In this lesson, children learn that God is stronger and wiser than any army, horse, or helper people might choose to trust instead of him. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, a few questions, and one activity.
Big Idea
God is strong, and he takes care of his people. When we are scared, we can look to God first, not to things that seem strong but are not God.
Memory Verse
Isaiah 31:1
Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, and rely on horses, and trust in chariots because they are many, and in horsemen because they are very strong, but they don’t look to the Holy One of Israel, and they don’t seek the LORD!
(WEB)
Ask the children to put both hands on their heads, then slowly lift them up high as if reaching for the sky. Say the verse together while they lift their hands, and then bring their hands down onto their knees as you say “Holy One.” Repeat it three times, faster each time.
The Story: Isaiah 31 for Kids
A long time ago, the people of Judah were scared. Big, powerful nations were all around them, and the people wanted to feel safe. Some of them decided to make friends with Egypt. Egypt had many horses and chariots, and the people thought, “If we have Egypt on our side, nobody can hurt us.”
The prophet Isaiah had a message from God for them. God said, “Woe to you who go down to Egypt for help. You trust in horses and chariots, but you do not look to the Holy One of Israel. You do not ask me for help.” Isaiah was saying that the people were looking in the wrong place.
Then God told them something very important. He said, “The Egyptians are only men, and their horses are only horses. They are not God. When I stretch out my hand, those who help will stumble, and those who are helped will fall.” God was showing them that no army can stand against him.
God also described himself like a lion protecting its young. He said that he would protect Jerusalem like a bird hovering over its nest. A lion is not afraid of a crowd of shepherds, and a bird keeps its babies safe under its wings. God would keep his people safe in the same way.
God then called the people to come back to him. He said, “Return to me, children of Israel.” He wanted them to throw away the idols they had made, because those things could never save them. Only God could.
In the end, God promised that the Assyrian army would fall. It would not be defeated by a human sword. God would win the battle himself. The people could stop being afraid, because their God was the one who would fight for them.
Read It Together
Isaiah 31:4-5
4 For the LORD says to me, “As the lion and the young lion growling over his prey, if a multitude of shepherds is called together against him, will not be dismayed at their voice, nor abase himself for their noise, so the LORD of Armies will come down to fight on Mount Zion and on its heights. 5 As birds hovering, so the LORD of Armies will protect Jerusalem. He will protect and deliver it. He will pass over and preserve it.”
(WEB)
Point out that God compares himself to a lion and a bird. Ask the children what a lion does to protect its family, and what a mother bird does to protect her nest. Explain that God takes care of us in the same loving and strong way.
Isaiah 31:6
Return to him from whom you have deeply revolted, children of Israel.
(WEB)
Show the children that God invites people to come back to him. Explain that “return” means turning around and going back to the one who loves us. God is always ready to welcome us home when we turn to him.
Isaiah 31:9
His rock will pass away by reason of terror, and his princes will be afraid of the banner,” says the LORD, whose fire is in Zion, and his furnace in Jerusalem.
(WEB)
Point out that God’s fire and furnace are in Zion and Jerusalem, meaning he is present with his people. Tell the children that God is not far away. He is close to his people and watches over them every day.
Talk About It
- What are some things people sometimes trust to keep them safe, instead of trusting God?
- How do you feel when someone strong, like a parent, protects you?
- Why do you think God wanted the people to stop trusting in horses and chariots?
- What is one thing you can do when you feel scared, so you remember to look to God?
- How is God like a lion or a bird protecting its family?
Activity Ideas
Lion and Bird Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a lion or a bird with its babies, and to write or draw a small picture of God protecting them. While they draw, talk about how God keeps us safe. Let the children hang their pictures somewhere in the room or take them home.
Strong Tower Game
You will need a few soft cushions or stacks of blankets, plus an open space to play. Have the children pretend to be people in a town. Shout “Horses!” and have them run in circles, then shout “Holy One!” and have them run to the cushions and hide behind them. Explain that God is our safe place, stronger than anything we could run to on our own.
Trust Jar at Home
You will need a clear jar, paper slips, and a pen. Ask the family to write down one worry each on a slip, then put the slips in the jar. Each evening, pull one out and pray about it together. Explain that the jar is a reminder to bring every worry to God, who is stronger than any fear.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Isaiah 31 is a warning against trusting in political alliances and military power instead of God. The chapter exposes the false security of relying on Egypt’s horses and chariots. It also shows God’s commitment to defend Jerusalem, and his call for his people to turn back to him in repentance.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the story as a promise that God will always win every battle or protect every person in the same way. Keep the focus on God’s character as strong, faithful, and close to his people, and on the simple truth that we can trust him when we feel afraid.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you that you are strong and wise. Help us remember that we do not need to be afraid, because you are always with us. When we feel scared, help us turn to you first and trust you to keep us safe. Amen.
