memory.
The Story: Ezekiel 32 for Kids
A long time ago, God spoke to a prophet named Ezekiel. God told him to sing a sad song about a king named Pharaoh. Pharaoh ruled the big country of Egypt, and he thought he was very mighty. The people in Egypt were proud of their land, their rivers, and their army.
God said Pharaoh was like a big sea monster splashing and making the water dirty. God told Ezekiel that he would catch Pharaoh in a net, just like a fisherman catches a fish. Then God would leave Pharaoh out on the land for the birds and animals to see. God wanted everyone to know that Pharaoh was not the boss. God was the boss.
The sad song went on for many days. Ezekiel told the people that other great nations, like Assyria, Elam, and Edom, were also brought down. Each of them was powerful once, but each one had to lie down in the grave. Ezekiel reminded everyone that none of the kings could save themselves.
God said, “Then they will know that I am the LORD.” God wanted Pharaoh and all the people to learn that only God is truly strong. Even the strongest kings have to bow down to him one day.
This chapter is a reminder that God sees all the countries and all the people. Nothing happens without him knowing about it. He keeps his promises, even when they are hard to hear.
Read It Together
Ezekiel 32:2
‘Son of man, take up a lamentation over Pharaoh king of Egypt, and tell him, “You were likened to a young lion of the nations; yet you are as a monster in the seas. You broke out with your rivers, and troubled the waters with your feet, and fouled their rivers.”
(WEB)
Point out that God told Ezekiel to speak to Pharaoh even though Pharaoh was a powerful king. Ask the children why God would tell a prophet to speak to a king. Help them see that God’s words are important no matter who is listening.
Ezekiel 32:7-8
7 When I extinguish you, I will cover the heavens and make its stars dark. I will cover the sun with a cloud, and the moon won’t give its light. 8 I will make all the bright lights of the sky dark over you, and set darkness on your land,” says the Lord the LORD.
(WEB)
Point to the picture of the sky going dark in these verses. Explain that God is powerful enough to change the sun, moon, and stars. Remind the children that God can do anything, and nothing is too big for him.
Ezekiel 32:15
“When I make the land of Egypt desolate and waste, a land destitute of that of which it was full, when I strike all those who dwell therein, then they will know that I am the LORD.
(WEB)
Show the children that God wanted the people to know who he is. Explain that God wants everyone to know him, not only the people who already love him. Ask them what they can do to help others learn about God.
Talk About It
- What do you think it felt like for Pharaoh to hear that he was not the most powerful?
- Why do you think God wanted everyone to know that he is the LORD?
- What is one thing you can think of that only God can do?
- How does it make you feel to know that God sees every country and every person?
- When you feel small or afraid, how can remembering that God is in charge help you?
Activity Ideas
Paper Fish Net Picture
You will need paper, crayons, scissors, glue, and a piece of yarn. Have each child draw a big fish and then draw a net over it using crayons. Let them glue the yarn across the paper to look like a net. Talk together about how God is greater than any fish or king, and that he holds everything in his hands.
Shadow Freeze Game
Turn off the lights or pull the curtains closed so the room is a bit dark. Have the children move around like animals, then call out “Freeze” and have them stand very still. Explain that when the sun was covered with clouds, the world went dark, but God was still in control the whole time. Repeat the game a few times and talk about how God is always present.
Family Verse Card
You will need an index card, a marker, and a sticker or drawing. Write Psalm 46:10 on the card with the words “God is in charge” underneath it. Let your child decorate it with a sticker or a small drawing. Take the card home and place it somewhere the family sees it each day, like on the fridge or by the front door, and say the verse together at dinner.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God is not limited by human power or national pride. Ezekiel prophesies about Egypt and the other nations during a time of great upheaval, and the message is that God holds history in his hands. Adults can take comfort that God sees injustice and rules over every empire, even when the world seems out of control.
When teaching children, avoid making the destruction in this chapter sound like something to celebrate or like God delights in punishing people. Keep the focus on God’s power, his faithfulness, and his desire for people to know him. Children can feel fear at the images of death and darkness, so reassure them that God is good and that he is the one who keeps everything safe.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you that you are bigger than every king and every country. We know you see everything, and you never forget your promises. Help us trust you when we feel small or scared. Help us remember that you are the LORD, and that you are always in charge. Amen.
