In 2 Chronicles 23, God keeps His promise to David by protecting the young king Joash, showing children that God always keeps His word. This lesson suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God always keeps His promises, and He can be trusted even when things look scary or confusing.
Memory Verse
2 Chronicles 23:3
All the assembly made a covenant with the king in God’s house. He said to them, “Behold, the king’s son must reign, as the LORD has spoken concerning the sons of David.
(WEB)
Have the children sit tall, place one hand on their heart, and then point up to the ceiling with the other hand as they say the verse together. Repeat it three times, getting a little quieter each time.
The Story: 2 Chronicles 23 for Kids
A long time ago, the wicked queen Athaliah ruled over the land of Judah. She was cruel, and she wanted everyone to forget about God. But there was a little boy named Joash, and he was the true king God had promised would come from King David’s family. Joash was hidden away in the Temple so that Athaliah could not find him.
A good priest named Jehoiada had a plan. He gathered brave leaders from all over Judah and told them the secret. Together they made a promise to protect the boy and to follow God. Then they went to Jerusalem and gathered the Levites and the leaders of the families of Israel in the house of God.
Jehoiada told the people, “Here is the king’s son, and he must reign, just as the LORD promised.” He gave every group a job. Some stood guard at the gates, and others stood close around the young king with their weapons ready. Everyone watched carefully to keep him safe.
Then the people placed a crown on Joash and gave him the special covenant, which was a promise to obey God. They cheered, “Long live the king!” The people blew trumpets, and the singers praised God with music. When wicked Athaliah heard the noise, she came running to see what was happening.
When Athaliah saw the new king and the cheering crowd, she shouted that it was a betrayal. Jehoiada said she must be taken away from the Temple, so that nothing bad would happen there. The people took her out of the house of God, and that wicked queen was removed from the palace. After that, the people tore down the temple of the false god Baal, and the land was quiet again.
Read It Together
2 Chronicles 23:16
Jehoiada made a covenant between himself, all the people, and the king, that they should be the LORD’s people.
(WEB)
Point out that the people made a promise to follow God, and that they made it together. Ask the children what it means to make a promise with other people, and why it matters to keep it.
2 Chronicles 23:18
Jehoiada appointed the officers of the LORD’s house under the hand of the priests the Levites, whom David had distributed in the LORD’s house, to offer the burnt offerings of the LORD, as it is written in the law of Moses, with rejoicing and with singing, as David had ordered.
(WEB)
Show how the people worshiped God with joy and singing, just as David had taught. Explain that God is pleased when we praise Him, and that worship can happen in many ways.
2 Chronicles 23:21
So all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was quiet. They had slain Athaliah with the sword.
(WEB)
Point to the end of the story, where the people were glad and the city was peaceful. Remind the children that God brings peace when His people trust Him and follow His ways.
Talk About It
- What do you think Joash felt like when he had to stay hidden for so long?
- How did the people show that they wanted to follow God in this story?
- Why do you think Jehoiada gave each group a special job to do?
- What is one promise God has made that you can trust Him to keep?
- How can you show God that you want to follow Him this week?
Activity Ideas
Crown Drawing Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child draw a large crown, then cut it out and decorate it with bright colors and stars. Talk together about how the people placed a crown on Joash, and remind children that God keeps His promises even when we cannot see the end of the story.
Guard the King Game
You will need a small toy or soft ball to be the king and a few open spaces in your room. Let one child be Joash and others stand around him as guards, moving together in a circle. Explain that the guards kept Joash safe, and talk about how God protects His people in the same way.
Take-Home Promise Card
You will need index cards and a pencil. Have each child write or draw a simple promise they will keep this week, such as helping at home or sharing a toy. Encourage them to take the card home and place it somewhere they will see it each day as a reminder that God keeps His promises and we can keep ours too.
Teacher Notes
This passage shows that God kept His promise to preserve the line of David even when a wicked ruler tried to destroy it. For adults, it is a reminder that God’s faithfulness does not depend on human circumstances, and that He works through faithful people like Jehoiada to accomplish His purposes.
When teaching children, avoid suggesting that God always rescues people from danger in the way we might hope, or that obedience guarantees protection from every hardship. Focus instead on God’s faithfulness and His trustworthiness, and be honest that the story includes real fear and violence.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You always keep Your promises. Help us to trust You when we feel scared or unsure, and help us to keep our own promises to You and to others. Thank You for protecting us every day. Amen.
