In 2 Chronicles 20, King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah learn that when enemies come, they can ask God for help and trust that the battle belongs to him. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
When we are scared, we can pray to God, trust him, and remember that the fight belongs to him. He is always bigger than our biggest problems.
Memory Verse
2 Chronicles 20:15
And he said, “Listen, all Judah, and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, king Jehoshaphat. The LORD says to you, ‘Don’t be afraid, and don’t be dismayed because of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s.
(WEB)
Teach the children to cup both hands over their ears, then slowly lift their arms high like a strong tree. Ask them to say “Don’t be afraid” as they lift, and to stand tall while they say “the battle is God’s.”
The Story: 2 Chronicles 20 for Kids
King Jehoshaphat ruled the land of Judah, and he had a good heart for God. One day, messengers ran into the city with terrible news. A huge army from Moab, Ammon, and other nearby lands was marching toward Judah to fight. The people were very frightened.
Jehoshaphat did not panic or run away. Instead, he did something brave and wise. He told everyone to stop what they were doing and pray. People came from every city in Judah to Jerusalem, and they gathered together in the Lord’s house. They even brought their little children and their wives.
Jehoshaphat stood in front of all the people and prayed out loud. He reminded God how powerful he is and asked him to help them, because they did not know what to do. Then God’s Spirit came upon a man named Jahaziel, who told the crowd, “Don’t be afraid! The battle is not yours, but God’s.”
The next morning, the king sent out singers in beautiful clothes to lead the army. They sang, “Give thanks to the Lord, for his love lasts forever!” As they began to sing and praise God, God caused the enemy armies to start fighting each other, and they were defeated. When Judah’s people arrived, no enemies were left standing.
Read It Together
2 Chronicles 20:3
Jehoshaphat was alarmed, and set himself to seek to the LORD. He proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.
(WEB)
Point out that Jehoshaphat was alarmed, but he did not hide from God. He chose to seek the Lord and invite the whole nation to pray with him. Ask the children what they might do when they feel scared.
2 Chronicles 20:12
Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no might against this great company that comes against us. We don’t know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”
(WEB)
Show the children that Jehoshaphat was honest with God. He said, “We don’t know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” Talk about how God wants us to bring our honest feelings and questions to him.
2 Chronicles 20:21-22
21 When he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the LORD, and give praise in holy array, as they go out before the army, and say, “Give thanks to the LORD; for his loving kindness endures forever.” 22 When they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushers against the children of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were struck.
(WEB)
Explain that the people praised God before the battle was won. When they began singing, God acted for them. Help the children see that thanking God can be a powerful way to trust him even before we see the answer.
Talk About It
- What did the people of Judah do when they heard about the big army coming?
- Why do you think King Jehoshaphat chose to pray instead of worrying alone?
- What is something that makes you feel scared, and how could you bring it to God?
- Why do you think the singers went out in front of the army?
- How can you remember that God is still in control when you feel afraid?
Activity Ideas
Hands Up Prayer Banner
You will need construction paper, crayons, scissors, and tape. Have each child trace one of their hands on paper and cut it out. On each hand, they can write or draw one thing they are worried about. Tape the hands to a wall or doorway as a reminder that God hears every prayer and cares about every worry.
Victory Song March
You will need a sturdy spoon, a pot or pan, and a space to walk around. Teach the children a simple chorus such as “Give thanks to the Lord, his love endures forever.” Let them march around the room while singing and tapping the pot with the spoon. Explain that the people of Judah sang and marched like this before God won the battle.
Trust Jar at Home
You will need an empty jar, paper, and a pen. Ask the family to write down scary moments or worries on small slips of paper and put them in the jar. Each evening, pray together over one slip, asking God for help and thanking him for his faithfulness. This helps children practice bringing their fears to God regularly.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s people do not face threats alone. Jehoshaphat’s prayer is a model of humility: he names God’s power, remembers past faithfulness, and admits his own helplessness. The passage reminds us that trusting God often means moving forward in obedience even before we see the outcome.
When teaching children, avoid promising that God will always remove every enemy or danger in the same way. Focus instead on the truth that God is powerful, present, and worthy of trust, even when the outcome is not what we hoped for.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you that you are bigger than any problem we face. When we feel scared, help us to pray and trust you. Remind us that the battle belongs to you. Help us to thank you even before we see your help. Amen.
