In 2 Chronicles 23, a brave priest named Jehoiada protects a young king named Joash and helps the people come back to following God. The main lesson is that God keeps His promises, and He can use faithful people to do it. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God keeps His promises, and He helps His people stand up for what is right. When we trust Him and obey, we can be brave even when things look scary.
Memory Verse
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)
Teach the children to stand tall with their feet apart and fists on their hips, like a brave guard. Then have them say the verse together, lifting one hand up high on the word “LORD.” Do this a few times until the motions feel natural.
The Story: 2 Chronicles 23 for Kids
A long time ago, the wicked queen Athaliah ruled the land of Judah. She had killed many of her own family members so she could be queen. But one little boy named Joash was hidden away in the Temple by his aunt, and the priest Jehoiada looked after him for six years.
In the seventh year, Jehoiada decided it was time. He called together brave captains and leaders from all over Judah. They came to Jerusalem and made a promise together, right there in God’s house, to make Joash king just as God had said.
Jehoiada gave each group a special job. Some stood guard at the gates. Some protected the king’s house. Everyone else stayed in the courtyards of the Temple. The Levites stood close around young Joash, holding their weapons. Jehoiada told them, “Stay with the king wherever he goes.”
Then the people brought out Joash, placed a crown on his head, and gave him a copy of God’s law. Jehoiada and his sons poured oil on him, and everyone shouted, “Long live the king!” Their voices rang out, and trumpets blew loudly.
When Athaliah heard all the noise, she ran to the Temple and saw the new king standing by his pillar. She tore her clothes and cried, “Treason! Treason!” But Jehoiada said, “Do not kill her inside God’s house.” So the guards led her out, and she was stopped at the horse gate.
After that, the people went to the temple of Baal and tore it down. They broke its altars and idols into pieces. Then Jehoiada helped everyone return to worshiping God with joy and singing. The city became quiet, and the people rejoiced.
Read It Together
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)
Point out that Jehoiada reminded the people of God’s promise about King David’s family. Ask the children how God keeps His word even when it takes a long time.
2 Chronicles 23:13
Then she looked, and, behold, the king stood by his pillar at the entrance, and the captains and the trumpets by the king. All the people of the land rejoiced, and blew trumpets. The singers also played musical instruments, and led the singing of praise. Then Athaliah tore her clothes, and said, “Treason! treason!”
(WEB)
Show how the people rejoiced and played music to praise the king. Explain that worship and celebration can be a way to show that we trust God’s plan.
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 out that after the danger was over, the land was peaceful again. Remind children that God brings peace when His people follow Him faithfully.
Talk About It
- What do you think Jehoiada felt when he decided to protect the young king?
- Why is it important to keep our promises, like the people did in this story?
- How did the people show that they wanted to follow God again?
- What helped the brave guards stay strong and focused on their jobs?
- Where is a place in your life where you could stand up for what is good this week?
Activity Ideas
Crown Drawing Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, scissors, and tape. Have each child draw a crown and decorate it with bright colors and jewels. Cut the crowns out and tape them into strips that fit around each child’s head. As they wear their crowns, talk about how Joash received a crown from God’s people.
Guard Walk Game
Set up a path with chairs or pillows to make a “Temple gate.” Choose one child to be the young king and let the others stand on either side like brave guards. The king walks slowly through the gate while the guards stand tall and quiet, then everyone cheers together. Switch roles so every child gets a turn being the king.
Family Promise Card
Give each child an index card and a pencil. Ask them to write or draw one promise they can keep this week, such as helping at home or being kind at school. Let them place the card on the fridge or by their bed as a reminder. At dinner, invite them to share how they kept their promise.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God remains faithful to His promises even when the situation looks hopeless. Jehoiada acted with courage and wisdom, but he also trusted God to bring about the outcome. The passage reminds us that God works through ordinary people who are willing to be obedient.
When teaching children, avoid making the story sound like a simple formula where good behavior always produces easy results. Some people in the story suffered, and life can be hard even for faithful people. Focus on God’s faithfulness and the call to trust Him rather than promising that everything will always turn out perfectly.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You for keeping Your promises to us, just as You kept them to Joash and his people. Help us to be brave and faithful, standing up for what is right and trusting You every day. Thank You for always being with us, wherever we go. Amen.
