Old Testament Prophets

Exploring Old Testament Prophets for Kids

Introduction:

A long, long time ago, in the stories of the Bible, God had special friends called prophets. These
prophets helped God talk to His people, the Israelites, by sharing His messages, warnings, and
promises. Let’s meet some of these amazing prophets and learn about their adventures!

1. Moses - The Leader Prophet

Role:

Moses was not just any prophet; he was a leader too! He helped God’s people
escape from Egypt where they were slaves.

Message:

God gave Moses rules called the Ten Commandments to teach people how to
live good lives.

Context:

 Imagine being in a big desert with lots of sand! That’s where Moses led the people
after they left Egypt.

Scripture Memory Verse:

 “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your
soul and with all your strength.” – Deuteronomy 6:5 (NIV)

Activity:

Draw Moses holding the big stone tablets with the Ten Commandments.

2. Samuel - The Anointing Prophet

Role:

 Samuel was like a wise teacher and a special messenger from God. He chose and
helped the first kings of Israel.

Message:

 Samuel told everyone it was time for a king, and he picked Saul first, then David!

Context:

Samuel lived when Israel was changing from being led by judges to having kings.

Scripture Memory Verse:

 “The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People
look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” – 1 Samuel 16:7b (NIV)

Activity:

Make a crown and write “King David” on it to remember Samuel’s choice.

3. Elijah - The Miracle Worker

Role:

Elijah was a brave prophet who showed everyone that God was the real God, not
Baal.

Message:

He did cool miracles like making fire come from the sky to prove God’s power!

Context:

Elijah lived when many people forgot about God and worshipped a false god
named Baal.

Scripture Memory Verse:

“Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would
not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.” – James 5:17 (NIV)

Activity:

Create a scene with paper where Elijah calls down fire from the sky.

4. Elisha - The Kind Prophet

Role:

Elisha took over after Elijah and did lots of kind things to help people.

Message:

He healed people, made food last longer, and even helped a poor lady with lots
of oil!

Context:

Elisha was around when kings were not always good, but he showed God’s
kindness.

Scripture Memory Verse:

“Elisha prayed, ‘O LORD, open his eyes so he may see.’ Then
the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots
of fire all around Elisha.” – 2 Kings 6:17 (NIV)

Activity:

Draw Elisha helping the lady with her oil jars.

5. Isaiah - The Hopeful Prophet

Role:

 Isaiah had big dreams from God about the future, including a special baby who would
save everyone.

Message:

He talked about peace, a new king, and how God would make everything right
again.

Context:

 Isaiah was around when Israel was in trouble, but he gave them hope for the
future.

Scripture Memory Verse:

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the
government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

Activity:

Color a picture of a peaceful lion and lamb lying down together, like Isaiah’s vision.

6. Jeremiah - The Weeping Prophet

Role:

 Jeremiah was very sad because people were not listening to God, but he still loved
them.

Message:

He warned that bad things would happen if they didn’t change, but he also said
God would forgive them.

Context:

Jeremiah lived when Jerusalem was going to be destroyed, but he kept hope
alive.

Scripture Memory Verse:

 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans
to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
(NIV)

Activity:

Make a tear drop craft to show how Jeremiah felt sad but hopeful.

7. Ezekiel - The Visionary Prophet

Role:

Ezekiel saw amazing pictures from God, like bones coming to life!

Message:

He told the people that even when things seemed dead, God could bring life
back.

Context:

Ezekiel was with the people when they were far from home in Babylon.

Scripture Memory Verse:

 “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will
remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” – Ezekiel 36:26 (NIV)

Activity:

Use cotton swabs to make a skeleton and then color it to show life coming back, like
Ezekiel’s vision.

8. Daniel - The Dream Interpreter

Role:

Daniel was smart and could understand dreams from God, even in a strange land.

Message:

He showed that God is in charge, no matter where we are or who rules us.

Context:

Daniel lived in Babylon after being taken from his home, but he stayed true to
God.

Scripture Memory Verse:

 “Daniel replied, ‘No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can
explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals
mysteries.'” – Daniel 2:27-28a (NIV)

Activity:

Draw Daniel in the lion’s den, showing how God protected him.

9. Hosea - The Loving Prophet

Role:

Hosea was told by God to love his wife who didn’t love him back, showing God’s love
for us.

Message:

Even when we make mistakes, God still loves us and wants us back.

Context:

Hosea lived in a time when Israel was not being faithful to God.

Scripture Memory Verse:

 “Come, let us return to the LORD. He has torn us to pieces but he
will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds.” – Hosea 6:1 (NIV)

Activity:

Make a heart craft to show God’s love that never gives up.

10. Amos - The Fair Prophet

Role:

Amos was a shepherd who spoke up for fairness and kindness.

Message:

 He said we should treat everyone nicely, especially those who need help.

Context:

Amos lived when some people were rich and forgot about the poor.

Scripture Memory Verse:

 “But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a
never-failing stream!” – Amos 5:24 (NIV)

Activity:

Create a simple balance scale with paper to show fairness.

11. Micah - The Peaceful Prophet

Role:

Micah told people about a special leader coming from Bethlehem who would bring
peace.

Message:

He said God wants us to do what’s right, love kindness, and walk humbly with
Him.

Context:

Micah’s time was tough, but he talked about peace and a bright future.

Scripture Memory Verse:

 “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the
LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” –
Micah 6:8 (NIV)

Activity:

Draw a small town labeled Bethlehem with a star above it.

12. Malachi - The Last Prophet

Role:

 Malachi was the last prophet before a long quiet time, but he gave a big promise.

Message:

He said someone like Elijah would come before Jesus, telling us to get ready!

Context:

Malachi was around after the people came back from Babylon, reminding them to
love God.

Scripture Memory Verse:

 “But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will
rise with healing in its rays.” – Malachi 4:2a (NIV)

Activity:

Make a scroll with a promise written on it, like Malachi’s.

13. Nehemiah - The Builder Prophet

Role:

 Nehemiah wasn’t a prophet like the others, but he was very important because he
helped rebuild Jerusalem’s walls!

Message:

He showed us how to work together and pray when we face big challenges.

Context:

After many people came back from Babylon, Jerusalem was in ruins. Nehemiah
helped fix it up!

Scripture Memory Verse:

“The joy of the LORD is your strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10b (NIV)

Activity:

Build a small model of a wall with blocks or paper to remember Nehemiah’s work.

14. Jonah - The Reluctant Prophet

Role:

Jonah was a prophet who tried to run away from God’s mission but ended up inside a
big fish!

Message:

Jonah learned that God’s love is for everyone, and we should share it, even with
people we don’t like.

Context:

God wanted Jonah to go to Nineveh to warn them, but Jonah didn’t want to
because they were not nice people.

Scripture Memory Verse:

 “But the LORD provided a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah
was inside the fish three days and three nights.” – Jonah 1:17 (NIV)

Activity:

Make a fish craft with Jonah inside using paper or felt.

15. Hezekiah - The Faithful King

Role:

Hezekiah was a king, not a prophet, but he listened to the prophets and trusted in
God.

Message:

He showed us how important it is to pray and trust God, even when things seem
scary.

Context:

Hezekiah ruled Judah when it was under threat, but he prayed to God, and God
saved them!

Scripture Memory Verse:

 “This is what Hezekiah did throughout Judah, doing what was
good and right and faithful before the LORD his God.” – 2 Chronicles 31:20 (NIV)

Activity:

Draw a picture of Hezekiah praying to God with an angel protecting the city.

1. Moses - The Leader Prophet

Role:

Moses was not just any prophet; he was a leader too! He helped God's people escape from Egypt where they were slaves

Message:

God gave Moses rules called the Ten Commandments to teach people how to live good lives.

Context:

Imagine being in a big desert with lots of sand! That's where Moses led the people after they left Egypt.

Scripture Memory Verse:

"Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." - Deuteronomy 6:5 (NIV)

Activity:

Draw Moses holding the big stone tablets with the Ten Commandments.

2. Samuel - The Anointing Prophet

Role:

Samuel was like a wise teacher and a special messenger from God. He chose and helped the first kings of Israel.

Message:

Samuel told everyone it was time for a king, and he picked Saul first, then David!

Context:

Samuel lived when Israel was changing from being led by judges to having kings.

Scripture Memory Verse:

"The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." - 1 Samuel 16:7b (NIV)

Activity:

Make a crown and write "King David" on it to remember Samuel's choice.

3. Elijah - The Miracle Worker

Role:

Elijah was a brave prophet who showed everyone that God was the real God, not Baal.

Message:

He did cool miracles like making fire come from the sky to prove God's power!

Context:

Elijah lived when many people forgot about God and worshipped a false god named Baal.

Scripture Memory Verse:

"Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years." - James 5:17 (NIV)

Activity:

Create a scene with paper where Elijah calls down fire from the sky

4. Elisha - The Kind Prophet

Role:

Elisha took over after Elijah and did lots of kind things to help people.

Message:

He healed people, made food last longer, and even helped a poor lady with lots of oil!

Context:

Elisha was around when kings were not always good, but he showed God's kindness.

Scripture Memory Verse:

"Elisha prayed, 'O LORD, open his eyes so he may see.' Then the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha." - 2 Kings 6:17 (NIV)

Activity:

Draw Elisha helping the lady with her oil jars

5. Isaiah - The Hopeful Prophet

Role:

Isaiah had big dreams from God about the future, including a special baby who would save everyone.

Message:

He talked about peace, a new king, and how God would make everything right again.

Context:

* Isaiah was around when Israel was in trouble, but he gave them hope for the future.

Scripture Memory Verse:

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." - Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

Activity:

Color a picture of a peaceful lion and lamb lying down together, like Isaiah's vision.

6. Jeremiah - The Weeping Prophet

Role:

Jeremiah was very sad because people were not listening to God, but he still loved them.

Message:

He warned that bad things would happen if they didn't change, but he also said God would forgive them.

Context:

Jeremiah lived when Jerusalem was going to be destroyed, but he kept hope alive.

Scripture Memory Verse:

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Activity:

Make a tear drop craft to show how Jeremiah felt sad but hopeful.

7. Ezekiel - The Visionary Prophet

Role:

Ezekiel saw amazing pictures from God, like bones coming to life!

Message:

He told the people that even when things seemed dead, God could bring life back.

Context:

Ezekiel was with the people when they were far from home in Babylon.

Scripture Memory Verse:

"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." - Ezekiel 36:26 (NIV)

Activity:

Use cotton swabs to make a skeleton and then color it to show life coming back, like Ezekiel's vision.

8. Daniel - The Dream Interpreter

Role:

Daniel was smart and could understand dreams from God, even in a strange land.

Message:

He showed that God is in charge, no matter where we are or who rules us.

Context:

Daniel lived in Babylon after being taken from his home, but he stayed true to God.

Scripture Memory Verse:

"Daniel replied, 'No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries.'" - Daniel 2:27-28a (NIV)

Activity:

Draw Daniel in the lion's den, showing how God protected him.

9. Hosea - The Loving Prophet

Role:

Hosea was told by God to love his wife who didn't love him back, showing God's love for us.

Message:

Even when we make mistakes, God still loves us and wants us back.

Context:

Hosea lived in a time when Israel was not being faithful to God

Scripture Memory Verse:

"Come, let us return to the LORD. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds." - Hosea 6:1 (NIV)

Activity:

Make a heart craft to show God's love that never gives up.

10. Amos - The Fair Prophe

Role:

Amos was a shepherd who spoke up for fairness and kindness.

Message:

He said we should treat everyone nicely, especially those who need help.

Context:

Amos lived when some people were rich and forgot about the poor.

Scripture Memory Verse:

"But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!" - Amos 5:24 (NIV)

Activity:

Create a simple balance scale with paper to show fairness

11. Micah - The Peaceful Prophet

Role:

Micah told people about a special leader coming from Bethlehem who would bring peace.

Message:

He said God wants us to do what's right, love kindness, and walk humbly with Him.

Context:

Micah's time was tough, but he talked about peace and a bright future

Scripture Memory Verse:

"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." - Micah 6:8 (NIV)

Activity:

Draw a small town labeled Bethlehem with a star above it.

12. Malachi - The Last Prophet

Role:

Malachi was the last prophet before a long quiet time, but he gave a big promise.

Message:

He said someone like Elijah would come before Jesus, telling us to get ready!

Context:

Malachi was around after the people came back from Babylon, reminding them to love God.

Scripture Memory Verse:

"But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays." - Malachi 4:2a (NIV)

Activity:

Make a scroll with a promise written on it, like Malachi's.

13. Nehemiah - The Builder Prophet

Role:

Nehemiah wasn't a prophet like the others, but he was very important because he helped rebuild Jerusalem's walls!

Message:

He showed us how to work together and pray when we face big challenges.

Context:

After many people came back from Babylon, Jerusalem was in ruins. Nehemiah helped fix it up!

Scripture Memory Verse:

"The joy of the LORD is your strength." - Nehemiah 8:10b (NIV)

Activity:

Build a small model of a wall with blocks or paper to remember Nehemiah's work.

14. Jonah - The Reluctant Prophet

Role:

Jonah was a prophet who tried to run away from God's mission but ended up inside a big fish!

Message:

Jonah learned that God's love is for everyone, and we should share it, even with people we don't like.

Context:

God wanted Jonah to go to Nineveh to warn them, but Jonah didn't want to because they were not nice people.

Scripture Memory Verse:

"But the LORD provided a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was inside the fish three days and three nights." - Jonah 1:17 (NIV)

Activity:

Make a fish craft with Jonah inside using paper or felt.

15. Hezekiah - The Faithful King

Role:

Hezekiah was a king, not a prophet, but he listened to the prophets and trusted in God.

Message:

He showed us how important it is to pray and trust God, even when things seem scary.

Context:

Hezekiah ruled Judah when it was under threat, but he prayed to God, and God saved them!

Scripture Memory Verse:

"This is what Hezekiah did throughout Judah, doing what was good and right and faithful before the LORD his God." - 2 Chronicles 31:20 (NIV)

Activity:

Draw a picture of Hezekiah praying to God with an angel protecting the city.

Conclusion:

These prophets and leaders were like God’s special messengers, each with a unique story to
tell. They helped the people understand God’s love, His rules, and His big plans for them. By
learning about these prophets, we can see how God always speaks to us, even today!
Remember these verses as you learn about each prophet, and let them guide you in your own
journey of faith