This lesson teaches children that God wants us to be fair, honest, and brave, and that we should seek Him with our whole hearts. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God sees everything we do, so we should always do what is fair and right, even when it is hard.
Memory Verse
2 Chronicles 19:6
And said to the judges, “Consider what you do, for you don’t judge for man, but for the LORD; and he is with you in the judgment.
(WEB)
Have children stand tall like a judge in a robe and hold both hands up, palms open, as if weighing something fair on a scale. Say the verse together, then move your hands slowly up and down like a balance.
The Story: 2 Chronicles 19 for Kids
King Jehoshaphat was a king of Judah, and he loved God. One day he came home safely from a battle, and he was glad to be back in his city of Jerusalem. But a prophet named Jehu came out to meet him with a serious face. Jehu asked the king a hard question: should he be helping people who do wrong and who hate God?
Jehu also said something kind. He told the king that he had done good things, because he had removed the idols from the land and had chosen to seek God. The king had a good heart, even though he had made a mistake.
So Jehoshaphat did not stop there. He went all over his land, to the people from Beersheba all the way to the hills of Ephraim, and he helped them turn back to the LORD, the God of their families. He wanted everyone to remember who their true God was.
Next, the king chose judges for every city in Judah. He spoke to them like a good teacher. He said, “You are not judging for people only. You are judging for the LORD, and He is right there with you.” He told them to be careful, to be fair, and never to take a bribe.
The king also chose leaders in Jerusalem, including priests and Levites, to help with hard questions. He asked them to work faithfully and with a whole heart. He named two leaders to help with God’s matters and the king’s matters, and he told everyone to be brave and do what is right.
Read It Together
2 Chronicles 19:3
Nevertheless there are good things found in you, in that you have put away the Asheroth out of the land, and have set your heart to seek God.”
(WEB)
Point out that Jehoshaphat was not perfect, but God still saw good things in him. Explain that God notices when we try to turn toward Him, even when we have made mistakes. Let children share a time they were forgiven.
2 Chronicles 19:7
Now therefore let the fear of the LORD be on you. Take heed and do it; for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of bribes.”
(WEB)
Show children that the judges were told to let the fear of the LORD guide their choices. Explain that “fear” here means deep respect and awe, not being scared. Ask how we can show respect for God in how we treat others.
2 Chronicles 19:9
He commanded them, saying, “You shall do this in the fear of the LORD, faithfully, and with a perfect heart.
(WEB)
Point out the words “faithfully” and “with a perfect heart.” Explain that these mean doing our best with honesty and a sincere heart, in both big jobs and small ones. Ask children what it looks like to work this way at school or at home.
Talk About It
- What did Jehu say was good about King Jehoshaphat, even though the king had made a mistake?
- Why did the king tell the judges that they were judging for the LORD?
- What are some ways we can be fair to our brothers, sisters, and friends?
- How do you think it feels to know that God is always with you when you make a choice?
- What is one thing you can do this week to show that you love God with your whole heart?
Activity Ideas
Paper Balance Scale Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Have each child draw a simple balance scale with two pans. On one side, they draw something fair or kind, and on the other side, something unkind or unfair. Let them talk about which side they want to weigh more and why.
Follow the Leader Walk
Clear a space in the room or a hallway. Have children line up behind one leader and walk slowly, copying each movement. Stop every so often and have them stand tall with open hands, like a fair judge. Tell them that walking with God means following Him closely and doing what is right.
Fair Choice Card for Home
You will need index cards, a marker, and a small box or envelope. Write one fair or kind choice on each card, such as sharing a toy or telling the truth. Children take one card home each week and try to do that action. They bring the card back and share how it went.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that good leadership begins with a sincere heart before God. Jehoshaphat received correction without hiding from it, and he took active steps to bring the people back to the LORD. Judges and leaders are called to fairness, honesty, and reverence, knowing that God is present in every decision.
Avoid suggesting to children that doing good earns God’s love or that a mistake means a person is bad. The point is that God is patient, notices sincere effort, and invites us to keep turning back to Him.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for seeing everything we do and for loving us even when we make mistakes. Help us to be fair, honest, and brave, and to do our best with a whole heart. Help us to remember that You are always with us. Amen.
