In this lesson, children learn that when we are sorry and humble ourselves before God, He is merciful to us, even when we have done wrong. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
When we admit we were wrong and turn back to God, He is kind and forgives us. God is always faithful, even when we are not.
Memory Verse
2 Chronicles 12:6
Then the princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves; and they said, “The LORD is righteous.”
(WEB)
Cup your hands together in front of your chest, then slowly lower them as you say “humbled,” showing that we bow low before God. Then lift your hands up high on “righteous” to show that God is good and fair.
The Story: 2 Chronicles 12 for Kids
A king named Rehoboam became very strong after he became king of Judah. But he stopped obeying God’s law, and the people of Judah stopped obeying too. They forgot to follow the one true God who had been so good to them.
Then a king named Shishak from Egypt marched his big army up to Jerusalem. He had many chariots and soldiers. He captured the strong cities of Judah, and then he surrounded Jerusalem itself. The people were scared.
God sent a prophet named Shemaiah to talk to King Rehoboam and the leaders. Shemaiah said, “The LORD says, ‘You left me, so I am letting Shishak take you.'” The leaders heard this, and they knew they had done wrong.
Instead of getting angry or trying to hide, the king and his leaders bowed their heads and said, “God is right to do this. We have done wrong.” They were sorry, and they admitted it.
When God saw that they had humbled themselves, He was merciful. He told Shemaiah that He would not destroy Jerusalem. Shishak would still take some of the treasures, but God was going to spare the people. Even so, God let them learn a hard lesson.
Rehoboam became king for seventeen years, but he did not always do what was right. Still, because he humbled himself, God’s anger turned away from him, and some good things were found in Judah.
Read It Together
2 Chronicles 12:7
When the LORD saw that they humbled themselves, the LORD’s word came to Shemaiah, saying, “They have humbled themselves. I will not destroy them; but I will grant them some deliverance, and my wrath won’t be poured out on Jerusalem by the hand of Shishak.
(WEB)
Point out that God saw the people’s hearts and their humbleness. Ask children what they think it means that God “saw” them, and remind them that God sees our hearts too.
2 Chronicles 12:12
When he humbled himself, the LORD’s wrath turned from him, so as not to destroy him altogether. Moreover, there were good things found in Judah.
(WEB)
Show that God’s anger turned away when the king humbled himself. Explain that God is patient and loves to forgive when we turn back to Him.
2 Chronicles 12:14
He did that which was evil, because he didn’t set his heart to seek the LORD.
(WEB)
Explain that Rehoboam did wrong because he did not set his heart to seek God. Help children see that seeking God every day, not just when we are in trouble, is important.
Talk About It
- What does it mean to humble yourself, and what did the king and leaders do?
- Why do you think the people got into trouble after they stopped obeying God?
- How do you feel when you say sorry to someone you have hurt?
- What is one way we can show God that we want to seek Him every day?
- Why is it a good thing that God is merciful and forgives us?
Activity Ideas
Paper Shield Craft
Give each child a paper plate, gold or yellow crayons or markers, and tape or glue. Have them decorate their plate as a shield and write “God is with me” on the back. Talk about how the king made brass shields after the gold ones were taken, and how God’s protection is always with us, even when things change.
Humble Bow Movement Game
Have children stand in a circle. Call out different actions like “bow low” or “stand tall.” When you say “bow low,” children bow slowly. Explain that bowing shows humility before God. End by having everyone say together, “God is righteous,” while standing tall.
Sorry Note Take-Home
Give each child a small card and a pencil. Ask them to write or draw a picture of something they can say sorry for this week, and a way they can show God they want to follow Him. Encourage them to take the card home and place it somewhere they will see it each day as a reminder to humble their hearts before God.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter reminds us that God is holy and just, yet He responds to genuine humility with mercy. Rehoboam’s story shows that the consequences of turning from God are real, but a humble heart opens the door to God’s kindness. The passage also shows that God’s grace does not erase every consequence, which is worth honest reflection.
Avoid overstating to children that bad things only happen when we disobey, or that obeying guarantees we will never face hardship. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and mercy, and keep it simple.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, help us to see when we have done wrong and to be sorry for it. Teach us to humble our hearts before You every day. Thank You that You are kind and forgive us when we turn back to You. We love You. Amen.
