In 1 Chronicles 27, King David organized his whole kingdom so that every person had a specific job and a time to serve, and children can learn that God gives each of us a part to play. This lesson works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God gives every one of us a job to do, and when we each do our part faithfully, the whole family and the whole world work better together.
Memory Verse
1 Chronicles 27:1
Now the children of Israel after their number, the heads of fathers’ households and the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and their officers who served the king, in any matter of the divisions which came in and went out month by month throughout all the months of the year—of every division were twenty-four thousand.
(WEB)
Have children stand up and march in place as you read the verse slowly, then stop and point to each child in the room as if you are giving them a job. Repeat it together three times while marching, then sit down and say it once more with your hands on your heart.
The Story: 1 Chronicles 27 for Kids
A long time ago, King David ruled the nation of Israel. He had so many people helping him that he needed a plan to keep everything running smoothly. So he divided the army into twelve groups, and each group served for one month of the year. Every month, a new leader and his team took their turn to serve the king.
Each of these leaders was a real person with a real job. One of them was a strong man named Jashobeam, who led the first group in the first month. Another was Benaiah, who was brave and very good at his work. Each man knew exactly when his time to serve would come, and he came ready.
David also made sure there were leaders over other important things. Some men took care of the king’s treasures. Others looked after the fields, the vineyards, the olive trees, the cattle, and the camels. Every person had a responsibility, and no one was left out.
David had a wise helper named Ahithophel who gave good advice. Another friend named Hushai was loyal and true. David trusted these men, and they trusted him. Together they helped the king lead the people well.
The chapter reminds us that David did not do everything alone. He chose good people, gave each of them a clear task, and expected them to be faithful. When everyone did their part, the kingdom was cared for.
Read It Together
1 Chronicles 27:2-3
2 Over the first division for the first month was Jashobeam the son of Zabdiel: and in his division were twenty-four thousand. 3 He was of the children of Perez, the chief of all the captains of the army for the first month.
(WEB)
Point out that Jashobeam was given the first month and was faithful in his place. Ask children to notice that he was not chosen to serve in a random way, but was given a clear and important responsibility by the king.
1 Chronicles 27:25-27
25 Over the king’s treasures was Azmaveth the son of Adiel: and over the treasures in the fields, in the cities, and in the villages, and in the towers, was Jonathan the son of Uzziah; 26 Over those who did the work of the field for tillage of the ground was Ezri the son of Chelub; 27 and over the vineyards was Shimei the Ramathite; and over the increase of the vineyards for the wine cellars was Zabdi the Shiphmite…
(WEB)
Show children that the chapter lists people who cared for the king’s treasures, fields, and vineyards. Explain that work that seems small, like tending vines or watching over olive trees, is just as important to God and to the people who depend on it.
1 Chronicles 27:32-33
32 Also Jonathan, David’s uncle, was a counselor, a man of understanding, and a scribe; and Jehiel the son of Hachmoni was with the king’s sons. 33 Ahithophel was the king’s counselor: and Hushai the Archite was the king’s friend.
(WEB)
Help children see that David surrounded himself with wise and faithful friends. Point out that Ahithophel gave counsel and Hushai was a true friend, and talk about how good friends help us make wise choices.
Talk About It
- What job do you have at home, and how can you do it well this week?
- Why do you think King David gave every group a different month to serve?
- Can you think of a time when someone helped you by doing their job faithfully?
- Why is it important that no one was left out of the work in David’s kingdom?
- How can you be a good helper to your family, your friends, or your class?
Activity Ideas
Job Badge Craft
Give each child a paper plate or a piece of cardstock, crayons or markers, and a safety pin or tape. Ask them to draw a picture of a job they can do at home, such as feeding a pet, setting the table, or watering plants. Let them decorate the badge with stickers and pin it to their shirt to wear during class.
Monthly Helper Relay
Write the twelve months of the year on pieces of paper and tape them around the room. Give each child a simple job card, such as “carry a book” or “hop three times.” Have children take turns moving to each month in order while doing their job, showing how each group served in its own time.
Helper Chart Take-Home
Give each family a sheet of paper with a simple chart listing a few household jobs down one side and the days of the week across the top. Ask children to take the chart home and check off each job they complete. Encourage families to talk together about how every person has a part to play in keeping the home running well.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God cares about order, responsibility, and faithful service in every area of life, from leadership to the care of fields and herds. It reminds us that the work of ordinary people matters to God and that wise leaders know how to delegate and honor those who serve well.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the idea that our jobs earn God’s love or that a particular job makes someone more important. Keep the focus on faithfulness and on the truth that God gives each person a place to serve him and others.
A Prayer to Close
Father, thank you for giving each of us a job to do. Help us to be faithful in the places you have put us, whether big or small. Show us how to help our families, our friends, and our church, and make us glad to serve you. Amen.
