2 Kings 3
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Long ago there were three kings. They wanted to fight together against another king. His name was Mesha. So the three kings went on the road. Their soldiers walked with them. Their horses walked with them. Their cows and donkeys walked with them too.
They walked. And they walked. And they walked some more. Seven days long! The sun was hot. The sand was hot. The road was long.
And then… oh no. The water was gone. All the water! The soldiers were thirsty. The horses were thirsty. The animals hung their heads down low.
One king cried out, "Oh no! Now we will die of thirst!"
But the other king said something else. He said, "Wait. Is there someone here who knows God? Someone who can ask God what to do?"
Yes! There was someone. His name was Elisha. Elisha was a man of God.
What Does This Mean?
The three kings went to Elisha. Elisha listened to God. And then Elisha said, "Dig! Dig lots of holes in this valley. Big holes."
The soldiers took their shovels. And they dug. And they dug. And they dug some more. Big holes everywhere.
Elisha said, "You will not see any rain. You will not hear any wind. But tomorrow those holes will be full of water!"
That night the soldiers slept in the desert. It was quiet. So very quiet. No rain. No wind. Nothing.
But the next morning… look! Water! In every hole there was water! Cool, clear water! The soldiers drank. The horses drank. The cows and donkeys drank. Everyone drank until they were full.
God had done it. Without rain. Without wind. Just because God wanted to.
The Common Thread
God can make water come, even when you do not see any clouds. God can help, even when it seems there is no way.
Later, much later, Jesus came. Jesus also gave people water. And Jesus said, "Whoever comes to Me will never be thirsty again." Jesus takes care of us. Just like God took care of those thirsty soldiers.
For You
Have you ever been very thirsty? Then you drink and drink and drink. Ahhh. That feels good!
God sees you when you are thirsty. God sees you when you are sad. God sees you when you do not know what to do. And God helps. Sometimes in a way you did not expect at all. Just like with those holes in the desert.
You may ask God for help. God listens. Always.
Talk About It
What do you do when you are very thirsty? What do you drink then?
The soldiers dug holes and God gave water. What can you ask God for?
Praying Together
Dear God,
You are big and strong. You gave water in the desert. Thank You that You see me too. Thank You that You help me. I love You.
Amen.
Questions about 2 Kings 3
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is 2 Kings 3 about?
What does 2 Kings 3 say?
What does 2 Kings 3 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from 2 Kings 3?
Why is 2 Kings 3 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Three armies, seven days without water, kings certain they will die in the desert. And God calls the rescue "but a light thing in Yahweh's sight." What crushes you does not strain him. Notice too, he does not stop at water. He adds Moab. He so often gives past the edge of what we dared to ask.
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
Philippines
Nigeria
Zimbabwe
India
Zambia
South Africa
Malawi
Kenya
Indonesia
DR Congo
Ghana
Nepal
Cameroon
Mozambique
Benin
