This lesson teaches children that God is strong, fair, and good, and that He is a safe place to run to when trouble comes. It works well for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Nahum 1 is a short, powerful chapter, so keep the pace lively and the words simple.
Big Idea
God is powerful and fair, and He is good. When we are scared or in trouble, we can run to Him, because He knows and cares for the people who trust Him.
Memory Verse
Nahum 1:7
The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knows those who take refuge in him.
(WEB)
Teach the children to cup both hands together in front of their chest, like a little house or a safe box, while they say the verse. Then have them lift their hands up high to show God as a strong place to run to.
The Story: Nahum 1 for Kids
A long time ago, a prophet named Nahum wrote down a message from God. The message was about a big, powerful city called Nineveh. Nineveh was full of people who did cruel and wicked things, and they did not listen to God. God wanted them to know that He sees everything and that He will not let wrongdoing go unpunished.
Nahum helped the children of God remember something very important. God is not in a hurry to be angry. He is patient and kind. But He is also very strong. Nahum wrote about storms and whirlwinds and clouds that look like dust under God’s feet. He showed that nothing in nature is too big for God to control.
Nahum also wrote that when hard times came, God was a safe place. He said that God takes care of the people who run to Him. The people of Judah could feel scared, but God wanted them to know He was their strong and safe place. One of the most comforting things Nahum said was that God knows the ones who come to Him for shelter.
So the message of this chapter was two things at once. God would stop the wicked, and God would keep the faithful safe. Nahum told the people who had been troubled that good news was coming. He said, in words like these, that peace was on its way and that they could celebrate their feasts again.
Read It Together
Nahum 1:2-3
2 The LORD is a jealous God and avenges. The LORD avenges and is full of wrath. The LORD takes vengeance on his adversaries, and he maintains wrath against his enemies. 3 The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will by no means leave the guilty unpunished. The LORD has his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.
(WEB)
Point out that God is described as slow to anger and great in power. Help children see that God is patient, but He also does not ignore wrong. Ask them to notice that both things are true of Him at the same time.
Nahum 1:5-6
5 The mountains quake before him, and the hills melt away. The earth trembles at his presence, yes, the world, and all who dwell in it. 6 Who can stand before his indignation? Who can endure the fierceness of his anger? His wrath is poured out like fire, and the rocks are broken apart by him.
(WEB)
Show the children how the mountains and hills respond to God. Explain that this picture shows how mighty God is. Remind them that nothing in creation is stronger than the One who made it.
Nahum 1:13-15
13 Now will I break his yoke from off you, and will burst your bonds apart.” 14 The LORD has commanded concerning you: “No more descendants will bear your name. Out of the house of your gods, will I cut off the engraved image and the molten image. I will make your grave, for you are vile.” 15 Behold, on the mountains the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace! Keep your feasts, Judah! Perform your vows, for the wicked one will no more pass through you. He is utterly cut off.
(WEB)
Point to the good news at the end of the chapter. Explain that God breaks the chains that hold His people down. Let the children hear the word peace and talk about what peace feels like at home or school.
Talk About It
- What is one thing in God’s creation that shows how powerful He is?
- How do you feel when you know someone strong is protecting you?
- What are some ways we can run to God when we feel scared?
- Why do you think God is patient even when people do wrong?
- What good news would you like to tell someone this week?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Safe Place
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a picture of a place where they feel safe, such as a bed, a grandparent’s lap, or a tree house. Then have them write or draw a small figure of God standing with them as their strong place. Let them share their drawing with the group and explain what makes that place feel safe.
Storm and Shelter Game
You will need an open space and a few pillows or chairs. Call out “storm” and have the children stomp, wiggle, and make wind noises. Then call out “shelter” and have them quickly run to the pillows or chairs and crouch down together. Explain that God is our shelter when the storms of life come, and repeat the memory verse together.
Take-Home Thankfulness Card
You will need an index card and a marker for each child. Have children write or draw one thing about God that makes them feel safe, such as “God is strong” or “God is good.” Encourage them to take the card home and place it somewhere they will see it each day. Suggest they read it aloud at bedtime with their family.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Nahum 1 reminds us that God is both holy and kind. His power is real, and He does act against evil and injustice. At the same time, He is described as a refuge for those who trust Him. Adults can see in this chapter that God’s justice and God’s comfort belong together, and that the good news of peace is rooted in who God is.
With children, be careful not to focus too heavily on the destruction described in this chapter. Keep the emphasis on God’s strength, His goodness, and His care for those who run to Him. Let children feel safe in God’s love rather than fearful of His anger.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You are strong and good. When we feel scared, help us run to You like a safe place. Thank You for knowing and caring for each of us. Help us trust You every day. Amen.
