In this lesson, children learn that God is in charge of every nation, even the ones that do not know Him yet. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is the boss of every country in the world, and He loves all the people in them. He can bring different nations to know Him and to be His friends.
Memory Verse
Isaiah 19:25
Because the LORD of Armies has blessed them, saying, “Blessed be Egypt my people, Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel my inheritance.”
(WEB)
Have the children hold their hands out in front of them, palms up, like a bowl. Then, slowly, raise both arms over their heads and wiggle their fingers like a blessing falling down. Say the words together with the motion each time.
The Story: Isaiah 19 for Kids
Long ago, a prophet named Isaiah wrote a message about the land of Egypt. Egypt was a big, powerful country with a famous river called the Nile. Many people in Egypt worshiped idols, which are statues made by hands that could not hear or help them. They trusted their own wisdom and their wise men.
God said that He was coming to Egypt on a swift cloud. The idols that the Egyptians trusted would shake with fear. God said that He would cause the Egyptians to fight against one another, so that brother fought brother and city fought city. Their plans fell apart, and their wise men were confused. Even the river dried up, and the fishermen cried because they could not catch any fish.
But the story did not end in sadness. God said that one day, five cities in Egypt would start speaking the language of Canaan, which is the language God’s people used, and they would swear to serve the LORD. There would even be an altar to the LORD right in the middle of Egypt. God said that the Egyptians would cry out to Him, and He would send them a savior to help them.
God said something surprising next. He said that Assyria, another great nation, and Israel would worship Him together with Egypt. God called all three of them His people. He said, “Blessed be Egypt my people, Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel my inheritance.” God loves all the nations, not just one.
Read It Together
Isaiah 19:1
The burden of Egypt. “Behold, the LORD rides on a swift cloud, and comes to Egypt. The idols of Egypt will tremble at his presence; and the heart of Egypt will melt within it.
(WEB)
Point out that this chapter begins with a message about Egypt, and that God is described as riding on a cloud. Explain that a cloud was a picture of God’s power and His coming near, and that nothing in Egypt could stand against Him.
Isaiah 19:21
The LORD will be known to Egypt, and the Egyptians will know the LORD in that day. Yes, they will worship with sacrifice and offering, and will vow a vow to the LORD, and will perform it.
(WEB)
Show the children that God says the Egyptians will know the LORD and worship Him. Explain that God wanted people everywhere to come to know Him, and that He can change the hearts of people who once did not know Him.
Isaiah 19:24-25
24 In that day, Israel will be the third with Egypt and with Assyria, a blessing within the earth; 25 because the LORD of Armies has blessed them, saying, “Blessed be Egypt my people, Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel my inheritance.”
(WEB)
Ask the children to notice the word “blessing” and the word “my people.” Point out that God calls Egypt, Assyria, and Israel all His people, which shows that He wants every nation to belong to Him.
Talk About It
- What did the Egyptians trust in before God told them the truth?
- How do you think the people of Egypt felt when the river dried up?
- Why do you think God wanted to be known by people who were not His people yet?
- What is one country you know about, and how could you pray for the people there?
- How does it make you feel to know that God is in charge of the whole world?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Cloud and a Map
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Draw a simple map of the world with a few countries on it, including Egypt, Israel, and a country your children know. Then have each child draw a small cloud over the map to show that God is watching over every nation. Talk about why God’s care reaches everywhere.
Nation Tag Game
Mark two corners of a room or yard with masking tape, one labeled Egypt and one labeled Israel. Have the children run between the two spots while one child is “It” and tries to tag them. When someone is tagged, they stop and say one thing God can do, then go back to playing. Keep it lively and short.
Take-Home Prayer Card
You will need an index card and a marker for each child. Have each child write or draw the name of a country on the card, or a country they have heard about. Tell them to take the card home and pray for the people there each evening this week. Encourage them to show the card to their family at dinner.
Teacher Notes
This chapter shows that God’s authority reaches every nation, and that He is not only the God of one people. Isaiah wrote about Egypt, a nation that was often an enemy of Israel, and yet God promised to bring Egypt to know Him, to heal them, and to make them His people. For adults, the passage reveals God’s heart for the nations and His plan of mercy that reached far beyond Israel.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the details of the political events or the future history of these nations. The main point for young learners is that God is king over all countries and loves all people. Keep the focus on God’s power and kindness rather than on the particular conflicts or the exact dates.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, we thank You that You are the King over every country in the world. We thank You that You love all people, near and far. Help us to remember that You are with everyone, and help us to pray for people we do not know yet. Amen.
