This lesson teaches children that God is stronger than any enemy and that we can trust him when we feel scared. It is best for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is bigger than any scary thing, and he helps the people who trust him. When we are afraid, we can pray and remember that God is with 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)
Have the children stand tall with their arms raised like strong towers as they say the verse together. Then have them cross their arms over their chest and say “Don’t be afraid” in a quiet, brave voice. Repeat it three times, getting a little louder each time.
The Story: 2 Chronicles 32 for Kids
King Hezekiah ruled the land of Judah, and he loved God and did what was right. One day a very powerful king named Sennacherib came with his big army. He wanted to take over the cities of Judah, and he was coming straight toward Jerusalem.
Hezekiah knew the army was coming, and he got busy. He and his leaders blocked up the springs of water outside the city, so the enemy would not have water to drink. Then he made the walls taller and thicker, and he made many shields and weapons so his people could defend the city.
Then Hezekiah gathered all the people in the open place by the city gate. He said to them, “Be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid of the king of Assyria, because there is a greater One with us than with him.” The people felt better when they heard his words.
Sennacherib sent messengers to Jerusalem with a mean message. They said, “Don’t trust Hezekiah. No god has ever saved his people from my hand, so your God cannot save you either.” The people of Jerusalem were scared, and they did not know what to do.
Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah did something important. They prayed to God and asked for help. God sent an angel who defeated the Assyrian army, and Sennacherib went back home in shame. God saved Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem, and many people brought gifts to thank God.
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 the people trusted Hezekiah’s words because they knew God was on their side. Ask the children what it means to have God “to help us and to fight our battles.” Let them know they can trust God in the same way.
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 the children that Hezekiah and Isaiah prayed when they were in trouble. Explain that God heard their prayers and sent help. Encourage the children that prayer is always a good first step when we are frightened.
2 Chronicles 32:26
Notwithstanding Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the LORD’s wrath didn’t come on them in the days of Hezekiah.
(WEB)
Point out that Hezekiah humbled himself and said sorry to God for his pride. Explain that God forgives us when we are sorry and turn back to him. Talk about how it feels to say sorry and make things right.
Talk About It
- What did Hezekiah do to get ready when the enemy army was coming?
- How do you think the people felt when Hezekiah told them not to be afraid?
- What did Hezekiah and Isaiah do when they were in trouble?
- Who is bigger than any scary thing, and how do you know?
- What is something that makes you feel afraid, and how can prayer help you?
Activity Ideas
Strong Tower Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a tall tower with a flag on top, like the strong walls of Jerusalem. Write “God is with us” across the bottom and let them decorate it with bright colors. Hang the drawings where everyone can see them during the week.
Guard the Spring Game
You will need a small ball, a bucket, and a few chairs to act as walls. Set up the bucket as the water spring in the middle of the room. Have children take turns trying to carry the ball to the bucket while others try to block them with their arms held wide. Talk afterward about how Hezekiah protected his city.
Brave Words Card
You will need an index card, a marker, and a sticker or piece of tape. Have each child write “Be strong and courageous” on the card and draw a picture of something that scares them. Tape the card to their bedroom door or lunch box. Encourage them to read it whenever they feel afraid.
Teacher Notes
This passage shows that trusting God does not mean ignoring danger. Hezekiah prepared his city and also prayed. For adults, the lesson is that faith and practical work belong together, and that God answers prayer even when the threat seems overwhelming. The chapter also shows how pride can lead us astray, and how humility brings God’s mercy.
Avoid suggesting that God will always rescue us from every danger in the same way he rescued Jerusalem. Children may take this to mean that trusting God guarantees safety from harm. Instead, emphasize that God is faithful and near to us, and that he is always stronger than what we fear.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, we thank you that you are bigger than anything that scares us. Help us to be brave and to trust you when we feel afraid. When we are in trouble, help us to pray to you, just like Hezekiah did. Amen.
