In this lesson, children learn that God is in charge of every nation, and he keeps his word even when people think they are safe. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God sees everything, he is always in charge, and he keeps every promise he makes, even to people who think they are too strong to be touched.
Memory Verse
Jeremiah 49:6
“But afterward I will reverse the captivity of the children of Ammon,” says the LORD.
(WEB)
Have the children stand tall, then slowly sit down on the last word, lifting their hands as they say, “I will bring them back.” Repeat the motion three times so the words and the movement stick together.
The Story: Jeremiah 49 for Kids
Long ago, God sent his prophet Jeremiah to speak to many nations. Some of these nations were neighbors of God’s people, Israel. The people of Ammon lived in a strong city called Rabbah, and they had taken land that belonged to Israel. They thought they were safe and that no one could ever take their land away from them.
God said that a day was coming when the sound of war would reach Rabbah. The city would be left in ruins, and its people would be scattered. God said that Israel would one day take back the land that had been taken from them. God was not forgetting his people, even though it looked like they had lost everything.
Next, God spoke to Edom. The people of Edom were proud. They lived in high rocky places, like nests up on the cliffs, and they thought no one could bring them down. God said, “I will bring you down from there.” He made it clear that their pride would not save them, and their land would become a place of sadness that people would stare at and shake their heads over.
God also spoke to Damascus, Kedar, Hazor, and Elam. Each of these nations thought it was strong or safe. Each one heard that God would not let their wrongs go unpunished. Yet God also said something hopeful about Elam: “In the latter days I will bring back the people of Elam.” God is the one who decides how the story ends, and he is always faithful.
Read It Together
Jeremiah 49:1-2
1 Of the children of Ammon. The LORD says: “Has Israel no sons? Has he no heir? Why then does Malcam possess Gad, and his people dwell in its cities? 2 Therefore behold, the days come,” says the LORD, “that I will cause an alarm of war to be heard against Rabbah of the children of Ammon; and it will become a desolate heap, and her daughters will be burned with fire: then Israel will possess those who possessed him,” says the LORD.
(WEB)
Point out that God asks a question about Israel’s land and heirs. Explain that God cares about his people and will make sure their land is returned to them. Ask the children to listen for the words “I will cause an alarm of war” and tell them that God is the one speaking.
Jeremiah 49:16
As for your terror, the pride of your heart has deceived you, O you who dwell in the clefts of the rock, who hold the height of the hill, though you should make your nest as high as the eagle, I will bring you down from there,” says the LORD.
(WEB)
Show the children how the eagle builds a nest high on the rocks. Explain that the Edomites felt safe up high, but God says he can bring anyone down. Remind them that no place is too high for God to reach, and that trusting in our own strength is not the same as trusting God.
Jeremiah 49:39
‘But it will happen in the latter days that I will reverse the captivity of Elam,’ says the LORD.”
(WEB)
Read the last verse slowly and point out the word “But.” Explain that even after many hard words about judgment, God ends with a promise of hope. Ask the children to find the word “reverse” and talk about how God can turn a sad story into a happy one.
Talk About It
- What did the people of Ammon think would keep them safe, and what did God say would happen instead?
- Why do you think the Edomites felt proud, and how did God show them that he was stronger?
- What does it mean that God keeps his promises to his people, even when things look hopeless?
- How can you tell that God still cares about the people in this chapter, even when he says hard things?
- When you feel scared or weak, what can you remember about how God is always in charge?
Activity Ideas
Paper Eagle Nests
You will need paper, crayons, scissors, and a few cotton balls or yarn pieces. Have each child draw a high rocky cliff, then glue a small paper nest near the top. Talk about how the Edomites built homes high up, and how God says he can reach them anywhere. Let the children color their pictures and hang them where everyone can see.
Stand Tall, Sit Down
No supplies needed. Have the children stand tall like strong cities, then slowly sit down when you say the word “fall.” Stand up again when you say “return.” Repeat the game several times, changing the pace. This helps the children feel the shift from strength to humbling, and back to hope.
Promise Card to Take Home
You will need index cards, markers, and a hole punch with yarn. Write “God keeps his promises” on one side and let the children decorate the other side. Punch a hole at the top, tie on the yarn, and send the card home. Encourage the children to read it aloud at bedtime, reminding them that God is faithful all week long.
Teacher Notes
This chapter is mostly about God’s judgment on nations that had turned against him or taken what did not belong to them. For adults, the passage shows that God sees the pride of every nation and every person, and that he is sovereign over history. It also reminds us that his judgment always comes with a promise of restoration for those who trust him.
With children, avoid making the chapter sound like a list of enemies to fear or hate. Keep the focus on God’s power and faithfulness rather than on the punishment of other peoples, and remind the children that God loves all people and invites everyone to trust him.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you that you are always in charge and that you see everything we do. Help us not to be proud like the nations in this story, and help us trust you when we feel small. Thank you for keeping your promises to us every day. Amen.
