In this lesson, children learn that when scary things come, they can trust God to help them, just as King Hezekiah did. This lesson works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is bigger than any enemy, and when we are afraid, we can trust him to help us and fight for us.
Memory Verse
2 Chronicles 32:7
“Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid or dismayed because of the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude who is with him; for there is a greater one with us than with him.
(WEB)
Teach children to stand tall with feet apart and fists on their hips, like brave soldiers. Then have them say the verse together while they lift their chins, reminding them that they can be strong because God is with them.
The Story: 2 Chronicles 32 for Kids
A powerful king named Sennacherib came to attack the land of Judah. He wanted to take over the strong cities there, and he had a huge army with him. King Hezekiah was the king of Judah, and he was worried when he saw how close the enemy was getting to Jerusalem, the city where God’s house stood.
Hezekiah got his leaders and soldiers together to make a plan. They closed off the springs of water outside the city so the enemy army would have nothing to drink. Then they worked hard to repair the walls and make many spears and shields so the people could protect themselves.
Next, Hezekiah gathered all the people in the open place near the city gate. He looked at them and said, “Be strong and brave. Do not be afraid of the king of Assyria, because there is someone much greater on our side than he has on his.” The people felt better hearing those words from their king.
Sennacherib did not stop. He sent men to shout insults and threats at the people of Jerusalem. They tried to scare them into giving up, and they even spoke against the God of Israel as if he were just a made-up idol. The people on the wall must have felt frightened as they heard the shouting.
Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah did something important. They did not panic or fight with cruel words. Instead, they prayed to God and cried out to heaven for help, trusting that God could hear them.
God answered their prayers. He sent an angel who defeated the mighty soldiers in the enemy camp, and the king of Assyria went home in shame. God saved Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem, and many people came to bring gifts to the Lord.
Read It Together
2 Chronicles 32:8
An arm of flesh is with him, but the LORD our God is with us to help us and to fight our battles.” The people rested themselves on the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.
(WEB)
Point out that Hezekiah reminded the people that the Lord our God is the one who helps us and fights our battles. Ask children who they think is stronger, a big army or God, and why.
2 Chronicles 32:20-21
20 Hezekiah the king and Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz, prayed because of this, and cried to heaven. 21 The LORD sent an angel, who cut off all the mighty men of valor, and the leaders and captains, in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. When he had come into the house of his god, those who came out of his own bowels killed him there with the sword.
(WEB)
Show children that Hezekiah and Isaiah responded to the threat by praying and crying out to God. Explain that God answered them by sending help, and that prayer is always a good first step when we are scared.
2 Chronicles 32:22
Thus the LORD saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib the king of Assyria and from the hand of all others, and guided them on every side.
(WEB)
Point out that the Lord saved the people from the enemy and guided them on every side. Remind children that God takes care of his people even when the danger seems very big.
Talk About It
- What did the enemy king say to make the people of Jerusalem feel scared?
- What did King Hezekiah tell his people to remember when they felt afraid?
- What did Hezekiah and Isaiah do when they were worried, and why was that a good choice?
- How did God show that he was taking care of his people in this story?
- What is something that makes you feel scared, and what can you do to remember that God is with you?
Activity Ideas
Brave Shield Craft
Give each child a paper plate, crayons, markers, and some glue or tape. Have them draw or write something that helps them feel brave, such as a cross, a favorite Bible verse, or the words “God is with me.” Then they can tape a popsicle stick to the back to make a shield they can carry home.
Wall Defenders Game
Stack some cardboard boxes or pillows into a wall in the room. Have children take turns being brave soldiers who guard the wall while another child pretends to be the enemy shouting threats. Afterward, gather everyone together and remind them that God is stronger than any enemy.
Prayer Jar at Home
Find an empty jar and some small paper slips. Ask the family to write down anything that makes them feel scared or worried, then fold the slips and place them in the jar. Pray over the jar together each evening, remembering that God hears every prayer just as he heard Hezekiah’s cry.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that faithful leaders trust God when they face threats, rather than relying only on their own plans or strength. Hezekiah used practical steps like strengthening the walls, but he also gave God the credit and prayed for help. The passage also shows that God can answer prayer in surprising ways.
Avoid implying to children that God will always protect us from every hardship in the way that he protected Jerusalem in this story. Explain that God is faithful and always with us, but also that some people face hard things and still belong to God. Keep the focus on trusting God rather than on promising guaranteed outcomes.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Lord, thank you that you are bigger than any enemy and stronger than any fear. Help us to be brave like Hezekiah and to pray when we feel scared. Thank you for always being with us and for fighting for us. Amen.
