In this lesson, children learn that God is the one who gives justice and kindness to the people who need it most, and that he works through good leaders who care for the poor. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God is fair, kind, and strong, and he cares most for people who are poor, sad, or treated unfairly. When we care for others the way God does, we help show his goodness to the world.
Memory Verse
Psalm 72:1
God, give the king your justice; your righteousness to the royal son.
(WEB)
Teach the children to hold both hands out in front of them, palms up, like a scale that is perfectly balanced. Say the verse slowly while they hold their hands still. Then have them lower one hand while they say “poor” and lift it while they say “justice,” so the motion reminds them that God makes things fair.
The Story: Psalm 72 for Kids
Long ago, a king in Israel was getting ready to rule his people. His father, King David, was very old, and the king’s son would one day sit on the throne. So the people sang a special song and prayed for him. They asked God to help the young king be wise and fair.
The song asked God to give the king a heart like his own. It asked that the king would judge the people with goodness. The king was to take care of the poor and the children who had no one to protect them. Everyone in the land was to be treated well, not just the rich and powerful.
The song told of a time when the land would be full of good things. Farmers would grow a lot of grain. The hills would be green and full of fruit. Peace would spread across the land, like rain falling on dry grass. People in faraway places would hear about the good king and bring him gifts.
Then the song turned to God. The people said, “Praise the LORD God, the God of Israel, who alone does wonderful things.” They said that God’s name should be blessed forever. They wanted the whole earth to be filled with his glory. The song ended with a loud “Amen,” which means “yes, it is true.”
Read It Together
Psalm 72:2-4
2 He will judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice. 3 The mountains shall bring prosperity to the people. The hills bring the fruit of righteousness. 4 He will judge the poor of the people. He will save the children of the needy, and will break the oppressor in pieces.
(WEB)
Point out how the king is asked to judge with fairness and to help the poor and needy. Ask the children to name a time they saw someone being treated unfairly, and talk about how God wants us to speak up for them.
Psalm 72:12-14
12 For he will deliver the needy when he cries; the poor, who has no helper. 13 He will have pity on the poor and needy. He will save the souls of the needy. 14 He will redeem their soul from oppression and violence. Their blood will be precious in his sight.
(WEB)
Show the children that God hears the cries of people who have no helper. Explain that God sees when people are hurt, and he cares about their lives. Remind them that God is never too busy to listen.
Psalm 72:18-19
18 Praise be to the LORD God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds. 19 Blessed be his glorious name forever! Let the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and amen.
(WEB)
Point to the words about praise and God’s glorious name. Help the children practice saying “Amen” together so they feel how the people in the song were saying “yes, we trust God.”
Talk About It
- What do you think it means for a king to be fair to everyone?
- Why do you think God cares so much about people who are poor or alone?
- How can you help someone who is being treated unfairly at school or at home?
- What good things did the song say would happen when God’s king was ruling?
- What is one way you can show God’s kindness to someone this week?
Activity Ideas
Paper Crown Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, scissors, and tape. Have each child draw a crown and write or draw one kind thing a good king would do, such as sharing food or protecting a child. Cut out the crowns and tape them into headbands or onto the wall, so the children can see what a fair and kind ruler looks like.
Balance Scale Game
You will need a coat hanger, two paper cups, string, and small objects like buttons or pennies. Hang the cups from each end of the hanger, then have the children add items to show what fairness looks like. Talk about how God wants both sides to be treated equally, and let the children move the scale back into balance.
Take-Home Kindness Card
You will need index cards, a pencil, and a small envelope for each child. Ask each child to write one way they will be fair or kind this week, such as sharing a toy or helping someone who is left out. Let them take the card home and put it on the refrigerator or by their bed as a reminder to follow God’s example.
Teacher Notes
Psalm 72 is a prayer for a new king, written with hope that God’s rule would bring justice, peace, and care for the poor. For adults, it points forward to a king whose reign is perfect and whose kindness reaches every nation. It also reminds us that God’s people share in this work by caring for others in our own communities.
Be careful not to suggest that children can fix every problem in the world or that doing good always brings rewards in this life. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and on the simple, real ways children can show kindness and fairness.
A Prayer to Close
Lord God, thank you for being fair and kind to everyone. Help us to be fair too, and to care for people who are poor, lonely, or hurt. Thank you for hearing us when we cry out to you. Help us to praise your name every day. Amen.
