In this lesson, children learn that Nehemiah set things right when God’s people wandered from what God asked of them, and that God’s people can choose to honor him in what they do. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God wants his people to honor him with what they do, and when we get off track, we can come back to him and do what is right.
Memory Verse
Nehemiah 13:14
Remember me, my God, concerning this, and don’t wipe out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for its observances.
(WEB)
Put one hand on your heart and then reach both arms up toward the sky as you say it together. Repeat it three times, getting a little quieter each time, so the children can hear it in their own voices.
The Story: Nehemiah 13 for Kids
A long time ago, God’s people had come home from a land far away, and they had built the wall around Jerusalem. Nehemiah was their leader, and he had worked hard with them. Then he went back to the king for a while, and when he returned, he found that many things had gone wrong while he was gone.
A man named Eliashib, who was in charge of a room in God’s house, had let a man named Tobiah move into a big room there. That room was meant for holy gifts, grain, oil, and things for the helpers who served God. Nehemiah was very upset. He threw all of Tobiah’s things out of the room and told the helpers to make it clean again.
Nehemiah also noticed that the helpers who served in God’s house had not been given their share of food, so they had gone back to their fields to work. Nehemiah asked, “Why is God’s house forsaken?” He gathered the helpers back together, and the people brought their gifts to the storehouses again.
Some people were also working and selling things on the Sabbath, the special day of rest God gave his people. Nehemiah reminded them that their parents had been punished when they did not honor God’s day. He closed the city gates before the Sabbath began and sent the sellers away when they tried to camp outside the wall.
Nehemiah also saw that some of God’s people had married people from other nations who did not worship the Lord, and their children were no longer learning the language of God’s people. Nehemiah was sad about this, and he asked the people to choose to keep their families close to God. Then he prayed, asking God to remember all the good he had tried to do.
Read It Together
Nehemiah 13:1-3
1 On that day they read in the book of Moses in the hearing of the people; and it was found written in it that an Ammonite and a Moabite should not enter into the assembly of God forever, 2 because they didn’t meet the children of Israel with bread and with water, but hired Balaam against them, to curse them; however our God turned the curse into a blessing. 3 It came to pass, when they had heard the law, that they separated all the mixed multitude from Israel.
(WEB)
Point out that the people listened carefully when God’s law was read to them, and they chose to follow what it said. Ask the children how they can listen closely to God’s word at home or at church.
Nehemiah 13:11-12
11 Then I contended with the rulers, and said, “Why is God’s house forsaken?” I gathered them together, and set them in their place. 12 Then all Judah brought the tithe of the grain, the new wine, and the oil to the treasuries.
(WEB)
Show the children that Nehemiah did not stay silent when things were wrong, and that the people responded by bringing back what God’s house needed. Explain that when we see something wrong, we can speak up and help make it right.
Nehemiah 13:31
And for the wood offering, at times appointed, and for the first fruits. Remember me, my God, for good.
(WEB)
Point out that Nehemiah ended his story by asking God to remember him for good. Talk about how God is faithful to us even when we make mistakes, and that we can trust him to be kind to us.
Talk About It
- What did Nehemiah do when he saw that things in God’s house were not being cared for?
- Why do you think God gave his people a special day of rest on the Sabbath?
- How did the people feel when they brought their gifts back to God’s house?
- What is one thing you can do this week to honor God at home or at school?
- When have you seen someone make a mistake and then choose to do what is right?
Activity Ideas
Build a Clean Room Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a room in God’s house, then draw things that belong there, such as bowls, bread, and a jar of oil. Talk together about why God’s house should be kept clean and ready for worship.
Sabbath Rest Freeze Game
Gather the children in an open space and play a game similar to freeze tag. When you call “Work,” they walk or run around, and when you call “Rest,” they freeze in place for a count of five. Afterward, talk about why God gave his people a day of rest and how it helps us remember he is in charge.
Take-Home Promise Card
You will need an index card or a scrap of paper, a marker, and a pencil. Have each child write or draw one way they will honor God this week, such as helping at home or being kind to a friend. Encourage them to place the card on their dresser or by the front door as a reminder.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s people can drift from his ways, even when they have been blessed and rescued. Nehemiah’s example reminds us that faithful leadership means noticing what has gone wrong, acting with courage, and calling people back to God’s ways with patience and integrity. The chapter also shows that God’s grace is our hope when we fall short.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the harsh details, such as Nehemiah’s strong reaction toward the people who had married foreign wives or the discipline he used. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness, the importance of honoring him, and the encouragement that we can always return to him with a willing heart.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for loving us and for helping us remember what is right. Help us honor you in how we treat others, how we spend our time, and how we care for the things that belong to you. When we make mistakes, help us come back to you with open hearts. Thank you for being faithful to us every day. Amen.
