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Hi Kids! The Bible is an excellent handbook on how to live life, love good, and rely on God. The stories this month cover four kings who trusted God.
Young readers: Read – Solomon; Solomon Asks to Be Wise; Solomon Builds the Temple; Joash Repairs the Temple; Shep and Lily — King Joash; Shep and Lily — King Josiah; and
A Boy King.
Older readers: Read – Solomon Becomes King; God Gives Solomon a Gift; Solomon Builds the Temple; Joash, the Boy King; Joash Repairs the Temple; The Little Boy who was Crowned King; Josiah and the Forgotten Book; and Good King Jehoshaphat.
To see the next page of the story, click the Next Page button below the picture.
 
Shep and Lily — Lessons from Joash, the Seven-Year-Old King
 
 

Remember King Josiah?

 

Sure! We're learning about him this month. He was a good king.

 

What makes a good king? 

 

I think the key is obedience to God. If the king follows God, then he is said to be a good king.

 
Was there a ever a ruler who was younger than Josiah?
 
Yes, Joash was seven years old when he became king.Sometimes his name is spelled Jehoash.
 
How did he become king at such a young age?
 

This is an interesting story. When Joash was a baby, his dad, Ahaziah, was killed. Ahaziah's mother took the throne and started killing off everyone in the family. So, Joash was hidden in the temple. When he turned seven, the priests crowned him king after his grandmother died. The priest, Jehoiada, helped Joash. While he lived, Joash was a good king. He repaired God's Temple and got everyone worshiping one God again.

 
You make it sound like Joash got in trouble after the priest died.
 
That's exactly what happened. With Jehoiada gone, Joash started listening to other people and turned away from God.
 
Wow, it looks like Joash was easily influenced. He was fine when people around him helped him make good choices. But when someone with bad ideas influenced him, he gave up on good.
 

That's a lesson for all of us. We can't let bad companions sway our judgment and have us give up on God.

 

We can be willing to listen to advice, but it is important to choose right or good no matter what anyone else says.

 
Don't forget to color the picture of Joash.
 
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