Children’s Bible Program – Level 1: Lesson 55 “Jehoash Repairs the Temple”
Featured Passage: 2 Kings 12
After King Jehoshaphat died, the Kingdom of Judah was ruled by many other kings. Some of them tried to follow God, while others worshipped idols and turned the people away from God. The name of one of them was Ahaziah. Ahaziah was a wicked king, and his mother Athaliah was just as wicked. When King Ahaziah died, his mother wanted to take over the kingdom and get rid of anyone who opposed her. Now, Ahaziah had a son named Jehoash (sometimes also called Joash). Jehoash was just a baby when his father died, and his aunt hid him and his nurse to protect him from the evil queen. When Jehoash was only seven years old, the priest brought him out of hiding to proclaim him as king before the people. As a young king, Jehoash grew up with the priest of God as his teacher which prepared him to help the people of Judah turn back to God.
Discuss:
- How old was Jehoash when he became king? How old are you? What do you think it would be like to be a king or queen at your age?
- Jehoash was about the age of a first or second grade student when he became king. Who helped him with his responsibilities as king of Judah?
- What did Jehoash do to fix the mess that the previous rulers had made in the temple? Do you think God was pleased with what Jehoash did?
- Jehoash did well as long as he listened to Jehoiada, who was a wise priest. What happened after Jehoiada’s death? (You can read more about what happened to King Jehoash in 2 Chronicles 24)
Memory Challenge:
1 Kings 12:2
“Jehoash did what was right in the sight of the Lord all the days in which Jehoiada the priest instructed him.”
