This lesson teaches children that God is the great King over the whole earth, and that we can praise Him with joy because He is in charge of everything. It is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the verses, and an activity.
Big Idea
God is a great King over all the world, so we can clap, shout, and sing to Him with joy. He is strong, He is good, and He loves His people.
Memory Verse
Psalm 47:2
For the LORD Most High is awesome. He is a great King over all the earth.
(WEB)
Have children stand tall like a king or queen with their chins up. On the words “great King,” have them raise both arms high over their heads, then clap their hands three times slowly. Practice it together until the motion and the words feel natural.
The Story: Psalm 47 for Kids
Long ago, a songwriter named David wrote a happy song to God. He wanted all the people of the earth to know that God is the King over everything. The songwriter told the people to clap their hands and shout with joy. Their voices could be as loud as a celebration.
Why did David want everyone to be so happy? Because God is awesome and powerful. He is not just the King of one small group of people. He is the great King over the whole wide earth, over every nation and every family. Nothing is too big for Him to rule.
The song also tells us that God chose a special inheritance for His people. He gave them a gift they could never earn on their own. Long before, God had loved Jacob, and his family was very special to God. God kept His promises to them, and He still keeps His promises to His people today.
The song says the people should sing praises to God with their hearts and minds. David was saying, “Sing to God, and think about how great He is while you sing.” When we understand who God is, our songs become even more meaningful. God sits on His holy throne, ruling with goodness and truth.
At the end of the song, the people of God gather together, from all kinds of places and backgrounds, and they celebrate. They remember that God is greatly honored, and everyone has reason to lift their voices. The whole song ends with joy because God is the King who reigns forever.
Read It Together
Psalm 47:1
Oh clap your hands, all you nations. Shout to God with the voice of triumph!
(WEB)
Point out that the psalm begins with an invitation to everyone, not just a few people. Ask children to say the word “all” out loud and notice how big the invitation is. Explain that God wants people everywhere to celebrate Him.
Psalm 47:5-6
5 God has gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet. 6 Sing praises to God, sing praises. Sing praises to our King, sing praises.
(WEB)
Show children how the verse describes a loud and joyful celebration with a shout and a trumpet. Invite them to make a shout and a trumpet sound together. Explain that singing praise to God is a joyful response to who He is.
Psalm 47:8
God reigns over the nations. God sits on his holy throne.
(WEB)
Point to the picture of God sitting on His holy throne. Explain that a throne is a place of rule and authority, and that God rules with holiness, which means He is good, pure, and perfect. Help children see that His rule is a loving and trustworthy one.
Talk About It
- What does it mean that God is the King over all the earth?
- How can you clap, shout, or sing to God when you feel happy about Him?
- Why do you think God wants people from every nation to praise Him?
- What is one thing you know about God that makes you want to sing to Him?
- How does it feel to know that God is strong and good at the same time?
Activity Ideas
Crown Drawing Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, scissors, and tape. Have each child draw and color a crown, then cut it out and write “God is King” across the front. Let them wear the crowns during the lesson or tape them to the wall as a reminder that God rules over everything.
Clap and Shout Game
Ask children to stand in a circle. Call out a number, and that many claps will follow, then a big shout of “God is King!” Repeat with faster and slower rhythms. Each time, remind children that God’s kingdom is for everyone, and let them cheer loudly together.
Praise Card for Home
You will need index cards and a pen. Have each child write or draw one thing they praise God for, such as His strength or His kindness. Encourage them to take the card home and read it aloud at dinner or bedtime. This helps children carry the praise of God beyond the classroom.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 47 is a psalm of celebration that proclaims God’s universal kingship over all nations. It looks ahead to a day when people from every background will praise Him together, and it reminds believers that their worship rests on who God is, not on how they feel. The psalm also recalls God’s faithful love for His chosen people, which shows that His rule is both powerful and personal.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the historical details of the psalm, such as exactly when or by whom it was first sung, since the text does not give those specifics clearly. Focus instead on the simple truths the psalm declares about God’s greatness and kindness.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, we know that You are the great King over all the earth. We are happy that You are strong and good, and that You love us. Help us to clap, shout, and sing to You with joy every day, and help us remember that everyone in the world belongs to You. Amen.
