In this lesson, children learn that King David passed the job of building God’s house to his son Solomon, and that God gave Solomon everything he needed to finish it. The lesson works for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God gives us jobs to do, and He helps us do them. We can be strong and brave because He is always with us.
Memory Verse
1 Chronicles 28:20
David said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do it. Don’t be afraid, nor be dismayed; for the LORD God, even my God, is with you. He will not fail you, nor forsake you, until all the work for the service of the LORD’s house is finished.
(WEB)
Have the children stand tall, make a fist, and pump it once for each word of “Be strong and courageous.” Then bring both hands to their hearts on “God is with you.” Repeat it three times together until the motions feel natural.
The Story: 1 Chronicles 28 for Kids
King David was old, and he had a big dream. He wanted to build a house for God in Jerusalem, a place where people could worship and where the special box called the ark would rest. David had gathered many leaders together so he could tell them his plans.
David stood up and told everyone the truth. God had said that David could not build the house, because David had been a man of war. God had chosen Solomon, David’s son, to build it instead. David was not sad or angry about this. He was thankful that God had chosen his family to lead.
Then David spoke to Solomon in front of all the people. He said, “Be strong and courageous, and do it. Don’t be afraid.” David was telling his son that God would be right beside him the whole time. Solomon would not have to do the hard job alone.
David gave Solomon a careful set of plans. The plans showed the rooms, the porches, the storage places, and the golden lampstands and tables. David said that God himself had shown him every part of the plan. Every detail came from God, not from David’s own ideas.
David also told Solomon about the many helpers who were ready to work. There were priests, Levites, and skilled workers of every kind. The leaders and the people would also obey Solomon. Everyone had a part to play in God’s house.
Read It Together
1 Chronicles 28:9
You, Solomon my son, know the God of your father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts, and understands all the imaginations of the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever.
(WEB)
Point out that David told Solomon to know God and serve Him with a willing heart. Ask the children what it means to serve someone with a happy, willing heart, and how that is different from doing a chore with a grumpy face.
1 Chronicles 28:19
“All this”, said David, “I have been made to understand in writing from the LORD’s hand, even all the works of this pattern.”
(WEB)
Explain that David said God had shown him the plans in writing. Show the children that God gives us the directions we need, just as He gave David the plans for the temple. The Bible is one of the ways God shows us how to live.
1 Chronicles 28:21
Behold, there are the divisions of the priests and the Levites, for all the service of God’s house. Every willing man who has skill, for any kind of service, shall be with you in all kinds of work. Also the captains and all the people will be entirely at your command.”
(WEB)
Point out the many willing workers who would help Solomon. Remind the children that no one builds God’s house alone, and that God gives us friends and family to help us with our work.
Talk About It
- What job did King David want to do, and why did God choose Solomon to do it instead?
- How do you think Solomon felt when his father told him to be strong and not afraid?
- What is a time when you felt a little scared to do something, and how could you remember that God is with you?
- Why do you think David was thankful instead of sad that he could not build the temple?
- Who are the helpers in your life, and how can you be a helper to someone else this week?
Activity Ideas
Build a Paper Temple
You will need construction paper, tape, scissors, and crayons. Help each child fold a sheet of paper into a simple house shape with a door, windows, and a roof. Then have them decorate it with gold crayon and write “God is with me” on the front. Talk about how Solomon used careful plans to build God’s house.
Strong and Courageous Freeze
Play a version of freeze dance or statues. When you call out “strong,” the children stand tall with arms up. When you call out “courageous,” they make a brave pose. When you call out “God is with you,” they reach their hands toward the ceiling. Keep the energy lively and end with everyone cheering “Be strong and courageous!”
Helper Promise Card
You will need index cards, markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a picture of one way they can help at home or at school this week. Write “I can help” at the top and help them sign their name. Encourage them to bring the card back next week and share how they helped.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s work is passed from one generation to the next, and that leaders are called to serve God’s purposes rather than their own ambitions. David’s humility in accepting God’s decision, and his concern to equip Solomon with plans and encouragement, offer a model of faithful leadership. The chapter also highlights that every skilled and willing person has a place in the work of God.
Be careful not to suggest to children that God only helps people who are brave or that bravery earns God’s favor. The point is that God is present with us and provides what we need, not that we must feel fearless at all times. Let children know it is normal to feel nervous, and that God is still with them.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You for being with us in every job we have to do. Help us to be strong and courageous, and to serve You with willing hearts. Thank You for the helpers You give us, and help us be helpers too. Amen.
