For children ages 3 to 5

Ezekiel 14

Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-5)

2 min read · Updated August 8, 2026
By Jasper & Review team
Bible
By Jasper & Review team

The Explanation

The elders came to see Ezekiel. They walked in slowly. They sat down in front of him. It was quiet in the room.

Then God spoke to Ezekiel. He said, "Son of man, these men have secrets." Some men carried little idols. Not in their hands. In their hearts. They held them close, like a favorite toy you will not put down. They looked at their idols instead of looking at God's face.

God said, "Should I answer them?" He saw what was hidden inside. He saw the idols in their hearts.

What Does This Mean?

God wanted them to turn back. He said, "Turn yourselves from your idols. Turn your face away from them." God wanted to see their eyes again. He wanted them looking at Him, not at their little hidden things.

God said something else too. Even very good men, like Noah, and Daniel, and Job, could not fix everything by being good. If trouble came to the land, hunger, or wild animals, or hard times, these good men could only save themselves. They could not save everyone else too.

But God did not stop there. He said some would still come out. Sons and daughters. They would walk out safely. Ezekiel would see them. And when he saw them, he would feel comforted. God had not forgotten his people.

The Common Thread

God always wants faces turned toward Him. Not hidden hearts. Not secret idols.

Later, God sent Jesus. Jesus has a real face. You can look right at Him. He does not hide. He says, "Come to me." He does not want us carrying little idols in our hearts either. He wants our whole heart, looking only at Him.

For You

What is in your heart? Is it something you love more than God? A toy? A treat? It is good to love toys. But God wants first place.

You can turn your face to Him right now. Look up. Say His name. He is looking back at you. He is not far away.

Talk About It

What is something you love to hold close, like a favorite toy?

Can you turn your face to God right now and just say hello to Him?

Praying Together

Dear God, Here is my heart. I turn my face to you. Thank you for looking at me. I love you. Amen.

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Questions about Ezekiel 14

Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.

What is Ezekiel 14 about?
The elders came to see Ezekiel. They walked in slowly. They sat down in front of him. It was quiet in the room.
What does Ezekiel 14 say?
God said, "Should I answer them?" He saw what was hidden inside. He saw the idols in their hearts.
What does Ezekiel 14 teach us about God?
God said something else too. Even very good men, like Noah, and Daniel, and Job, could not fix everything by being good. If trouble came to the land, hunger, or wild animals, or hard times, these good men could only save themselves. They could not save everyone else too.
What can toddlers learn from Ezekiel 14?
Later, God sent Jesus. Jesus has a real face. You can look right at Him. He does not hide. He says, "Come to me." He does not want us carrying little idols in our hearts either. He wants our whole heart, looking only at Him.
Why is Ezekiel 14 an important Bible story?
You can turn your face to Him right now. Look up. Say His name. He is looking back at you. He is not far away.

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