This lesson teaches children that God keeps his promises, even when everything around them looks scary and wrong. It is best for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, a few questions and one activity.
Big Idea
God always keeps his promises, even when bad people try to stop his plans. He protected a little boy named Joash, and God’s plan went on.
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)
Teach the verse with a slow motion. Put one hand flat on your heart at “Be still,” then lift both arms high at “I will be exalted.” Let the children copy you each time you say it together.
The Story: 2 Kings 11 for Kids
A wicked queen named Athaliah wanted to be the ruler of Judah. She was not from God’s family, and she was very mean. When her son, the king, was killed, she decided to kill all the other children in the royal family so no one could take her power away from her.
But a brave aunt named Jehosheba saw what was happening. She took her baby nephew, Joash, and hid him with his nurse in the Temple of the LORD. For six whole years, the little boy lived in a hidden room in God’s house while the wicked queen ruled the land. Nobody could find him.
In the seventh year, a priest named Jehoiada made a plan. He gathered the captains and the guards and showed them the little boy. “God has a plan for this boy,” he told them. He gave them a special job to protect the king and keep watch day and night.
On the big day, the people brought out young Joash. They put a crown on his head and made him king. Everyone clapped their hands and shouted, “Long live the king!” When the queen heard the noise, she ran to the Temple, but she was caught and taken away. The people then tore down the false god’s temple and made a promise to serve the LORD. The land was quiet and happy once again.
Read It Together
2 Kings 11:2
But Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him away from among the king’s sons who were slain, even him and his nurse, and put them in the bedroom; and they hid him from Athaliah, so that he was not slain.
(WEB)
Point out how Jehosheba acted quickly and bravely to save the baby. Ask the children what they think would have happened if she had not hidden Joash. Remind them that God can use brave helpers to protect his people.
2 Kings 11:12
Then he brought out the king’s son, and put the crown on him, and gave him the covenant; and they made him king, and anointed him; and they clapped their hands, and said, “Long live the king!”
(WEB)
Show the children how the people crowned the little boy and celebrated him as king. Explain that God kept his promise to keep a king from David’s family on the throne. Let them see that the story moves from fear to joy.
2 Kings 11:17
Jehoiada made a covenant between the LORD and the king and the people, that they should be the LORD’s people; also between the king and the people.
(WEB)
Point to the covenant, which is a special promise between God and his people. Tell the children that God’s people chose to belong to him again. Explain that a covenant is like a promise that both sides keep.
Talk About It
- How do you think Jehosheba felt when she was hiding the baby prince from the queen?
- What are some ways God protected Joash while he was hidden for six years?
- Why do you think the people were so happy when they crowned the new king?
- What is something God has promised us in the Bible that we can trust him for?
- How can we be brave like Jehosheba when we know something is wrong?
Activity Ideas
Paper Crown Craft
You will need strips of construction paper, tape, crayons or markers, and safety scissors. Cut a strip long enough to fit around each child’s head and tape it into a circle. Let the children decorate their crowns with stars, hearts and crosses. As they work, talk about how God chose a boy to be king and kept his promise.
Hide and Seek Guard Game
Choose one child to be Joash and have that child hide somewhere safe in the room. Other children act as the guards and must search quietly without making noise. When the child is found, shout “Long live the king!” and clap together. Explain that God kept Joash hidden and safe, just as he keeps us safe.
Promise Card for Home
Give each child an index card and a pencil. Ask them to write or draw one promise God has made in the Bible, such as “God will never leave you.” Let them take the card home and place it somewhere they will see it each day. Encourage them to share it with their family during dinner or bedtime.
Teacher Notes
This passage shows that God is faithful to his promises even when wicked leaders try to destroy his plans. For adults, it reminds us that God’s work does not depend on any single person’s power or position. He used a brave woman, a faithful priest and a hidden child to preserve the line through which the promised Savior would come.
Be careful not to suggest that children can always expect to be rescued from danger the way Joash was. Help them understand that God’s protection is real and trustworthy, but that his purposes are often bigger than our immediate comfort or safety.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you that you always keep your promises to us. Help us to be brave like Jehosheba when we see something wrong. Help us to trust you when we feel scared, because you are with us. We love you and we thank you for keeping us safe. Amen.
