In this lesson, children learn that when God tells us to stop and go home, we can trust that His word is wise, even when we want to fight. This lesson works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God’s words are good for us, and when we listen to Him, we do the right thing even when it is hard.
Memory Verse
2 Chronicles 11:4
‘The LORD says, “You shall not go up, nor fight against your brothers! Every man return to his house; for this thing is of me.”’” So they listened to the LORD’s words, and returned from going against Jeroboam.
(WEB)
Have children stand tall with their hands at their sides, then slowly turn around and walk back to their seats as if heading home. Say the verse together as they walk, pausing at the word “return” to show that they are going back.
The Story: 2 Chronicles 11 for Kids
A long time ago, a king named Rehoboam ruled over the people of Judah. His dad, Solomon, had been a king too, and now Rehoboam was in charge. The kingdom of Israel had split into two parts, and Rehoboam wanted to get the land back by going to war.
Rehoboam gathered a huge army of brave men, almost one hundred eighty thousand of them. They were ready to march out and fight. But God had a different plan. God sent a message to a man named Shemaiah, who was a man of God.
Shemaiah went to Rehoboam and told him what God said. “Do not go to war against your own brothers. Each of you should go home.” God wanted them to stop fighting. Rehoboam listened to God’s words and turned his army around.
Then Rehoboam got busy building. He made many cities strong and safe, with walls, soldiers, and plenty of food. He wanted his people to be protected. Priests and Levites from all over Israel came to stand with him, because they wanted to serve God in Judah.
Rehoboam also had a big family. He had many wives and many children. He chose one son to be a leader and spread his other sons out to strong cities, giving them food and wives so they could be safe too.
Read It Together
2 Chronicles 11:2
But the LORD’s word came to Shemaiah the man of God, saying…
(WEB)
Point out that God spoke directly to Shemaiah with a message for the king. Ask children how God might speak to us today, through the Bible, prayer, or our parents and teachers.
2 Chronicles 11:14-15
14 For the Levites left their suburbs and their possession, and came to Judah and Jerusalem; for Jeroboam and his sons cast them off, that they should not execute the priest’s office to the LORD. 15 He himself appointed priests for the high places, for the male goats, and for the calves which he had made.
(WEB)
Show children that the Levites left their homes to stay true to God, even though it meant giving up what they had. Explain that choosing to follow God sometimes costs us something, but He is still worth it.
2 Chronicles 11:16-17
16 After them, out of all the tribes of Israel, those who set their hearts to seek the LORD, the God of Israel, came to Jerusalem to sacrifice to the LORD, the God of their fathers. 17 So they strengthened the kingdom of Judah, and made Rehoboam the son of Solomon strong for three years; for they walked three years in the way of David and Solomon.
(WEB)
Point to the people who set their hearts to seek the LORD and came to Jerusalem to worship. Explain that seeking God means wanting to know Him and spend time with Him, not just doing things because we have to.
Talk About It
- What did God want Rehoboam and his army to do instead of fighting?
- How do you think Rehoboam felt when he had to send his soldiers home?
- Why is it a good idea to listen when God tells us to stop doing something?
- What is one way you can listen to God’s word this week?
- Who are the people in your life who help you hear God’s messages?
Activity Ideas
Build a Strong City Drawing
Give each child a sheet of paper, crayons, and a pencil. Ask them to draw a city with tall walls, a gate, and a few houses inside. Explain that Rehoboam built strong cities to keep people safe, and encourage children to add a tower or flag to their city.
Walk Home Game
Set up two chairs on opposite sides of the room to represent Judah and Israel. Have children stand near one chair, then call out “Go home!” and have them walk back to their starting spot. Play a few rounds, reminding children that God told them to go home, not fight.
Take-Home Promise Card
Cut index cards in half and give one to each child. Ask them to write or draw one way they will listen to God this week, like helping at home or being kind to a sibling. Tape the card to the fridge or their bedroom mirror so they can remember it throughout the week.
Teacher Notes
This passage shows that God speaks clearly to His people and that obeying Him can mean stopping an action that seemed right. For adults, it is a reminder that wisdom often means waiting for God’s direction rather than acting on our own strength or plans. It also shows how God’s people can be faithful even when they have to make costly choices.
Avoid suggesting that children should never feel angry or want to fight. Instead, help them see that God gives us a better way to handle conflict, and that stopping to listen is always wise.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank You for speaking to us and showing us the right way to live. Help us to listen when You tell us what to do, even when it is hard. Give us hearts that want to seek You every day. Thank You for always caring for us. Amen.
