This lesson teaches children that God always keeps his word, both when he warns and when he promises to remember his people. It is written for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God says what he means, and he keeps every promise he makes, even when the promise is hard to hear. He also never forgets the people who trust him, even when they are far from home.
Memory Verse
Ezekiel 6:7
The slain will fall among you, and you will know that I am the LORD.
(WEB)
Have the children stand tall and then slowly kneel with a hand on their heart each time they say “you will know that I am the LORD.” Repeat it three times together, growing softer each time, so the words sink in. Let them make the same motion at home at bedtime.
The Story: Ezekiel 6 for Kids
God spoke to a man named Ezekiel and told him to face the mountains of Israel. Those mountains were covered with high places where the people had built altars to false gods. God wanted the mountains to hear a message, so Ezekiel began to speak to them. The people had turned away from the one true God, and that made God very sad.
God told the mountains that he would bring a sword against the land. The altars where the people worshiped idols would be broken and made empty. The cities would be left in ruins because the people had chosen to follow things that could not help them. God said, “You will know that I am the LORD.” He wanted them to understand who was really in charge.
But God did not stop with a warning. He promised that he would leave a small group of people who would escape the sword. Those who were carried far away to other countries would remember him. They would feel sorry for the wrong choices they had made, and they would turn their hearts back toward God.
God told Ezekiel to strike his hand on his leg and stamp his foot, and to cry out “Alas!” This showed how grieved the prophet was over the sins of the people. The judgment was real, but it was not the end of the story. God would keep his promise to remember those who were faithful to him.
Finally, God said that he would stretch out his hand against the land, and the people would finally know who he is. Everything God said would come true. Nothing he promised would be left undone.
Read It Together
Ezekiel 6:3
And say, ‘You mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord the LORD! Thus says the Lord the LORD to the mountains and to the hills, to the watercourses and to the valleys: “Behold, I, even I, will bring a sword on you, and I will destroy your high places.
(WEB)
Point out that God speaks to the mountains and hills as if they can hear him. Ask the children why God might choose to send his message this way. Help them see that the whole land was meant to hear that God was watching and that his word was certain.
Ezekiel 6:8-9
8 “‘“Yet I will leave a remnant, in that you will have some that escape the sword among the nations, when you are scattered through the countries. 9 Those of you that escape will remember me among the nations where they are carried captive, how I have been broken with their lewd heart, which has departed from me, and with their eyes, which play the prostitute after their idols. Then they will loathe themselves in their own sight for the evils which they have committed in all their abominations.
(WEB)
Show the children that even in a message of judgment, God still promises to leave a remnant. He remembers people who are far away. Explain that the word “remember” in this verse means God cares deeply about his people in every place they go.
Ezekiel 6:10
They will know that I am the LORD. I have not said in vain that I would do this evil to them.”’
(WEB)
Point to the phrase “I have not said in vain” and explain that God does not say things without meaning them. When God speaks, his words are never empty. This helps children trust that his promises of love and help are just as true as his warnings.
Talk About It
- What did God want the mountains and hills to understand when Ezekiel spoke to them?
- Why do you think the people kept building altars to idols even after God warned them?
- What does it feel like when someone you trust keeps their promise to you?
- How did God show that he still cared for the people who were scattered far away?
- What is one thing you can do this week to remember that God is always with you?
Activity Ideas
Mountain Drawing Craft
Give each child a sheet of paper, crayons, and some torn green paper for trees. Have them draw a tall mountain and add a small altar at the top. Then they can glue on a few green trees and write or draw one thing God has promised to do for them. Display the pictures on the wall as a reminder that God sees every place.
Hands and Feet Movement Game
Teach the children Ezekiel’s motion of striking the hand and stamping the foot while saying “Alas!” Then play a simple game where you call out a Bible word and they copy a motion, such as “sword” for a chopping motion or “remember” for tapping their head. Keep it lively and short so the children stay focused and have fun.
Promise Keeper Card
Cut index cards in half and give one to each child. Ask them to write or draw a promise they trust God to keep, such as “God will never forget me.” Let them punch a hole in the corner and tie on a piece of yarn so they can hang it on their bedpost. Encourage them to read it aloud at bedtime with their family.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God takes sin seriously and that his judgments are real. Yet it also reveals his steadfast faithfulness, since he promises to preserve a remnant and to be known through his actions. The chapter reminds us that God’s word stands firm whether it brings warning or comfort, and that he remembers his people even in exile.
Avoid overstating the harsh imagery of destruction and death when speaking to young children. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and his desire for people to know him, rather than on the details of the judgment itself. Emphasize that God’s promises are trustworthy and that he never forgets those who belong to him.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank you that you always keep your word. When we feel far away or confused, help us remember that you see us and that you never forget us. Teach us to trust your promises and to know that you are the LORD. Amen.
