In this lesson, children learn that God is in charge of every nation, even the ones that are not his people, and that he keeps his promises. Jeremiah 47 is a short chapter about God sending a message to the Philistines, and it works well for children ages 5 to 11. Plan for 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the discussion, and one activity.
Big Idea
God is the boss of the whole world, and nothing happens outside of his control. We can trust him even when things look scary.
Memory Verse
Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.”
(WEB)
Teach children to hold both hands up, palms out, like a stop sign, while they say the verse. Then have them slowly lower their hands as they say “Know that I am God.” Repeat it three times, speeding up each time, so the words stick.
The Story: Jeremiah 47 for Kids
A long time ago, God spoke to a prophet named Jeremiah. God gave Jeremiah a message for the Philistines, a people who lived near the sea in the land of Canaan. The Philistines were enemies of God’s people, and they had their own cities, like Gaza and Ashkelon.
God told Jeremiah that a great army was coming, like a flood of water rising up from the north. The sound of the horses’ hooves and the rumbling of the chariot wheels filled the air. The people in the cities were so scared that parents stopped looking back at their children, because their hands were too weak to hold on.
The people of the land cried out in sorrow. Gaza had lost its strength, and the people of Ashkelon were left with nothing. Jeremiah heard the people crying and asked, “How long will you keep hurting yourselves with sadness?” It was a question that showed the people they had been wounding themselves with their own fear.
Then God spoke to a sword, as if it were alive. He said, “You sword of the LORD, how long will it be before you are quiet? Go back into your scabbard, rest, and be still.” God was saying that the battle would not go on forever, and that he decides when it ends.
God asked the sword a question too: “How can you be quiet, since the LORD has given you a command?” The sword had a job to do, and God had given it the order. The message ended with God’s plan for the city of Ashkelon and the seashore, showing that every part of the story was in God’s hands.
Read It Together
Jeremiah 47:2
The LORD says: “Behold, waters rise up out of the north, and will become an overflowing stream, and will overflow the land and all that is therein, the city and those who dwell therein. The men will cry, and all the inhabitants of the land will wail.
(WEB)
Point out that God sees what is happening in every land, even far away. Ask the children to notice the word “Behold,” which means “look and pay attention.” God wants his people to see that he is watching over the nations.
Jeremiah 47:3-4
3 At the noise of the stamping of the hoofs of his strong ones, at the rushing of his chariots, at the rumbling of his wheels, the fathers don’t look back to their children for feebleness of hands; 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 how the noises of the army made people feel afraid. Explain that God knows our fears, and he is never surprised by anything that happens. He is the one who decides what comes next.
Jeremiah 47:6-7
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.’ 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)
Help the children see that God is in charge of even the biggest battles. Point out that the sword had to obey God’s command. This shows that God’s power is greater than any army or weapon.
Talk About It
- What did God want Jeremiah to tell the Philistines?
- How do you think the people felt when they heard the army coming?
- What is one thing that makes you feel scared sometimes?
- How can knowing that God is in control help you when you feel afraid?
- What is one way you can tell God you trust him this week?
Activity Ideas
Paper Plate Storm Picture
You will need paper plates, crayons or markers, cotton balls, and glue. Have each child draw a dark sky with a few clouds on the plate, then glue cotton balls on top to show the storm clouds. Write “God is in control” along the bottom edge so children can take their picture home and remember the lesson.
Freeze Like the Sword
You will need an open space and a timer or a sturdy wooden spoon to tap on a bowl. Let the children march around the room like soldiers, stomping their feet. When the spoon taps the bowl, they freeze completely, like the sword resting in its scabbard. Practice this a few times, then talk about how God tells the sword when to be still.
Trust Jar at Home
You will need an empty jar, paper, and a pen. Each day this week, have the child write one worry on a slip of paper and drop it into the jar. At the end of the week, read the slips together and pray over each one, reminding the child that God holds every worry in his hands.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God speaks to all nations, not just to his own people, and that he rules over history. Even when enemies seem powerful, God is still the one who sets limits and directs what happens. Jeremiah’s message reminds us that God’s justice and timing are sure, even when we cannot see the whole picture.
Be careful not to make the story about the Philistines as a people today, or to suggest that children should think of any group as enemies. Keep the focus on God’s power and faithfulness, and on the comfort that he is in charge of everything.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you that you are the King of every land and every people. When we feel scared, help us remember that you are in control and that you keep your promises. Teach us to be still and trust you each day. Amen.
