This lesson teaches children that King Hezekiah trusted God even when a powerful enemy was threatening his city, so we can trust God when we feel scared too. It works well for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God is faithful, and when we trust Him, we do not have to be afraid of the bullies in our lives. Even very big enemies cannot take away God’s help.
Memory Verse
2 Kings 18:5
He trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel; so that after him was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, nor among them that were before him.
(WEB)
Teach the children to cross their arms over their chest, like a hug, and then open their hands wide on the word “trusted.” Have them repeat the verse twice, hugging themselves each time they say “trusted in the LORD.”
The Story: 2 Kings 18 for Kids
A long time ago, there was a good king named Hezekiah who ruled the land of Judah. He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he loved God with all his heart. He tore down the idols that some people had been worshiping, because God had told His people not to bow down to anything else.
Hezekiah trusted God more than any other king who came before him. He kept God’s commands, and God was with him everywhere he went. Hezekiah even stopped paying tribute to the king of Assyria, which made the Assyrians very angry.
Years later, a mighty army from Assyria came to attack the cities of Judah. The king of Assyria, named Sennacherib, took many of the fortified cities. Hezekiah was scared, so he sent a message saying, “I have done wrong. Please leave my land, and I will pay whatever you ask.” Hezekiah gave the king of Assyria a great deal of silver and gold, even the gold from the doors of God’s temple.
But the Assyrian king did not keep his promise. He sent a messenger named Rabshakeh with a huge army to Jerusalem, and Rabshakeh stood outside the city wall and shouted in the language the people understood. He said, “Do not let Hezekiah fool you. Do not let him tell you that the LORD will save you.” He tried to make the people think their God was weak, like the gods of other nations.
Hezekiah’s helpers came back with their clothes torn, showing how sad and frightened they were. The people stayed quiet and did not answer Rabshakeh a single word, because the king had told them not to. Hezekiah had to decide whether he would still trust God when the threats were so loud.
Read It Together
2 Kings 18:6-7
6 For he joined with the LORD. He didn’t depart from following him, but kept his commandments, which the LORD commanded Moses. 7 The LORD was with him. Wherever he went, he prospered. He rebelled against the king of Assyria, and didn’t serve him.
(WEB)
Point out that the Bible says God was with Hezekiah, and that he kept following God. Show the children that when we stay close to God, He stays close to us too.
2 Kings 18:36
But the people stayed quiet, and answered him not a word; for the king’s commandment was, “Don’t answer him.”
(WEB)
Ask the children why the people stayed quiet. Explain that sometimes the wisest thing to do is to wait and not argue with people who want to hurt us, especially when we are trusting God to help.
2 Kings 18:14
Hezekiah king of Judah sent to the king of Assyria to Lachish, saying, “I have offended you. Return from me. That which you put on me, I will bear.” The king of Assyria appointed to Hezekiah king of Judah three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold.
(WEB)
Point out that Hezekiah admitted he had done wrong and asked for mercy. Show the children that God wants us to be honest with Him, even when we have made mistakes.
Talk About It
- What did Hezekiah do when he was scared of the Assyrian army?
- How can you tell that Hezekiah loved God?
- What are some things that make you feel scared, and how can you tell God about them?
- Why do you think the Assyrian messenger tried to make the people doubt God?
- What is one way you can trust God this week?
Activity Ideas
Trusting Hands Craft
You will need paper, crayons, scissors, and glue. Have each child trace their hand on a sheet of paper and cut it out. On each finger, have them write or draw one thing they are trusting God with. Glue the hand to a piece of construction paper and write “I trust God” across the top.
Walls of Trust Game
Build a simple wall using pillows, blankets, or chairs at one end of the room. Have one child stand behind the wall as Rabshakeh and the others stand outside it. The children outside must chant “God is with us” and walk around the wall, while the child behind the wall tries to get them to stop. Switch roles so everyone gets a turn.
Take-Home Trust Jar
You will need a small jar, paper, and a pen. Have the child write one worry on a slip of paper each day and fold it up. Then they place it in the jar and pray over it before bed. At the end of the week, open the jar together and thank God for being faithful with each worry.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that faithfulness to God does not guarantee an easy life, but it does bring God’s presence and help. Hezekiah faced a real threat, and his trust was tested. The passage invites adults to examine where they place their confidence when pressure rises.
Avoid promising children that God will always rescue them from every danger in the exact way they hope. Focus instead on God’s faithfulness and presence, which remain true even when the outcome is hard to understand.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for being faithful to us like You were to Hezekiah. Help us trust You when we feel scared, and remind us that You are always with us. We know You are bigger than any enemy. Amen.
