In this lesson, children learn that God is good and His love lasts forever, and that when His people worship Him together, His presence fills the place. This lesson suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God is good, His love never ends, and when His people praise Him together, His glory fills the place where they worship.
Memory Verse
2 Chronicles 5:13
When the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the LORD, saying, “For he is good; for his loving kindness endures forever!” then the house was filled with a cloud, even the LORD’s house…
(WEB)
Have the children stand and sway gently side to side as they say the verse together. On the words “his loving kindness endures forever,” stretch both arms wide like a big hug.
The Story: 2 Chronicles 5 for Kids
King Solomon had worked for many years to build a beautiful house for God in Jerusalem. When the work was finished, Solomon brought in all the gold, silver, and special dishes that his father David had set aside for God’s house. He placed them carefully in the storerooms of the Temple.
Next, Solomon called all the leaders of Israel to Jerusalem. They came together for a big feast in the seventh month. The Levites lifted up the ark of the covenant, the special wooden box that held God’s promise, and carried it into the Temple. The priests carried the Tent of Meeting and all the holy things with it.
King Solomon and the people stopped in front of the ark to offer sheep and cattle. There were so many animals that no one could count them! The priests then carried the ark into the innermost room of the Temple, the most holy place. They set it under the wings of two large statues of angels called cherubim. Those angels spread their wings wide over the ark, like a protective roof.
Inside the box there were only two stone tablets. Moses had put them there long ago, when God made His promise to Israel after they left Egypt. The people remembered that God had kept His word to them for a very long time.
Then the singers and trumpet players stood together at the altar. They made one sound, playing and singing as loudly and happily as they could. They sang, “He is good, and His loving kindness lasts forever!” Suddenly, a thick cloud filled the house of the Lord, so the priests could not even stand to do their work. God’s glory had come into His house.
Read It Together
2 Chronicles 5:1
Thus all the work that Solomon did for the LORD’s house was finished. Solomon brought in the things that David his father had dedicated, even the silver, the gold, and all the vessels, and put them in the treasuries of God’s house.
(WEB)
Point out that Solomon finished every part of the work God had given him. Ask the children what it feels like to finish a big job well, and remind them that God cares about faithful work.
2 Chronicles 5:10
There was nothing in the ark except the two tablets which Moses put at Horeb, when the LORD made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of Egypt.
(WEB)
Show the children that the only thing inside the ark was the two tablets from Moses. Explain that the ark reminded the people of God’s promise, which was a sign that God always keeps His word.
2 Chronicles 5:14
So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud; for the LORD’s glory filled God’s house.
(WEB)
Point out that the cloud was so full of God’s glory that the priests could not stand. Talk about how God is holy and wonderful, and that we can come to Him with respect and joy.
Talk About It
- What did the people do together to show they loved God in this story?
- Why do you think the singers and trumpet players made one sound instead of many different sounds?
- What did the box called the ark remind the people about God’s promise?
- How did the people know that God was present in His house?
- What is one good thing about God that you would like to sing about today?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Glowing Temple
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and cotton balls. Have each child draw a simple building with a roof, then glue cotton balls across the top and inside the doorway to show God’s cloud filling the house. Ask them to tell you one thing they love about God while they draw.
Cloud Clap Praise Game
Gather the children in a circle and ask them to take turns saying a short sentence of praise about God. After each sentence, everyone claps three times like a trumpet fanfare. Let the group shout together on the final round, just like the singers and trumpeters in the story.
Take-Home Promise Stone
You will need small smooth stones, washable paint, and a marker. Let each child paint a stone and write or draw a symbol of God’s promise, like a heart or a rainbow. Encourage them to keep it on a bedside table as a reminder that God always keeps His word.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that the Temple was dedicated as a place where God’s presence dwelt among His people. The ark, the cherubim, and the cloud all point to God’s holiness and His faithfulness to His covenant. The people’s worship was unified, and God responded by filling the house with His glory.
Avoid overstating the cloud to children as something that proves a particular feeling or experience will always happen when they worship. Keep the focus on God’s goodness and faithfulness rather than promising visible signs.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Lord, thank You for being good and for loving us forever. We are glad that You keep Your promises and that You are with us when we gather to worship You. Help us to sing and praise You with our whole hearts, just like the people in Solomon’s time. Amen.
