Nehemiah 11
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Long ago there was a city. The city was called Jerusalem. It was a very special city. Because God's house stood there. That was the temple. A big, beautiful house for God.
But the city was almost empty. There were hardly any people. The streets were quiet. The houses stood empty. That was sad.
So the leaders had an idea. They said, "Someone has to live in Jerusalem. Otherwise the city stays empty."
They wrote down all the names. Many, many names. Then they cast lots. That is a bit like drawing straws. And the people whose name came up said, "Yes! We will go and live in Jerusalem."
Some people said it all by themselves, "I want to go!" They thought it was wonderful to live near God's house.
And so people came. Fathers and mothers. Boys and girls. They walked to Jerusalem with their things. There they built their houses. They lit their lamps. They baked their bread. The city was no longer empty. The city was full again. Full of people who belonged to God.
What Does This Mean?
God thought it was important that people lived close to His house. Because there people could pray. There they could sing for God. There they heard about God.
God did not want an empty city. God wanted a city full of people. People He loves.
The Common Thread
Now listen carefully. There is a very big secret.
Later, much later, someone came to that city. His name was Jesus. Jesus is God's Son.
Jesus was in the temple too. Jesus walked through the streets of Jerusalem.
And Jesus said something wonderful. He said, "I am with you. Always."
So you do not have to travel to a far away city anymore. Because Jesus is close to you. Wherever you are.
For You
Do you know what is nice? God wants people close to Him. God also wants you close to Him.
You do not have to walk far. You do not have to pack a bag. You may talk to God. Right here. In your own house. In your own bed.
You can say, "Hello God, here I am." And God hears you. Always.
Maybe you go to church on Sunday. There you sing about God. There you hear stories about Jesus. That is a bit like Jerusalem. A house full of people who belong to God.
And do you know what? You belong to that too.
Talk About It
Where do you like to talk to God best? In your bed, or somewhere else?
Who else do you know who loves God?
Praying Together
Dear God,
Thank You that I can be close to You. Even in my own house. Even in my own bed. Thank You that You hear me. I love You.
Amen.
Questions about Nehemiah 11
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Nehemiah 11 about?
What does Nehemiah 11 say?
What does Nehemiah 11 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Nehemiah 11?
Why is Nehemiah 11 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Shemaiah the son of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Bunni." Four generations, and not one famous deed between them. Their claim to Scripture is that they agreed to live in a half empty city when the lots fell on them. God wrote down the names of people who simply showed up. He still does.
One line in a long list of names: "Pethahiah the son of Meshezabel, of the children of Zerah the son of Judah, was at the king's hand in all matters concerning the people." He stood close to power so ordinary families could be heard. You may never be famous, but God notices where you stand and who you speak up for.
and at En Rimmon, and at Zorah, and at Jarmuth." Just place names on a list. No heroes, no speeches. Yet someone thought it worth recording that families went home to those small towns and started over, quietly, far from Jerusalem's walls and applause. God keeps track of ordinary addresses. Including yours.
and their brothers who did the work of the house, eight hundred twenty-two." No names. Just a number, and the quiet phrase "did the work of the house." Someone swept, hauled, mended, day after day, and God counted every one of them. Your unseen faithfulness is already on record. He knows the total.
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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