Ezra 7
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Far, far away lived a man. His name was Ezra. Ezra loved God very much. Every day he read God's book. He read and read. He knew the words by heart.
Ezra lived with a king. A big king, with a golden crown. The king's name was Artaxerxes. What a hard name! The king lived in a country called Persia.
But Ezra wanted to go somewhere else. He wanted to go to Jerusalem. That was the city where God's big house stood. The temple. Ezra wanted to help the people there. He wanted to teach them about God.
So Ezra went to the king. He asked, "May I go, please?"
And what do you think? The king said yes! The king said, "You may go, Ezra. And I will give you gold. And silver. Lots of it. For God's house."
Ezra could hardly believe it. Gold and silver, from the king! For God!
Then Ezra started walking. It was a long, long way. Many months. But God walked with him. God kept Ezra safe. And finally, finally, Ezra saw the city. Jerusalem! He was there.
What Does This Mean?
Ezra said, "Thank You, God. You are so good to me." Ezra knew: it was not the king who did this. It was God. God made the king's heart soft. God gave the gold. God brought Ezra safely there.
The Common Thread
God loves His people. God wants to live close to them. That is why the temple was so important. And later, much later, God sent Someone even more special. Jesus. Jesus came to be close to us. Every single day.
For You
Ezra read God's book every day. Do you know what God's book is called? The Bible! In it are stories. About Noah. About Jesus. About you.
Maybe Daddy or Mommy reads to you from the Bible. Maybe before you sleep. Then you can listen quietly. Just like Ezra listened. And you may ask God everything. Just like Ezra did. God hears you. Always.
Talk About It
What did the king give to Ezra?
Who takes care of you, just like God took care of Ezra?
Praying Together
Dear God,
Thank You for Ezra. Thank You for the Bible. Please help me listen too. And walk with me, just like You walked with Ezra.
Amen.
Questions about Ezra 7
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Ezra 7 about?
What does Ezra 7 say?
What does Ezra 7 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Ezra 7?
Why is Ezra 7 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Ezra ends his prayer of thanks with these words: "I was strengthened according to Yahweh's hand on me, and I gathered together chief men out of Israel to go up with me."
Notice what strength looked like for him. Not a lightning bolt of confidence, but the courage to gather others. When God's hand is on you, you stop trying to go alone. Who is God asking you to invite along today?
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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