In this lesson, children learn that God’s word is always true, even when it is hard to hear, and that we should keep our hearts close to Him instead of our treasures. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God always keeps His promises, and the best treasure we have is a heart that trusts Him. Things can be taken away, but God stays with us.
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)
Have the children hold both hands out in front of them, palms up, like they are carrying a gift. Then bring their hands slowly to their hearts as they say the words together. This motion reminds them that God’s word is something to hold close.
The Story: Isaiah 39 for Kids
A long time ago, there was a king named Hezekiah who ruled the land of Judah. Hezekiah had been very sick, but God healed him and let him live longer. Soon after, a visitor came from a faraway land called Babylon. The king of Babylon sent letters and a gift to say he was glad Hezekiah was well.
Hezekiah was happy to see these visitors. He was proud of everything he had, so he took them all over his palace. He showed them his gold, his silver, his sweet spices, and his shiny weapons. He let them see every room and every treasure he owned.
Then the prophet Isaiah came to see the king. Isaiah was God’s messenger, and he always told the truth. He asked Hezekiah, “Who were these men, and what did they see in your house?” Hezekiah answered honestly, “They saw everything I have.” Isaiah’s face grew serious, because God had something important to say.
Isaiah told the king, “Listen to the word of the LORD. A day is coming when everything in your house will be carried away to Babylon. Some of your own children will be taken away too.” That was very hard news for Hezekiah to hear.
Hezekiah did not argue or get angry. He said, “The word of the LORD is good.” He trusted that God knew best, even though the news was sad. He also said that there would be peace during his own lifetime.
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 king of Babylon sent a gift because he heard Hezekiah had been sick and was well again. Ask the children why they think people send cards or gifts when a friend gets better.
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 the children how Isaiah brought God’s message to the king. Explain that the message was hard, but God was still in control of what would happen.
Talk About It
- What did Hezekiah like to show the visitors from Babylon, and why do you think he was so proud of it?
- How do you feel when someone tells you something that is hard to hear, like a rule you do not like?
- Why is it important that Isaiah always told the truth, even to a king?
- What is something you own that you really love, and how can you remember that God matters more than things?
- When Hezekiah heard God’s message, he said it was good. What helps you trust God when things feel uncertain?
Activity Ideas
Treasure Box Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or colored pencils, and a small empty box if you have one. Ask each child to draw a picture of the treasure they value most, then place their drawing inside the box. Talk together about how God is more precious than any treasure, and that He is always with us no matter what we have or lose.
Carry the Message Game
You will need a few small objects like a spoon, a block, and a toy car. Have the children stand in a line and pass a small object down the line, one at a time, while walking carefully. Explain that the messenger in this story carried a hard message faithfully, and that God’s word always stays true.
Take-Home Promise Card
You will need index cards, markers, and a pencil. Write the memory verse on one side of the card and invite each child to decorate the other side with a drawing of something that reminds them God is faithful. Encourage them to place the card on their bedside table or in their backpack so they can read it each day this week.
Teacher Notes
This chapter shows that God speaks truthfully, even when His message brings hard consequences. Hezekiah’s response models humility, because he accepted God’s word instead of arguing with it. Adults can learn that our trust in God should stay firm even when we do not know the full story of what lies ahead.
Be careful not to suggest that every hard thing in life is a direct punishment from God, since this passage deals with a specific historical moment. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and on trusting Him, rather than on fear or blame.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for always telling us the truth and keeping Your promises. Help us to trust You when things are hard, and help us to remember that You matter more than anything we own. Please stay close to us this week. Amen.
