In this lesson, children learn that God can see what we cannot see, and He protects His people even when they are surrounded by danger. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is always with us, and He is stronger than any enemy. When we feel scared, we can trust Him to take care of us.
Memory Verse
2 Kings 6:16
He answered, “Don’t be afraid; for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
(WEB)
Hold both hands up with your palms facing out, then slowly bring them together in front of your heart, as if you are gathering something safe. Say the words together while you move your hands.
The Story: 2 Kings 6 for Kids
Elisha was a prophet of God, and a group of young prophets lived and studied with him. One day they told Elisha their home was too small. They wanted to build a bigger place by the Jordan River. Elisha said, “Go!” so they went together.
While one young man was cutting wood, his iron axe head fell into the river. He was upset, because the axe had been borrowed. Elisha asked where it fell. He cut a stick and threw it in the water, and the heavy iron floated up. Then the young man reached out and took it back.
Now the king of Syria was fighting against Israel. Every time he planned a camp, Elisha warned the king of Israel, and the king of Israel avoided that place. The king of Syria was puzzled. “Is someone telling Israel our plans?” he asked. His servants said, “It is Elisha, the prophet, who tells the king of Israel what you say even in your bedroom.”
So the king of Syria sent horses, chariots, and a great army to the city of Dothan, where Elisha was staying. They surrounded the city during the night. In the morning, Elisha’s servant woke up, looked outside, and was terrified. “What shall we do?” he cried. Elisha said, “Don’t be afraid, for there are more with us than with them.”
Then Elisha prayed, asking God to open his servant’s eyes. God opened them, and the young man saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire, protecting Elisha. Elisha also prayed that God would make the enemy soldiers unable to see clearly. God did, and Elisha led them right into the middle of Samaria. When the king of Israel wanted to attack them, Elisha said, “Give them food and water, and send them home.” So the enemy soldiers went home, and the raids stopped for a while.
Read It Together
2 Kings 6:17
Elisha prayed, and said, “The LORD, please open his eyes, that he may see.” The LORD opened the young man’s eyes; and he saw: and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire around Elisha.
(WEB)
Point out that Elisha prayed, and God answered by opening eyes. Ask children what they think they would see if God opened their eyes to His protection.
2 Kings 6:22
He answered, “You shall not strike them. Would you strike those whom you have taken captive with your sword and with your bow? Set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master.”
(WEB)
Show children that Elisha chose kindness over revenge, feeding the enemy soldiers instead of attacking them. Explain that God’s people can show mercy even to those who have been unkind.
2 Kings 6:33
While he was still talking with them, behold, the messenger came down to him. Then he said, “Behold, this evil is from the LORD. Why should I wait for the LORD any longer?”
(WEB)
Explain that the king had lost hope and blamed God for the trouble. Use this to talk about how fear can make us doubt, and how we can keep trusting God even when things look bad.
Talk About It
- What did Elisha’s servant see when he was scared, and what did he see after he prayed?
- Why do you think Elisha told the servant not to be afraid?
- What is something that makes you feel scared, and what could you say to God about it?
- How did Elisha treat the enemy soldiers, and how can we treat people who are unkind to us?
- Who are some people who help protect you the way Elisha’s God protected him?
Activity Ideas
Chariots of Fire Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a hill or mountain across the bottom of the page. Then have them draw horses and chariots on top, with bright orange and red flames around them. Talk about how God’s protection can be bigger than what we can see.
Floating Axe Head Game
You will need a small bowl of water, a few pebbles or coins, and a piece of light wood or a cork. Let children try to make the pebbles sink, then try to float the cork. Explain that God helped the iron axe float, and nothing is too hard for Him. Let them take turns retrieving items from the water.
Take-Home Safety Card
You will need an index card, a marker, and a small piece of tape or a clip. Have each child write or draw one thing they are scared of, then write the words “God is with me.” Tape or clip the card to their bedroom door or lunchbox. Encourage them to read it whenever they feel frightened.
Teacher Notes
This passage shows that God is sovereign over every army and every situation, and He sees what human eyes cannot see. It also shows Elisha’s courage and his trust in God’s power, as well as the king of Israel’s struggle to respond wisely. For adults, it is a reminder that God’s protection is real even when circumstances look hopeless.
Avoid suggesting to children that God will always protect them from every physical danger in the same way He protected Elisha. Explain instead that God is always with His people and is stronger than any threat, while being honest that we may sometimes face hard things.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You can see everything and You are always with us. When we feel scared, help us remember that You are stronger than anything we fear. Open our eyes to see Your care for us, and help us trust You every day. Amen.
