Ecclesiastes 2
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Once there was a king. His name was Solomon. He lived in a big, big palace. Solomon was very rich. He had gold. He had silver. He had lots and lots of money.
Solomon thought: I want to be happy. So I will get everything I want!
And so he did. He built big houses. He made beautiful gardens. He planted trees with sweet fruit. He dug ponds full of water. He had singers who sang for him all day. He had music and parties. Yummy food. Sweet wine.
Solomon said: Whatever I want, I get. Nothing is too much for me.
But then… Solomon sat down. He looked at all his things. His big houses. His pretty gardens. His gold and silver.
And Solomon felt sad. Very sad. Deep inside his heart, he was empty.
What Does This Mean?
Solomon thought lots of things would make him happy. But they did not. His heart stayed empty. Like a cup with no water in it.
Do you know why? Because his heart was made for God. And only God fits inside.
A toy is fun. Candy is yummy. A party is nice. But they are little bits of happy. They do not last.
Then Solomon looked up. And he said: All the good things I eat, all the good things I drink, they come from God's hand. God gives them. God is the One who makes me really glad.
The Common Thread
A long, long time later, Someone else came. His name was Jesus.
Jesus said: Come to Me. I will fill your heart. I will give you real joy. Joy that stays.
Solomon looked for happy in all his stuff. But Jesus IS the happy. Jesus loves you. And when Jesus is close, your heart is full. Nice and warm inside.
For You
Do you have a favorite toy? A bear you cuddle? A pretty dress? Yummy cookies?
Those things are good. God gave them to you. You may enjoy them!
But you know what is even better? God Himself. He loves you. He is always with you. Even when your toy breaks. Even when the cookie is gone.
Say thank you to God for the little happy things. And say thank you to God that HE is the biggest happy of all.
Talk About It
What is your favorite thing? Who made sure you have it?
What makes your heart really glad? A hug from mom? A song about Jesus?
Praying Together
Dear God,
Thank You for yummy food. Thank You for my toys. Thank You for hugs. But most of all, thank You for You. You make my heart full. I love You, God.
Amen.
Questions about Ecclesiastes 2
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Ecclesiastes 2 about?
What does Ecclesiastes 2 say?
What does Ecclesiastes 2 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Ecclesiastes 2?
Why is Ecclesiastes 2 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Therefore I began to cause my heart to despair concerning all the labor in which I had labored under the sun." Solomon had everything, and still his heart caved in. Notice he says he *caused* his heart to despair. Sometimes we have to let a dream die before we can lift our eyes higher than the sun. What are you still trying to squeeze meaning out of?
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
