2 Chronicles 18
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Two kings sat on two big chairs. One king was Ahab. The other king was Jehoshaphat. They wore pretty clothes. Shiny and long.
Ahab said, "Let's go fight! Will you come with me?"
Jehoshaphat said, "Yes. But first we must ask God. What does God say?"
So Ahab called all his helpers. Four hundred men! They all said the same thing: "Go! You will win!"
But Jehoshaphat looked around. He was not sure. "Is there someone else? Someone who really listens to God?"
Ahab sighed. "Yes. His name is Micaiah. But I don't like him. He never says nice things about me."
They went to get Micaiah anyway.
What Does This Mean?
Micaiah was a quiet man. He listened to God. Really listened.
On the way, a man whispered to him. "All the others say good things. You must say good things too!"
But Micaiah shook his head. "No. I will say what God says. Only that."
He stood before the kings. Everyone watched. Everyone was quiet.
Micaiah said, "God showed me something. Do not go fight. It will end sad. Very sad."
Ahab was angry. So angry! He stamped his foot. "See! I told you! He never says nice things!"
Ahab put Micaiah in prison. With only a little bread. With only a little water. But Micaiah was not scared. He knew God had spoken through him.
The Common Thread
God always tells the truth. Even when it is hard. Even when people do not want to hear it.
Long, long later, Someone else came. His name was Jesus. Jesus also told the truth. Always. And people did not always want to hear it either. But Jesus kept speaking, because He loves us.
God's words are true. You can trust them. Like a strong rock under your feet.
For You
Ahab went to fight. He put on a different coat, so no one would see he was the king. He thought, "Now I am safe!"
But God sees everything. An arrow flew through the air. Just one arrow. And it hit exactly the right spot. Ahab did not come home.
Jehoshaphat was scared too. Soldiers came running at him! He cried out loud, "God, help me!" And do you know what? God heard him. Right away. The soldiers turned and went away.
You may also call to God. When you are scared. When it is dark. When you feel alone. God hears you. Always.
And you may be like Micaiah too. Say what is true. Even when it is a bit hard. God helps you.
Talk About It
Micaiah said what was true, even though it was hard. When is it hard for you to say what is true?
Jehoshaphat called, "God, help me!" and God helped him. Would you like to call to God too?
Praying Together
Dear God, thank You that You always tell the truth. Help me to tell the truth too. And when I am scared, I will call to You. Because You hear me. Amen.
Questions about 2 Chronicles 18
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is 2 Chronicles 18 about?
What does 2 Chronicles 18 say?
What does 2 Chronicles 18 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from 2 Chronicles 18?
Why is 2 Chronicles 18 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Micaiah is being dragged off to prison on bread and water, and still he stakes everything on one sentence: "If you return at all in peace, Yahweh has not spoken by me." No hedging. He would rather be locked up for truth than comfortable for a lie. What would you say if agreement meant freedom?
Micaiah opens a window into heaven at the very moment Ahab is being flattered by four hundred yes-men. "I saw Yahweh sitting on his throne, and all the army of heaven standing on his right hand and on his left." While earthly kings scheme, God is already seated, already reigning. What voices are you letting crowd out that quieter truth today?
All the prophets prophesied so, saying, Go up to Ramoth Gilead, and prosper; for Yahweh will deliver it into the hand of the king." Four hundred voices, all agreeing, all wrong. Sometimes the loudest chorus around you is not the voice of God. Ahab surrounded himself with yes-men who told him what he wanted to hear. Who have you gathered around you, and are they willing to tell you the hard truth?
Looking for something for slightly older children?
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