Kids learn that Solomon built a special house for God and that God wants his people to honor him with everything they have. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach. You will need a Bible, a few craft supplies, and a little space to move around.
Big Idea
God is great, and we can give him our best because he gave us everything we have.
Memory Verse
2 Chronicles 2:5
“The house which I am building will be great; for our God is greater than all gods.
(WEB)
Hold both hands up high, then bring them down slowly as you say the words together. Repeat it three times, getting a little quieter each time, until the children can say it with their eyes closed. Make the motion a habit so the words come back when they see their hands go up.
The Story: 2 Chronicles 2 for Kids
King Solomon was the son of King David, and he had a big job to do. God had told his father that his son would build a house for God in Jerusalem. Solomon was ready to start, and he wanted it to be the most beautiful house anyone had ever seen.
Solomon needed a lot of help. He gathered seventy thousand men to carry heavy loads and eighty thousand men to cut stone in the mountains. He also picked three thousand six hundred men to watch over the work and make sure everything went well.
Solomon sent a message to a king named Huram, who ruled the city of Tyre. He asked Huram to send cedar trees from Lebanon, because those trees were strong and sweet-smelling. Solomon also asked for a skilled worker who knew how to work with gold, silver, and fine cloth. Solomon said, “The house I am building will be great, for our God is greater than all gods.”
Huram was happy to help. He wrote back and praised the God of Israel, who made heaven and earth. He promised to send wood by sea and to bring it all the way up to Jerusalem. Huram also sent a talented craftsman to help with the work.
Solomon then counted all the people from other nations who lived in his land. He gave them jobs carrying loads, cutting stone, and overseeing the workers. Everyone had a part to play in building God’s house.
Read It Together
2 Chronicles 2:1
Now Solomon decided to build a house for the LORD’s name, and a house for his kingdom.
(WEB)
Point out that Solomon decided to build the house for God’s name before he started any work. Ask the children what it means that the house was for God. Explain that God’s people wanted to give him a special place to meet with them.
2 Chronicles 2:6
But who is able to build him a house, since heaven and the heaven of heavens can’t contain him? Who am I then, that I should build him a house, except just to burn incense before him?
(WEB)
Show the children that Solomon realized God is too big for any building to hold. Explain that the house was a place to honor God, not a place to keep him in. This helps kids see that God is bigger than anything we can make.
2 Chronicles 2:12
Huram continued, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who made heaven and earth, who has given to David the king a wise son, endowed with discretion and understanding, who would build a house for the LORD, and a house for his kingdom.
(WEB)
Point out that Huram blessed the Lord, the God who made heaven and earth. Ask the children to name something God made. Remind them that every good thing they have came from him.
Talk About It
- Why do you think Solomon wanted to build a special house for God?
- What did the people in the story have to do to help build God’s house?
- How did King Huram show that he respected the God of Israel?
- Why is it good to give God our best, even when we are small?
- What is one thing you can do this week to honor God?
Activity Ideas
Build a Paper Temple
Give each child a sheet of construction paper, scissors, glue, and a few markers or crayons. Show them how to fold the paper into walls and a roof to make a small house. Let them decorate the outside with gold and blue designs like the ones described in the story. Talk about how each child is building something special for God.
Carry the Stones
Gather some soft balls, blocks, or stuffed animals to act as stones. Divide the children into two teams and have them carry the items from one side of the room to the other, one at a time. Explain that the men in the story carried heavy stones for God’s house. Afterward, ask the children how it felt to work together.
Thank You Cards to Take Home
Provide blank cards, crayons, and stickers. Ask each child to draw a picture of something God made, such as the sky, a tree, or an animal. Help them write or copy a short thank-you note to God on the back. Encourage them to share the card with their family during the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that building a place for worship takes planning, cooperation, and generosity from many people. Solomon recognized that God is greater than any structure, yet he still wanted to offer him a dedicated space. The chapter reminds us that our offerings and efforts are meant to honor God, who has already given us everything.
Avoid suggesting to children that God needs a building or that they must do big things to please him. Make clear that God is present with his people wherever they worship, and that small acts of love matter just as much as large projects.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank you for being greater than anything we can imagine. Help us to give you our best, big or small. Thank you for everyone who helps us learn about you and for the gifts you have given us. We love you, and we want to honor you every day. Amen.
