In this lesson, children learn that God’s people make promises to Him and keep them, even when it is hard. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God’s people make promises to love and obey Him, and they keep those promises together, because God is faithful to them.
Memory Verse
Nehemiah 10:29
They joined with their brothers, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God’s law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, and his ordinances and his statutes…
(WEB)
Put one hand on your heart and then hold up both hands, palms open, as if you are making a promise. Say the words together, pressing your palms gently forward each time you say “walk” and “do.”
The Story: Nehemiah 10 for Kids
A long time ago, God’s people had been away from their home in Jerusalem for many years. When they finally returned, they found the walls of their city broken down. A man named Nehemiah led the people in rebuilding the walls, and they worked hard until the job was finished.
After the walls were built, the people gathered to hear God’s law read aloud. Their hearts were sad as they listened, because they saw how far they had wandered from the way God wanted them to live. Nehemiah and the leaders said, “Let us make a promise to God and keep it.”
So the leaders, the priests, the Levites, and the people all wrote their names on a written promise. Nehemiah was first, and many others signed right after him. They promised to walk in God’s law, to honor the Sabbath day as a day of rest, and to take care of the house of God.
The people also promised to bring their gifts to the temple, so the priests and helpers could do their work. Everyone had a part to play. They said together that they would not forsake the house of their God.
Read It Together
Nehemiah 10:28
The rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers, the temple servants, and all those who had separated themselves from the peoples of the lands to the law of God, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, everyone who had knowledge, and understanding—
(WEB)
Point out that the people who made this promise were not only leaders. Their wives, sons, and daughters were also part of it, and everyone who understood God’s word joined in. Ask the children who they would want to make a promise with.
Nehemiah 10:34
We cast lots, the priests, the Levites, and the people, for the wood offering, to bring it into the house of our God, according to our fathers’ houses, at times appointed, year by year, to burn on the LORD our God’s altar, as it is written in the law…
(WEB)
Show the children how the people chose by casting lots, which was a way of trusting God to guide the decision. Explain that they wanted to share the work fairly and to bring wood for the altar at the right times each year.
Nehemiah 10:39
For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the wave offering of the grain, of the new wine, and of the oil, to the rooms, where the vessels of the sanctuary are, and the priests who minister, with the gatekeepers and the singers. We will not forsake the house of our God.
(WEB)
Read the final promise slowly: “We will not forsake the house of our God.” Point out that this is the promise the whole chapter leads to, and that God’s people choose again and again to stay close to Him.
Talk About It
- What is a promise that you have made to someone, and how did you keep it?
- Why do you think the people wanted to read God’s law and then make promises about it?
- How did every person in the story have a job to do when they worked on God’s house?
- What can you do this week to show God that you want to keep Him close to you?
- How does knowing that God is faithful to us help us when we want to keep a promise?
Activity Ideas
Promise Handprint Craft
You will need construction paper, crayons or markers, scissors, and glue. Have each child trace their hand on the paper and cut it out. On each finger, have them write or draw one way they can keep a promise to God this week, such as praying, helping at home, or being kind. Hang the handprints on the wall as a reminder that everyone makes promises together.
Walls and Gates Movement Game
Gather some pillows, blocks, or chairs to act as the walls of Jerusalem. Divide the children into small teams, and have each team build a short wall together while the others cheer them on. Then have them take turns acting out a gatekeeper standing guard and a helper carrying a basket to the temple. Talk about how each person helped finish the work.
Take-Home Promise Card
You will need an index card, a pencil, and a small envelope for each child. Ask each child to write one simple promise they will make to God, such as “I will pray every morning.” Let them decorate the card and place it in the envelope. Encourage the family to read the card together at the end of the week and talk about how the promise went.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s people responded to His word by committing themselves to obey Him in everyday matters, including worship, generosity, family life, and rest. The promise was made as a community, and it reminds us that faithfulness is shaped by shared commitment and by remembering that God first remained faithful to His people.
When teaching children, avoid suggesting that God’s favor depends on how perfectly they keep their promises. Instead, emphasize that God invites us to respond to His love and that He helps us to keep our word as we rely on Him.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for being faithful to us every day. Help us to make promises to You and to keep them with joy. Teach us to love Your house, to honor Your word, and to stay close to You all our days. Amen.
