In this lesson, children learn that God is in charge of the future, even when people make choices that seem unwise. This lesson is best for children ages 5 to 11, and it takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God knows everything that will happen, and we can trust Him even when we do not understand what is coming. Good words from God are always true.
Memory Verse
Isaiah 39:8
Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “The LORD’s word which you have spoken is good.” He said moreover, “For there will be peace and truth in my days.”
(WEB)
Hold both hands out in front of you, palms up, like you are receiving a gift. Then slowly bring them together over your heart. Say “God’s word is good” as you do it, so the motion and the words stay together.
The Story: Isaiah 39 for Kids
A long time ago, there was a king named Hezekiah who ruled the people of Judah. One day, Hezekiah had been very sick, but God healed him. Soon after, messengers came from a faraway land called Babylon. Their king, Merodach Baladan, had heard about Hezekiah’s healing, and he sent letters and a gift to say he was happy for him.
Hezekiah was proud and excited. He took the visitors all through his palace. He showed them his silver, his gold, his sweet spices, his precious oil, and all of his storehouses and weapons. He wanted them to see everything he had. He did not keep anything hidden from them.
Then the prophet Isaiah came to the king with a serious question. “What did these men say to you? Where did they come from?” Hezekiah told him the truth. Isaiah asked what they had seen, and Hezekiah said, “They saw everything in my house. I showed them all of my treasures.”
Isaiah then gave God’s message. He said, “A day is coming when everything in your house will be carried away to Babylon. Your own children will be taken away too, and they will serve in the king of Babylon’s palace.” This was a hard thing to hear. It was a warning that the future would not look the way Hezekiah hoped.
Hezekiah could have been angry or afraid. Instead, he said, “The word of the LORD that you have spoken is good.” He was thankful that God had told him the truth. He also said that there would be peace and truth during his own lifetime. God was still in control, and His word could be trusted.
Read It Together
Isaiah 39:1
At that time, Merodach Baladan the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah; for he heard that he had been sick, and had recovered.
(WEB)
Point out that the visitors came because they heard about Hezekiah’s healing. Ask children to notice that God’s kindness to Hezekiah became known to other people. Remind them that good things from God are worth sharing.
Isaiah 39:5-6
5 Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Hear the word of the LORD of Armies: 6 ‘Behold, the days are coming when all that is in your house, and that which your fathers have stored up until today, will be carried to Babylon. Nothing will be left,’ says the LORD.
(WEB)
Show children that Isaiah brought God’s message even though it was hard news. Explain that a true friend tells us the truth, even when we do not want to hear it. Point out that God speaks clearly to His people.
Talk About It
- Why do you think Hezekiah wanted to show the visitors everything he owned?
- How do you think Hezekiah felt when Isaiah gave him the hard news?
- What is one thing you could do this week to show someone God’s kindness?
- What do you think it means that God knows what will happen in the future?
- When someone tells you something hard, how can you respond like Hezekiah did?
Activity Ideas
Treasure Box Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a small empty box. Ask each child to draw one thing they treasure, such as a toy, a pet, or a family member. Then have them place their drawing inside the box and talk about why it matters. Explain that God is the one who gives us good things, and we can thank Him for them.
Statue Freeze Game
Gather the children in an open space. Call out “Babylon is coming!” and have everyone run around. Then call out “God’s word is good!” and have them freeze in a strong, calm pose, like a statue. Play several rounds. Afterward, talk about how we can stay calm when we hear news we do not expect.
Take-Home Promise Card
You will need an index card and a pencil for each child. Have children write or draw “God’s word is good” on the front and a picture of their family on the back. Encourage them to share the card with someone at home and explain what the verse means. This helps the lesson continue through the week.
Teacher Notes
This chapter shows that God knows the future, including hard things that may come because of human choices. For adults, it is a reminder that God’s warnings are real, and that faithfulness means trusting His word even when the outcome is uncertain. Hezekiah’s story also reminds us to be careful about pride and about what we display to others.
When teaching children, avoid suggesting that Hezekiah’s sin was the sole cause of what happened later in Judah’s history. The text focuses on his pride and on Isaiah’s warning, so keep the lesson centered there and let the wider history stay in the background.
A Prayer to Close
Father, thank You for knowing everything that will happen. Help us to trust Your words, even when they are hard to hear. Teach us to be thankful for the good things You give us. Help us to listen to You and to respond with trust. Amen.
