Lesson
Engaging Introduction
Good morning, everyone! Today, we’re going to dive into the exciting story found in 1 Kings 2. Have you ever played a game of “King or Queen”? It’s where you pretend to be a royal person who has to make important decisions and lead a kingdom. In our story from the Bible today, we’re going to learn about a real king named Solomon, who had to make some very important choices right at the beginning of his adventure as king.
Imagine stepping into Solomon’s sandals for a moment. You’ve just been told by your dad, King David, that you’re going to take over as the new king. But before Solomon could start enjoying his new role, David had a really serious talk with him. He talked about what it means to be a good leader and why it’s so important to follow God’s ways. Just like how a captain needs to steer a ship in the right direction so it doesn’t crash, Solomon needed to lead the people with wisdom and fairness.
Think about some of the things leaders do, like keeping peace, making important decisions, and helping people solve their problems. In 1 Kings 2, King David gave Solomon instructions on how to do all of these things with the right heart. As we explore this chapter, we’re going to learn some fantastic lessons about how we can make wise choices too. Are you ready to open our Bibles and see what happens next? Let’s go!
Main Teaching Points
1. David’s Final Instructions
When grown-ups prepare to leave someone else in charge, like when a babysitter looks after you, they leave important instructions. David did this for Solomon. In verses 1-4, David tells Solomon to be strong and show himself as a man by following God’s commandments. David knew that following God’s commands would help Solomon be a great king. Imagine being told you have the map to hidden treasure — that’s like having God’s commandments to lead the way!
2. The Importance of Wisdom and Justice
Solomon deals with people who were not so nice to his dad, like Joab and Shimei. Just like a teacher who helps solve problems when students disagree or break the rules, Solomon had to handle these situations with wisdom and fairness. He couldn’t just ignore what happened; he had to make sure justice was served. It’s like when you’re playing a game and someone cheats. You need to decide the best way to make things right so everyone can enjoy playing together.
3. Solomon’s Decisions
Solomon also shows mercy. Think of when you make a mistake and someone shows kindness instead of being angry. Although Solomon needed to correct people, he also understood when and how to be forgiving. This makes us think about how can we treat others when they’ve upset us. Do we react in anger, or do we try to understand and find a peaceful solution?
4. Trusting in God’s Plan
In verses 10-12, we read that David passed away, and Solomon’s kingdom was safely established. Even though starting a kingdom is a huge job, Solomon trusted in the things his father taught him and in God’s plan for him. Can you remember a time you trusted someone’s advice? It’s like when your teacher guides you on how to do a project and helps you until you succeed. Trust and learning from others can help us in places we feel unsure or nervous.
These lessons from Solomon’s story show us the importance of listening, being fair, making wise choices, and trusting in guidance we receive. Those are big ideas, but don’t worry, God helps us as we learn!
Personal Application for Elementary Students
Now that we’ve heard about Solomon’s big responsibilities, let’s think about how this can apply to us in our own lives. Even though we’re not kings like Solomon, we still have important decisions to make every day. Can you think of a time when you had to make a hard choice at school or with friends?
Maybe you’re playing at recess and you see someone being left out of the game. Like Solomon used wisdom, you can use kindness and fairness to include them, showing justice and love, just like God asks us to do.
When you’re at home, there are rules to follow — like picking up your toys or helping set the table. Those might not seem like big decisions but choosing to do them with a happy heart pleases God and shows you are responsible, like Solomon taking care of his kingdom with care.
Solomon also learned from David’s words; you have people around you who give good advice too! Maybe it’s your parents, teachers, or a good friend who loves Jesus and wants to help you grow. Listening to them can help guide you to make choices that are good and right.
Let’s remember, as we go about our day, to be thoughtful in our decisions, to act justly and kindly, and most importantly, to keep our hearts tuned to God’s word. Just like Solomon’s wisdom started from being close to God, so can ours as we learn more about Him and His ways.
Interactive Discussion Questions
Let’s think and talk about what we’ve learned today through the story of King Solomon. I’ll ask some questions, and I want all of you to think about your answers. This helps us to better understand how we can use this story in our lives.
1. What do you think was the most important thing David told Solomon?
Allow the children to express ideas about being strong or following God’s commands. Guide them to see that David’s instructions were like a roadmap for Solomon, showing the way to lead a good life. Ask them if they’ve ever seen someone good at following instructions and how it helped them.
2. How did Solomon show wisdom and justice?
Encourage answers about Solomon dealing with people fairly and with mercy. Discuss how this can be similar to things they face, like sharing or taking turns, and how it feels when someone is fair and kind to them.
3. Why is it important to trust God’s plan?
Let them share times they had to trust, like learning a new skill or going somewhere new. Explain that, like Solomon, we can trust that God has a plan for us, knowing He will guide and help us just like He did with Solomon.
4. How can you be wise in your own life?
Steer the conversation around making everyday decisions. Whether it’s choosing friends who make good choices or deciding how to react when upset, encourage kids to think about how they can use wisdom just as Solomon did.
Remember, these stories aren’t just old tales. They are lessons to learn from and apply to our lives right now. Isn’t it amazing that God gives us stories to guide us and help us grow? Let’s all commit to seek wisdom, just like Solomon, as we continue our week.
Games
Game 1: King Solomon’s Wisdom Relay
– Objective: Learn decision-making and the importance of wisdom as exemplified by King Solomon.
– Number of Players: 4-10
– Materials Needed:
– A soft beach ball or lightweight object
– A large space for running
– Printed “wisdom scenarios” (see below)
– Setup:
– Have a wide space available for the children to run.
– Prepare scenario cards with simple biblical dilemmas or questions on Solomon’s wisdom from other passages.
– Instructions:
1. Split the players into two teams.
2. Place the “wisdom scenario” cards at one end of the space.
3. Each team lines up at the starting line opposite the cards.
4. The first player from each team runs to the cards, picks one, and reads it aloud.
5. The player must determine the wise choice or solution, then run back to tag the next player.
6. The game continues until all players have had a turn.
– Reinforcement:
– Discuss briefly why each decision was wise and link back to how Solomon asked God for wisdom.
– Emphasize application of wise decisions in everyday life.
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Game 2: Build the Temple Puzzle Race
– Objective: Understand the task of building the temple under Solomon and teamwork importance.
– Number of Players: 4-8
– Materials Needed:
– Two simple puzzles (10-20 pieces each)
– Timer (optional)
– Setup:
– Break the players into two teams.
– Place a puzzle at a table for each team.
– Instructions:
1. Explain that just as King Solomon led the building of the temple, each team will work together to “build” their puzzle.
2. On “Go!”, teams start assembling their puzzles.
3. The first team to complete their puzzle wins.
4. Optionally use a timer to see how fast teams can build.
– Reinforcement:
– After the game, discuss how working together and having a plan, as Solomon did, helps complete large tasks.
– Highlight the importance of solving problems and working as a team.
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Game 3: King David’s Legacy
– Objective: Recall and understand King David’s instructions to Solomon.
– Number of Players: 6-20
– Materials Needed:
– Note cards
– Pens
– Clipboards or a hard surface to write on
– Setup:
– Prepare note cards with missing words or phrases from King David’s charge to Solomon (1 Kings 2:1-4).
– Instructions:
1. Form a circle with the players.
2. Distribute note cards and pens to each player.
3. Read aloud the passage 1 Kings 2:1-4.
4. Ask the players to fill in the blanks on their note cards with the words/phrases they recall.
5. Share answers one by one and fill in the blanks as a group.
– Reinforcement:
– Highlight the importance of listening and remembering instructions.
– Connect the lesson with how we should listen to guidance and follow wise advice from others.
Takehome
Assignment: Understanding ‘1 Kings 2’
Dear Students,
For this assignment, we’re going to explore a chapter from the Bible: 1 Kings 2. This chapter focuses on the transition of leadership from King David to his son, Solomon. David gives Solomon advice on how to be a wise and just king, and Solomon makes important decisions for his kingdom.
Part 1: Reading
Take a few minutes to read the story of 1 Kings 2 together with your family. If you have a children’s Bible or an accessible version, that can make it easier to understand.
Part 2: Family Discussion
After reading, sit together with your family and discuss these questions:
1. What advice does King David give to Solomon?
2. How does Solomon respond to the challenges he faces as a new king?
3. Why do you think it is important for leaders to be wise and fair?
Part 3: Creative Activity
Choose one of the activities below to complete with your family:
1. Role Play: Act out a short scene from the chapter with your family. Choose who will be David, Solomon, and any other character involved, and reenact the advice-giving and decision-making moments. Think about what emotions the characters might be feeling.
2. Illustration: Draw a picture of a scene from 1 Kings 2. It could be Solomon receiving advice from David or Solomon’s decision-making process. Use colors to show how you imagine the scene.
3. Wise and Fair Leader Board: Create a “Leader Board” where you list qualities of a wise and fair leader. Use examples from Solomon’s story to help you. Write these qualities on a poster and decorate it with drawings or stickers.
Part 4: Reflection Writing
Answer the following question in a few sentences:
– How can we use Solomon’s example to make good decisions in our own lives?
Part 5: Family Sharing
Take turns sharing your drawings, stories, or leader boards with each other. Discuss how each of you can practice being wise and fair at home, school, or in your community.
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Please bring your completed activities and reflections to class. We will share what we learned and appreciate each other’s work.
Have fun exploring the story and learning together with your family!
Visuals
Slide 1: Title Slide
Visual: An illustrated scroll with the text “1 Kings 2: Solomon Becomes King”
Caption: Introduction to Solomon’s Kingship
Slide 2: David’s Advice to Solomon
Visual: Cartoon illustration of King David sitting with young Solomon, pointing to a scroll as they talk.
Caption: King David advises Solomon to be strong and follow God’s commandments.
Description: Use speech bubbles where David says, “Be strong and follow God’s ways.”
Slide 3: Solomon on the Throne
Visual: Solomon sitting on a grand throne, crown on his head, people bowing around him.
Caption: Solomon is crowned as King of Israel.
Description: Bright colors to emphasize the joy of a new king.
Slide 4: Characters of 1 Kings 2
Visual: Portraits of key characters: Solomon, Bathsheba, Joab, and Nathan.
Caption: Important People in 1 Kings 2
Description: Short descriptions under each character’s image.
Slide 5: Solomon’s Wise Decisions
Visual: Scales of justice symbol with Solomon beside it.
Caption: Solomon makes wise decisions as a king.
Description: Include a simple list of wise actions Solomon took, represented by icons.
Slide 6: Peace Under Solomon’s Rule
Visual: Peaceful landscape with people happily working fields and building.
Caption: Israel enjoys peace and prosperity.
Description: Show different scenes of harmony like farming, trading, and building.
Slide 7: Applied Lesson
Visual: Children in a classroom, one child helping another with schoolwork.
Caption: Being Wise and Just in Our Lives
Description: Talk about how students can apply Solomon’s wisdom in their everyday actions.
Slide 8: Summary Slide
Visual: Scroll with bulleted points highlighting key events from the chapter.
Caption: Summary of 1 Kings 2
Description: Simple bullet points summarizing each major lesson and event in the chapter.
Slide 9: Reflection and Discussion
Visual: Open book and question marks
Caption: What Can We Learn From Solomon?
Description: Questions for students to think about how they can show wisdom and fairness.
Memory Verse
A suitable Bible verse for elementary students from 1 Kings 2 is 1 Kings 2:3 (NIV):
“Observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses. Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go.”
Creative ways to memorize this verse:
1. Song: Create a simple melody to sing the verse. Children’s tunes, like “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” can be adapted to the words of the verse.
2. Rhyme: Break the verse into rhyming couplets:
– Observe what God requires,
walk in a way He desires.
– Keep His commands and laws,
in everything you pause.
3. Motions: Use hand motions or gestures for each part:
– “Observe” with hands over eyes like binoculars.
– “Walk” with fingers walking in the air.
– “Keep” with both hands holding an imaginary book.
– “Prosper” with arms outstretched wide.
4. Challenge: Create a relay or game where each child says a part of the verse while doing a task, like hopping on one foot to the next person. This will make memorizing interactive and fun.
These activities can help make the scripture engaging and memorable for elementary students.
Group Activity
Activity 1: King Solomon’s Wisdom Circle
Objective: Understand King Solomon’s rise to wisdom and leadership.
Roles:
– Reader: Reads the selected passages aloud.
– Questioner: Asks prepared questions about the text.
– Scribe: Takes notes of the group’s responses.
– Timekeeper: Keeps track of time and ensures each section is given the appropriate time limit.
Instructions:
– Begin with the Reader reading the specific verses about Solomon’s wisdom (1 Kings 2:1-12).
– The Questioner asks the following prompts:
– What advice did David give Solomon before he died?
– How did Solomon show wisdom in his decisions?
– Each student shares their thoughts, with the Scribe noting key points.
– Rotate roles so each student experiences a different role.
Discussion Prompts:
– Why do you think David’s advice was important for Solomon?
– How can we apply Solomon’s wisdom to decisions we make every day?
Participation: Each student must take turns speaking in their assigned role and provide one example of a wise decision.
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Activity 2: Creative Storytelling
Objective: Retell the events from 1 Kings 2 through creative expression.
Roles:
– Storyteller: Guides the group in creating a storyboard.
– Illustrator: Draws scenes based on the group’s story.
– Director: Ensures the story follows the events from the chapter.
– Presenter: Prepares to share the storyboard with the class.
Instructions:
– Discuss the major events from 1 Kings 2.
– The Storyteller guides the group to decide on 5 key scenes.
– The Illustrator draws these scenes.
– The Director ensures the story accurately reflects the events.
– The Presenter will explain the storyboard to the class.
Discussion Prompts:
– How did Solomon handle the challenges he faced?
– What can we learn from each scene about leadership?
Participation: Every student contributes an idea for a scene and helps in illustrating or planning the storyboard.
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Activity 3: Role-Playing Court
Objective: Act out Solomon’s leadership situations to explore justice and decision-making.
Roles:
– Judge (Solomon): Makes decisions based on presented cases.
– Advisors: Offer advice to Solomon.
– Petitioners: Present simple cases or disputes from daily life.
– Observer: Notes key decisions and their outcomes.
Instructions:
– Set the scene of Solomon’s court.
– The Petitioners present simple, fictional disputes.
– Advisors discuss possible solutions and counsel Solomon.
– The Judge makes a final decision.
– The Observer reflects on the fairness and wisdom of the decisions.
Discussion Prompts:
– Was the decision fair? Why or why not?
– What challenges did Solomon face in making decisions?
Participation: Encourage each student to rotate through roles, ensuring they each experience different perspectives within the activity.
Download PDF for Group Activity
Journaling
Guided Journaling Prompts for 1 Kings 2
Reflection
1. David’s Advice: In 1 Kings 2, King David gives advice to his son Solomon. What important things did David tell Solomon to do? How do you think Solomon felt listening to his father’s advice?
2. Being Brave: David tells Solomon to be strong and brave. Can you think of a time when you needed to be brave? What happened, and how did you feel?
3. Obeying God’s Commands: David reminds Solomon to follow God’s laws. Why do you think it’s important to follow rules or advice from those who care about us?
Personal Application
4. Role Models: Who in your life gives you good advice like David did for Solomon? How do you listen and learn from them?
5. Making Decisions: Solomon had to make wise decisions as a king. What’s a small decision you made recently? What helped you to make that decision?
6. Using Your Strengths: David told Solomon to use his strengths. What are some of your strengths, and how can you use them to help others?
Open-Ended Questions
7. Handling Challenges: How do you think Solomon might have felt about becoming king? How do you feel when starting something new?
8. Wisdom in Action: If you were a king or queen for a day, what would you do to make your kingdom a better place?
9. Important Promises: David and Solomon talked about keeping promises. What promises are important to you? Why is it important to keep them?
Prayer
10. Talking to God: Think about one piece of advice or lesson from today. Write a prayer asking God to help you either understand it better or live it out in your life.
11. Thanking God: Write a prayer thanking God for the people in your life who help you to make wise choices.
12. Asking for Strength: Solomon was told to be strong and courageous. Pray and ask God for strength and courage in something you’re facing right now.
Feel free to write or draw your answers. Share your thoughts with someone you trust if you’d like!
Quiz
1 Kings 2 Quiz for Elementary Students
Multiple Choice Questions:
1. What role did David hold in Israel before he passed away?
a) Priest
b) King
c) Farmer
2. Who did David want to be king after him?
a) Absalom
b) Solomon
c) Adonijah
3. What did David tell Solomon to do when he became king?
a) Build a big castle
b) Be strong and follow God’s ways
c) Travel the world
True or False Questions:
4. David asked Solomon to be kind to his enemies.
True or False
5. Joab had always been loyal to David.
True or False
Short-Answer Questions:
6. Who was David’s son that became king after him?
7. Name one thing David asked Solomon to remember when ruling Israel.
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Answer Key
Multiple Choice Answers:
1. b) King
2. b) Solomon
3. b) Be strong and follow God’s ways
True or False Answers:
4. False
5. False
Short-Answer Answers:
6. Solomon
7. David asked Solomon to follow God’s ways and be strong.
Teacher Tips
Teacher Notes for Teaching 1 Kings 2 to Elementary Students
Overview:
1 Kings 2 details the transition of leadership from King David to his son Solomon. It includes David’s final instructions and Solomon’s steps to establish his rule. This chapter is an opportunity to discuss themes like leadership, wisdom, and legacy.
Pacing Suggestions:
– Introduction (5-10 min): Begin with a brief overview of who King David was and his significance in the Bible. Use visuals or a short video clip for more engagement.
– Reading (10-15 min): Adapt the language for clarity or use a children’s Bible for a smoother read. Break it into sections to maintain attention.
– Discussion (10-15 min): Use a guided Q&A session to explore key themes.
– Activities (10-15 min): Conduct an activity that reinforces the lessons.
Explaining Difficult Concepts:
– Leadership Transfer: Explain that when a person is about to retire or step down, they often choose someone to take over, like a teacher choosing a class leader.
– Final Instructions: Use the analogy of a parent giving advice on how to take care of something important (e.g., a pet or garden).
– Justice and Wisdom: Discuss the idea of making fair decisions, using scenarios kids can relate to, such as sharing or playing nice.
Engagement Tips:
– Ask Open-Ended Questions: Encourage students to think about what it means to be a leader. Ask, “What makes someone a good leader?”
– Role-Playing: Have students act out different parts of the story, swapping characters, to understand different perspectives better.
– Creative Drawing: Let students draw a scene from the story, like David advising Solomon, and share their artwork.
Classroom Management:
– Group Discussions: Encourage students to share ideas in pairs or small groups before discussing as a class to ensure everyone participates.
– Movement Breaks: Use movement to re-engage students if they appear restless, such as acting out the story or moving to designated areas when answering questions.
– Clear Instructions: Be clear and concise with directions for activities and transitions, using visual or verbal signals to gain attention and maintain order.
Conclusion:
Wrap up with a short summary of what King David’s words might mean for us today and encourage students to think about wise choices in their own lives. Reinforce learning with a takeaway or a simple worksheet for reflection.
Crafts
Craft Activity: King Solomon’s Crown
Materials List:
– Gold and silver construction paper
– Scissors
– Glue sticks
– Stickers or decorative gems
– Markers
– Stapler
– Templates for crown shapes (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparation:
– Teacher cuts the construction paper into strips about 2 inches wide. Each student will need around 4-5 strips depending on head size.
– Optional: Print and distribute crown templates for younger students who may need guidance with cutting.
2. Making the Crown:
– Give each student the strips of construction paper.
– Have students choose whether they want a silver or gold crown.
– Encourage them to decorate their strips with stickers, markers, or gems as they desire, highlighting qualities they think a wise king should have (kindness, courage, fairness).
3. Assembling the Crown:
– Once decorated, help students fit the strips around their heads, ensuring it sits comfortably.
– Staple the strips together at the ends to form a crown.
– For added stability, staple a cross strip (horizontally) inside the circle to better secure the crown on their heads.
4. Final Decoration:
– As a finishing touch, encourage students to add additional stickers or drawings that represent King Solomon’s wisdom or qualities they have learned from the lesson.
Reinforcement of the Lesson:
This craft reinforces the lesson from “1 Kings 2” about the transition of leadership to Solomon and the wisdom and guidance he sought to govern wisely. Creating a crown gives students a tangible symbol of Solomon’s kingship and his call to be a fair and wise leader as he follows in David’s footsteps. Discussing why the students chose specific words or symbols to decorate their crowns reinforces the qualities that Solomon was encouraged to embody, emphasizing the importance of wisdom, justice, and following God’s commandments.
Music
Recommended Songs and Activities for 1 Kings 2
Song: “Be Strong and Courageous”
– Lyrics Paraphrase:
– “Be strong and courageous, do what is right. Trust in the Lord, and walk in His light.”
– Actions:
– Flex arms to show ‘strong’.
– March in place for ‘courageous’.
– Pretend to open a book for ‘do what is right’.
– Cup hands around eyes like binoculars for ‘walk in His light’.
Connection to Lesson:
– The song emphasizes the instructions David gives to Solomon, encouraging him to be strong and follow God’s commandments.
Song: “Trust and Obey”
– Lyrics Paraphrase:
– “When we trust and obey, we find strength every day.”
– Actions:
– Hold hands like a prayer for ‘trust’.
– Point forward for ‘obey’.
– Flex arms and march for ‘strength every day’.
Connection to Lesson:
– This hymn echoes the essence of David’s counsel to Solomon to trust in God’s ways and obey His laws.
Activity: “King Solomon’s Crown” Craft
– Supplies: Construction paper, glitter, stickers, glue, scissors.
– Instructions:
1. Cut a strip of construction paper to fit around each child’s head.
2. Let students decorate the strip with stickers and glitter.
3. Tape or glue the ends to make a crown.
– Connection to Lesson:
– Discuss how Solomon became king and how his father’s advice was part of his journey to rule wisely.
Activity: “Follow the Leader” Game
– Instructions:
– Choose a student to be the ‘leader’ who gives simple commands.
– Other students must follow the leader’s instructions.
– Connection to Lesson:
– This reflects Solomon needing to heed his father’s wisdom and follow God’s commandments.
These songs and activities aim to help elementary students grasp the significance of leadership, wisdom, and obedience as seen in 1 Kings 2, through creative and age-appropriate means.
Scripture Background
Background Notes for 1 Kings 2
Historical Context:
1. Time Period: 1 Kings is part of the Old Testament and takes place during the united monarchy of Israel. King David is nearing the end of his life.
2. King David: David was the second king of Israel and is known for being a brave warrior and a man after God’s own heart. As he grew older, he passed leadership to his son, Solomon.
3. Solomon: Solomon, the son of David and Bathsheba, was chosen to be the next king. He is known for his wisdom and building the Temple of Jerusalem.
Cultural Insights:
1. Monarchy: Kings were central to ancient Israel, serving both as leaders in war and as judges over the people.
2. Succession: It was common for kings to appoint their sons as successors. This ensured stability and continuity in leadership.
3. Advice to Successors: It was traditional for a reigning king to give a speech with advice and instructions to their heir. David gives Solomon guidance on how to rule wisely.
Theological Insights:
1. Obedience to God: David advises Solomon to follow God’s commandments, emphasizing that success as a king is tied to obedience to God.
2. God’s Promises: The passage highlights how God promised David that his lineage would continue to rule Israel if they remained faithful.
3. Justice and Wisdom: Solomon is instructed to act justly and with wisdom, important qualities for leaders. This sets the stage for Solomon’s renowned wisdom later in the Bible.
Key Lessons:
1. Legacy: Stress the idea of leaving a positive legacy by following God and acting wisely, as shown by David’s instructions to Solomon.
2. Importance of Wisdom: Solomon’s request for wisdom (which comes later) is foreshadowed in this chapter, underscoring the value of wisdom in leadership.
3. Faithfulness: Emphasize the importance of being faithful to God and His teachings throughout life, a core theme of David’s advice to Solomon.
Download PDF for Scripture Background
