This lesson teaches children that King Jehoram chose evil instead of God, and that choosing to follow God’s ways is always the better path. It is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
When we turn away from God and do wrong, we get hurt, but God keeps His promises and always loves His people. We can choose to follow Him every day.
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 children sit still with their hands folded in their laps and then slowly stand up and raise their hands high on the words “be still” and “know.” Let them practice it together three times so the motion sticks.
The Story: 2 Chronicles 21 for Kids
A long time ago, a good king named Jehoshaphat died, and his son Jehoram became the new king of Judah. Jehoram was not a good king like his father. He wanted to be the only one with power, so he got rid of his own brothers. He wanted to make sure nobody could take his throne away.
Jehoram also started copying the wicked kings of Israel. He even built places in the mountains to worship idols, and he led the people of Jerusalem away from God. The people began doing the same bad things he was doing, and God was very sad about it.
God sent a message to Jehoram through a prophet named Elijah. Elijah wrote a letter that said, in his own words, “You have not followed God like your father did, so God is going to bring trouble on you.” God was telling Jehoram that his choices would have serious results.
Soon, enemies came and attacked Jerusalem. They took the king’s treasures and even carried away his sons and wives. Only one son, the youngest named Jehoahaz, was left. Then Jehoram became very sick in his stomach, and the sickness lasted for two years until he died. Nobody made a big fire to honor him, and he was buried in the city of David, but not in the royal tombs.
Even though the king was bad, God still kept His promise to David. God does not forget His promises, and He stayed faithful to His people even when their king did not.
Read It Together
2 Chronicles 21:6
He walked in the way of the kings of Israel, as did Ahab’s house; for he had Ahab’s daughter as his wife. He did that which was evil in the LORD’s sight.
(WEB)
Point out that Jehoram chose to walk in the way of wicked kings instead of the way of his good father. Ask children to notice that this was his own choice, and that choices always lead somewhere.
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)
Show children that even when people do wrong, God keeps His promise to David. Explain that God is faithful, and that His love for His people does not disappear when they make bad choices.
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)
Help children see the sad end of Jehoram’s story. Explain that turning away from God brings sorrow, and that God wants His people to come back to Him before things get that bad.
Talk About It
- What is one thing Jehoram did that you think was wrong, and what could he have done instead?
- How do you think Jehoram’s brothers felt when they were in danger?
- Why do you think God kept His promise to David even though Jehoram was a bad king?
- What is one way you can choose to follow God this week at home or at school?
- Who can help us make good choices when we feel like doing something wrong?
Activity Ideas
Crown Craft
You will need paper, crayons, scissors, and tape. Have children draw a crown and color it, then write one way they can choose to follow God on the crown. Cut out the crowns and tape them into rings or headbands so they can wear them home as a reminder.
Follow the Leader Walk
Set up a simple path with chairs or pillows around the room. Have one child be the “king” who makes a wrong turn, and the rest of the class follows the wrong path. Then have the children walk the right path together, talking about how making good choices is like following the right way.
Choice Chart at Home
Give each child a paper with a simple chart that has two columns labeled “God’s Way” and “My Own Way.” Ask them to draw one example of each for the week. Encourage them to share their chart with a parent at bedtime and talk about one good choice they made that day.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows how quickly sin can spread through a whole nation when a leader turns away from God. It also shows that God remains faithful to His covenant promises even when human leaders fail, and that judgment falls on sin while mercy stays on His people.
When teaching children, avoid making the lesson about frightening illness or death. Keep the focus on the choices Jehoram made and the value of following God, rather than on the gruesome details of his sickness.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, help us to choose You every day, even when it is hard. Help us to make good choices at home, at school, and with our friends. Thank You that You always keep Your promises and love us so much. Amen.
