In this lesson, children learn that when God tells us to stop and go home, it is wise to listen, even when we want to fight. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God tells us what is right, and when we listen to Him, we make good choices, even when it is hard to do.
Memory Verse
2 Chronicles 11:4
‘The LORD says, “You shall not go up, nor fight against your brothers! Every man return to his house; for this thing is of me.”’” So they listened to the LORD’s words, and returned from going against Jeroboam.
(WEB)
Ask the children to stand up tall, put one hand on their heart, then slowly sit down and fold their hands. Say the verse together, and do the motions each time you read it, so the children remember that listening means stopping and returning home.
The Story: 2 Chronicles 11 for Kids
King Rehoboam was the son of King Solomon, and he ruled over the people of Judah and Benjamin. Not long after he became king, Rehoboam gathered 180,000 brave soldiers. He wanted to go to war against the people of Israel and take back their kingdom.
But God did not want there to be a fight. God sent a man named Shemaiah to speak to Rehoboam. Shemaiah said, “God says you must not go to war against your own brothers. Everyone, go back home, because this is what God wants.” The soldiers were surprised, but they listened and went home.
Rehoboam then got busy protecting his land. He built many strong cities for defense, including Bethlehem, Hebron, and Lachish. He filled them with soldiers, food, oil, and wine, and he put shields and spears in every city, so they were very safe.
Many good people from all over Israel also came to Jerusalem to worship God. They wanted to love and follow God, so they moved to Judah. For three years, the kingdom was strong, because the people chose to walk in God’s ways, just as David and Solomon had done.
Rehoboam married several wives and had many children. He chose his son Abijah to be a leader among his brothers, and he spread his other sons throughout the land so they would be protected and cared for.
Read It Together
2 Chronicles 11:2-3
2 But the LORD’s word came to Shemaiah the man of God, saying, 3 “Speak to Rehoboam the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all Israel in Judah and Benjamin, saying…
(WEB)
Point out that God spoke to Shemaiah, and Shemaiah then spoke to the king and the people. Explain that God can use people to share His message, and that God’s word is powerful.
2 Chronicles 11:16
After them, out of all the tribes of Israel, those who set their hearts to seek the LORD, the God of Israel, came to Jerusalem to sacrifice to the LORD, the God of their fathers.
(WEB)
Show the children that the people who wanted to seek the LORD came to Jerusalem to worship Him. Explain that people who want to know God will find a way to be close to Him.
2 Chronicles 11:17
So they strengthened the kingdom of Judah, and made Rehoboam the son of Solomon strong for three years; for they walked three years in the way of David and Solomon.
(WEB)
Point out that the kingdom became strong because the people walked in the way of God. Explain that when we follow God, good things happen, even if we are not always sure what the future holds.
Talk About It
- What do you think the soldiers felt when God told them to go home instead of fighting?
- Why is it important to listen when God tells us what to do?
- How did Shemaiah help the people know what God wanted?
- What is one way you can listen to God this week?
- What did the people do when they wanted to be close to God?
Activity Ideas
Listening Ear Craft
You will need paper, crayons, scissors, and glue. Have the children trace their hands and cut them out, then draw a big ear on the palm. Write “Listen to God” on the paper. Explain that just like the soldiers, we can listen to God’s words and make good choices.
Stop and Go Home Game
Play a simple game where children march around the room when you say “march,” and then stop and walk slowly back to their seats when you say “go home.” Explain that, like the soldiers, they must stop and go home when they are told. Let the children take turns giving the commands.
Family Listening Walk
Take a walk with your children and ask them to listen for different sounds, like birds, cars, or the wind. Talk about how we must listen carefully to hear God’s voice, and that God speaks to us through the Bible and prayer. Encourage the children to share one thing they heard on the walk.
Teacher Notes
This passage shows that God is in control, even when people make plans of their own. God used a prophet to stop a war, and He kept His people safe. For adults, it is a reminder that God’s word has the final say, and that obeying Him brings true peace, even when it means changing our plans.
Avoid suggesting that children will always get what they want if they obey God, because that is not always true. Instead, focus on the idea that God is faithful and that listening to Him is always the right choice.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for speaking to us in Your word. Help us to listen to You when You tell us what is right. Give us courage to stop and go home when You ask us to. Help us love and follow You every day. Amen.
