In this lesson, children learn that when Solomon was made king, he asked God for wisdom to help him take care of God’s people, and God gave him wisdom and much more. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
When we need help to do the right thing, we can ask God for wisdom, and He is always ready to give it to us. God loves to hear our honest requests.
Memory Verse
James 1:5
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach; and it will be given to him.
(WEB)
Cup both hands together in front of your chest, like you are holding a gift. Lift them up slowly as you say the words “ask God,” then open your hands wide as if you are receiving something from Him.
The Story: 2 Chronicles 1 for Kids
Solomon was the son of King David, and he became the new king of Israel after his father died. The Lord God was with Solomon, and He made Solomon very great and strong. Solomon wanted to honor God, so he gathered all the leaders of Israel together. They walked to a special high place called Gibeon, where God’s Tent of Meeting was kept.
At Gibeon, Solomon offered one thousand burnt offerings on the bronze altar that Moses’ helper Bezalel had made long ago. That night, God appeared to Solomon in a dream and said, “Ask for whatever you want, and I will give it to you.” Imagine how surprised Solomon must have felt to hear that!
Solomon did not ask for riches or for his enemies to be defeated. He said, “Give me wisdom and knowledge, so that I can lead this great people well.” He knew that ruling God’s people was a big job, and he needed God’s help to do it right.
God was pleased with Solomon’s request. God told him that because he asked for wisdom instead of riches or long life, God would give him wisdom and knowledge. God also gave him riches, wealth, and honor, more than any king before him had.
Solomon then went back to Jerusalem to rule over Israel. He gathered chariots and horsemen, and the city became full of silver and gold. Horses were brought from faraway places to be sold to the king’s merchants.
Read It Together
2 Chronicles 1:7
That night, God appeared to Solomon and said to him, “Ask for what you want me to give you.”
(WEB)
Point out that God spoke to Solomon first and invited him to ask. Explain that God is generous and wants to hear what His children truly need.
2 Chronicles 1:10
Now give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people; for who can judge this great people of yours?”
(WEB)
Show the children that Solomon’s request was humble and simple. He did not ask for himself first but for the wisdom to help others well.
2 Chronicles 1:11-12
11 God said to Solomon, “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you, nor yet have you asked for long life; but have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge my people, over whom I have made you king, 12 therefore wisdom and knowledge is granted to you. I will give you riches, wealth, and honor, such as none of the kings have had who have been before you had, and none after you will have.”
(WEB)
Help the children see that God was pleased with Solomon’s choice. God gave him far more than he asked for because his heart was right.
Talk About It
- What do you think Solomon felt when God said he could ask for anything?
- Why do you think Solomon asked for wisdom instead of riches?
- What is something you might need help with this week that you could pray about?
- How do you think God feels when we come to Him with honest requests?
- What is one way you can show you trust God to lead you when you make decisions?
Activity Ideas
Crown of Wisdom Craft
Gather construction paper, scissors, glue, markers, and gold stickers or foil. Cut a strip of paper long enough to wrap around a child’s head and staple it into a band. Have each child draw or write one thing they would ask God for if He said yes, then decorate the crown with gold stickers and wear it while you talk about Solomon.
Ask and Receive Game
Clear some space in the room and have children stand in a line. Call out simple requests like “ask for help,” and children act out the motion of asking, cupping their hands, and then receiving. Play a few rounds, then pause to talk about how God listens to every request we bring Him.
Take-Home Wisdom Jar
Use an empty jar, paper, and a pencil. Each family member writes a small prayer request on a strip of paper and drops it into the jar. Encourage the family to read one or two slips at dinner each night and pray together, reminding everyone that God invites us to ask Him for wisdom.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s generosity meets a humble heart. Solomon’s request for wisdom reflects dependence on God rather than self-reliance, and the passage reminds us that good leadership begins with seeking God first. The chapter also reveals that God delights in giving good gifts to those who ask rightly.
Avoid suggesting to children that God always gives us exactly what we ask for, as if prayer were a vending machine. Explain instead that God answers prayer in His wise and loving way, and that our best requests are the ones that honor Him and help others.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for listening when we ask You for help. Please give us wisdom to make good choices, to be kind to others, and to love You with all our hearts. Help us trust that You always hear us and care for us. Amen.
