1st-3rd Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 12, Session 1: Solomon Asked for Wisdom TEACHER BIBLE STUDY David’s sin with Bathsheba yielded difficult consequences, but God showed David and Bathsheba that He still loved them. After the death of their first son, Bathsheba gave birth to Solomon. Nathan, the prophet whom God had used to confront David concerning Uriah, gave Solomon a special name: Jedidiah, which means “Beloved of the Lord.” God chose Solomon to be king. (See 2 Samuel 12:24-25; 1 Chronicles 22:9-13.)

Early in Solomon’s life, God appeared to him in a dream. “What should I give you?” God asked. Solomon’s response set him apart from many other kings. His God-honoring qualities were apparent.

First, Solomon humbly acknowledged his lack of experience in leading God’s people. Then he said, “Give Your servant an obedient heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” (1 Kings 3:9).

If you were a king or queen and God offered to give you anything you asked for, what request would you make? Ask the kids you teach what they would ask for if they could receive anything their hearts desired.

One might assume that a king would ask for power, to be victorious over his enemies. Perhaps he would ask for riches or to live a long life. Solomon asked for none of these. Instead, he asked God to make him wise. God was pleased with Solomon’s request, and He agreed to give Solomon a wise and understanding heart.

Solomon’s heart was surrendered to God. When we know and love Jesus, God gives us the same promise He gave to Solomon: “Now this is the confidence we have before Him: Whenever we ask anything according to His will, He hears us” (1 John 5:14).

LESSON OVERVIEW/SCHEDULE Session Title: Solomon Asked for Wisdom Bible Passage: 1 Kings 2:1-4,10-12; 3:1-15 Big Picture Question: What did King Solomon ask from God? King Solomon asked God for wisdom to lead God’s people. Key Passage: 1 Kings 8:61 Unit Christ Connection: Solomon’s grand earthly reign is a picture of the eternal reign of Christ. Solomon’s sin divided his kingdom, but Christ’s perfect Kingdom is forever.

Transition Time Welcome time Activity sheet/Table Centers Session starter (10 minutes)

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1st-3rd Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 12, Session 1: Solomon Asked for Wisdom

Lesson Countdown Introduce the session (1 minute) Timeline Map (1 minute) Big picture question (1 minute) Sing (5 minutes) Key passage (4 minutes) Tell the Bible story (10 minutes) Discussion starter video (3 minutes) The Gospel: God’s Plan for Me (optional) Prayer (5 minutes)

Table Time Timeline map (1 minute) Bible story review (10 minutes)

Large Group Review / Activities Key passage activity (5 minutes) Activity choice (10 minutes) Prayer (5 minutes)

THE BIBLE STORY/OVERVIEW Solomon Asked for Wisdom 1 Kings 2:1-4,10-12; 3:1-15

David was old. He had been king over Israel for a long time, and now his son, Solomon, had become king. God had promised David that Israel’s king would always be someone from his family. Because David was at the end of his life, he gave Solomon some instructions. “Be strong and brave, Solomon,” David said. “Obey God, and you will be successful. God will keep His promise that every king of Israel will come from our family.” David died, and Solomon took control of his father’s kingdom. Solomon married the daughter of Pharaoh, king of Egypt. With the princess as his wife, Solomon didn’t have to worry about being attacked by the Egyptians. The two countries were at peace. One night, God appeared to Solomon in a dream. God said, “Solomon, ask for anything you want, and I will give it to you.” Anything? A king might have asked to live a long life or to have lots of riches. Solomon could have asked God to give him victory over all his enemies. Solomon didn’t ask to be rich or to live a long time. Solomon wanted to be a good king. He asked for something even better. “God, you made me king after my father,” Solomon said. “I am young, and I don’t know very much about being a king. Please make me wise and obedient to You. Help me know

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1st-3rd Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 12, Session 1: Solomon Asked for Wisdom

the difference between right and wrong. Help me lead Your people well.” God answered Solomon, “I am pleased you have asked for this. I will give you wisdom. In fact, I will make you more wise and understanding than anyone who has ever lived. No one in the future will ever be as wise as Solomon.” But God wasn’t finished. “Because you asked for wisdom, I will also give you what you did not ask for: long life, riches, and honor. You’ll be greater than any other king during your lifetime.” Solomon woke up and realized God had spoken to him in a dream. Solomon praised God and offered sacrifices to worship Him.

Christ Connection: King Solomon could have asked for earthly treasures, but he asked for wisdom to lead God’s people. God created people to do His will. Jesus provided the ultimate example by completely trusting God with His life. Jesus surrendered His own life to die on the cross for our sins so that God could bring us back to Himself.

TRANSITION TIME Session Title: Solomon Asked for Wisdom Bible Passage: 1 Kings 2:1-4,10-12; 3:1-15 Big Picture Question: What did King Solomon ask from God? King Solomon asked God for wisdom to lead God’s people. Key Passage: 1 Kings 8:61 Unit Christ Connection: Solomon’s grand earthly reign is a picture of the eternal reign of Christ. Solomon’s sin divided his kingdom, but Christ’s perfect Kingdom is forever.

Welcome time Tip: As kids arrive this is a great time to collect the offering, fill out attendance sheets, and help new kids connect to your group.

Arriving Activity: Your Choice 3 large sheets of paper markers tape Tape three large pieces of paper to the wall. Write the following words at the top of separate pieces of paper: wealth, wisdom, honor. Explain that wealth is lots of money; wisdom is making the right decisions; and honor is others considering you very special or famous. Invite each kid to think about which one of those things he would like the most and put his name on the corresponding poster. Kids may only put their names on one poster. Say • Today, we will meet a king who had to make the same choice you did.

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1st-3rd Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 12, Session 1: Solomon Asked for Wisdom

Activities/Table Centers (5 minutes) Table Centers (Miscellaneous Activities) “Hidden Word” activity sheet / Bible Story Coloring Sheet, 1 per kid markers, colored pencils, crayons Guide boys and girls to complete the activity page. Say • What did Solomon choose? He chose wisdom. We will see why he chose wisdom in today’s Bible story.

If time remains, allow kids to complete the coloring page provided with this session.

Session Starter (10 minutes) Option 1: Maze Leader tape Tape two simple mazes that go straight for a few feet, left for a few feet, and straight again for a few feet. Add a second piece of tape to each maze about two feet from the original. This will form a path. The two mazes should look the same. (Please note: the mazes have already been created in your classroom) Form two groups of kids. Invite them to line up single file, each group behind one of the mazes. The first kid in the line will follow the path, only she may not look down. She may only look at the ceiling. The second kid in the line must tell her when to go straight and when to turn. If she leaves the path, she must start again. When the first kid completes the maze, the second kid goes with the third kid giving directions. The final kid must be led by the first kid. The group that finishes the maze first is the winner. Say • Was it difficult letting someone else lead you? Was it hard to lead someone else? In today’s Bible story, King Solomon had to lead and follow.

Option 2: Sand Snack vanilla or sugar cookies, 2 per kid ziploc bags, 1 per kid small plates, 1 per kid blue yogurt, gelatin, or frosting “Allergy Alert” printable Provide each kid with a ziploc bag and two vanilla or sugar cookies. Distribute a serving of blue yogurt, gelatin, or frosting on a small plate. Invite the kids to place their cookies inside the bag and seal the bag. Demonstrate how to use your hand to crush the cookies until they look like sand in the bag. Encourage the kids to sprinkle the “sand” over the blue yogurt, gelatin, or frosting to create a seashore. Say • The Bible says King Solomon’s wisdom was more vast than the sand on the seashore. (1 Kings 4:29) Today, we will find out how he became so wise.

Transition to large group

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1st-3rd Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 12, Session 1: Solomon Asked for Wisdom

LESSON Session Title: Solomon Asked for Wisdom Bible Passage: 1 Kings 2:1-4,10-12; 3:1-15 Big Picture Question: What did King Solomon ask from God? King Solomon asked God for wisdom to lead God’s people. Key Passage: 1 Kings 8:61 Unit Christ Connection: Solomon’s grand earthly reign is a picture of the eternal reign of Christ. Solomon’s sin divided his kingdom, but Christ’s perfect Kingdom is forever.

Suggested Theme Decorating Ideas: Create the interior of a library on stage. Place several small, full bookshelves around the perimeter of the stage. Alternatively, you may choose to place one or two small tables with chairs on stage. You may also create a librarian’s desk using a small table covered with office supplies such as paper, pens, pencils, and books. You might also place an old computer on the desk.

Countdown countdown video (on provided DVD with lesson videos and worship) Show the countdown video as you clean-up table centers, set up classroom chairs for lesson and set it to end as large group time begins.

Introduce the session (1 minute) Bible [Large Group Leader enters reading a Bible before looking up and being startled by the kids.] Leader • You caught me by surprise. Wow! There are so many of you. Usually just a few people enter the library at a time. Hi! I love the library. I’ve been coming to the library since I was about your age, maybe even younger. I still come to the library at least once a week. You are welcome to join me. I read a lot of books, but I have one favorite. It’s a love story with a hero, a villain, and a really happy ending. It’s also a book with lots of stories within a much larger story. I was just about to start reading one of those stories now. Why don’t you join me?

Timeline Map (1 minute) Timeline Map (small group visual pack – copies provided for Table Time Review) Leader • My favorite book has so many stories; it’s hard to keep up with what came first sometimes. That’s why we have this map. Let’s see! What story am I on? Here it is. “Solomon Asked for Wisdom.”

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1st-3rd Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 12, Session 1: Solomon Asked for Wisdom

Big picture question (1 minute) Big Picture Question: What did King Solomon ask from God? - 11x17 poster provided Leader • If you haven’t figured it out already, my favorite book is the Bible. Many of you may have a Bible, too. If you have your Bible, shout “Hurray!” No, no, keep it down! Sorry, I forgot we were in a library. I am so glad you have your Bible though. I also have a question I like to ask myself before a Bible story. It helps me remember what a story is about. Here’s today’s big picture question. What did King Solomon ask from God?

Sing (5 minutes) Worship Song: “Me Without You” (on provided DVD) Leader • There’s no better place to go for answers to your questions than God’s Word. The Bible gives us God’s plan for all people. This love story is about God sending His Son to save you and me. It’s about Jesus. It would be a very sad book without Jesus. Sing together “Me Without You.”

Key passage (4 minutes) Key Passage Poster: 1 Kings 8:61 (provided) Worship Song: “Devoted to the Lord our God” (on provided DVD) Leader • God wants 100 percent of you. That means He wants you to follow and obey Him every second of every day because you love Him like He loves you. That reminds me of a verse from 1 Kings. It’s our key passage for the next few weeks. Show the slide or poster of the unit’s key passage, 1 Kings 8:61. Lead the boys and girls to read the verse together. Sing together “Devoted to the Lord our God.”

Tell the Bible story (10 minutes) “Solomon Asked for Wisdom” video (on provided DVD) Bibles, 1 per kid Bible Story Picture Slide or Poster Leader • Let’s find out about an Israelite king who was asked a question that would challenge just how much he wanted to follow God. Turn in your Bible to 1 Kings 2. Listen for the answer to our big picture question. What did King Solomon ask from God? Show the “Solomon Asked for Wisdom” video, or choose to tell the Bible story in your own words using the script provided. For a shorter version of the story, read only the bolded text. Leader • When David was king, God promised him that his family would rule over Israel forever. David encouraged his son Solomon to be a strong and brave king. God came to Solomon in a dream and told him that he could have anything he asked for. What would you ask for if God came to you in a dream? Solomon asked for God to give him wisdom to help him obey God and lead God’s people. What did King Solomon ask from God? King Solomon asked God for wisdom to lead God’s people. God was glad that Solomon asked for this instead of asking for a long life, money, or fame. God was so glad that He told Solomon He would give him those things, too. Solomon woke up and praised God for His promise.

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1st-3rd Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 12, Session 1: Solomon Asked for Wisdom

Ask the following review questions: What did David tell Solomon before he became king? (to be strong, brave, and obedient to God; 1 Kings 2:2-3) How did God speak to Solomon? (through a dream, 1 Kings 3:5) What did Solomon ask for? (wisdom to judge the people and know right from wrong, 1 Kings 3:9) What else did God give Solomon? (riches and honor, 1 Kings 3:13) What did King Solomon ask from God? King Solomon asked God for wisdom to lead God’s people.

Discussion starter video (3 minutes) Unit 12, Session 1 - Discussion Starter Video (on provided DVD) Big Picture Question: What did King Solomon ask from God? - 11x17 poster provided Leader • What would you do if God said you could have whatever you wanted? Take a look at this video. Show the “Unit 12 Session 1” discussion starter video. Leader • If God asked you what He asked Solomon, would you ask for wisdom to do what God wants? Solomon wanted to do God’s will, but he knew he couldn’t on his own. God was so pleased with Solomon’s desire to do what was right that He gave Solomon money and fame too. Jesus also came to do God’s will. Jesus followed God’s will completely. Jesus died, taking the punishment for our sin. God was so pleased that He raised Jesus from the dead.

The Gospel: God’s Plan for Me (optional) Use Scripture and the guide provided with this session to explain to boys and girls how to become a Christian. Assign individuals to meet with kids who have more questions. If this is not possible, encourage boys and girls to ask their parents, small group leaders, or other Christian adults any questions they may have about becoming a Christian.

Prayer (5 minutes) Big Picture Question: What did King Solomon ask from God? - 11x17 poster provided Show the big picture question slide or poster. Leader • Do you think you know the answer to our big picture question? What did King Solomon ask from God? King Solomon asked God for wisdom to lead God’s people. Invite the kids to recite the big picture question and answer with motions. Here are some suggested motions: Placing a pretend crown on their heads for “King Solomon,” pointing up for “God,” pointing to their heads for “wisdom,” and walking in place for “lead.” Continue as time allows. Before transitioning to small group, make any necessary announcements. Lead the kids in prayer. Pray that God will give each kid the wisdom to follow Him.

Dismiss to small groups for Table Time

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1st-3rd Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 12, Session 1: Solomon Asked for Wisdom

The Gospel: God’s Plan for Me Ask kids if they have ever heard the word gospel. Clarify that the word gospel means “good news.” It is the message about Christ, the kingdom of God, and salvation. Use the following guide to share the gospel with kids. God rules. Explain to kids that the Bible tells us God created everything, and He is in charge of everything. Invite a volunteer to read Genesis 1:1 from the Bible. Read Revelation 4:11 or Colossians 1:16-17 aloud and explain what these verses mean. We sinned. Tell kids that since the time of Adam and Eve, everyone has chosen to disobey God. (Romans 3:23) The Bible calls this sin. Because God is holy, God cannot be around sin. Sin separates us from God and deserves God’s punishment of death. (Romans 6:23) God provided. Choose a child to read John 3:16 aloud. Say that God sent His Son, Jesus, the perfect solution to our sin problem, to rescue us from the punishment we deserve. It’s something we, as sinners, could never earn on our own. Jesus alone saves us. Read and explain Ephesians 2:8-9. Jesus gives. Share with kids that Jesus lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again. Because Jesus gave up His life for us, we can be welcomed into God’s family for eternity. This is the best gift ever! Read Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21; or 1 Peter 3:18. We respond. Tell kids that they can respond to Jesus. Read Romans 10:9-10,13. Review these aspects of our response: Believe in your heart that Jesus alone saves you through what He’s already done on the cross. Repent, turning from self and sin to Jesus. Tell God and others that your faith is in Jesus. Offer to talk with any child who is interested in responding to Jesus.

TABLE TIME LEADER Session Title: Solomon Asked for Wisdom Bible Passage: 1 Kings 2:1-4,10-12; 3:1-15 Big Picture Question: What did King Solomon ask from God? King Solomon asked God for wisdom to lead God’s people. Key Passage: 1 Kings 8:61 Unit Christ Connection: Solomon’s grand earthly reign is a picture of the eternal reign of Christ. Solomon’s sin divided his kingdom, but Christ’s perfect Kingdom is forever.

Bible story review (10 minutes) Bibles, 1 per kid Timeline (small group visual pack – extra copies provided for Table Time Review) Big Picture Question: What did King Solomon ask from God? (11x17 poster provided in classroom) Tip: Divide children into small groups for table time. Each group should include an adult leader at the table. Encourage the kids to find 1 Kings 8:61 in their Bibles. Help them as needed. Say • First Kings is in the Old Testament. It follows 2 Samuel and comes right before 2 Kings. First Kings is part of the History division of the Bible. This book tells the history of King

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1st-3rd Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 12, Session 1: Solomon Asked for Wisdom

Solomon and of several kings after him. Use the small group visual pack to show kids where today’s Bible story is on the timeline. Review the Bible story provided using the bolded text, or summarize the story in your own words. Invite the kids to pretend they are King Solomon. When you get to the dream segment of the story, encourage the kids to close their eyes and pretend like they are having Solomon’s dream. Say • It would have been so easy for Solomon to have asked for something for himself. He could have asked for a bigger palace, a larger kingdom, more money, or for people all over the world to know who he was. Instead, He asked to lead his people in knowing right from wrong. What did King Solomon ask from God? King Solomon asked God for wisdom to lead God’s people. God gave him all that other stuff too. No one was wiser than Solomon. No king had a larger palace or more prosperous kingdom, and Solomon’s name was known everywhere. Yet Solomon didn’t brag when God told him what He was going to do. Solomon praised God and worshiped Him. Show the big picture question slide or poster. Say • Let’s say our big picture question one more time. What did King Solomon ask from God? King Solomon asked God for wisdom to lead God’s people.

LARGE GROUP REVIEW AND ACTIVITIES

Key passage activity (5 minutes) “Say It Louder (or Faster)” Instructions Key Passage Poster: 1 Kings 8:61 (provided) dry erase board and markers Make sure the key passage, 1 Kings 8:61, is visible for each child, either as the printed poster or written on a dry erase board. Read the verse together. Say • Solomon said these words. He asked God for wisdom—not because he wanted to be the smartest king, but because he wanted to lead the Israelites to follow and obey God. What did King Solomon ask from God? King Solomon asked God for wisdom to lead God’s people. Read the verse together several times. Divide the room so half of the kids are on one side and half are on the other. Invite the two sides to challenge each other by who can say the verse louder. Allow them to shout back and forth a few times. If you are worried about being too loud, invite them to see who can say it the fastest.

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1st-3rd Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 12, Session 1: Solomon Asked for Wisdom

Activity Choice (10 minutes) Option 1: Lead and Follow Choose three volunteers. Number each volunteer 1, 2, and 3. Make sure you announce each number to all the kids. Ask each of the volunteers to do some kind of motion with an arm, leg, hand, and so forth. Help if needed. Explain to the kids that you will call out a number between one and three, and they must follow the motion that kid is doing. Randomly change numbers. If a kid changes to the wrong motion or doesn’t change, he is out. The last kid to change is also out. Play about a minute, and then change volunteers. Say • It’s important to know who you are following. Solomon chose to follow God and to lead the people to follow God, too. What did King Solomon ask from God? King Solomon asked God for wisdom to lead God’s people.

Option 2: Wise Crown construction paper or foam sheets, 1 per kid glue markers other decorations (optional) For each kid, cut four 2-inch strips lengthwise from construction paper or foam sheets. Invite each kid to glue two of the strips end to end, forming a crown to fit her head. Glue another strip from one side of the circle to the opposite side, forming a curve as part of the top of the crown. Glue the other piece halfway between the two ends you just glued. The last two strips will cross at the top. Allow the kids time to decorate their crowns with markers or other decorations. Say • No one around was as wise as King Solomon. What did King Solomon ask from God? King Solomon asked God for wisdom to lead God’s people. This crown is a reminder of Solomon’s wisdom and how we should seek God’s wisdom, too.

Prayer and Clean-Up (5 minutes) Say • Who would like to answer the big picture question? What did King Solomon ask from God? King Solomon asked God for wisdom to lead God’s people. If time remains, take prayer requests. Pray, thanking God for the wisdom He gives us. Pray for each child by name, asking God to help each one seek to follow God and lead others to Him.

Clean-up room.

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Instructions: A hexagon is a shape with six sides. God told Solomon he could have anything he wanted. Color the hexagons in the many shapes below to find out what Solomon asked for. Write the word in the blanks below. Younger Kids LeaderGuide Younger Unit 12,Session 1 Copyright 2013 Copyright LifeWay

UNIT 12 • Session 1 • Younger Kids Activity Pages © 2013 LifeWay Christian Resources. A Kingdom in Trouble Solomon Asked for Wisdom 1 Kings 2:1-4,10-12; 3:1-15 © 2013 LifeWay Christian Resources. LifeWay Family Journal Page A Kingdom in Trouble

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