This lesson teaches children that God loves His people so much that He delights in them, like a bridegroom who is happy with his bride. It is made for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is so happy with His people that He calls them special names and promises to take care of them forever.
Memory Verse
Isaiah 62:4
You will not be called Forsaken any more; nor will your land be called Desolate any more: but you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the LORD delights in you, and your land will be married.
(WEB)
Put your hands on your heart when you say it, then open your arms wide like you are giving a big hug. Say the words together three times, getting a little louder each time.
The Story: Isaiah 62 for Kids
Long ago, God’s people lived in the city of Jerusalem. Many of them had been sad for a long time because their city had been broken down and they felt forgotten. The prophet Isaiah spoke for God to bring them good news. God wanted them to know that He had not forgotten them at all.
God said through Isaiah that He would not stay quiet about His people. He promised that their city would shine bright like the morning sun and like a lamp that never goes out. People from every nation would see how good God was to them. God even said He would give them new names that showed how loved they were.
God made a promise that was like a wedding. He said, “I am so happy with you that I will rejoice over you, just as a bridegroom is happy over his bride.” The people would no longer be called Forsaken or Desolate. Instead, they would be called names that meant God was pleased with them.
God also said He had set watchmen on the walls of Jerusalem. These watchmen would pray and remind God of His promise, day and night, and would not rest until God made Jerusalem a place of praise. God promised that enemies would no longer take away the grain and the new wine the people had worked so hard to grow.
Then the people were told to get the road ready for the Lord’s coming. They were asked to clear the stones and lift up a banner so everyone could see. God was sending good news, and His reward was coming with Him. The chapter ends with people being called the holy people, the Lord’s redeemed.
Read It Together
Isaiah 62:2-3
2 The nations will see your righteousness, and all kings your glory, and you will be called by a new name, which the LORD‘s mouth will name. 3 You will also be a crown of beauty in the LORD‘s hand, and a royal diadem in your God‘s hand.
(WEB)
Point out that God gives His people brand new names that show who they are to Him. Ask the children what it feels like to be given a special name by someone who loves them.
Isaiah 62:5
For as a young man marries a virgin, so your sons will marry you. As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so your God will rejoice over you.
(WEB)
Show the children how God rejoices over His people in the same way a happy bridegroom rejoices over his bride. Talk about the joy and gladness that comes from being loved so deeply.
Isaiah 62:12
They will call them The holy people, the LORD’s redeemed. You will be called Sought out, A city not forsaken.
(WEB)
Point out the final names given to God’s people: the holy people and the city not forsaken. Remind the children that these names are a gift God gives, not something they earn on their own.
Talk About It
- What is one special name you would like someone to call you, and why?
- How do you think God feels when He sees you trusting Him?
- What did the people of Jerusalem need to hear when they felt forgotten?
- Who are some people in your life who show you that they are happy to be with you?
- What can you do this week to show God that you are glad He loves you?
Activity Ideas
Paper Crown of Beauty
You will need strips of construction paper, tape or a stapler, crayons, and glitter if you have it. Cut the paper into strips long enough to fit around each child’s head, then let them decorate the strips. Tape each crown closed and talk about how God calls His people a crown of beauty in His hand.
Lift Up the Banner Game
You will need a sheet, a broom, and a open space in the room. Have one child hold the sheet up like a banner while the others march around it, pretending to clear stones from the road. Shout together that God’s salvation is coming, and let the children switch turns.
Take-Home Name Card
You will need index cards, markers, and a small hole punch with yarn. Have each child write a new name on the card that reminds them of how God delights in them, such as Beloved or Treasured. Punch a hole in the top, tie on the yarn, and send it home to hang on a bedroom door or mirror.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter is a picture of God’s faithful, joyful love for His people. Isaiah speaks of a restored Jerusalem where God’s presence and blessing are visible to the nations, and the imagery of marriage shows how deeply God commits Himself to His people. Its promises rest on God’s own character and oath, not on how well the people perform.
Avoid overstating to children that the promises in this chapter are a simple formula for getting whatever they want. Be careful not to suggest that God’s love depends on good behavior or that bad things will never happen to a faithful child. Keep the focus on God’s delight and faithfulness, which children can trust even when life is hard.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for loving us and being happy with us. Help us remember the new names You give us, and help us trust that You never forget Your people. Thank You for keeping every promise You make. Amen.
