This lesson teaches children that God is pleased when His people bring back what He has given them, and that Hezekiah’s whole nation learned to do it together. It is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God gives us good things, and we show our thanks by giving back to Him with a happy heart. When everyone shares, God’s house is full and His people are cared for.
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 the children to cup both hands together in front of their chest, then open them wide like a flower blooming as they say the verse. Repeat the motion three times so the words and the movement stick together.
The Story: 2 Chronicles 31 for Kids
King Hezekiah ruled the land of Judah, and he loved God very much. He wanted the people to stop worshiping false idols and return to the one true God. So the people went through the cities and broke down the statues and the altars that did not honor God.
Next, Hezekiah set up groups of priests and Levites to serve in God’s house. Each man had a job to do, and each job mattered. Some would lead songs of praise, and some would offer sacrifices to thank God for His kindness.
Then Hezekiah told the people to bring their gifts to the temple. Farmers brought grain, new wine, oil, and honey. Shepherds brought sheep and cattle. The gifts were so many that they were piled up in great heaps, higher than anyone had seen before.
Hezekiah walked over to look at the heaps and asked the priests where all of this came from. The chief priest, Azariah, smiled and said, “Since people began bringing gifts, we have had plenty to eat, and there is still more left over, because the Lord has blessed His people.” Hezekiah was so glad that he thanked God for His goodness.
Hezekiah then made rooms in the temple to store all the gifts, and wise helpers took care of them. Everyone who served did their work faithfully and honestly. The Bible says Hezekiah did everything with his whole heart, and God helped him succeed.
Read It Together
Deuteronomy 16:17
Every man shall give as he is able, according to the LORD your God’s blessing which he has given you.
(WEB)
This verse is not in our chapter, so we will use a different one for the lesson. Point out to the children that giving should match how God has blessed each person. Ask them to name something God has given them that they can share.
2 Chronicles 31:5
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 the word “abundance” and explain that the people gave generously and did not hold back. Show the children how a full basket looks when everyone adds something. Ask how it might feel to be part of a giving family.
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)
Read this to the children and point out that Azariah connected the gifts to God’s blessing. Explain that the leftovers were a sign of God caring for His people. Remind them that we can thank God for food at every meal.
Talk About It
- What is one good thing God has given you this week?
- How did the people of Judah show thanks to God in this story?
- Why do you think the people were excited to bring their gifts?
- What kinds of gifts can we bring to God today, even if we are small?
- How can our family or class help each other the way the people helped the priests?
Activity Ideas
Paper Grain Heap Drawing
Give each child a sheet of construction paper, crayons, and a glue stick. Ask them to draw or tear pictures of things they would bring to God, such as food, toys they can share, or helpful acts. Glue the pictures into a big heap on the paper and talk about what each one means.
Gift Basket Passing Game
Gather a basket and a few soft items like socks or small toys. Have children sit in a circle and pass the basket while music plays, then stop the music and ask the child holding it to say one thing they can give to God or others. This helps them practice giving with joy.
Thank You Jar at Home
Provide an empty jar, slips of paper, and a pencil. Each day, have the child write one thing they are thankful for and place it in the jar. At the end of the week, read the notes together as a family and thank God for every blessing listed.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that renewal in worship leads to generosity in the community. When people return to God, they naturally care for those who serve Him and for the needs of the house of worship. The story reminds us that faithful giving and faithful service go hand in hand.
Avoid promising children that God will always make them rich when they give. The text describes God blessing His people, but it does not teach a formula where giving guarantees wealth. Focus instead on gratitude, trust, and the joy of sharing.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Lord, thank You for all the good gifts You give us every day. Help us to share what we have with joy and kindness, just as Your people did long ago. Teach us to remember that everything we have comes from You. Amen.
