In 1 Kings 5, King Solomon gets ready to build a house for God, and God helps him with wisdom, peace and good friends. Children can learn that God helps us do the good work He gives us. This lesson suits ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God gives us what we need to do the job He has given us, and He keeps His promises.
Memory Verse
1 Kings 5:12
The LORD gave Solomon wisdom, as he promised him. There was peace between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a treaty together.
(WEB)
Have children stand and hold their hands together in front of their chest, then slowly open them wide as if a gift is being given. Say “God gave Solomon wisdom” as you open your hands. Repeat the motion three times together until the words feel familiar.
The Story: 1 Kings 5 for Kids
King Solomon was the new king of Israel, and his father David had died. David had wanted to build a special house for God, but he had been busy fighting enemies all around him. Now God had given Solomon peace on every side, so there was time to build.
Solomon sent a message to his friend King Hiram of Tyre. Hiram had always been kind to David, and he was happy to hear from Solomon. Solomon asked Hiram for tall cedar and cypress trees from the mountains of Lebanon, because Hiram’s workers knew how to cut wood very well.
Hiram was glad to help. He said, “Blessed is the LORD today, who has given David a wise son.” Hiram sent the logs down by sea, and Solomon sent back food and oil for Hiram’s household. The two kings made a promise of peace between them, and they kept it.
Solomon also gathered thirty thousand men from all of Israel to work. They took turns, ten thousand at a time, so that each group worked a month in Lebanon and then went home for two months. Many workers carried heavy loads, and others cut big stones in the mountains.
The workers cut large, costly stones and shaped them carefully. Solomon’s builders and Hiram’s builders worked side by side with the Gebalites. Together they prepared the wood and the stones to build God’s house.
Everyone worked together, each person doing their own part. God had made it possible for the work to happen, and the people trusted Him as they worked.
Read It Together
1 Kings 5:4
But now the LORD my God has given me rest on every side. There is no enemy and no evil occurrence.
(WEB)
Point out that Solomon says God has given him rest on every side. Ask children to notice that God gave peace, not Solomon by himself. Explain that God is the one who makes the work possible.
1 Kings 5:13-14
13 King Solomon raised a levy out of all Israel; and the levy was thirty thousand men. 14 He sent them to Lebanon, ten thousand a month by courses; for a month they were in Lebanon, and two months at home; and Adoniram was over the men subject to forced labor.
(WEB)
Show children that the workers took turns, so each group had a time to work and a time to rest at home. Explain that God’s people can share the work and that every person matters to the job.
1 Kings 5:17-18
17 The king commanded, and they cut out large stones, costly stones, to lay the foundation of the house with worked stone. 18 Solomon’s builders and Hiram’s builders and the Gebalites cut them, and prepared the timber and the stones to build the house.
(WEB)
Point out that the stones were cut and the wood was prepared carefully before the building began. Explain that good preparation helps us do the work God gives us, whether big or small.
Talk About It
- What did Solomon want to build, and who was it for?
- How did God help Solomon while he got ready to build?
- Why do you think Hiram was happy to help Solomon?
- What are some ways people worked together in this story?
- What is one job God has given you, and how can you do it with His help?
Activity Ideas
Cedar Tree Collage
You will need construction paper, crayons or markers, glue, and scissors. Have children cut out tree shapes and a tall mountain from brown and green paper, then glue them onto a sheet. Ask each child to write or draw one thing God helps them build, such as kindness or friendship, on the collage.
Stone and Wood Stacking Game
You will need blocks, cups, or empty cereal boxes. Divide the children into teams and give each team a pile of blocks. Explain that the teams are like Solomon’s workers, and they must stack their blocks carefully, taking turns as each person adds one piece. Cheer for teamwork and praise the team that builds the tallest tower together.
Wisdom Jar at Home
You will need a clean jar, paper slips, and a pencil. Ask children to write one thing they want God’s wisdom for each week, such as sharing or listening well. Place the slips in the jar and read a few together at dinner, thanking God for the wisdom He gives.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God prepares His people and provides for the work He calls them to do. Solomon’s building of the temple is a picture of God’s presence among His people, and the wisdom and peace God gives are gifts, not achievements. The careful planning and shared labor point to the value of every person’s role in God’s plan.
With children, avoid overstating the exact details of the temple’s size or the amounts of food and oil, since the focus is on God’s faithfulness and the people’s cooperation. Keep the emphasis on trusting God to help with the jobs He gives.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You for giving us wisdom and help for the work You give us. Help us to share our work with others and to trust You every day. Thank You that You keep Your promises and are always with us. Amen.
