In this lesson, children learn that God keeps his promises even when a king does not follow him. Use this lesson with kids ages 5 to 11. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the discussion, and one activity.
Big Idea
God always keeps his promises, even when people choose to do wrong. Because God is faithful, we can trust him every day, no matter what other people do.
Memory Verse
Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.”
(WEB)
Have the children hold both hands up, palms facing out, then slowly lower them as they say the verse together. Lowering the hands helps them picture being still and trusting God. Repeat it three times, getting quieter each time.
The Story: 2 Chronicles 21 for Kids
A king named Jehoram became ruler of Judah after his father Jehoshaphat died. Jehoram was a bad king. He wanted power for himself, so he got rid of his own brothers, who were better men than he was. He also led the people of Judah away from God and into wrong ways of worship.
Jehoram made high places in the hills where people bowed down to idols instead of to the one true God. The people of Jerusalem began to follow his bad example. Judah was turning away from God, and the king was leading the way.
A letter came to Jehoram from a prophet named Elijah. Elijah told the king that God was not happy. The Lord said, “Because you have not walked in the ways of your father, you will suffer.” God warned Jehoram that trouble was coming to his people and his family.
God sent enemies to fight against Judah. The Philistines and the Arabians attacked, and they took away many of the king’s things and even his sons and wives. Only one son was left alive. Later, the Lord sent a sickness on Jehoram, and it grew worse until he died. Jehoram was not buried with the kings of Judah.
Even with a bad king, God did not forget his promise to David. God had promised that a son of David would always rule. So God kept the family line safe, even though the king had done wrong. God is faithful even when people are not.
Read It Together
2 Chronicles 21:7
However the LORD would not destroy David’s house, because of the covenant that he had made with David, and as he promised to give a lamp to him and to his children always.
(WEB)
Point out that even though Jehoram did wrong, God still kept his promise to David. Ask the children what it means that God’s promise lasted longer than the king’s bad choices. Explain that God’s faithfulness does not depend on how good people are.
2 Chronicles 21:12-13
12 A letter came to him from Elijah the prophet, saying, “The LORD, the God of David your father, says, ‘Because you have not walked in the ways of Jehoshaphat your father, nor in the ways of Asa king of Judah, 13 but have walked in the way of the kings of Israel, and have made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to play the prostitute like Ahab’s house did, and also have slain your brothers of your father’s house, who were better than yourself…
(WEB)
Show the children that God sent a clear message through Elijah. Point out that God noticed what Jehoram was doing and cared enough to warn him. Explain that God pays attention to what people do and speaks to them about it.
2 Chronicles 21:19
In process of time, at the end of two years, his bowels fell out by reason of his sickness, and he died of severe diseases. His people made no burning for him, like the burning of his fathers.
(WEB)
Point out that Jehoram’s life ended sadly, and his people did not honor him the way they honored other kings. Explain that choosing to do wrong leads to sad results. Encourage the children to choose to follow God’s ways instead.
Talk About It
- What did King Jehoram do that made God unhappy?
- How did God keep his promise to David even though Jehoram was a bad king?
- Why do you think God sent Elijah to warn the king?
- What is one way you can choose to follow God this week?
- How does it feel to know that God never breaks his promises?
Activity Ideas
Promise Keeper Drawing
You will need paper, crayons, and markers. Ask each child to draw a picture of something God promised, such as being with us always or giving us peace. Have them write one word under the picture, like “faithful.” Let them take the drawing home to remind them that God keeps his word.
Stand Firm Game
You will need a open space and a few soft objects like pillows or rolled socks. Have the children walk around the room as you call out “wrong choice” or “right choice.” On “wrong choice,” they freeze and wobble. On “right choice,” they stand tall and firm. Talk afterward about how God’s promises keep us steady when choices are hard.
Promise Jar at Home
You will need a clean jar, paper slips, and a pen. Ask the children to write one way God has kept a promise to them, or one thing they are trusting God for, on a slip of paper. Place the slips in the jar at home. Read them together once a week as a reminder that God is faithful.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s covenant with David stood firm even when the king of Judah turned away from the Lord. Jehoram’s wicked reign brought judgment, but God preserved the line of David because of his promise. Adults can see here that God’s faithfulness rests on his own character, not on the goodness of the people who lead.
Avoid suggesting to children that every sickness or trouble is a direct punishment for personal sin. Jehoram’s story is a particular historical account, and children should not be taught that misfortune always means God is angry at someone. Focus instead on the simple truth that God is faithful and that our choices matter.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you that you always keep your promises. Help us choose to follow you, even when others do not. Thank you that you stay faithful to us every day. Amen.
