The nation of Israel had become a very rich and powerful nation. As they continually sought to be like the kingdoms around them, they eventually brought idolatry into their everyday life. This caused God to split the kingdom into 2 separate kingdoms — the north and the south. During this overview of the divided kingdom, we will discuss its beginnings with the first kings of each and then discuss the prophet Jonah.

Opening Routine:

Old Testament Books Song MP3

Sing: God Had a Plan by Glenda Schales

17 Time Periods:  Sing song with pictures and hand motions, then pointing to location it happened on timeline .Link to my version of hand motions and song — 17 Time Periods video.

Review Previous Lessons:

This review will be incorporated in the slide show for telling the lesson.

Lesson:  Divided Kingdom

Sing The First Three Kings

Open bibles to 1 Kings 11:41-43 to see the transition of power from Solomon to his son Rehoboam. Without going into the politics discuss Jeroboam becoming king of Israel and Rehoboam becoming king of Judah.

Sing: Rehoboam/Jeroboam

Open bibles to Jonah 1:1 to read the instructions God gave Jonah then switch to the slideshow to tell the rest of the story letting the children read the captions. The pictures for this slide show can be found on Free Bible Images.

Sing: Jonah

Bulletin Board Activity: 

Add Divided Kingdom picture.  Let students take turns putting small pictures in the correct pocket.

Hymn:

New month, new hymn: Faith Is The Victory

Old Testament Challenge:

Give some time to add paper chains.