In this lesson, children learn that King Hezekiah led the people of Judah to bring their gifts to God and that God blesses faithful giving. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God takes care of His people, and when we give back to Him with a happy heart, we say thank you for all He has given us.
Memory Verse
2 Chronicles 31:21
In every work that he began in the service of God’s house, in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered.
(WEB)
Teach children to cup both hands together in front of their chest, then slowly open them outward, like giving a gift. Say the verse together, and do the motion each time you reach the word “all” or “heart.”
The Story: 2 Chronicles 31 for Kids
A long time ago, the people of Judah had forgotten about the true God. They had built statues and altars to other gods. King Hezekiah loved God very much, and he wanted his people to love Him too. So he gathered his helpers and they went all over the land, breaking the idols and the wooden poles used to worship them. Everyone went back home, and the land began to feel clean and new again.
Next, Hezekiah appointed the priests and the Levites. These were the men who served God in His house, which was called the temple. He told them to lead the people in singing, praising, and offering sacrifices. Each man had a job to do, and each one did it with care.
Then Hezekiah gave a special command. He said, “Please bring your gifts to God’s house, so the priests and Levites can take care of their work.” The people listened, and they brought grain, new wine, oil, honey, and food from their fields. Some brought one tenth of everything they had. Their piles grew higher and higher, and the leaders were amazed.
Hezekiah asked the priest Azariah about the big piles. Azariah smiled and said, “Since the people started bringing their gifts, we have plenty to eat, and there is lots left over. God has blessed His people.” Hezekiah was happy, so he had storerooms built to keep all the gifts safe. Helpers were chosen to take care of them, and they did their jobs faithfully.
The people of Judah were thankful, and they trusted God. Hezekiah tried hard to please God in everything he did, and God blessed him for it. Children, this story shows us that giving to God is a way of saying thank you.
Read It Together
2 Chronicles 31:4-5
4 Moreover he commanded the people who lived in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might give themselves to the LORD’s law. 5 As soon as the commandment went out, the children of Israel gave in abundance the first fruits of grain, new wine, oil, honey, and of all the increase of the field; and they brought in the tithe of all things abundantly.
(WEB)
Point out how the people brought the best of what they grew and made. Ask children what the first fruits of their own family’s food might be, and why bringing them to God was a joyful thing to do.
2 Chronicles 31:10
Azariah the chief priest, of the house of Zadok, answered him and said, “Since people began to bring the offerings into the LORD’s house, we have eaten and had enough, and have plenty left over, for the LORD has blessed his people; and that which is left is this great store.”
(WEB)
Show children how Azariah connects the full storerooms to God’s blessing. Explain that God does not need our gifts, but He loves to see us trust Him and share with others.
2 Chronicles 31:20
Hezekiah did so throughout all Judah; and he did that which was good, right, and faithful before the LORD his God.
(WEB)
Point out that Hezekiah did what was good, right, and faithful. Explain that doing what is right is a way of showing our love for God every day, not just once in a while.
Talk About It
- What did the people of Judah bring to God’s house, and why do you think they wanted to give Him their best?
- How do you feel when you share something you love with a friend or family member?
- What are some good things God has given you that you can thank Him for?
- Why did Hezekiah want to get rid of the idols and the statues in the land?
- What is one way you can show God thanks this week, even if it is a small gift?
Activity Ideas
Paper Basket Gift Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child draw a basket or box and fill it with things they are thankful for, like food, toys, or family members. Cut out the basket and let them bring it home as a reminder to thank God every day.
Storehouse Race
Set out a bowl at one end of the room and a pile of soft balls or crumpled paper at the other. Children take turns walking, hopping, or crawling to carry one item at a time to the bowl, like the people bringing gifts to the storehouse. Cheer for each one and talk about how many gifts it takes to fill a storeroom.
Thankful Jar at Home
You will need a clean jar, paper slips, and a pencil. Ask children to write or draw one thing they are thankful for each day and drop it into the jar. At the end of the week, open the jar together, read the notes aloud, and thank God for each one.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that worship and generosity go together. Hezekiah led a national reform, first removing idols, then restoring the temple service and the proper support of the priests and Levites. The people’s giving was a response to God’s faithfulness, and the overflow of supplies was seen as God’s blessing on their obedience.
Avoid telling children that God will always make them rich if they give money or things. The chapter describes a community that trusted God and shared generously, and the blessing was on their faithfulness, not a guarantee of material reward for any single child.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for taking care of us every single day. Help us to share what we have with joy, like the people of Judah did long ago. Teach us to love You with all our hearts and to trust You in everything we do. Amen.
