In this lesson, children learn that King Jehoshaphat chose to follow God and teach others about Him, so the whole kingdom grew strong. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
When we love God and do what He says, He helps us and blesses us. We can also help our friends and family learn about Him too.
Memory Verse
2 Chronicles 17:4
But sought to the God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not in the ways of Israel.
(WEB)
Teach the children to cup their hands together over their hearts for “sought,” then take both hands forward in a big walking motion for “walked in his commandments.” Say the verse slowly together three times, moving your hands each time.
The Story: 2 Chronicles 17 for Kids
A king named Jehoshaphat became the ruler of Judah after his father, Asa, died. Jehoshaphat was a good king. He wanted to be strong, so he put soldiers in the walled cities of his land to keep everyone safe. He also made sure the cities that his father had taken stayed in his hands.
Jehoshaphat did something very important. He chose to follow the God of his father David. He stopped worshiping the false idols called Baals, and he did not copy the bad ways of the people in Israel. He wanted to walk in God’s commands every single day.
Because Jehoshaphat loved God, God made his kingdom strong. The people of Judah brought him gifts, and he had lots of riches and honor. Jehoshaphat even took away the high places and the Asherah poles where people had been worshiping false gods. His heart was happy to serve the Lord.
In the third year of his rule, Jehoshaphat sent his leaders out to the towns of Judah. They carried the Book of the Lord’s law with them. Some of the priests and Levites went too. They said, “Let’s teach the people everything God has told us.” And they went from city to city, teaching everyone.
God protected Judah in a special way. The people in the nations around them were afraid of the Lord, so they did not go to war against Jehoshaphat. Some even brought him gifts. Jehoshaphat grew very great, and he had a huge army of brave soldiers ready to protect his people.
Read It Together
2 Chronicles 17:3
The LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and didn’t seek the Baals…
(WEB)
Point out that God was with Jehoshaphat because he chose to follow God’s ways. Ask the children what it means to be with someone and how God’s presence can help us every day.
2 Chronicles 17:9
They taught in Judah, having the book of the LORD’s law with them. They went about throughout all the cities of Judah and taught among the people.
(WEB)
Show the children how the leaders took God’s Book with them as they went to teach. Explain that God’s words are meant to be shared, and that we can learn from the Bible together.
2 Chronicles 17:10
The fear of the LORD fell on all the kingdoms of the lands that were around Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat.
(WEB)
Point out that the fear of the Lord protected Judah from war. Explain that respecting God and trusting Him brings peace, and that God cares for His people.
Talk About It
- What kind of person did King Jehoshaphat choose to be, and how did he show it?
- What did Jehoshaphat do to stop the people from worshiping false gods?
- Why do you think the leaders carried God’s Book when they went to the towns?
- How can you teach someone about God’s love in your own home or school?
- What do you think God did for Judah because the king loved Him?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Strong Walled City
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a city with tall walls and a tower, then write or draw one way God keeps us safe. Let them color it in and show their picture to the class, explaining what they drew.
Walk the Path of God
You will need a open space and a few masking tape strips or pieces of string. Lay a long path on the floor, and have the children take turns walking along it while saying “I will walk in God’s ways.” Let each child choose a fun way to walk, such as tiptoes or giant steps, to make it lively.
Share God’s Word at Home
You will need a small notecard or piece of paper for each child and a pen. Have the child write the memory verse on the card and take it home. Encourage them to read it aloud to a family member at dinner and explain what it means in their own words.
Teacher Notes
This passage shows adults that faithful leadership matters, and that when a leader seeks God sincerely, the people around him benefit. Jehoshaphat’s care for God’s Word and for the spiritual health of his people is a helpful picture for parents, teachers, and church leaders today.
Avoid suggesting to children that God will always make us rich or always protect us from every trouble if we obey. The chapter describes what happened to Jehoshaphat, and God’s faithfulness is real, but children should understand that following God is about loving Him, not earning blessings.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for loving us and teaching us Your ways. Help us to follow You like King Jehoshaphat did, and to share Your Word with our friends and family. Keep us strong and close to You every day. Amen.
