For Kids · 3 min with a grown-up
Jerusalem has a strong new wall — but it still feels empty. The city needs families to come and live in it.
Today's Story
Jerusalem had a brand-new wall all the way around it. But here was the funny problem: the city was big and mostly empty. There was lots of room and not enough people to fill it up!
Most families lived out in the little towns and villages nearby. They had their houses and their gardens there. Moving into the big city would mean leaving all that behind.
So the leaders had an idea. They said, “Let's pick one family out of every ten to come live inside Jerusalem.” They drew names, the way you might pull a name out of a hat.
And here is the wonderful part. Some families did not even wait to be picked. They raised their hands and said, “We will go! We want to live in God's special city!” They volunteered all on their own.
Everyone cheered for those willing families. They were giving up their old homes to help the city grow strong.
Soon Jerusalem was full of people again — full of families who loved God and were glad to say yes.
A Big Word
Talk About It
- When is a time you raised your hand to help before anyone asked you?
- Some families gave up their homes to help the city. What is something you could share or give up to help someone else?
- How do you think the willing families felt when everyone cheered for them?