In this lesson, children learn that God can turn a sad, scary time into a time of celebration and thanks. Esther 9 tells how the Jewish people were saved from their enemies and began a yearly feast to remember it. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God protects his people, and he can turn a day of sadness into a day of joy. We can always thank him for saving us.
Memory Verse
Esther 9:22
As the days in which the Jews had rest from their enemies, and the month which was turned to them from sorrow to gladness, and from mourning into a good day; that they should make them days of feasting and gladness, and of sending presents of food to one another, and gifts to the needy.
(WEB)
Have the children clap their hands once for “sorrow,” then raise both arms high for “gladness.” Do this slowly together as you say the verse, so everyone remembers the change from sad to happy.
The Story: Esther 9 for Kids
Long ago, in the land of Persia, the Jewish people lived in many cities. A wicked man named Haman had made a plan to destroy them. He had even cast lots, called “Pur,” to choose the day for the terrible plan. The day was the thirteenth day of the month Adar, and the Jewish people were very afraid.
But God had a better plan. Queen Esther and her cousin Mordecai had asked the king to help. When the day came, the Jewish people gathered together in their cities. They stood up to those who wanted to harm them, and God protected them. Their enemies could not stand against them, because the people were no longer afraid.
The king’s leaders helped the Jewish people too. Mordecai had become very important in the king’s house, and everyone knew he was a good man. Haman’s ten sons, who had also been wicked, were defeated. The Jewish people did not take anything that belonged to their enemies, because they only wanted to be safe.
When the battle was over, the people rested. Queen Esther said to the king, “If it pleases the king, let Haman’s ten sons be hanged on the gallows.” The king agreed, and the enemies were stopped. The Jewish people were no longer afraid, and they had a reason to celebrate.
Mordecai wrote a letter to all the Jewish people. He told them to remember these days every year with feasting, gladness, and gifts for the needy. He said that the sad month had turned into a happy month. Today, these days are called Purim, named after the word “Pur.”
Read It Together
Esther 9:1
Now in the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the month, when the king’s commandment and his decree came near to be put in execution, on the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to conquer them, (but it was turned out the opposite happened, that the Jews conquered those who hated them)…
(WEB)
Point out that the day the enemies hoped for turned out the opposite way. Ask the children to notice that God was in control even when things looked frightening.
Esther 9:17-19
17 This was done on the thirteenth day of the month Adar; and on the fourteenth day of that month they rested and made it a day of feasting and gladness. 18 But the Jews who were in Shushan assembled together on the thirteenth and on the fourteenth days of the month; and on the fifteenth day of that month, they rested, and made it a day of feasting and gladness. 19 Therefore the Jews of the villages, who live in the unwalled towns, make the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of gladness and feasting, a good day, and a day of sending presents of food to one another.
(WEB)
Show the children how the people rested and celebrated together. Explain that feasting and sharing food were ways of thanking God and caring for one another.
Talk About It
- How do you think the Jewish people felt before the special day, and how did they feel after?
- What helped the people become brave instead of scared?
- Why did the people want to share food and gifts with others?
- When has God helped you when you felt afraid or worried?
- What is one way we can celebrate and thank God for protecting us?
Activity Ideas
Paper Plate Celebration Picture
You will need paper plates, crayons, glue, and scrap paper. Have each child draw a happy scene of people sharing food and smiling, then glue on small paper shapes for gifts. Ask them to tell you one thing they are thankful for and write it on the back of the plate.
Sorrow to Gladness Movement Game
Have the children stand in a line. Call out “sorrow,” and they slowly droop their shoulders and frown. Call out “gladness,” and they jump up, clap, and smile. Mix the words quickly to keep everyone moving and listening carefully.
Take-Home Thankful Jar
You will need a clean jar, paper strips, and a pen. Ask the family to write one thing God has done for them on a strip and put it in the jar. Read the notes together at dinner time to remember God’s goodness throughout the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God works through ordinary people and brave choices to protect his people. The feast of Purim was established so that every generation would remember how God turned sorrow into joy. It also shows that thankfulness includes caring for those in need.
When teaching children, avoid making the violence in this chapter sound like a model to copy. Focus instead on God’s protection, the people’s courage, and the joy of celebrating together. Keep the story gentle and honest without going into harsh details.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for protecting us and for turning sad times into happy times. Help us remember that you are always with us. Teach us to share our joy with others and to thank you every day. Amen.
