This lesson teaches children that God keeps every promise He makes, even when the enemies of His people seem big and frightening. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, activities, and prayer.
Big Idea
God is stronger than every enemy, and He always keeps His word to take care of His people. When we feel scared, we can trust Him to do what He said He would do.
Memory Verse
Ezekiel 39:7
“‘“I will make my holy name known among my people Israel. I won’t allow my holy name to be profaned any more. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD, the Holy One in Israel.
(WEB)
Teach the children to stand tall with their arms stretched out wide, like a big, strong oak tree. Then have them say the verse slowly while holding their arms still. Each time they say “my holy name,” they can tap their chest gently to show that God’s name belongs to Him.
The Story: Ezekiel 39 for Kids
A long time ago, God’s people, the Israelites, lived in their own land. But some of them had been taken far away from home, and they were sad and worried. God chose a man named Ezekiel to be His messenger and to tell the people what God wanted them to know.
God sent Ezekiel to speak to a powerful king named Gog, who came from a faraway place in the north. Gog was proud and thought he could beat anyone. God told Ezekiel that He would stop Gog himself. God said He would take away Gog’s bow and arrows, so the king could not fight. The birds and animals would eat what was left on the mountains.
God said that everyone would see that He is the Lord. He said, “I will make my holy name known among my people Israel.” God’s name would not be treated as small or unimportant anymore. God would show His power so that all the nations would know who He is.
After the battle, the people of Israel would take the weapons from the enemy and burn them as fuel for seven years. They would not need to cut down a single tree for wood, because they had plenty of weapons to use. God would make sure that those who had hurt His people would not hurt them again.
The people would also spend seven months burying the enemy soldiers, so the land would be clean again. A special place in the valley would be named after Gog’s large army. God promised that, in the end, His people would live safely in their own land, and they would never be taken away from home again.
God ended His message with a promise that filled His people’s hearts with hope. He said, “I have poured out my Spirit on the house of Israel.” God would be with His people and would stay close to them always.
Read It Together
Ezekiel 39:21-22
21 “I will set my glory among the nations. Then all the nations will see my judgment that I have executed, and my hand that I have laid on them. 22 So the house of Israel will know that I am the LORD their God, from that day and forward.
(WEB)
Point out that God says He will show His glory among the nations. Ask the children how the people would know who the Lord is. Explain that God wanted His people to remember that He is faithful and that He is the one true God.
Ezekiel 39:25-26
25 “Therefore thus says the Lord the LORD: ‘Now I will reverse the captivity of Jacob, and have mercy on the whole house of Israel. I will be jealous for my holy name. 26 They will bear their shame, and all their trespasses by which they have trespassed against me, when they dwell securely in their land, and no one will make them afraid…
(WEB)
Show the children that God says He will have mercy on His people and bring them back home. Explain that God’s people will live in peace, and no one will make them afraid. Remind the children that God loves His people even when they make mistakes.
Ezekiel 39:29
I won’t hide my face from them any more; for I have poured out my Spirit on the house of Israel,’ says the Lord the LORD.”
(WEB)
Point out that God promises to pour out His Spirit on His people. Explain that the Holy Spirit is God’s presence with us, helping and comforting us. Tell the children that God is with them every day, just as He was with the Israelites.
Talk About It
- What do you think it felt like for the Israelites to wait for God to rescue them?
- Why do you think God wanted everyone to know that He is the Lord?
- What is something that feels big and scary to you, and how can God help you with it?
- How did God show that He always keeps His promises in this story?
- What is one way you can remember that God is with you every day?
Activity Ideas
Paper Plate Shield Craft
You will need paper plates, crayons or markers, string, and tape. Have each child draw a picture of God on the front of their paper plate, such as a sun or a strong tower with the words “God is strong.” Punch two holes near the top, thread the string through, and tie a loop so the children can wear the plate like a shield. Explain that God is our shield and protects us from fear.
Stand Strong Movement Game
Clear a space in the room and ask the children to stand in a line. Call out “Gog is coming!” and have the children gently crouch down. Then call out “God is with us!” and have them stand up tall and stretch their arms wide. Repeat several times, mixing up the calls. Each time they stand up, remind them that God is stronger than any enemy.
Promise Keeper Card for Home
Give each child an index card and a crayon. Ask them to write or draw one promise God has made, such as “God is with me” or “God keeps His word.” Help younger children trace or copy simple words. Encourage them to place the card on their bedside table or in their backpack so they can read it each day and remember that God is faithful.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Ezekiel 39 shows that God is sovereign over the nations and keeps His promises to restore His people. The chapter speaks of God defending His holy name and bringing His people home. It reminds us that God’s faithfulness does not depend on our strength or our circumstances.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the details of the battle with Gog or trying to predict future events. Keep the focus on God’s power, His faithfulness to His people, and His loving presence through His Spirit. Children need to hear that God is trustworthy, not a detailed timeline of prophecy.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You are stronger than anything that scares us. Help us remember that You always keep Your promises, and that You are with us every day. Thank You for loving us and giving us Your Spirit. Help us trust You and not be afraid. Amen.
