This lesson teaches children that God keeps His promises even when wicked people try to destroy His plans. It is built for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the verses, and the activity.
Big Idea
God protects the people who belong to Him, and He keeps His promises even when bad people seem to win for a while. A young boy named Joash was hidden for six years, and God’s plan went on.
Memory Verse
2 Kings 11:12
Then he brought out the king’s son, and put the crown on him, and gave him the covenant; and they made him king, and anointed him; and they clapped their hands, and said, “Long live the king!”
(WEB)
Have the children stand up and clap their hands slowly, three times, when they say the word “king” in the verse. Then have them sit down and fold their hands. Clapping the verse helps the words stick, and children love the movement.
The Story: 2 Kings 11 for Kids
A long time ago, there was a wicked queen named Athaliah. Her son, the king of Judah, had died. Athaliah was angry and sad, so she did something terrible. She tried to destroy every royal child so that she could be queen herself. Many children were killed.
But one little boy was saved. His name was Joash, and he was only a baby. His aunt Jehosheba, the king’s daughter, took him and hid him in the Temple of the LORD. Joash and his nurse stayed hidden there for six whole years. Athaliah never found him.
In the seventh year, a brave priest named Jehoiada made a plan. He called together the captains and the guards. He showed them the young prince and made a promise with them. Then he gave them a clear job: guard the king and keep him safe. Jehoiada said, “This is what you must do.” Everyone listened carefully.
On the Sabbath day, the guards stood around the young king with their weapons ready. Jehoiada placed a crown on Joash’s head and gave him a copy of the covenant. Then the people clapped their hands and shouted, “Long live the king!” Joash was only seven years old, but he was the rightful king.
When Athaliah heard the noise, she ran into the Temple. She saw the new king and cried, “Treason! Treason!” But the guards took her away from the Temple, and she was put to death at the palace. The people then went to the temple of Baal and broke it down. Joash became king, and the land was peaceful again.
Read It Together
2 Kings 11:2
But Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him away from among the king’s sons who were slain, even him and his nurse, and put them in the bedroom; and they hid him from Athaliah, so that he was not slain.
(WEB)
Point out that Jehosheba acted quickly and bravely to save a child she loved. Ask the children to notice that the Temple was a safe place. God used a brave woman to protect the future king.
2 Kings 11:17
Jehoiada made a covenant between the LORD and the king and the people, that they should be the LORD’s people; also between the king and the people.
(WEB)
Show the children that Jehoiada made a covenant, a solemn promise, between the LORD and the people. Explain that God’s people belong to Him, and that His promises stand firm when people choose to follow Him.
2 Kings 11:20
So all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was quiet. They had slain Athaliah with the sword at the king’s house.
(WEB)
Point to the result of God’s protection: the people rejoiced, and the city was quiet. Remind the children that peace comes when God’s rule is honored, and that God’s plan was never stopped.
Talk About It
- How do you think Joash felt when he was hiding in the Temple for six years?
- What was brave about what Jehosheba did for her nephew?
- Why do you think the guards promised to protect the king?
- What do you think God wanted the people to remember when they saw the new king?
- When you feel scared, how can you remember that God is still keeping His promises?
Activity Ideas
Hidden Joash Craft
You will need paper, crayons, and a small cup or envelope. Have each child draw a picture of Joash hidden safely in the Temple, with God’s light shining around him. Glue the picture inside the cup or envelope so the child can “hide” a small treasure there. Talk about how God hides and protects His people.
Guard the King Game
Choose one child to be the “king” and give the others a paper towel roll or a pencil as a pretend weapon. The guards stand in a circle around the king and march slowly around him. When you call “Guard!”, they stop and face outward. Explain that the guards protected the king, just as God protects His people.
Take-Home Crown Reminder
Cut strips of construction paper and let each child decorate a paper crown. Write the words “God keeps His promises” on the inside. Encourage the children to wear their crowns at home and share one thing they learned from the story. Remind families that God’s care reaches into everyday life.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that God’s purposes continue even when evil people seem to succeed. Athaliah killed many royal children, yet God preserved a single heir, and the line of David continued. It reminds us that God is faithful to His covenant and that His plans cannot be defeated by human wickedness.
When teaching children, avoid making the story sound like a simple fairy tale where good always wins quickly. Speak honestly that Joash was hidden for six years and that the danger was real. Emphasize God’s faithfulness rather than promising that children will never face hard seasons.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You keep Your promises. Help us be brave like Jehosheba and trustworthy like the guards. Keep us safe when we feel scared, and help us remember that You are always with us. Amen.
