In this lesson, children learn that when someone big and scary says terrible things, God hears every word and can be trusted to keep his people safe. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the discussion and one simple activity.
Big Idea
When people say scary and unkind things, we can take our worries to God, because he hears everything and he is stronger than anyone who opposes him.
Memory Verse
Isaiah 37:6
Isaiah said to them, “Tell your master, ‘The LORD says, “Don’t be afraid of the words that you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me.
(WEB)
Have children stand tall and place both hands on their hearts as they say the verse together. Then have them make a big “stop” sign with their hands while saying “Don’t be afraid.” Repeat it three times, getting a little quieter each time, until the children are whispering it.
The Story: Isaiah 37 for Kids
There was a king named Hezekiah who ruled the city of Jerusalem. One day, a bad king named Sennacherib sent a messenger to say terrible things. The messenger shouted that Hezekiah’s God could not save the people from the powerful Assyrian army. Hezekiah heard those words and felt very scared.
Hezekiah did something brave. He tore his clothes to show how sad he was, put on rough cloth, and ran straight into God’s house to pray. He also sent his helpers to the prophet Isaiah. “Please pray for us,” they said. “We are in big trouble, and we do not know what to do.”
Isaiah sent back a message from God. “Do not be afraid of these words. God has heard every word that the bad king said. The king will go back home, and he will not win this fight.” God really did keep his promise.
Hezekiah took the angry letter from Sennacherib and spread it out before God. He prayed, “Lord, you made the heavens and the earth. You are the only true God. Please save us, so that everyone will know you are the Lord.” He trusted God with his big fear.
That night, God sent his angel into the enemy camp. In the morning, the Assyrian soldiers were gone, because God had defeated them in the night. Sennacherib went home to Nineveh, and later he died there. God protected his city and kept his people safe.
Read It Together
Isaiah 37:14-16
14 Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers and read it. Then Hezekiah went up to the LORD’s house, and spread it before the LORD. 15 Hezekiah prayed to the LORD, saying, 16 “The LORD of Armies, the God of Israel, who is enthroned among the cherubim, you are the God, even you alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth.
(WEB)
Point out that Hezekiah did not keep the letter to himself. He took it to God and spread it out before him. Ask the children what they would do if someone gave them a scary letter, and show that bringing it to God is the wise choice.
Isaiah 37:20
Now therefore, the LORD our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you are the LORD, even you only.”
(WEB)
Explain that Hezekiah’s prayer had a goal: he wanted everyone to know that the Lord is the only true God. Help children see that when God answers prayer, people learn more about who he is.
Isaiah 37:36
Then the LORD’s angel went out and struck one hundred and eighty-five thousand men in the camp of the Assyrians. When men arose early in the morning, behold, these were all dead bodies.
(WEB)
Show children that God acted in a way no soldier could. Emphasize that the enemy army was stopped by God alone, so his people did not have to fight it themselves. Keep the tone calm and wonder-filled.
Talk About It
- What did Hezekiah do when he got the scary letter, and why do you think he went to God’s house?
- Can you tell about a time when you felt scared of something someone said to you?
- What does it mean that God heard every word the bad king spoke?
- Why do you think Hezekiah wanted everyone to know that the Lord is the true God?
- What is one worry you could take to God in prayer this week?
Activity Ideas
Paper Letter Drawing
You will need plain paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Have each child draw a picture of a scary letter on one sheet, then fold it and place it on a table. Next, have them draw a small picture of God’s hand or a bright sun on a second sheet. Explain that God is bigger than any scary words, and let them tape the two pictures together.
Stop and Stand Game
You will need an open space and a chair for each child. Call out scary words like “giant” or “army,” and have the children freeze in place. When you call out “Lord,” have them stand tall with hands raised. Play a few rounds, pointing out that God’s name is always the answer to fear.
Take-Home Worry Jar
You will need an empty jar, paper scraps, and a pencil. Ask each child to write or draw one worry on a scrap and fold it up. Have them place it in the jar at home as a reminder to pray about it. Suggest that they add to the jar each week and talk with a parent about how God answers prayer.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God is sovereign over nations and armies, and that he answers the prayers of his people in times of threat. Hezekiah’s faith was not in his own strength but in the Lord who made heaven and earth. The chapter also reminds us that God’s zeal for his people and his name is real and active.
When teaching children, avoid suggesting that God always rescues us from every danger in exactly the same way. Stress instead that God hears our prayers and is faithful, even when his answers come in ways we do not expect.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Lord, thank you for hearing every word we say. When people say scary things, help us bring our worries to you like Hezekiah did. Keep us brave and close to you. Amen.
