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The Divided Kingdom: A Lesson Plan Based on 1 Kings 12
Introduction
In 1 Kings 12, we read about the dramatic events that led to the division of the kingdom of Israel. This lesson plan will help you teach children about this important story.
Key Concepts
- The kingdom of Israel was divided into two kingdoms: Israel and Judah.
- The division was caused by the sin of King Solomon.
- God used the division to punish Israel for their sin.
Materials
- Bible
- Construction paper
- Markers or crayons
- Scissors
- Glue
Lesson Plan
1. Introduction (5 minutes) * Begin by asking the children if they have ever heard of the kingdom of Israel. Explain that the kingdom of Israel was a powerful and prosperous nation that was ruled by King Solomon. * Show the children a picture of King Solomon. Tell them that Solomon was a wise and just king who loved God. * Explain that Solomon's son, Rehoboam, became king after Solomon died. Rehoboam was not as wise or just as his father. 2. The Division of the Kingdom (10 minutes) * Read 1 Kings 12:1-24 to the children. Explain that after Rehoboam became king, the people of Israel came to him and asked him to reduce their taxes. * Rehoboam refused to reduce the taxes, and the people of Israel rebelled. They split into two kingdoms: Israel and Judah. * Show the children a map of the divided kingdom. Explain that the kingdom of Israel was in the north, and the kingdom of Judah was in the south. 3. The Sin of Jeroboam (5 minutes) * Explain that Jeroboam was the first king of Israel. He was a wicked king who led the people of Israel into idolatry. * Read 1 Kings 12:25-33 to the children. Explain that Jeroboam made two golden calves and set them up in the kingdom of Israel. * The people of Israel began to worship the golden calves instead of God. This was a sin, and it angered God. 4. God's Punishment (5 minutes) * Explain that God punished the kingdom of Israel for their sin. He allowed the kingdom to be conquered by the Assyrians in 722 BC. * The people of Israel were taken into captivity and scattered throughout the Assyrian Empire. * Explain that the division of the kingdom and the punishment of Israel were a reminder of the importance of obeying God. 5. Application (5 minutes) * Ask the children what they have learned from this lesson. Explain that we need to obey God and to avoid sin. * If we disobey God, we will face the consequences. * Encourage the children to pray for God's forgiveness and to ask for His help in obeying Him. 
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