In this lesson, children learn that God is great and that we can give our best to him, like Solomon did when he prepared to build a house for God. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
King Solomon wanted to build a special house for God, and he worked hard to plan it well. We can use what God has given us to honor him, too.
Memory Verse
2 Chronicles 2:5
“The house which I am building will be great; for our God is greater than all gods.
(WEB)
Stand tall with your arms stretched up like a mountain peak as you say the words slowly. Then hold your hands together in front of your heart to show that God is greatest of all.
The Story: 2 Chronicles 2 for Kids
A long time ago, a king named Solomon ruled over the people of Israel. His father, King David, had wanted to build a house for God, but God gave that job to Solomon instead. Solomon was excited and ready to begin the work.
Solomon needed many helpers. He chose seventy thousand men to carry heavy loads and eighty thousand men to cut stone in the mountains. He also picked three thousand six hundred men to watch over all the workers and make sure everything got done.
Solomon also wrote to a king named Huram, who lived in a country called Tyre. He asked Huram to send cedar trees from Lebanon, along with a skilled craftsman who could work with gold, silver, and fine cloth. Solomon said, “The house I am building will be great, for our God is greater than all gods.”
King Huram wrote back with joy. He said, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who made heaven and earth.” Huram agreed to send the trees and the skilled worker, and he promised to send grain, oil, and wine to Solomon’s servants.
Then Solomon counted all the foreign people living in the land. He gave them jobs to help build the house, just as he had with his own people. Everyone had a part to play in the work.
Read It Together
2 Chronicles 2:1
Now Solomon decided to build a house for the LORD’s name, and a house for his kingdom.
(WEB)
Point out that Solomon decided to build the house on purpose. Ask children what they think it means to make a plan for something important to God.
2 Chronicles 2:6
But who is able to build him a house, since heaven and the heaven of heavens can’t contain him? Who am I then, that I should build him a house, except just to burn incense before him?
(WEB)
Show children that Solomon knew God is too big for any house to hold. Explain that we build for God not because he needs a house, but because we want to honor him.
2 Chronicles 2:11
Then Huram the king of Tyre answered in writing, which he sent to Solomon, “Because the LORD loves his people, he has made you king over them.”
(WEB)
Point out that King Huram recognized God’s love for Israel. Help children notice how other people can also see and praise what God is doing.
Talk About It
- What kind of work did Solomon ask people to do for God’s house?
- How do you think Solomon felt when he got to start building God’s house?
- Why do you think King Huram was happy to help Solomon?
- What is something special you could do to honor God this week?
- What makes God different from all the other gods people used to worship?
Activity Ideas
Build a Paper Temple
Gather paper, tape, scissors, and crayons or markers. Have children fold and cut paper to build a small house or tent, then decorate it with gold or blue designs like the ones described in the story. Talk about what they would want to put inside a house for God.
Carry the Stones
Fill a small basket or bucket with soft items like pillows, blocks, or stuffed animals. Have children take turns carrying the load across the room, one at a time, while others cheer them on. Explain that every worker had an important job, just like the people who carried stones for Solomon.
Take-Home Thank You Card
Give each child a folded piece of paper and crayons. Ask them to draw a picture of something they are thankful God has made, such as trees, mountains, or the sky. Encourage them to bring the card home and share it with their family during dinner or before bed.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that building for God is a shared effort involving many people, each with different gifts and roles. Solomon’s careful planning reminds us that serving God takes thought and preparation. The passage also shows God’s greatness, since no house can contain him, yet he invites his people to honor him in tangible ways.
Avoid overstating to children that they must build something big to please God. Children may take that as a requirement to achieve something impressive. Instead, emphasize that God delights in our willingness to serve and honor him wherever we are.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, you are greater than anything we can imagine, and you are worthy of our best. Help us to use the gifts you have given us to show our love for you. Thank you for all the people who work together to honor you. Amen.
