In this lesson, children learn that God keeps his promises, even when a battle looks impossible. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God always keeps his promises, so we can trust him when things look scary. When we rely on God, he helps us win.
Memory Verse
2 Chronicles 13:12
Behold, God is with us at our head, and his priests with the trumpets of alarm to sound an alarm against you. Children of Israel, don’t fight against the LORD, the God of your fathers; for you will not prosper.”
(WEB)
Teach the children to hold both hands up high like a shield, then bring them down and clap once on “God is with us.” Repeat the motion together three times so the words and the action stay connected.
The Story: 2 Chronicles 13 for Kids
A long time ago, there were two kingdoms of God’s people. The northern kingdom was called Israel, and it was ruled by a king named Jeroboam. The southern kingdom was called Judah, and a young king named Abijah was in charge there. Jeroboam and Abijah were about to fight a big war.
Jeroboam brought a huge army, eight hundred thousand strong. Abijah brought four hundred thousand brave soldiers. That is a lot of men! Jeroboam even set a trap, sending soldiers around behind the army of Judah so they were surrounded on every side.
Abijah stood up on a mountain and called out to Jeroboam and all of Israel. He reminded them that God had promised King David that his family would rule forever. He said, “Hear me! God is with us, and we are not going to turn away from him.” The people of Judah had kept worshiping God, and their priests were still blowing their trumpets to call on him.
When the men of Judah saw they were trapped, they cried out to the LORD and gave a loud shout. God heard them and defeated Jeroboam and his army right in front of them. Judah won a great victory, because they trusted God.
After the battle, Abijah chased after Jeroboam and took some of his towns. The people of Judah learned that they could depend on God, and God kept his word to them. The story teaches us that God is faithful to his people.
Read It Together
2 Chronicles 13:8
“Now you intend to withstand the kingdom of the LORD in the hand of the sons of David. You are a great multitude, and the golden calves which Jeroboam made you for gods are with you.
(WEB)
Point out that Abijah reminded the army of Israel about the golden calves they had made for gods. Ask the children why it matters that Judah still worshiped the one true God.
2 Chronicles 13:14
When Judah looked back, behold, the battle was before and behind them; and they cried to the LORD, and the priests sounded with the trumpets.
(WEB)
Show the children that when Judah was trapped, they did not panic or run. Point out that they cried out to the LORD first, and then the priests blew the trumpets.
2 Chronicles 13:18
Thus the children of Israel were brought under at that time, and the children of Judah prevailed, because they relied on the LORD, the God of their fathers.
(WEB)
Explain that Judah won because they relied on the LORD. Help the children see that trusting God, not their own strength, was the reason for their victory.
Talk About It
- What do you think Judah felt like when they found themselves surrounded by the enemy army?
- What did the people of Judah do when they were in trouble, and why was that a good choice?
- How did Abijah remind the people of Israel that God had made a promise to David?
- Can you remember a time when you felt scared, and what could you do to trust God like Judah did?
- Why do you think God keeps his promises even when people do not keep theirs?
Activity Ideas
Trumpet and Shield Craft
You will need paper towel tubes, paper, markers, glue, and scissors. Let each child decorate a paper towel tube as a trumpet and a paper circle as a shield. Have them write “God is with us” on the shield, then talk about how the priests of Judah blew their trumpets to call on God.
Surrounded but Not Scared
You will need a open space and a few soft balls or beanbags. Place the children in a circle as the army of Judah, then have a few players stand outside the circle as Jeroboam’s army. The circle players call out “God is with us!” and hold their hands up like a shield, reminding the children to trust God when they feel surrounded.
Promise Keeper Card
You will need index cards, crayons, and a pencil. Have each child draw a picture of something God has promised, such as being with us always, and write one sentence on the back. Encourage them to take the card home and show it to a family member, sharing how God keeps his promises.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that God keeps his covenant with David even when his people have turned away. Judah trusted God, not their own numbers, and God gave them victory. The chapter reminds us that God’s faithfulness does not depend on our perfection, but on his character.
Avoid suggesting to children that God always gives us a win in every battle we face. The story is about God’s faithfulness and his care for his people, not a promise that every hard situation will end the way we hope. Help children see that God is with us and loves us, even when outcomes are uncertain.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for keeping your promises to us. When we feel surrounded by big problems, help us remember that you are always with us. Teach us to trust you like Judah did, and help us know that you are faithful. Amen.
