In this lesson, children learn that God gave King Solomon wisdom and blessed his kingdom with peace, food and safety, so they can trust that God takes care of His people. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is wise, and He takes care of His people. When we ask Him for help, He gives us what we need.
Memory Verse
1 Kings 4:29
God gave Solomon abundant wisdom and understanding, and very great understanding, even as the sand that is on the seashore.
(WEB)
Put your hands on your head, then slowly open them wide like a book. Say “God gave wisdom” as you open your hands. Repeat it three times together, opening your hands a little wider each time.
The Story: 1 Kings 4 for Kids
King Solomon was the king over all of Israel. He had many helpers, and each one had an important job. Some were priests who helped people worship God. Some were scribes who wrote down words. One helper named Benaiah was in charge of the army, and another named Adoniram was in charge of the workers who built things for the king.
Solomon also had twelve officers, one for each part of the land. Each officer took a turn to bring food to the king’s house for one whole month. Every month, a different officer made sure there was enough bread, meat and grain for everyone. Nobody went hungry, and nothing was ever missing from the table.
God gave Solomon a very special gift. God said, in a way that Solomon could understand, that He would give him wisdom and understanding, more than anyone else had. Solomon became so wise that people came from faraway countries just to hear what he had to say. He even wrote thousands of proverbs and songs, and he talked about plants, animals, birds and fish.
During Solomon’s time, the people of Israel and Judah lived in peace. Every family sat under their own vine and fig tree and enjoyed the fruit that grew there. No enemy came to attack them. They felt safe and happy all the days of Solomon’s life.
Read It Together
1 Kings 4:20
Judah and Israel were numerous as the sand which is by the sea in multitude, eating and drinking and making merry.
(WEB)
Point out how many people there were, and how they had plenty to eat and drink and were glad. Ask the children how they feel when they have enough food at dinner. Explain that God cared for all of His people in that time.
1 Kings 4:25
Judah and Israel lived safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, from Dan even to Beersheba, all the days of Solomon.
(WEB)
Show the children that the people lived safely, each under their own vine and fig tree. Explain that this was a picture of peace, where everyone felt at home. Ask them where they feel safe at home.
1 Kings 4:34
People of all nations came to hear the wisdom of Solomon, sent by all kings of the earth, who had heard of his wisdom.
(WEB)
Point out that people came from all nations to hear Solomon’s wisdom. Explain that God’s wisdom is good news for everyone, not just one family or one country. Ask children who they would like to tell about God.
Talk About It
- What did God give Solomon, and why do you think God gave it to him?
- What are some ways God takes care of you every day?
- Why do you think everyone in Israel had enough food to eat?
- How do you think the people felt when they could sit under their own fig trees in peace?
- What is one thing you could ask God for wisdom about this week?
Activity Ideas
Wisdom Crown Craft
You will need construction paper, crayons, scissors, tape and a marker. Cut a strip of paper long enough to fit around each child’s head, and let them decorate it with stars and words like “wisdom” and “God.” Tape the ends together so it fits. Talk about how a crown shows that a person is special and that God gives gifts to His people.
Pass the Basket Game
You will need a small basket and a few snack items such as crackers or apple slices. Sit in a circle and pass the basket around while the children say “God takes care of us.” When the music stops, or when you clap, the child holding the basket takes one snack and shares it with a neighbor. This helps children feel the joy of sharing what God provides.
Fig Tree Take-Home Card
You will need an index card, a pencil and some stickers. Ask each child to draw a simple fig tree or any tree on the card and write or draw one thing they are thankful for. Encourage them to show the card to their family at dinner that evening and tell them what they learned about God’s care. This keeps the lesson alive at home.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s wisdom and provision are real and reach every part of life, from government and food to peace in the home and in the nation. Solomon’s gifts came from God, and his story points toward the greater wisdom found in Jesus Christ, whom the New Testament calls the wisdom of God.
With children, avoid making Solomon sound like an example to copy in every way, since the Bible later shows that Solomon’s own choices led him into trouble. Keep the focus on God as the giver of wisdom and peace, rather than on Solomon’s riches or his many officers.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for being wise and for taking care of us every day. Help us to trust You when we need help, and to share what we have with others. Thank You for food, for our homes, and for peace. We love You, Lord. Amen.
