In this lesson, children learn that God gave King Solomon great wisdom, and that wisdom is a gift we can thank God for. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God gives wisdom and riches, and we thank Him for every good gift. Solomon was wise because God gave him wisdom, not because he was clever on his own.
Memory Verse
2 Chronicles 9:8
Blessed be the LORD your God, who delighted in you, to set you on his throne, to be king for the LORD your God; because your God loved Israel, to establish them forever. Therefore made he you king over them, to do justice and righteousness.”
(WEB)
Ask children to place both hands on their heart, then lift them up toward the sky as they say the words together. Repeat it three times, getting a little quieter each time, until they can say it without looking.
The Story: 2 Chronicles 9 for Kids
A long time ago, there was a king named Solomon in the city of Jerusalem. God had made Solomon very wise, and people everywhere had heard about it. One day, a queen from a faraway land called Sheba decided to see for herself if the stories were true.
She traveled to Jerusalem with a huge line of camels. The camels carried spices, gold, and precious stones. When she arrived, she asked Solomon many hard questions. Solomon had an answer for every single one. Nothing was hidden from him.
The queen looked around at everything Solomon had built. She saw his beautiful house, his tables full of food, and his servants dressed neatly. Her heart was amazed. She said to the king, “I heard stories about you in my own land, but I did not believe them until I saw it with my own eyes. The stories were not even half of how wonderful you are!”
She told Solomon that God loved Israel and had made him king so he could do what is fair and right. Then she gave him gifts of gold, spices, and jewels. Solomon gave her gifts too, and she went home happy.
Solomon was rich and wise, and kings from all over the world came to hear his wisdom. He had many horses and chariots, and he ruled over a big land. But the Bible tells us that the wisdom came from God.
Read It Together
2 Chronicles 9:1-2
1 When the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon, she came to test Solomon with hard questions at Jerusalem, with a very great caravan, including camels that bore spices, gold in abundance, and precious stones. When she had come to Solomon, she talked with him about all that was in her heart. 2 Solomon answered all her questions. There wasn’t anything hidden from Solomon which he didn’t tell her.
(WEB)
Point out that the queen came to test Solomon with hard questions, and that Solomon answered all of them. Ask children what kind of questions they would find hard to answer. Remind them that God helped Solomon know the answers.
2 Chronicles 9:5-6
5 She said to the king, “It was a true report that I heard in my own land of your acts and of your wisdom. 6 However I didn’t believe their words until I came, and my eyes had seen it; and behold, the half of the greatness of your wisdom was not told me. You exceed the fame that I heard!
(WEB)
Show children that the queen was surprised to find out the stories were true, and even more wonderful than she had heard. Explain that people who really see God’s good gifts often want to tell others about them.
2 Chronicles 9:22-23
22 So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. 23 All the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart.
(WEB)
Point out that Solomon was greater than all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom, and that people came from everywhere to hear him. Ask children how God’s gifts can help other people when we share them kindly.
Talk About It
- What did the queen of Sheba want to find out when she traveled so far?
- How do you think Solomon felt when he answered all of her hard questions?
- Why did the queen say that Solomon’s wisdom was greater than the stories she heard?
- What is a gift from God that you are thankful for today?
- How can you use the things God gives you to help someone else?
Activity Ideas
Crown of Wisdom Craft
You will need paper strips, crayons or markers, tape, and glue sticks. Have each child decorate a paper strip with gold crayon and write or draw one thing God has given them. Tape the ends together to make a crown that fits their head. Talk about how a crown reminds us that God is the true King.
Ask the Queen Game
Choose one child to be Solomon and another to be the queen. The queen asks simple questions about God’s world, such as what color the sky is or how many legs a dog has. Solomon answers each one, and the class cheers. Switch roles so everyone has a turn, and remind children that wisdom is a gift from God.
Thank You Jar at Home
You will need an empty jar, paper, and a pen. Place the jar in a visible spot at home and have family members write one thank you to God on a slip of paper each day. Read the notes together at the end of the week. This helps children notice the good gifts God gives every day.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God is generous and that true wisdom and blessing come from Him. Solomon’s riches are described as a gift God gave, and his wisdom was known because it was from God. The chapter also points forward to a greater King, Jesus, who is wiser than Solomon.
Avoid suggesting to children that God rewards good behavior with riches or that being rich shows God’s favor. The chapter describes Solomon’s wealth as part of his story, not as a promise for every believer. Focus on thankfulness and on using God’s gifts well.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for the gift of wisdom and for all the good things You give us. Help us remember that every good gift comes from You. Help us use what You give us to be kind to others and to honor You. Amen.
