In this lesson, children learn that God sees proud people who think they are bigger than God, and that God is the one who is really in charge. The lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach, with time for a short activity.
Big Idea
God is always in charge, and He brings down anyone who tries to be greater than Him. Those who trust Him are safe in His care.
Memory Verse
Isaiah 14:13
You said in your heart, “I will ascend into heaven! I will exalt my throne above the stars of God! I will sit on the mountain of assembly, in the far north!
(WEB)
Have children hold both arms up high like a tall tower, then slowly lower them to the floor while saying the verse. Slowly lowering the arms helps them picture what God does to proud hearts, and the motion makes the words easy to remember.
The Story: Isaiah 14 for Kids
Long ago, God’s people, the Israelites, had been held as servants by a powerful king in the land of Babylon. Life was hard for them, and they felt sad and tired every day. God promised them that one day He would give them rest and bring them back to their own land.
The king of Babylon was very proud. He ruled many nations and thought he was the strongest ruler there could ever be. He even said in his heart that he would climb up to heaven and sit on the highest mountain, as if he were equal to God. He wanted to be the greatest of all.
God saw the king’s pride, and He was not pleased. The prophet Isaiah told the people that God would bring the proud king down low. The king’s great palace and his fine music would end up in the grave, and he would not be able to rest in glory like the other kings.
People who saw the king fall would stop and wonder. They would ask, “Is this the man who made the whole earth shake?” The king who had seemed so mighty was now gone, and everyone could see that only God is truly powerful.
God then said that He would protect His own people and keep their land safe. He reminded everyone that His plans always stand firm and that nothing can stop what He has decided. The chapter ends with God’s people finding a safe place to rest in Zion, the city that God has made His home.
Read It Together
Isaiah 14:1-2
1 For the LORD will have compassion on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land. The foreigner will join himself with them, and they will unite with the house of Jacob. 2 The peoples will take them, and bring them to their place. The house of Israel will possess them in the LORD’s land for servants and for handmaids. They will take as captives those whose captives they were; and they shall rule over their oppressors.
(WEB)
Point out that God had compassion on His people and promised to bring them home. Ask the children to notice how God cares for those who are hurting and never forgets them, even when life feels very hard.
Isaiah 14:12
How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, who laid the nations low!
(WEB)
Show the children how the proud king fell from a high place. Explain that this picture helps us see how far pride can take a person down, and that no one can climb higher than God.
Isaiah 14:27
For the LORD of Armies has planned, and who can stop it? His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?”
(WEB)
Point out that God’s plans cannot be stopped by anyone. Remind the children that when God makes a promise, He always keeps it, and we can trust Him completely.
Talk About It
- What did the king of Babylon want that God did not want him to have?
- How do you think the people of Israel felt while they were being held as servants?
- What is one way we might be tempted to act like we are more important than others?
- Why is it good to know that God is the one who is really in charge of everything?
- What can we do when we feel tired or sad, like God’s people did long ago?
Activity Ideas
Paper Tower Craft
Give each child a sheet of paper, some crayons, and a little glue. Have them draw a tall tower or a crown on one side, then fold the paper so the tower leans over. Talk about how the tower is not as strong as God, and let them decorate it with words about God’s power.
Tower Tumble Game
Stack blocks, cups, or empty cans into a tall tower on a table or the floor. Let the children take turns knocking it down gently with a soft ball, and each time say, “God is in charge!” Explain that the tower falling shows how God brings down what is proud, while the children can rebuild it to show that God cares for us.
Trust Jar at Home
Find a clean jar, some paper strips, and a pen. Have the child write one thing they are worried about on each strip and fold it up. Place the strips in the jar as a reminder that God is in charge and can be trusted with every worry, and open the jar together at dinner to pray over the notes.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God is sovereign over all nations and rulers, and that human pride will not last. It also reminds God’s people that He keeps His promises to bring them rest and safety, even after long seasons of hardship.
Avoid overstating to children that the proud king in this chapter is a picture of any particular person today or that every hard thing that happens is a punishment for pride. Keep the focus on God’s power and faithfulness, and let children understand that God cares for those who trust Him.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You are always in charge and nothing is too big for You. Help us not to be proud, and help us trust You when things feel hard. Thank You that You keep Your promises and take care of us. Amen.
