In 1 Kings 2, King David gives his son Solomon a charge to follow God faithfully, and the story shows what happens when people choose to do right. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God wants us to listen to Him, do what is right, and trust Him to keep His promises, even when it is hard.
Memory Verse
1 Kings 2:3
And keep the instruction of the LORD your God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, his commandments, his ordinances, and his testimonies, according to that which is written in the law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do, and wherever you turn yourself.
(WEB)
Put one hand on your heart, then slowly walk your fingers forward across the table, like little feet walking on God’s path. Say the verse together as you walk, and do it again each time you say it.
The Story: 1 Kings 2 for Kids
King David was very old, and he knew he would soon die. He called his son Solomon to his bedside. David wanted Solomon to be strong and brave, and he wanted him to remember who was really in charge.
David said, “Keep following the LORD your God. Walk in His ways and obey what He has taught.” David wanted Solomon to be a good king who loved God, because God had promised to keep David’s family on the throne if they kept walking with Him.
David also told Solomon about some men who had done wrong. One man named Joab had killed two good army leaders. David asked Solomon to be wise about what should happen to Joab. He also asked Solomon to be kind to the sons of Barzillai, who had helped David when he was running away from trouble.
After David died, Solomon became king. Soon, his brother Adonijah came to Solomon’s mother, Bathsheba, with a request. Solomon saw that Adonijah was trying to take something that did not belong to him, so Solomon made a wise choice. He did what was right, and God kept His promise to David.
In the end, the kingdom was made strong in Solomon’s hands. The story reminds us that when we choose to obey God, He takes care of us and keeps His word.
Read It Together
1 Kings 2:4
Then the LORD may establish his word which he spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your children are careful of their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail you,’ he said, ‘a man on the throne of Israel.’
(WEB)
Point out that God kept His promise to David, and the promise depended on people walking with God in truth. Ask children what it means to walk with God with all their heart.
1 Kings 2:10-12
10 David slept with his fathers, and was buried in David’s city. 11 The days that David reigned over Israel were forty years; he reigned seven years in Hebron, and he reigned thirty-three years in Jerusalem. 12 Solomon sat on David his father’s throne; and his kingdom was firmly established.
(WEB)
Show children how David died peacefully and how Solomon’s kingdom was established. Explain that God’s plans keep going even when one leader passes the job to the next.
1 Kings 2:45
But king Solomon will be blessed, and David’s throne will be established before the LORD forever.”
(WEB)
Point out that King Solomon was blessed because he chose God’s way. Talk about how God’s blessings come to people who love and obey Him.
Talk About It
- What did King David want his son Solomon to remember?
- How can you walk in God’s ways at home or at school?
- Why do you think God kept His promise to David’s family?
- What helps you choose to do what is right when it is hard?
- How can you show kindness to people, like the sons of Barzillai?
Activity Ideas
Footprints on the Path
Gather paper, crayons, and scissors. Have each child trace one of their feet on the paper and cut it out. Write one way they can follow God on each footprint, such as “Share with my sister” or “Pray before bed.” Tape the footprints onto a hallway wall to make a path that leads to God.
Walk the Way of God
Set up a short line of masking tape on the floor or use a row of pillows as a path. Have children walk slowly along the path while saying the memory verse. Then have them take turns making a choice that is right or wrong. If they choose right, they walk forward. If they choose wrong, they step back and try again.
Keep the Promise Card
Give each child an index card, a pencil, and a small piece of tape. Ask them to draw something they promise to do this week to follow God. Let them tape the card to the fridge or to their bedroom door. Encourage them to check it each day and talk about it at dinner.
Teacher Notes
For adults, 1 Kings 2 is a story about legacy, faithfulness, and justice. David charges Solomon to walk with God, and the chapter shows that leadership involves both mercy and hard decisions. Solomon’s actions can look severe, but the text presents them as part of establishing God’s order in the kingdom.
With children, avoid suggesting that God wants us to punish people harshly or that obeying God guarantees an easy life. Keep the focus on trusting God and choosing kindness and honesty.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, help us to listen to You and walk in Your ways every day. Give us wisdom to make good choices and hearts that want to please You. Thank You for keeping Your promises to us. Amen.
