This lesson teaches children that God keeps His promises even when people do not, and that we should keep the promises we make. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God always keeps His word, so we should try to keep ours too. When we make a promise, we must follow through and treat people fairly.
Memory Verse
Jeremiah 34:5
You will die in peace; and with the burnings of your fathers, the former kings who were before you, so they will make a burning for you. They will lament you, saying, “Ah Lord!” for I have spoken the word,’ says the LORD.”
(WEB)
Have the children stand and cross their arms over their chests, then point up to heaven on the words “the word.” Repeat the verse together three times, each time a little softer, until the whole class can say it with the motions from memory.
The Story: Jeremiah 34 for Kids
A long time ago, the king of Babylon marched his big army to Jerusalem, the city where King Zedekiah ruled. The soldiers surrounded the city, and the people inside were very scared. God sent the prophet Jeremiah to speak to King Zedekiah with a message that was not easy to hear.
God told Zedekiah that the city would be handed over to Babylon, and that it would be burned with fire. The king himself would be taken to Babylon, but he would not die by the sword. God said he would die in peace, and that people would mourn him. Jeremiah told the king every word God had given him.
Now, there was something else going on in Jerusalem. The king had made a promise to the people. He said that every Hebrew servant should be set free. Everyone agreed, and the servants were let go. For a short time, the people kept their promise, and the servants were free.
But then the people changed their minds. They took the servants back and made them slaves again. God was not pleased. He reminded the people that long ago, He had made a covenant with their ancestors, saying that every Hebrew servant should be let go after six years. The people had not listened, and now they had broken their promise too.
Because the people broke their word, God said they would face hard times. The city would be destroyed, and many people would be taken away. God did not forget His promises, even when the people forgot theirs. Jeremiah shared this sad news so the people could think about what they had done.
Read It Together
Jeremiah 34:2
“The LORD, the God of Israel, says, ‘Go, and speak to Zedekiah king of Judah, and tell him, the LORD says, “Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the king of Babylon and he will burn it with fire.
(WEB)
Point out that God sent Jeremiah with a clear message for the king. Ask the children to notice that God said exactly what He would do, so the king could not say he had not been warned.
Jeremiah 34:8-10
8 The word came to Jeremiah from the LORD, after king Zedekiah had made a covenant with all the people who were at Jerusalem, to proclaim liberty to them; 9 that every man should let his male servant, and every man his female servant, who is a Hebrew or a Hebrewess, go free; that no one should make bondservants of them, of a Jew his brother. 10 All the princes and all the people obeyed who had entered into the covenant, that everyone should let his male servant, and everyone his female servant go free, that no one should make bondservants of them any more. They obeyed and let them go…
(WEB)
Show the children that the people first made a promise and agreed to let their servants go free. Explain that this was the right thing to do, and that everyone joined in together.
Jeremiah 34:15-16
15 You had now turned, and had done that which is right in my eyes, in every man proclaiming liberty to his neighbor. You had made a covenant before me in the house which is called by my name; 16 but you turned and profaned my name, and every man caused his servant, and every man his handmaid, whom you had let go free at their pleasure, to return. You brought them into subjection, to be to you for servants and for handmaids.’”
(WEB)
Help the children see that the people did right for a little while, but then turned back and broke their word. Ask them to name what the people should have kept doing.
Talk About It
- Why do you think it is important to keep a promise you made to someone?
- How did the people in Jerusalem start out doing the right thing, and what changed?
- What is one promise you have made to a friend or family member that you want to keep?
- How can you tell that God always keeps His promises?
- What might you do if you find it hard to keep a promise you made?
Activity Ideas
Promise Keeper Drawing
Give each child a sheet of paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask them to draw a picture of a promise they can keep this week, such as helping a sibling or cleaning their room. Let them share their drawings and explain how they plan to follow through.
Follow the Leader Freeze
Play a simple game where you call out a movement, like hopping or clapping, and the children must do it. Stop the game often and remind them that when you say “freeze,” they must keep their promise to stay still until you say go. Talk about how keeping a promise is like staying frozen until you are told it is okay to move.
Promise Card Take-Home
Cut index cards in half and give each child one, along with a pen. Ask them to write or draw one promise they will keep at home this week. Encourage them to place the card somewhere they will see it each day, and to tell a parent about it at dinner.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God is faithful even when His people are not. The people of Judah made a solemn covenant, then broke it, and God held them accountable. It also reminds us that our words carry weight, and that God takes promises seriously.
With children, avoid overstating the judgment or making the message only about fear. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and on the simple habit of keeping our word. Be careful not to suggest that every hard thing that happens is a direct punishment for a broken promise.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You always keep Your word and never forget Your promises. Help us to keep the promises we make to others, even when it is hard. Teach us to be honest and fair, just like You. Amen.
