Name a few things that a good king might do and some things that a bad king might do. Ask the children to stand up and cheer for the good things and to sit down for the bad things. Explain to the children that Israel had many kings, some righteous and some not. Invite the children to listen for what made Hezekiah a good king as you read 2 Kings 18:3, 5. Help them think of ways we can show that we trust the Lord as Hezekiah did.

Help the children understand what it means to trust someone. Talk about people you trust, and let the children do so too. Show a picture of Jesus Christ. Why can we trust Jesus Christ? Express your trust that Jesus Christ loves us and will help us return to live forever with Heavenly Father.

Using Bible map 3, “The Division of the 12 Tribes,” briefly explain to the children that the Northern Kingdom of Israel was conquered by people called the Assyrians. Explain that the Assyrians later tried to conquer the Southern Kingdom of Judah. Invite the children to imagine how they would feel if they lived in Judah and knew that the Assyrians were coming to destroy the city. Ask the children to read 2 Kings 18:3, 5–6 to find out why Hezekiah, the king of Judah, was able to be brave when the Assyrians came.

Invite the children to read 2 Kings 19:14–19, looking for what Hezekiah did when the Assyrians threatened his kingdom. How did doing these things show that he trusted in the Lord? What can we do to show our trust in the Lord when we need help?

Hide a copy of the scriptures somewhere in the room, and invite the children to find it. Explain that in the days of King Josiah, many of the people weren’t learning from the scriptures until a priest found them in the temple (see 2 Kings 22:8–11). What are scriptures? Why do we need the scriptures? Tell the children why you are glad we have the scriptures today and let them share their feelings about the scriptures.

Read 2 Kings 23:2 to the children, and ask them to listen for what the king did with the scriptures. Why was it important for everyone to hear what was written in the scriptures? Sing a song about the scriptures, such as “Search, Ponder, and Pray” (Children’s Songbook, 109), and ask the children to talk about how they feel when they hear teachings and stories from the scriptures.
DOWNLOAD Search, Ponder, and Pray song visuals (HERE or below)

Tell the children that King Josiah told his people to repair the temple, and as they did, they found something very valuable. Invite the children to read 2 Kings 22:8–11 to find out what it was. Explain that the book they found contained covenants and commandments that the children of Israel did not know about. What might happen to us if we didn’t have the scriptures? Ask the children why they are grateful to have the scriptures. Why would it be harder to follow the Savior if we didn’t have the scriptures?

Give each child a piece of paper, and ask them to tear it. Explain that in King Josiah’s day, people sometimes tore, or “rent,” their clothes when they were upset. Ask the children to look for the word “rent” in 2 Kings 22:11. Why might Josiah have been upset? Help the children find an answer in verse 13. Why is it important for us to read the scriptures regularly?

Read 2 Kings 23:2–3 together, and ask the children to look for how the scriptures helped Josiah and his people. Share with the children a scripture that has inspired you to “walk after the Lord” (verse 3), and invite the children to share scriptures that have helped them. Sing together “I Will Walk with Jesus” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
DOWNLOAD I Will Walk with Jesus song visuals (HERE or below)

Invite the children to read 2 Kings 23:3 and to find words or phrases that show how the people felt about the commandments of the Lord. Invite them to stand and talk about what it might mean to “[stand] to the covenant.” Invite them to walk (in place) and talk about what it might mean to “walk after the Lord.” Invite them to place their hands on their hearts and to suggest ways we can keep the commandments “with all [our] heart.”

Help the children make a list of promises they made at baptism (see Mosiah 18:10; Doctrine and Covenants 20:37, 77, 79). What does God promise us if we keep our covenants? What do we learn from 2 Kings 23:3 about how we should keep our covenants?