In this lesson, children learn that God’s words are true and worth obeying, even when they are found in a surprising place. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God’s Word is precious, and when we hear it, we should listen and obey it. King Josiah loved God’s Word and did what it said.
Memory Verse
2 Kings 22:2
He did that which was right in the LORD’s eyes, and walked in all the way of David his father, and didn’t turn away to the right hand or to the left.
(WEB)
Ask children to stand tall, then bend a little at the waist and fold their hands, as if they are humbly listening. Then have them point to the sky together, as if saying “God.” Practice saying the verse slowly while doing these two motions.
The Story: 2 Kings 22 for Kids
A young boy named Josiah became king of Judah when he was only eight years old. Josiah wanted to please God, just like his grandfather David had. He did what was right in God’s eyes, and he never turned away from God’s ways, not even a little bit.
When Josiah was grown up and ruling for eighteen years, he decided the Temple in Jerusalem needed fixing. God’s house had gotten old and damaged. So the king sent his helper Shaphan to the Temple to check on the workers and the money. The workers were good and honest people, and everything was done carefully.
While the men were working, the high priest Hilkiah found an old book in the Temple. It was the Book of the Law, God’s own words given through Moses. Shaphan took the book to King Josiah and read it out loud to him. Josiah listened very carefully to every word.
When Josiah heard what God said, his heart felt sad and afraid. He tore his clothes to show how sorry he was. He said, “Go and ask God what we should do, because our people have not obeyed these words.” So the men went to a prophetess named Huldah to ask God.
Huldah told them that God would bring trouble on the land because the people had turned away from Him. But God also told Josiah that his heart was soft and tender, and that he had humbled himself before God. Because Josiah listened and was sorry, God said he would not see all of that trouble.
Josiah had learned an important lesson. He could not change the past, but he could listen to God and obey Him today, and he did.
Read It Together
2 Kings 22:8
Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the scribe, “I have found the book of the law in the LORD’s house.” Hilkiah delivered the book to Shaphan, and he read it.
(WEB)
Point out that the Book of the Law had been lost and forgotten in the Temple for a long time. Ask children how it might feel to find something important that you had forgotten about. Explain that God’s Word was still there, waiting for people to read it.
2 Kings 22:11
When the king had heard the words of the book of the law, he tore his clothes.
(WEB)
Show children that Josiah’s response was to be sorry and to show it. Talk about how tearing clothes was a sign of sadness and humbleness in those days. Ask them what it looks like to be sorry for doing wrong today.
2 Kings 22:19
Because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before the LORD, when you heard what I spoke against this place, and against its inhabitants, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and have torn your clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard you,’ says the LORD.
(WEB)
Point out that God noticed Josiah’s soft and humble heart. Explain that God loves it when we listen to Him and want to do what is right, even when we have made mistakes.
Talk About It
- What did Josiah do when he heard God’s words read out loud?
- Why do you think it was important for the people to hear God’s Word?
- How can you show that you love listening to God’s words at home or at church?
- Why do you think God was pleased with Josiah’s sorry and humble heart?
- What is one thing God’s Word teaches us that we can obey this week?
Activity Ideas
Decorate a Scroll
You will need a long strip of paper, crayons or markers, and two wooden dowels or paper towel tubes. Have children write or draw one thing God’s Word teaches on the paper. Roll the ends around the dowels or tubes. Let the children hold up their scrolls and tell the class what they drew.
Lost and Found Game
You will need a small object like a toy or a book, and a few pieces of paper. Hide the object somewhere in the room while children close their eyes. When they find it, have them act out being happy, then sad, then humble. Talk about how Josiah felt when he found God’s Book and then listened to it.
Take-Home Bible Bookmark
You will need cardstock or thick paper, scissors, markers, and a hole punch with a piece of yarn. Have children draw a small picture of a Bible on one side and write the memory verse on the other. Punch a hole at the top and tie yarn through it. Encourage them to use the bookmark each time they read the Bible at home.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that God’s Word has authority and that it calls for a response of humble repentance and obedience. Josiah’s reforms began not with a new plan but with a heart that trembled before what God had already said. The passage also reminds us that God’s words can be neglected for generations, and that rediscovering them can lead to renewal.
Be careful not to suggest to children that God will always spare us from consequences when we say we are sorry. Huldah’s message included real judgment on the nation, and Josiah was promised peace in his own lifetime, not a removal of all hardship. Help children understand that God is faithful and merciful, while also being holy.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for giving us Your Word. Help us listen carefully when it is read to us. Give us soft and humble hearts like Josiah’s, so that we want to obey You every day. We love You, Lord. Amen.
