This lesson teaches children that God keeps every promise He makes, even when wicked people try to stop Him. It works well for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God always keeps His word. When He says something will happen, nobody can stop it, not even a powerful and wicked queen.
Memory Verse
2 Kings 9:6
He arose, and went into the house. Then he poured the oil on his head, and said to him, “The LORD, the God of Israel, says, ‘I have anointed you king over the people of the LORD, even over Israel.
(WEB)
Have the children stand up and stretch tall like a king. Then ask them to pour an imaginary jar of oil over their own heads, saying “God chose me!” each time. The motion helps them remember that God is the one who picks and anoints the leader.
The Story: 2 Kings 9 for Kids
A long time ago there was a wicked king named Ahab, and after him his son Joram ruled Israel. Ahab’s wife, Queen Jezebel, was even worse. She led many people away from God and had many of God’s prophets killed. God had promised that He would put an end to this family because of their sins.
God sent the prophet Elisha to call one of the young prophets. He told the young man, “Go to Ramoth Gilead and find a man named Jehu. Take him into a room alone, pour oil on his head, and tell him, ‘The LORD says you will be king over Israel.’ Then run away fast!” The young man did exactly what he was told.
When Jehu’s army captains heard the news, they quickly spread their cloaks on the stairs and blew the trumpet. They shouted, “Jehu is king!” Jehu then rode his chariot fast to Jezreel, where King Joram was resting from his wounds. Joram and King Ahaziah of Judah rode out to meet him.
Joram asked, “Is it peace, Jehu?” Jehu answered that there could be no peace while Jezebel was still doing evil. Then Jehu shot an arrow, and King Joram fell down dead in his chariot. King Ahaziah ran away, but Jehu’s men chased him, and he died too.
Next, Jehu went to the window where Jezebel was waiting. He said, “Throw her down!” Her servants did, and she died. The dogs ate her body, just as the LORD had said through the prophet Elijah many years before.
Read It Together
2 Kings 9:1-3
1 Elisha the prophet called one of the sons of the prophets, and said to him, “Put your belt on your waist, take this vial of oil in your hand, and go to Ramoth Gilead. 2 When you come there, find Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat the son of Nimshi, and go in, and make him rise up from among his brothers, and take him to an inner room. 3 Then take the vial of oil, and pour it on his head, and say, ‘The LORD says, “I have anointed you king over Israel.”’ Then open the door, flee, and don’t wait.”
(WEB)
Point out how God chose Jehu first and sent the prophet with a clear message. Show the children that God planned everything ahead of time and told His servant exactly what to say.
2 Kings 9:7-8
7 You must strike your master Ahab’s house, that I may avenge the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the LORD, at the hand of Jezebel. 8 For the whole house of Ahab will perish. I will cut off from Ahab everyone who urinates against a wall, both him who is shut up and him who is left at large in Israel.
(WEB)
Explain that God wanted justice for the prophets who were killed and for the people who were led astray. Help the children see that God cares about what is right and does not ignore sin forever.
2 Kings 9:36-37
36 Therefore they came back, and told him. He said, “This is the LORD’s word, which he spoke by his servant Elijah the Tishbite, saying, ‘The dogs will eat the flesh of Jezebel on the plot of Jezreel, 37 and the body of Jezebel will be as dung on the face of the field on Jezreel’s land, so that they won’t say, “This is Jezebel.”’”
(WEB)
Point out that Jezebel’s end happened exactly as God said it would. Remind the children that when God makes a promise, it always comes true, even years later.
Talk About It
- Why do you think God chose Jehu to be king instead of someone else?
- What did the young prophet do when Elisha told him what to do, and why was that important?
- How do you feel when you think about God keeping every promise He makes to you?
- Why was Jezebel’s wickedness so harmful to the people around her?
- What is one way you can trust God when you feel scared or unsure?
Activity Ideas
Crown Craft
You will need paper, crayons, tape, and scissors. Have each child cut a strip of paper long enough to wrap around their head, then decorate it with gold crayon and colorful drawings. Tape the ends together and talk about how a crown shows who God has chosen to lead. Let them wear the crowns during the rest of the lesson.
Royal Race Game
Set up two chairs at one end of the room to be the chariots. Have the children take turns racing across the room while pretending to ride horses and holding a paper plate as a shield. When they reach the chairs, they stop and say, “God keeps His promises!” This game helps them picture Jehu’s fast ride and remember the main message.
Promise Keeper Card
Give each child an index card and some markers. Ask them to draw a picture of something God promised, such as His love or His help, and write one word on the back. Let them take the card home and place it somewhere they will see each day. Encourage them to show it to a family member and explain why God’s promises matter.
Teacher Notes
This chapter shows that God is sovereign over kings and kingdoms. Even when wicked rulers seem powerful, God uses His chosen servants to carry out His judgment and keep His word. Adults can see in this passage a reminder that God’s justice is certain and His promises are never empty.
Avoid suggesting to children that God wants people to be violent or that every wicked person will face a dramatic death. Focus instead on God’s faithfulness, His love for justice, and the importance of following Him faithfully.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You for always keeping Your promises. Help us remember that You are in control, even when things feel scary. Help us follow You and trust that You will do what is right. Amen.
