- Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6
A long time ago, in the stories from the Bible, there were special kings in Israel and Judah who
helped show us how God talks to His people. These kings had big jobs, like leading the people,
making rules, and sometimes they even had to listen to God’s prophets. Let’s learn about some
of these kings and their adventures!
Saul was the very first king of Israel! He started off good but didn't always listen to God.
It's important to obey God because He knows what's best for us
Saul ruled when Israel wanted a king like other nations, but he had trouble following God's instructions.
"To obey is better than sacrifice." - 1 Samuel 15:22b (NIV)
Make a paper crown and write "King Saul" on it. Talk about how we should listen to God like Saul should have
David was a shepherd boy before he became king. He loved God and wrote many songs (psalms) to Him.
David showed us that God looks at our hearts, not just what we look like on the outside.
David became king after Saul and was known for defeating Goliath and building Jerusalem into a strong city.
"The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing." - Psalm 23:1 (NIV)
Create a slingshot from paper or craft sticks to remember David and Goliath. Sing a simple song or psalm together.
Solomon was David's son and became famous for his wisdom. He built the first temple for God in Jerusalem.
Solomon teaches us that wisdom comes from God and we should ask Him for it.
Solomon ruled during a very rich and peaceful time for Israel, but later in life, he didn't always follow God.
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom." - Proverbs 9:10a (NIV)
Build a small temple model out of blocks or paper to remember Solomon's temple. Discuss what wisdom means.
Hezekiah was a good king who trusted God and prayed when his city was in danger.
He shows us the power of prayer and trusting in God when we're scared or in trouble.
Hezekiah ruled Judah when it was under threat from a big army, but God saved them because Hezekiah prayed.
"This is what Hezekiah did throughout Judah, doing what was good and right and faithful before the LORD his God." - 2 Chronicles 31:20 (NIV)
Draw Hezekiah praying with an angel protecting Jerusalem. Talk about times we can pray for help
Josiah became king when he was just 8 years old! He loved God and helped clean up the temple and bring people back to worshiping God.
Josiah teaches us that it's never too early to do what's right and follow God.
When Josiah found the lost Book of the Law, he realized people weren't following God's rules, so he made big changes.
"Before him there was no king like him who turned to the LORD with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might." - 2 Kings 23:25a (NIV)
* Make a small book out of paper to represent the Book of the Law Josiah found. Discuss how we can learn from the Bible.
Nebuchadnezzar wasn't from Israel, but he ruled over them when they were taken to Babylon. He learned about the one true God.
Even kings from other places can learn about and respect God
He was the king of Babylon who destroyed Jerusalem but later recognized God's power after Daniel interpreted his dreams.
"How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders! His kingdom is an eternal kingdom." - Daniel 4:3 (NIV)
Draw or make a model of a big, golden statue to represent Nebuchadnezzar's statue. Talk about how God is greater than any king.
These kings from the Old Testament had different stories, but they all show us parts of how God
works with His people. Whether they were good or made mistakes, we learn about leadership,
obedience, wisdom, faith, and how God’s love reaches everyone. Remember these verses as
you learn about each king, and let them inspire you in your own adventures of faith!
