Posts

Children’s Bible Program – Level 3: Lesson 31 “Ruth in the Land of Judah”

/in

 Ruth 1-2

Ruth and Naomi arrived in Bethlehem of Judea during the spring at the beginning of the barley harvest. Naomi was well known in Bethlehem and when the people saw that Naomi had returned they were excited! Naomi told them that she was mourning. She no longer had a husband to take care of her. But, she had Ruth! God has a statute that allows the poor to gather produce that the reapers leave in the fields during harvest time. Ruth decided that she would glean in the fields to support her mother-in-law. Gleaning was very hard work  but each day Ruth walked to the fields where she toiled from sunrise to sunset gathering what the reapers had left. Ruth worked very hard to take care of Naomi, and people began to notice.

Discuss:

Richard Gunther (www.lambsongs.co.nz) | FreeBibleImages.org
  • Ruth and Naomi arrived in Bethlehem during the barley harvest. The wavesheaf offering during the Days of Unleavened Bread marked the beginning of the barley harvest which always occurs in the spring (Leviticus 23:10–14).
  • God’s law includes statutes to provide for the needs of the poor, yet the poor are still expected to work. How is this different than the way different governments take care of the poor people today? 
  • What are some of the ways Ruth displayed diligence?

Memory Challenge: 

Ruth 1:22  

So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess her daughter-in-law with her, who returned from the country of Moab. Now they came to Bethlehem at the beginning of barley harvest.

L3.L31-Ruth-in-JudahDownload

Children’s Bible Program – Level 3: Lesson 32 “Ruth Finds Favor with Boaz”

/in

 Featured Passage: Ruth 2

It was now up to Ruth to look after her mother-in-law. As the barley harvest began she went to a nearby grain field. Little did she know that was owned by Boaz, one of Naomi’s relatives. It was customary to let poor people pick up the leftover grain that was missed by the men who were harvesting. Ruth bent to the work, gleaning the barley, unaware that Boaz was watching. Kind-hearted Boaz asked his men who this diligent and hard-working woman was. When one of his servants explained who Ruth was, and how she had left her homeland to care for Naomi, he was deeply impressed. He spoke to Ruth, inviting her to eat and drink with his servants. He then instructed her to harvest  the barley sheaves alongside his servants. No longer would she have to pick up the leftover grain. Not only did this make her work easier, but she could collect a lot more grain in the same amount of time. Boaz took responsibility to protect her and help her, just as she had done for her aging mother-in-law. When Ruth returned home and told her about the kindness of the landowner, showing her the overflowing basket of barley, Naomi asked who the man was. When she learned that this generous, caring man was her close relative, Boaz, she understood how God’s hand had turned to favor her. 

Discuss:

Richard Gunther (www.lambsongs.co.nz) | FreeBibleImages.org
  • Ruth’s works demonstrate her character. Christ said we can know a person’s character by their fruits (Luke 6:44–45). The Bible also says that even a child is known by their deeds (Proverbs 20:11).
  • Ruth had stopped serving idols to serve the one true God. She had left everything she knew to be among the people of God. We, as Christians, must be willing to forsake everything to serve God. What does it mean for us to give up everything to serve God?  
  • The Bible says that God rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). God often does this by blessing our efforts. Ruth worked very hard, and as God promises, He blessed her efforts.

Memory Challenge:

Ruth 2:12

“The Lord repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.”

L3.L32-Ruth-finds-favorDownload

Children’s Bible Program – Level 3: Lesson 33 “Ruth Gets Married”

/in

Featured Passage: Ruth 3-4

 Boaz was a prominent man in the community, having great wealth and many servants. He was also a close relative of Elimelech, Naomi’s deceased husband. Ruth had found favor with Boaz, and Naomi thought to secure Ruth’s future with him. The law of redemption allowed the nearest of kin to purchase the family land and to marry the widow of the one who owned it. Naomi instructed Ruth to secretly go to Boaz one night, with this statute in mind, and express her desire to put herself into his care. She said  to Boaz, “Take your maidservant under your wing, for you are a close relative.” She was basically asking Boaz to marry her! Boaz was glad that she came to him, and said he would be willing to take care of her, only there was a problem. There was another man who was more closely related to her than Boaz. This other man would have to decide not to redeem the land and marry Ruth if Boaz was to have a chance to do so himself. Not wanting to waste any time, Boaz got up early in the morning and went to the gate of the city to see what could be done. The decision made that day would determine what would happen to Ruth and Naomi. 

Discuss:

Richard Gunther (www.lambsongs.co.nz) | FreeBibleImages.org
  • The book of Ruth is one of  two books in the Bible that has a woman’s name in the title.
  • Consider the character and honor that Boaz displayed in the book of Ruth. What were some things that he did which reflected favorably on his character? 
  • True love always shows outgoing concern for others and does no harm. When Boaz showed concern for Ruth’s reputation and went to great lengths to protect her name. What are some other examples of true love from the book of Ruth?

Memory Challenge: 

Ruth 3:10-11

Then he said, “Blessed are you of the Lord, my daughter! For you have shown more kindness at the end than at the beginning, in that you did not go after young men, whether poor or rich. And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you request, for all the people of my town know that you are a virtuous woman.”

L3.33-Ruth-Gets-MarriedDownload
L3.L30-L3.33-RuthDownload

Children’s Bible Program – Level 3: Lesson 34 “Solomon Becomes King”

/in

Featured Passage: 1 Kings 1-2

Richard Gunther (www.lambsongs.co.nz) | FreeBibleImages.org

Solomon was the son of King David and Bathsheba. Though David had other sons, he promised Bathsheba that her son Solomon would be the next king of Israel. But as David lay on his death-bed, a different son, Adonijah, proclaimed himself king! Imagine the uproar this caused, as the followers of Adonijah celebrated his coronation. When David was told of of Adonijah’s take-over attempt, he acted quickly, announcing his choice of Solomon as king in his place. He commanded that Solomon should rule over Israel, not Adonijah. He gave instructions for his immediate coronation. David’s decisive action set the stage for a dramatic showdown between Adonijah and Solomon. 

Discuss: 

  • Bathsheba was the daughter of Eliam (one of David’s mighty men) and the granddaughter of Ahithophel (one of David’s advisors).
  • Adonijah was presumptuous to make himself king. What does it mean to be presumptuous, and how does God view this (Psalms 19:13, 1 Peter 2:10)? 
  • The people who supported Adonijah were directly rebelling against the instructions of King David, who had been guided by God to select Solomon as king. What can we learn from this example regarding who we support? 
  • Solomon’s name means rest or peace. Where do we read about the peace that the land of Israel enjoyed during his reign? (note that this introduces the child to the parallel account of the kings of Israel and Judah in 1 and 2 Chronicles)

Memory Challenge: 

1 Kings 1:37

As the Lord has been with my lord the king, even so may He be with Solomon, and make his throne greater than the throne of my lord King David.

L3.L34-Solomon-Becomes-KingDownload

Children’s Bible Program – Level 3: Lesson 35 “Solomon’s Special Request”

/in

Featured Passage: 1 Kings 3

Solomon was a young man when he became king of Israel. It was a big job to oversee the whole nation, and Solomon knew he needed help. One night, God spoke to Solomon in a dream and asked him what was his heart’s desire. God told him that he could have anything he wanted! He could have asked for fame, riches, or a long life. Solomon’s response showed a maturity, humility and concern for his people. God gave him exactly what he needed to fulfill his role as king…and much more!

Discuss:

Richard Gunther (www.lambsongs.co.nz) | FreeBibleImages.org
  • Solomon offered sacrifices to God at Gibeon. Ultimately, God led him to build a temple at another location, which would serve as a worship-house for God for generations to come. Where was that temple built?
  • What would you ask for if you could have anything want? What would be the wisest thing to request of God?
  • Why do you think God was so happy with Solomon’s request?
  • Why do you think it was important to Solomon to have wisdom?
  • We have Solomon’s wisdom with us today in the Bible. He wrote Ecclesiastes, the Song of Solomon, and most of the book of Proverbs. Find a passage in the book of Proverbs that tells us how important it is to find wisdom. 

Memory Challenge: 

1 Kings 3:9 

“…give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?”

L3.35-Solomons-Special-RequestDownload

Children’s Bible Program – Level 3: Lesson 36 “Solomon’s Prosperous Reign”

/in

Featured Passage: 1 Kings 4 – 7 

During the reign of Solomon the kingdom of Israel had peace, productivity, and prosperity during the reign of Solomon. It was said that gold was so abundant, silver was considered practically worthless. Solomon’s friends respected him and his enemies feared him. God had given Solomon the responsibility to build the temple, a task which Solomon took very seriously. It became clear that God was blessing him and the nation of Israel. Solomon’s fame began to spread far and wide, and many important people including kings and queens came to see for themselves. They could hardly believe what their eyes had seen. The nation of Israel underKing Solomon came to surpass all the kingdoms of the earth in wisdom and riches. Yet, who was really responsible for the prosperity and blessings that the kingdom of Israel enjoyed? 

Discuss:

003-ls-solomon
Richard Gunther (www.lambsongs.co.nz) | FreeBibleImages.org
  • Marriage was often used to establish peace between countries. King Solomon married the daughter of the king of Egypt which achieved this purpose. 
  • Israel had trade agreements with the surrounding nations. Why do you think this would be helpful in having a peaceful kingdom? Though these types of agreements can be helpful, who do we look to as the true source of peace? . 
  • Solomon’s wealth and wisdom attracted many people; one of the more famous was the Queen of Sheba. What was her assessment of the facts when she visited Solomon?
  • The temple that Solomon built was magnificent! His father David had prepared much of the materials for its construction including gold, silver, precious stones, marble, and wood (1 Chronicles 29:1–5). It took seven years to build, but when it was finished it was very beautiful. What do you think it would have been like to visit Jerusalem after the temple has just been completed? 
  • Solomon worked hard, and God blessed his efforts (Ecclesiastes 2:4–9). God often blesses us by blessing the efforts we put forth. Hard work is a principle that applies to us (Proverbs 10:4).

Memory Challenge: 

1 Kings 4:29

And God gave Solomon wisdom and exceedingly great understanding, and largeness of heart like the sand on the seashore.

L3.L36-Solomons-Prosperous-ReignDownload

Children’s Bible Program – Level 3: Lesson 37 “Solomon’s Legacy”

/in

Featured Passage: 1 Kings 8-11

Solomon started his reign as king with fear and reverence for God. God blessed him, and Solomon prospered. His wisdom and accomplishments became famous. Sadly, human beings often forget about God when life goes well. Would Solomon fall into that trap? God warned Israel not to multiply wives, horses (for battle), and riches (Deuteronomy 8:11-18). As a powerful king, Solomon had the opportunity to do all these things. What would Solomon’s legacy be? Would he continue to follow God just like his father King David had done…or would he turn his back on God?

Discuss:

Richard Gunther (www.lambsongs.co.nz) | FreeBibleImages.org
  • Solomon had the opportunity to build and dedicate the temple.What kind of attitude does Solomon show toward God in his prayer for the dedication of the temple? How did God respond to his prayer?
  • God told the Israelites not to marry foreigners. Why did God give this command? (Deuteronomy 7:1-4)
  • Solomon ignored God’s command, and married hundreds of women from a variety of different countries. Why did Solomon do this? What were the results?
  • After Solomon died, God allowed the kingdom of Israel to fracture into two parts, just as it had been before the time of David. What were these two parts called and why did God allow this to happen?
  • What important lessons can we learn from Solomon’s life? 

Memory Challenge: 

1 Kings 8:61

Let your heart, therefore, be loyal to the LORD our God, to walk in His statutes and keep His commandments, as at this day.

L3.L34-L3.37-SolomonDownload
L3.37-Solomons-LegacyDownload

Children’s Bible Program – Level 3: Lesson 38 “Rehoboam Ascends to the Throne”

/in

Featured Passage: 1 Kings 12

When King Solomon died, his son Rehoboam was made king over all of Israel. The Kingdom of Israel had prospered under Solomon. However, there were problems that needed to be resolved. Rehoboam knew it was wise to seek counsel (Proverbs 1:5), but to whom would he listen? Would he listen to the counsel of the men who had advised his father, or would he listen to his friends? The future of the Kingdom of Israel hung in the balance. 

Discussion:

Sweet Publishing | FreeBibleImages.org
  • The people complained to Rehoboam about how much they had been taxed by his father, Solomon. Why do you think the taxes were so high during Solomon’s reign? For what purpose was Solomon using all that money? 
  • The scripture says that we should seek “wise” counsel. What does it mean to seek counsel? Where can we go for wise counsel?
  • Were Rehoboam’s friends wise counselors? What can we learn from this example?
  • Rehoboam wanted the people’s respect. He tried to show that he was ready to rule by being harsh. Does bullying others in this way earn their respect?
  • How did Solomon’s former advisers say Rehoboam could earn the respect of the people?
  • Rehoboam decided not to listen to the wise men. He decided to tax the people even more, as his friends had advised. What happened to the kingdom of Israel because of Rehoboam’s poor decision?

Memory Challenge: 

Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

L3.38-Rehoboam-Ascends-to-the-ThroneDownload

Children’s Bible Program – Level 3: Lesson 39 “Jeroboam”

/in

Featured Passage: 1 Kings 11-12

As Solomon grew older, he began to turn from God and His laws and statutes. Before Solomon’s death, God warned him that his actions would result in the loss of half of his kingdom to Jeroboam, an energetic leader who oversaw many of Solomon’s building projects. God promised that this break-up of the kingdom of Israel would not occur until after Solomon died, but that his son Rehoboam would inherit the consequences of his sins. Despite Solomon’s best efforts to kill Jeroboam, his plans failed. More importantly, Solomon failed his kingdom when he turned his back on God, creating the ingredients for strife between Israel and Judah. Would Solomon’s son, King Rehoboam, learn the lesson that Solomon did not? And would Jeroboam obey God and establish a dynasty that would rule Israel down through history? Read 1 Kings 11-12 and find out!

Discuss:

Sweet Publishing | FreeBibleImages.org
  • Why did God take the majority of the tribes from Rehoboam, Solomon’s son?
  • When Solomon learned that God was going to give part of the kingdom to Jeroboam, he tried to thwart God’s plan by having him killed. Can anyone stop God from carrying out His plans? How did Jeroboam escape? What made him return to Israel? 
  • What special opportunity and blessing did God offer to Jeroboam and his descendants? 
  • Jeroboam set up idols for the people to worship, made priests of anyone, and established different holy days than those that God had ordained. What was his excuse for doing this?
  • How did God respond to Jeroboam’s actions taking Israel into idolatry?
  • When we disobey God, what do expect will happen? What would we expect God to do?

Memory Challenge:

1 Kings 11:31

And he said to Jeroboam, “Take for yourself ten pieces, for thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: ‘Behold, I will tear the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon and will give ten tribes to you…’”

L3.39-JeroboamDownload

Children’s Bible Program – Level 3: Lesson 40 “Rehoboam’s Reign”

/in

Featured Passage: 2 Chronicles 11 and 12

Rehoboam, the son of King Solomon, was selected to be king after Solomon’s death. Rehoboam was 41 years old when he took the throne. His first instinct when the ten tribes declared their independence was to declare war on Israel and bring them back under his rule. Would he succeed and rule over Judah and Israel? What type of king would Rehoboam be? In this lesson, we will learn more about King Rehoboam and the legacy that he left.

Discuss: 

Sweet Publishing | FreeBibleImages.org
  • God told Shemaiah to tell Rehoboam that He inspired Israel to be split. To his credit, Rehoboam did not try to subdue Israel; he accepted what God had done.
  • The Levites who were living within the Kingdom of Israel left when they started worshipping idols and joined with the Kingdom of Judah. 
  • Why was Rehoboam strengthened when the Levites returned to Judah? 
  • What is the relationship between obedience and blessings? Rehoboam was blessed during the three years he followed God.
  • Rehoboam started out well, and he had many great works. Rehoboam built walled cities for security and encouraged the people to worship God. 
  • Rehoboam had many wives, which is contrary to God’s instructions. What place in the Bible makes that very clear? 
  • People can often forget about God when things are going well (Deuteronomy 8:18–19). Was this what happened with Reheboam? 
  • God sent Egypt against Rehoboam because of his transgressions. The Egyptians took all the treasury back to Egypt with them. There is always a consequence for disobedience to God. 
  • Rehoboam reigned for seventeen years. He left a legacy of disobedience toward God, unlike King David.

Memory Challenge:

Deuteronomy 8:19

Then it shall be, if you by any means forget the Lord your God, and follow other gods, and serve them and worship them, I testify against you this day that you shall surely perish.

L3.L40-Rehoboams-Reign-Download