In this lesson, children learn that God gives each person a job to do in worship, and that every job matters, whether it is big or small. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God gives every one of us a part to play in praising Him, and no part is too small to count.
Memory Verse
1 Chronicles 25:7
The number of them, with their brothers who were instructed in singing to the LORD, even all who were skillful, was two hundred eighty-eight.
(WEB)
Have the children stand tall, then sit down with their hands on their knees when they say the word “skillful.” Repeat the verse together three times, adding a gentle clap on each number so the children remember the count.
The Story: 1 Chronicles 25 for Kids
A long time ago, King David was getting the house of God ready for singing and music. He chose some men from three families, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun, to lead the music. These men played harps, cymbals, and other instruments, and they sang songs that gave thanks to the LORD.
There were many people in the music group. Some were young and some were older. Asaph’s family had four men in it, Jeduthun’s family had six sons, and Heman had fourteen sons and three daughters. In all, there were two hundred eighty-eight people who knew how to sing and play well.
Now, the men did not decide on their jobs by themselves. They drew lots, which is a way of letting chance decide, and the jobs were given out to the big and the small, the teacher and the student alike. Each group was given a turn to serve in the house of God.
One of the leaders might have said, “Our job is to play for the LORD, and that is a good job for everyone.” Every family took a turn, and each family had twelve people serving together. The music did not depend on one person. It depended on all of them working together.
So the house of God was filled with music, and each person played the part that was given to them. Nobody was left out, and nobody had to be the most important one to be useful.
Read It Together
1 Chronicles 25:1
Moreover, David and the captains of the army set apart for the service certain of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who were to prophesy with harps, with stringed instruments, and with cymbals. The number of those who did the work according to their service was…
(WEB)
Point out that David chose these men on purpose and that their music was for the LORD. Ask the children who they think the music was for, and help them see that worship is something we give to God.
1 Chronicles 25:8
They cast lots for their offices, all alike, the small as well as the great, the teacher as well as the student.
(WEB)
Show the children that the jobs were shared fairly, with both the small and the great included. Remind them that God cares about every person, whatever their age or skill.
1 Chronicles 25:6
All these were under the hands of their father for song in the LORD’s house, with cymbals, stringed instruments, and harps, for the service of God’s house; Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman being under the order of the king.
(WEB)
Point out the many instruments named in this verse. Explain that different instruments and voices can all come together to praise God in one house.
Talk About It
- What kinds of instruments did the musicians play, and which one would you most like to play?
- Why do you think David wanted music in the house of God?
- How did the men decide who would do which job, and what do you think about that way of choosing?
- Why is it good that the small and the great were both included in the music?
- What is one way you can use your own gifts to praise God this week?
Activity Ideas
Paper Plate Harp Craft
You will need paper plates, markers, string or yarn, and tape. Have each child draw a simple harp shape on a plate, then tape lengths of yarn across it like strings. Let them decorate the plate and talk about the instrument David’s musicians played as they make it.
Musical Jobs Game
Gather the children in a circle and give each one a simple job, such as clapping, tapping a knee, or humming. Start a song together, and when you point to someone, they do their job. Explain that every part is needed to make the whole sound complete, just like in the story.
Take-Home Thank You Card
You will need construction paper, crayons, and a pencil. Ask each child to write or draw one thing they can do to serve God or help others at home. Let them take the card home to share with their family as a reminder that every person has a part to play.
Teacher Notes
This passage shows that worship in God’s house depended on many people, each given a role by the king and each serving faithfully. For adults, it is a reminder that every gift, whether visible or quiet, has a place in the life of the church. The chapter also shows that God’s order can be trusted even when the choosing seems like chance.
Avoid suggesting to children that the lots were a method God wants us to use to make decisions in daily life. The passage describes what happened in David’s time, and it is better to focus on the faithfulness of the musicians than on the method of choosing their jobs.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for giving each of us a part to play in praising You. Help us to use the gifts You have given us, big or small, to sing and serve You with joy. Help us remember that every one of us matters to You. Amen.
