Nahum 3
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Listen. In the Bible there is a book with a strange name. Nahum. It is a small book. Today we read from chapter three.
There was a very big city. The city was called Nineveh. Nineveh was full of people. And full of soldiers. And full of horses.
But the people in Nineveh were not nice. They hit other people. They took things that were not theirs. They laughed when others cried. God saw it all. God saw everything.
God said something to Nahum. God said, "I am going to stop this. I do not want people to be hurt anymore."
And then it happened. Soldiers came to Nineveh. The horses ran through the streets. Clip, clop, clip, clop. There was much noise. The big walls of the city fell down. Boom.
Nineveh was no longer strong. Nineveh was no longer scary. God had said it, and it happened.
What Does This Mean?
God sees everything. He sees when people are kind. And He sees when people hurt others. God does not think that is okay.
God is strong. Stronger than a big city. Stronger than soldiers. Stronger than horses. Nothing is too big for God.
And God is good. He wants to help the people who cry. He wants to comfort the people who are scared. God says, "I see you. I am here."
The Common Thread
Long, long after Nahum, Jesus came. Jesus is God's Son. Jesus also saw people who cried. Jesus also saw people who were sad.
Jesus went to them. Jesus said, "Come to Me." Jesus hugged the children. Jesus healed the sick people.
God is still the same. He sees you too. He knows your name.
For You
Do you know what is nice? You may always tell God everything. When you are happy, tell God. When you are sad, tell God. When someone was mean to you, tell God too.
God listens. He always listens. He never says, "Wait a minute, I am busy." No. God has time for you.
And you? You may also be kind. To your brother. To your sister. To the boy next door. Small hands can do great things. Sharing a cookie. Giving a hug. Saying sorry.
God sees that too. And God smiles.
Talk About It
What do you think God sees when He looks at you?
Who can you be kind to today?
Praying Together
Dear God,
You are big. You are strong. You see me.
Thank You that You listen. Thank You that You love me.
Help me to be kind. And help other children who are sad.
Amen.
Questions about Nahum 3
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Nahum 3 about?
What does Nahum 3 say?
What does Nahum 3 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Nahum 3?
Why is Nahum 3 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Nineveh's walls were the wonder of the world, iron bars, gates no army had cracked. Then God says, "The gates of your land are set wide open to your enemies. The fire has devoured your bars." Fire eats iron. Every defense you have built around your life has a shelf life. When yours finally burns through, what is left standing? Only the Lord is a refuge that cannot be breached.
Nineveh's walls were legendary, and God compares them to ripe figs. "If they are shaken, they fall into the mouth of the eater." No siege needed. Just a shake.
What is your fortress? The savings, the reputation, the relationship you quietly lean on? Some things look solid right up until the branch trembles. Build on what cannot be shaken.
When the sun appears, they flee away, and their place is not known where they are." Nineveh counted her officials like a man counting his money. Impressive numbers, clustered on the wall. Then morning came and the wall was bare.
Some of what holds you up is only cold weather loyalty. Ask now, not later, what stays when the heat arrives.
Are you better than No-Amon, who was situated among the rivers, who had the waters around her?" Nineveh had watched Thebes fall. She helped topple her. Yet she assumed her own walls were different. We do the same. We hear of a marriage collapsing, a faith gone cold, and quietly think, not me. Nahum only asks: what makes you the exception?
Looking for something for slightly older children?
We also have dedicated versions for elementary age (7-12) and teens (12 and up).
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