In this lesson, children learn that King Jehoshaphat chose to follow God and helped his people do the same, and that God wants us to be fair and honest in everything we do. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God wants us to follow Him, to be fair, and to do the right thing even when it is hard. He is with us when we choose to be good.
Memory Verse
2 Chronicles 19:7
Now therefore let the fear of the LORD be on you. Take heed and do it; for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of bribes.”
(WEB)
Put one hand on your heart and then lift both hands up toward the sky as you say the words slowly together. Repeat it three times, getting a little quieter each time, so children remember that God wants us to be fair and to honor Him in what we do.
The Story: 2 Chronicles 19 for Kids
King Jehoshaphat was the king of Judah. He had been away fighting a battle, and now he was going home to Jerusalem in peace. Along the way, a prophet named Jehu came out to meet him. Jehu was not happy. He asked the king a serious question: should you help people who do wrong and who hate the LORD?
Jehu told the king that God was not pleased with that choice. But then Jehu said something kind too. He told the king that there were good things in him. Jehoshaphat had removed the idols called Asherah poles from the land and had chosen to seek God with his whole heart. God noticed that good choice.
Jehoshaphat did not stop there. He went out again among the people and brought them back to the LORD, the God of their fathers. He wanted everyone to know who God was and to follow Him. Then he did something very important: he chose judges to help make fair decisions for the people in every city of Judah.
He spoke to those judges with a serious word. “Think carefully about what you do,” he said. “You are not judging for people only. You are judging for the LORD, and He is with you when you decide.” He told them to fear the LORD, to do their work faithfully, and never to take bribes or treat people unfairly. Jehoshaphat also set up leaders in Jerusalem to help with hard cases, and he asked them to work with courage and to trust that the LORD would be with those who do good.
Read It Together
2 Chronicles 19:2-3
2 Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, “Should you help the wicked, and love those who hate the LORD? Because of this, wrath is on you from before the LORD. 3 Nevertheless there are good things found in you, in that you have put away the Asheroth out of the land, and have set your heart to seek God.”
(WEB)
Point out that Jehu told the king the truth, even though it was hard to hear. Show children that God’s friends can be honest with one another, and that the king still had good things in him that God saw and loved.
2 Chronicles 19:6-7
6 And said to the judges, “Consider what you do, for you don’t judge for man, but for the LORD; and he is with you in the judgment. 7 Now therefore let the fear of the LORD be on you. Take heed and do it; for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of bribes.”
(WEB)
Explain that the judges were reminded that they judge for the LORD, not only for people. Help children see that whatever job we do, we can do it as if God is watching, because He is.
2 Chronicles 19:9
He commanded them, saying, “You shall do this in the fear of the LORD, faithfully, and with a perfect heart.
(WEB)
Ask children to notice the words “faithfully” and “with a perfect heart.” Talk about how doing a job with a whole heart means doing our best and being honest, even when no one else is looking.
Talk About It
- What did Jehu tell King Jehoshaphat, and why do you think it was hard for him to say?
- What good things did God see in the king, even though he had made some mistakes?
- Why did the judges need to be fair and not take bribes?
- Who is with us when we make choices at school, at home, or on the playground?
- What is one way you can show fairness to someone this week?
Activity Ideas
Heart and Scale Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a large heart on one side of the paper and a simple balance scale on the other. Inside the heart, they write or draw one way they can follow God. On the scale, they draw one fair choice they can make. Let them share their pictures with the group.
Judge and Helper Game
You will need a few chairs, a small toy or stuffed animal, and a timer. Ask one child to be the judge and sit in a chair. Give the others a simple “problem” to act out, such as sharing a toy or taking turns. The judge then decides fairly without picking favorites. Switch judges so everyone gets a turn to practice fairness.
Fair Choice Card at Home
You will need an index card, a marker, and a small envelope or box. Have the child write “I will choose what is right” on the card and decorate it. Place it on the kitchen table or in a bedroom where they will see it each morning. Talk together at dinner about one fair choice they made that day.
Teacher Notes
This passage shows that God cares deeply about justice and about hearts that turn toward Him. Jehoshaphat’s reform reminds adults that spiritual faithfulness and fair dealing with others go together, and that leaders are responsible to God for how they treat people. It also shows that honest correction from a faithful friend is a gift, even when it stings.
With children, avoid overstating the idea that God simply rewards good behavior with good outcomes. The passage is about walking with God and choosing what is right, not a formula where obedience guarantees ease. Keep the focus on God’s presence with us and on the joy of loving and honoring Him.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Lord, thank You for being with us when we make choices. Help us to be fair, honest, and kind to everyone, just as You are. Help us to follow You with our whole hearts each day. Amen.
