In this lesson, children learn that God sees what people do, and that He keeps His promises even when kings do not. This lesson is for children about ages 5 to 11 and takes 20 to 30 minutes to teach, with time for the story, the memory verse, and a short activity.
Big Idea
God sees everything, and God always keeps His word, even when the kings of the earth make bad choices.
Memory Verse
Psalm 33:13
The LORD looks from heaven. He sees all the sons of men.
(WEB)
Have children cup their hands over their eyes like a telescope, then slowly point both hands up toward the sky. Say the verse together while the children look up, so they connect “looking down” with God seeing them.
The Story: 2 Kings 15 for Kids
A long time ago, there were two kingdoms of God’s people. The northern kingdom was called Israel, and the southern kingdom was called Judah. In Judah, a boy named Azariah became king when he was only sixteen years old. He ruled for fifty-two years in the city of Jerusalem. Azariah loved God and did what was right, just like his father Amaziah had done.
But the people still went up to the high places to offer gifts and burn incense, instead of going to the temple God had chosen. God sent a sickness on King Azariah, and he had to live in a separate house until the day he died. His son Jotham took care of the palace and judged the people while his father was sick.
Now the kingdom of Israel had many kings who did evil in God’s sight. One king named Zechariah ruled for only six months before a man named Shallum struck him down and took his place. Shallum was king for just one month, until a man named Menahem came from Tirzah and killed him. Menahem was cruel to a town that would not open its gates to him, and he did terrible things there.
Menahem did evil too, but God was still in control. When a king of Assyria came to attack, Menahem paid him a large amount of silver to leave, and the king went back home. The kings of Israel kept turning away from God, one after another. Pekah took the throne and did evil as well, and the king of Assyria came and took many towns away.
Through all these changes, God never forgot His promise. Long before, God had told a man named Jehu that his sons would sit on the throne of Israel for four generations, and so it happened. Those who did not trust God could not stop His plan. Even when things looked messy, God’s word stood firm.
Read It Together
2 Kings 15:3
He did that which was right in the LORD’s eyes, according to all that his father Amaziah had done.
(WEB)
Point out that Azariah did what was right in the LORD’s eyes. Ask children what it means to do what is right, and remind them that God notices both big and small choices.
2 Kings 15:12
This was the LORD’s word which he spoke to Jehu, saying, “Your sons to the fourth generation shall sit on the throne of Israel.” So it came to pass.
(WEB)
Explain that this verse shows God keeping a promise He made long before. Help children see that God’s promises do not depend on how good or bad the kings are.
2 Kings 15:29
In the days of Pekah king of Israel, Tiglath Pileser king of Assyria came and took Ijon, Abel Beth Maacah, Janoah, Kedesh, Hazor, Gilead, and Galilee, all the land of Naphtali; and he carried them captive to Assyria.
(WEB)
Tell children that this verse describes a hard time for the people of Israel. Explain that even in sad times, God is still watching over His people and His plans.
Talk About It
- Why do you think Azariah was able to be a good king for so many years?
- What did the people do that was not right, even though they still wanted to worship God?
- How did God keep His promise to Jehu, even when the kings were making bad choices?
- What is one choice you can make this week that shows God that you want to do what is right?
- When you feel afraid because things seem out of control, what can you remember about God?
Activity Ideas
Crown Craft
You will need paper, crayons, scissors, and tape. Have each child draw a crown and write or draw one way they can do what is right this week. Cut out the crown, decorate it, and tape it into a circle that fits their head. Let children wear their crowns while they tell the class their idea.
Eyes on the King Game
Choose one child to be the “King” and have the others stand in a line facing them. The King closes their eyes and counts to ten while the others move quietly. Then the King opens their eyes and tries to spot anyone who is not standing still or is being sneaky. Talk afterward about how God sees everything, even when no one else does.
Promise Keeper Card
You will need index cards, a pencil, and a small envelope. Help each child write one promise they want to keep, such as helping at home or being kind to a sibling. Let them decorate the card and place it in the envelope. Encourage them to keep the card somewhere they will see it each day as a reminder that God keeps His promises and wants us to keep ours too.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows a sad pattern. Many kings in Israel and Judah turned away from God, yet God still kept His word to Jehu and continued His plan for His people. The passage reminds us that human leaders are not the final authority, and that God’s faithfulness does not rise or fall with the choices of rulers.
Avoid suggesting to children that God will always reward good behavior with good outcomes, or that bad things happen only to bad people. Keep the focus on God’s character: He sees, He is faithful, and He keeps His promises, even when life is confusing.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You see everything we do, and You never forget us. Help us choose what is right each day, even when it is hard. Thank You that You always keep Your promises, and we can trust You. Help us to be kind, honest, and brave. Amen.
