In this lesson, children learn that God is in charge of every nation, even the ones that do not know Him, and that He keeps His promises. The lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is the boss of all the nations, and He always does what He says. Nobody is stronger than God, not even the biggest armies on earth.
Memory Verse
Jeremiah 47:6
“‘You sword of the LORD, how long will it be before you are quiet? Put yourself back into your scabbard; rest, and be still.’
(WEB)
Have the children hold both hands out flat, palms up, like a bowl, then slowly lower them as they say the words “rest, and be still.” Repeat it three times together so the motion and the words stick.
The Story: Jeremiah 47 for Kids
Long ago, God gave a message to His prophet Jeremiah. The message was for a people called the Philistines, who lived in the land near the sea. Their cities were Gaza and Ashkelon, and they had many enemies around them. God wanted Jeremiah to tell them what was coming.
God said that a great flood of enemy soldiers would rise up out of the north. It would be like a river that breaks its banks and spills over the whole land. People would be so scared that they would cry out and wail. Dads and moms would be too frightened to even look back at their children.
The soldiers would come with loud horses, rushing chariots, and rumbling wheels. Everyone would hear the noise and know that trouble had arrived. This was not a surprise to God, because He was the one who had planned it all.
The people of the land were filled with grief. They cut themselves in sadness, as people sometimes did in those days when they were in deep sorrow. Jeremiah saw their pain, and he asked how long it would go on.
Then the prophet spoke to the sword of the Lord, as if it were a soldier that had been fighting. He asked it how long it would keep going. God told the sword to go back into its case and rest. A sword that has been given a job by the Lord does exactly what He says, and it knows when to stop.
Read It Together
Jeremiah 47:1
The LORD’s word that came to Jeremiah the prophet concerning the Philistines, before Pharaoh struck Gaza.
(WEB)
Point out that this message came directly from the LORD to Jeremiah. Ask the children who gave the words to the prophet, and remind them that God speaks to His people through the ones He chooses.
Jeremiah 47:4
Because of the day that comes to destroy all the Philistines, to cut off from Tyre and Sidon every helper who remains; for the LORD will destroy the Philistines, the remnant of the isle of Caphtor.
(WEB)
Show the children that the verse says the LORD will destroy these enemies. Explain that God is the one in charge of what happens to every nation, and that He has the power to carry out His plans.
Jeremiah 47:7
“How can you be quiet, since the LORD has given you a command? Against Ashkelon, and against the seashore, there has he appointed it.”
(WEB)
Point out the phrase “since the LORD has given you a command.” Explain that everything in this chapter happens because God has decided it, and nothing is outside His control.
Talk About It
- What did God tell Jeremiah to say to the Philistines, and why do you think He sent that message?
- How do you think the people felt when they heard the noise of the horses and wheels coming closer?
- What does it tell you about God that even a sword had to listen to Him?
- Why is it good to know that God is in charge of big things, like nations and armies?
- When you feel scared, what is one thing you can remember about God being in charge?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Mighty River
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a big blue river running across the bottom of the page, then add a few small houses and people on the land beside it. Let them write “God is in charge” along the top. Talk together about how God is bigger than any flood.
Freeze Like a Sword
You will need an open space, such as a living room or classroom floor, and a drum, pan, or clapping hands for sound. Have the children march around like soldiers while you tap a steady beat. When you say “Rest and be still,” they freeze in place and hold still. Practice a few times until they can stop quickly and quietly.
Bowl Reminder Card
You will need an index card, a pencil, and a small sticker or drawing tool. Have each child write the memory verse on the card and draw two hands cupped like a bowl beside it. Encourage them to tape it to their bedroom door or lunchbox. Ask them to show the card to someone at home and do the motion together.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God speaks over every nation, not just His own people, and that He directs history with purpose. Even when armies seem overwhelming, the LORD is the one who sets limits and decides when conflict ends. The passage also shows that Jeremiah was willing to speak hard words that others did not want to hear.
Avoid suggesting to children that God causes every hard thing in a simple or harsh way, or that He wants people to be frightened. Keep the focus on God being faithful and in control, and help children understand that the chapter describes a specific moment in history for specific people.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You that You are in charge of everything, even the biggest nations on earth. We know You keep Your promises and that nothing is too big for You. Help us feel safe in Your care when we are scared. Teach us to rest in You and be still. Amen.
