1 Kings 15
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Long ago there was a country with a king. First there was a king named Abijam. He was king for only three years. Abijam did not really listen to God. His heart was not with God.
Then Abijam died. And his son became king. His name was Asa. Asa was a good king! Asa loved God. He wanted to do what God said.
But in the land there were lots of yucky little statues. People called them "gods". But they were not God. They were just stone and wood. Asa said, "These have to go!" And he threw them all out.
Even his own grandma had made such a statue. A big, ugly one. Asa was sad about that. But he was brave. He said, "Grandma, this cannot stay." And he chopped the statue to pieces. He burned it by the water.
Then Asa brought beautiful things to God's house. Silver. Gold. Shiny bowls. All for God.
But listen. There was another king. His name was Baasha. Baasha was mean. Baasha wanted to fight. He built a big wall to lock Asa in.
Asa was scared. What now? Asa thought hard. He got gold and silver and sent it to a faraway king. "Please help me!" That faraway king came and chased Baasha away. Phew.
What Does This Mean?
Asa loved God. Really loved Him. He cleaned up everything that did not belong to God. Even when it was hard. Even with his own grandma.
God saw it. God saw Asa's heart. And God knew: this boy is Mine.
The Common Thread
Do you know who else always chose God? Jesus. Jesus never did anything wrong. Not one time. Jesus is the very best King. Kings like Asa were good. But Jesus is even better. Jesus is King forever and ever.
And Jesus helps us too. He makes our heart clean. Just like Asa made the land clean.
For You
Sometimes there are things in your room you love very much. A stuffed animal. A toy. That is okay! Toys are fun.
But God wants to be number one in your heart. Nothing else.
Do you know what Asa did when he was scared? He asked for help. You may do that too. When you are scared, say, "God, help me!" God hears it. Always. He never sleeps. He is always close.
Asa was brave, because God was with him. God is with you too. Really.
Talk About It
Who was king after Abijam? And did that king love God?
What can you do when you are scared, just like Asa was scared?
Praying Together
Dear God,
Thank You for King Asa. He loved You very much. I want to love You too. Please make my heart clean. And help me when I am scared. Thank You that You always hear me.
Amen.
Questions about 1 Kings 15
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is 1 Kings 15 about?
What does 1 Kings 15 say?
What does 1 Kings 15 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from 1 Kings 15?
Why is 1 Kings 15 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Now there was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam all the days of his life." One sentence, and a whole lifetime inside it. The quarrel started over taxes and pride, and it never ended. It just got handed down, father to son, until war felt normal.
Some feuds you did not start. But you can be the one who refuses to pass them on.
Nadab was at the walls of Gibbethon, pressing the siege against the Philistines, and the man who killed him was standing in his own camp. "Baasha the son of Ahijah, of the house of Issachar, conspired against him." The enemy you can name is rarely the one that undoes you. While you fight the battle you can see, what is going unguarded in your own heart?
Looking for something for slightly older children?
We also have dedicated versions for elementary age (7-12) and teens (12 and up).
Open in the Children's Bible tool
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