In Nehemiah 11, God’s people chose who would live in the holy city of Jerusalem, and every family had an important job to do. The lesson teaches children that God gives each person a place where they belong. This lesson works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God knows every person by name, and he gives each of us a special place and job in his family.
Memory Verse
Nehemiah 11:2
The people blessed all the men who willingly offered themselves to dwell in Jerusalem.
(WEB)
Have the children stand up and clap once when they hear the word “blessed.” Then have them put both hands over their hearts while saying the verse together, and sit down slowly on the word “willingly.”
The Story: Nehemiah 11 for Kids
A long time ago, God’s people had come back home to the land of Judah after being away in a faraway country. Their city, Jerusalem, was very important because it was the holy city where God’s house stood. But very few people lived inside its walls. The leaders wanted more families to come and make their home there.
So the people decided to let God help them choose. They used lots, which is a bit like drawing names out of a hat. Nine out of every ten families stayed in their own towns, and one out of every ten was picked to move into Jerusalem. Some people must have felt nervous about leaving home, but others were happy to go.
The people were so thankful for the families who said yes. They blessed every man who chose to live in the holy city. One of the leaders might have said, “Thank you for helping us. Our city needs you.” Those brave families helped make Jerusalem a busy and happy place again.
Next, the chapter lists the names of many people who lived in Jerusalem. There were priests who cared for God’s house, Levites who helped with the worship, gatekeepers who watched the doors, and singers who sang songs of thanks. Each group had its own job, and each person was needed.
The people from the other towns of Judah and Benjamin also kept their homes, their fields, and their families. Everyone had a place. God’s people were learning that when everyone does their part, the whole family of God works well together.
Read It Together
Nehemiah 11:1
The princes of the people lived in Jerusalem. The rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts in the other cities.
(WEB)
Point out that the leaders lived in Jerusalem and that the people chose by lot. Explain that God helped them make a fair decision together, and that every family mattered to the whole city.
Nehemiah 11:17-18
17 And Mattaniah the son of Mica, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, who was the chief to begin the thanksgiving in prayer, and Bakbukiah, the second among his brothers; and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun. 18 All the Levites in the holy city were two hundred eighty-four.
(WEB)
Show the children that Mattaniah was chosen to begin the thanksgiving in prayer. Remind them that God loves it when we start our days by thanking him for the people and things he gives us.
Nehemiah 11:20
The residue of Israel, of the priests, the Levites, were in all the cities of Judah, everyone in his inheritance.
(WEB)
Point to the phrase “everyone in his inheritance.” Explain that God gave each family a home and a land of their own, so each person could know they belonged to God and to his people.
Talk About It
- What would you feel if you had to leave your home to help your city, and how could God help you feel brave?
- Why do you think the people said thank you to the families who chose to move to Jerusalem?
- What job do you think God has given you in your family, your class, or your church?
- How can you show someone that they belong with you at school or at church?
- Why is it good that God gave every group of people a different job to do?
Activity Ideas
Build a City Wall Mural
You will need a large sheet of paper, crayons or markers, and some tape. Ask each child to draw a person, a house, or a tool that shows a job they can do at home or at church. Tape all the drawings together to make a big city wall. Talk together about how each picture fits into the city, just as each person fit into Jerusalem.
Lots Game Movement
You will need a bowl and ten small pieces of paper, with one marked with an X. Let each child draw one piece from the bowl. The child who draws the X chooses a simple movement, such as hopping or clapping, and everyone copies it. Explain that the people of Jerusalem drew lots to choose families, and that God helped them make a fair choice.
Take-Home Thank You Card
You will need a sheet of construction paper, a pencil, and crayons. Ask each child to write or draw a thank-you note to someone who helps them, such as a parent, a teacher, or a neighbor. Encourage them to bring the card home and give it to that person. Say that the people of Jerusalem blessed the families who moved, and we can bless people too.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God cares about ordinary people and their places in his plan. The long lists of names remind us that God remembers each person and each family, even when their roles seem small. The people’s willingness to give up their homes for the good of the city points to a faithful, generous spirit.
Avoid suggesting to children that God’s choice of a family or role depends on how good or bad they are. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and on the joy of belonging to his family.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for knowing each of us by name. Thank you for giving us a place to belong and a job to do in your family. Help us be brave like the people who chose to live in Jerusalem, and help us bless the people around us. Amen.
