This lesson teaches children that God can use a brave person to stop wrong and protect people, even when the danger seems huge. It is designed for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God helps brave people speak up for what is right, and He makes sure wicked plans do not win. Even a queen can be brave when God is with her.
Memory Verse
Esther 7:3
Then Esther the queen answered, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request.
(WEB)
Have children stand tall with their hands on their hearts, then slowly lift both arms up high, like a brave person speaking out loud. Say the words together three times, lifting your arms each time you reach the word “life.”
The Story: Esther 7 for Kids
King Ahasuerus invited Queen Esther and his helper Haman to a special dinner. It was the second day of the feast, and the king was happy and friendly. He asked Esther, “What do you want? I will give you up to half of my kingdom!”
Esther was brave, but she was also careful. She told the king that she and her people were in danger. Wicked Haman had made a plan to destroy them all. She asked the king to save her life and the lives of her people. The king was very surprised and asked, “Who would dare to do such a thing?”
Esther pointed at Haman and said, “This wicked man is our enemy!” Haman became scared. The king was so angry that he got up and walked out into the garden to think. Haman stayed behind and begged Esther to save him.
When the king came back, he found Haman near Esther’s couch, and he thought Haman was being terrible. The king’s helpers covered Haman’s face, which showed that his time was up. One servant told the king about the tall gallows Haman had built to hang Mordecai, the man who had once helped the king.
The king said, “Hang Haman on it!” So the gallows that Haman had made for someone else became the place where he was punished. The king’s anger went away, and God’s people were safe.
Read It Together
Esther 7:1-2
1 So the king and Haman came to banquet with Esther the queen. 2 The king said again to Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, “What is your petition, queen Esther? It shall be granted you. What is your request? Even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.”
(WEB)
Point out that the king asked Esther what she wanted, and that he promised to give it to her. Ask children to notice that God was already preparing the king’s heart before Esther spoke.
Esther 7:4
For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish. But if we had been sold for male and female slaves, I would have held my peace, although the adversary could not have compensated for the king’s loss.”
(WEB)
Explain that Esther was honest about the danger facing her people. Help children see that telling the truth clearly is a brave and important thing to do.
Esther 7:9-10
9 Then Harbonah, one of the eunuchs who were with the king said, “Behold, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman has made for Mordecai, who spoke good for the king, is standing at Haman’s house.” The king said, “Hang him on it!” 10 So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king’s wrath pacified.
(WEB)
Show children that the gallows Haman built for Mordecai ended up being used for Haman. Point out how God turned the plan of the wicked man back on him, and how justice was done.
Talk About It
- What do you think Esther felt when she decided to speak to the king?
- Why was it important for Esther to tell the king the truth about her people?
- How did God protect Esther and her people in this story?
- When is a time you could speak up for someone who is being treated unfairly?
- What does this story teach you about how God takes care of His people?
Activity Ideas
Brave Queen Crown Craft
You will need paper, markers, glue, and glitter if you have it. Cut strips of paper long enough to wrap around each child’s head and tape them into crowns. Let children decorate their crowns and talk about how Esther was brave like a queen should be. Ask them to name one brave thing they could do this week.
Stand Up, Speak Up Game
Gather the children in a circle and have one child be the king while the others take turns being Esther. The king sits down, and when Esther stands and says a short true sentence, everyone claps. Then switch roles so every child gets a turn. Remind children that speaking truth bravely is like standing tall.
Take-Home Brave Bookmark
Give each child a strip of cardstock and a crayon. Have them write the word “BRAVE” down one side and draw a small crown at the top. Encourage them to put the bookmark in their Bible or a favorite book and read the memory verse each night. Suggest they say a short prayer asking God for courage each time they see it.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God works through His people in difficult moments, often through courageous words spoken at just the right time. Esther’s bravery was rooted in faith and a willingness to risk her own safety for others. The chapter also shows God’s justice, as the wicked plan turned against its maker.
Avoid suggesting that God will always make the bad guys get punished in the same way for children today, or that speaking up will always bring a quick reward. Focus on God’s faithfulness and His care for people instead, and let children know that God is with them even when things are scary.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank you for showing us how Esther was brave and spoke the truth. Help us be brave too when we need to stand up for what is right. Please keep us safe and remind us that you are always with us. We love you and trust you. Amen.
