3rd Grade Bible & Scripture — Kings and Prophets — God's Faithful Servants
Students will learn how Israel divided into two kingdoms and understand the consequences of prideful leadership.
After Solomon died, his son Rehoboam became king. The people asked Rehoboam to lighten the heavy taxes and hard labor that Solomon had placed on them. The older advisors told Rehoboam to be kind to the people.
But Rehoboam listened to his young friends instead. He told the people, 'My father made your yoke heavy; I will make it even heavier!' This was a foolish and proud decision that changed history.
Ten of the twelve tribes of Israel rebelled and formed their own kingdom in the north, called Israel. Only two tribes stayed loyal to Rehoboam in the south, forming the kingdom of Judah. God's united nation was now split in two.
The northern kingdom of Israel had many bad kings who led the people to worship idols. The southern kingdom of Judah had some good kings and some bad kings. God sent prophets to both kingdoms to call the people back to Him.
The divided kingdom teaches us that pride and foolish choices have serious consequences. But God never gave up on His people. He kept His promises and continued to work through faithful people in both kingdoms.
Draw a map showing Israel (the northern kingdom) and Judah (the southern kingdom). Label the capital of each: Samaria for Israel and Jerusalem for Judah. Color them different colors.