In this lesson, children learn that God gave King Solomon great wisdom and riches, and that all good gifts come from God. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God gives good gifts, like wisdom and riches, and he wants us to use them to honor him and help others. When we see something wonderful, we can thank the One who made it possible.
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)
Teach the children to hold both hands up high, like they are lifting a gift to God, and say the words together slowly. Then have them bring their hands down gently to their hearts as they say, “God loves us.” Repeat the motion three times so the children remember it.
The Story: 2 Chronicles 9 for Kids
A queen named the Queen of Sheba lived in a faraway land. She heard that King Solomon in Jerusalem was very wise and very rich. She wanted to see it for herself, so she traveled a very long way with a big group of people, camels, gold, and sparkling jewels.
When she arrived, she asked King Solomon hard questions. Solomon answered every one of them. Nothing was hidden from him, and he could explain everything she wondered about. She was amazed at how wise he was, and she looked at his beautiful house and the food on his table.
The queen said to Solomon, “What I heard about you was true, and it was not even the whole story. Happy are your people who get to stand before you and hear your wisdom! Blessed be the LORD your God, who loves Israel and made you king to do what is fair and right.”
She gave Solomon a great many gifts, including gold, spices, and precious stones. Solomon gave her everything she asked for, and then she went home to her own land. Solomon became so rich that his gold and silver were everywhere in Jerusalem, and kings from many countries came to hear him speak.
When Solomon died after forty years as king, his son Rehoboam became king in his place. The story reminds us that God’s gifts were given for a purpose, and that Solomon’s wisdom and riches came from the Lord.
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 he had an answer for everything. Ask the children what kinds of questions they might ask a wise person. Explain that wisdom means knowing how to understand and answer well.
2 Chronicles 9:7
Happy are your men, and happy are these your servants, who stand continually before you, and hear your wisdom.
(WEB)
Show the children how the queen called Solomon’s people happy because they got to listen to his wisdom every day. Ask who in their lives helps them learn good things. Thank those people together as a class.
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)
Explain that Solomon became greater than all the kings on earth, and that other kings came to hear the wisdom God had placed in his heart. Point out that the children’s own gifts also come from God and are meant to be shared with others.
Talk About It
- What do you think the Queen of Sheba felt when she first saw Solomon’s wisdom?
- What is one gift God has given you that you enjoy using?
- How can you use what you are good at to help someone else this week?
- Why do you think Solomon gave the queen everything she asked for?
- What is one way you can thank God for the good things in your life?
Activity Ideas
Crown of Gold Craft
You will need yellow paper, glue, scissors, and gold or yellow crayons. Cut a strip of paper long enough to fit around each child’s head and tape it into a circle. Let the children draw jewels and patterns on their crowns. Talk about how Solomon’s crown and gold came from God’s blessing.
Wisdom Relay Game
You will need a few bean bags or soft balls and two chairs placed at the far side of the room. Divide the children into two teams and have them race to carry a bean bag to the chair and back. Each time a child finishes, ask a simple question about the story and let them answer before the next child goes. Celebrate each correct answer as wisdom at work.
Thank You Jar at Home
You will need an empty jar, paper, and a pencil or crayon. Ask the family to write one thing they are thankful for on a slip of paper and drop it into the jar each day. At the end of the week, read the notes together and thank God for each gift. This helps children see that every good thing comes from the Lord.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that Solomon’s wisdom and wealth were gifts from God, given so that he could rule justly and honor the Lord. The Queen of Sheba’s praise points beyond Solomon to the God who set him on the throne. Reading the chapter this way helps adults see that success and influence are stewardship, not ownership.
Avoid telling children that being rich is always a sign of God’s favor. Solomon’s riches are described in the text, but the chapter’s focus is on wisdom and praise to God, not on money. Keep the emphasis on thankfulness and using gifts well.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank you for the good gifts you give us every day. Help us use what you have given us to be kind, to be wise, and to share with others. We want to honor you in all we do. Amen.
