In this lesson, children learn that God remembers every person in every family, even the ones whose names we might never say out loud. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God knows every family by name, and every person in His family matters to Him. Even a long list of names tells us that each one was real and remembered.
Memory Verse
1 Chronicles 8:1
Benjamin became the father of Bela his firstborn, Ashbel the second, Aharah the third…
(WEB)
Have children stand up and put one hand on their chest each time they say a family name. Then have them count on their fingers to show how many sons and fathers the chapter names, helping them picture a family tree.
The Story: 1 Chronicles 8 for Kids
Long ago, the tribe of Benjamin was one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Benjamin had many sons, and each son had his own family. The first son was named Bela, and his brothers came after him, Ashbel, Aharah, Nohah, and Rapha.
Bela had his own sons, and their names were Addar, Gera, Abihud, and more. The writer of this chapter wanted everyone to know who each family was. He slowly listed name after name, like someone reading out the names on a class roll.
Some of these families lived in a town called Geba, but a hard time came. Some people were taken away from their homes and carried far off to a place called Manahath. Even then, the families were still known, and their names were still written down. God did not forget them.
Later the list moves to a man named Shaharaim, who had children in the field of Moab. His wives were Hushim and Baara, and he had many sons with names like Jobab, Zibia, and Mesha. The writer tells us they were heads of their own families, so each one mattered.
The chapter also names King Saul, who came from this tribe of Benjamin. Saul had sons named Jonathan, Malchishua, Abinadab, and Eshbaal. Jonathan had a son named Merib Baal, and the list keeps going down through many generations.
At the end, the chapter tells us that these families lived in Jerusalem near their brothers. They were not forgotten in a faraway place. They were all part of one people, and God knew each of them by name.
Read It Together
1 Chronicles 8:6
These are the sons of Ehud. These are the heads of fathers’ households of the inhabitants of Geba, who were carried captive to Manahath…
(WEB)
Point out that even when families were carried away from their homes, the writer still named them. Ask children what it might feel like to be taken from home and still be remembered by name.
1 Chronicles 8:28
These were heads of fathers’ households throughout their generations, chief men. These lived in Jerusalem.
(WEB)
Show children the words “heads of fathers’ households throughout their generations.” Explain that God kept track of families from one generation to the next, the way parents pass names down to their children.
1 Chronicles 8:40
The sons of Ulam were mighty men of valor, archers, and had many sons, and sons’ sons, one hundred fifty. All these were of the sons of Benjamin.
(WEB)
Point to the big number at the end and talk about how many people were part of this one family line. Remind children that God knows each person in that number, not just the total.
Talk About It
- Why do you think the writer took the time to write down so many names?
- What is your favorite name from this chapter, and why do you like it?
- How does it feel to know that someone remembers your name?
- What helps you remember the names of people in your own family?
- How can we show people that we remember and care about them?
Activity Ideas
Family Tree Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Have each child draw a simple tree with branches, then write their own name at the bottom. Help them add the names of their parents, grandparents, and siblings on the branches, talking about how God knows each person in their family.
Name Call Game
You will need a small ball or a rolled-up sock. Have children stand in a circle and toss the ball to each other. When someone catches it, they say a name of someone in their family and then toss it on. Keep going until everyone has had a turn, reminding children that every name is special.
Take-Home Name Card
You will need index cards, a marker, and a small bag or envelope. Write each child’s full name on a card and decorate it. Ask them to take it home and place it somewhere they will see it, and to tell someone in their family what their name means to them.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter may look like a dry list, but it shows that God values real people and real families. Each name points to a person who lived, worked, and was remembered by the God who keeps His promises from one generation to the next. It also reminds us that our faith is passed down through families.
When teaching children, avoid overstating what the chapter says about specific individuals beyond the text. The chapter lists names and gives brief details, and it is best to stick to what it actually tells us rather than adding stories that are not written there.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You for knowing each of us by name. Help us remember that every person in our families matters to You. Thank You for keeping track of all of us, from the oldest to the youngest. Help us to love and care for the people You have given us. Amen.
