Children’s Bible Program – Level 1: Lesson 54 “Jehoshaphat King of Judah”
Featured Passage: 2 Chronicles 17-20
Many years had passed since King David died, and Israel had split into two kingdoms, Israel and Judah. The kings of Israel turned the people away from God. They worshipped idols and acted in evil ways. For the Kingdom of Judah, some of the kings practiced evil, and some of the kings wanted to follow God like King David. Jehoshaphat was a king who wanted to seek God and did what he could to lead the people to obey God. Even though Jehoshaphat didn’t do everything perfectly, God was pleased with his attitude and protected him from harm. One day, King Jehoshaphat heard that some enemies were coming to start a war. Jehoshaphat and the people cried out to God for help. God told them that they would not even have to fight in the battle. They would only need some faith and some singers!
Discuss:
- Who was Jehoshaphat’s father? How do you think Jehoshaphat’s father helped him prepare to be a good king? How do your parents help you learn how to follow God?
- How did King Jehoshaphat become wealthy and powerful?
- Why did God protect Jehoshaphat in the battle with King Ahab? Do you know of any examples where God has protected you or anyone in your family?
- Why didn’t King Ahab listen to the prophet Micaiah who warned him of what would happen in the battle?
- What did King Jehoshaphat do when he heard that some of his enemies were going to attack Judah? How were his actions and attitude different than King Ahab’s had been? What did the musicians do in the battle?
Memory Challenge:
2 Chronicles 20:15
And he said, “Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat! Thus says the Lord to you: ‘Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.’”
