Jeremiah for Me! Journey, Journal, n' Puppets: Gird Up, Suit Up, Get Up, Go!

 Jeremiah for Me!  Gird Up, Suit Up, Get Up, Go!

Here's a lesson centering around Bible girdles or belts.  Right out of the gate in Jeremiah 1:17 the Lord told Jeremiah: "Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all I command thee: be not afraid of their faces...." In this "Jeremiah Parable Lesson" lesson learn how to surround or gird yourself to be ready to stand for truth as Jeremiah so courageously did.   Hear the "The Marred Girdle Story," and "The Seraiah Sequence" which both mention the Euphrates River.  Become familiar with the gird up verses in Scripture, make a "belt of truth," and so much more!   

Gird Up, Suit Up, Get Up, Go!

Gird up, suit up,

get up, go!               

Stand up, arise,

to wrong say, "No!"

Gird up, suit up,

buckle up* tight-

Your belt of truth-

Speak up for right!

                        LEP

*  Prepare for action!

A Jeremiah Parable: "A Ruined Girdle" 

Read aloud the parable story found in Jer. 13:1-11.  Learn what a girdle is, and how Jeremiah used it as an object lesson.   Speaking of parables--an earthly story with a heavenly meaning--whom do you know used them the most in Scripture?  What prophets besides Jeremiah also used them to get people's attention?

Long Ago: Ladies' Girdles Vs. Jeremiah's Belt:

Have you ever heard the word "girdle?"  If you had grown up many years ago you most definitely would have heard that word. For a girdle was part of a ladies' wardrobe that kids laughed at, and that ladies hated.  However, was that girdle like Jeremiahs?  No!

Jeremiah's girdle was a belt-like or sash-like piece of clothing sometimes known as a loincloth or waistband. Into their girdle or belt, one would tuck their outer robe to be ready to run or enter into battle enabling the person to move easily.  Also, what else might they tuck in their girdle?

Take a Look at the Words: Gird and Girdle:  How many letters does each have?  What does letter do they start with, end with?  Do you see a smaller word inside the bigger one? What are other words similar to it? Which is a "verb word?" What sounds do you hear?    

Some Gird/Girdle Definitions from Random House College Dictionary:  A girdle is a belt, cord, sash, or the like worn around the waist.  To gird means to encircle or bind with a belt or band; to surround or hem in; and to prepare (oneself) for action; and to provide, equip, or vest with power and strength. (p.558, c. 1980)

Two Psalm Gird Verses: Psalm 18:32: "It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect."  Psalm 18:39:  "For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me."

Another Awesome Psalm "Girded" Verse:  Psalm 93:1 reads:  "The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world is established that it cannot be moved."  

Take the Girdle Word Quiz:  Match the words to their correct meaning:  1. Girdle 2. Loins 3. Linen 4. Leather 5. Euphrates 6. Mar 7. Profitable 8. Good for nothing 9 Cleave 10. Imagination 

a. stubbornness b. priestly fabric c. material d. belt e. ruin f. cling g. river h. useless i. body area between waist/hips j. useful

Answers:  d i b c g e h j f a

Gear Up, Suit Up, Buckle Up!  Modern day terms rather than "gird up" might be: "Gear up!" or "Suit Up" or "Buckle Up!" all signifying that one should be ready and be prepared for action.  Discuss when one might use the various commands.  

Put this Sash Saga in Sequence:  After rereading verses 13:1-11 aloud, put this sash saga in order.

a. Stash the sash in a rock hole.  b. Buy a linen sash.  c. Don't get the sash wet.  d. Wear the sash. e. Go back and dig up the sash.  f. Take the sash to the river. g. The sash is marred and ruined.  Answers below!

Answers: b-c-d-f-a-e-g

Sash Saga Drama:  Let kids choose one sentence out of the sequence to pantomime.  Let others guess what story part they are acting out.    

"The Parables of Jeremiah" Illustrated Chart:  On page 1295 of The Word in Life Study Bible is a neat chart of eight of the parables used by Jeremiah.  Above the pictured parables it reads: "A parable is a truth wrapped in a memorable story or word picture.  It could be fictional, dramatized, or the result of a vision.  Jesus gave much of His teaching through parables...."  See "The pic "The Ruined Sash."  

Eerdmans' Handbook to the Bible Comment: In "The Loin Cloth: A Dramatic Parable" Eerdmans' states: "God makes use of every teaching method in the book to get his message across.  The prophets often act out the message (see chapters 18,19,32).  Actions often speak louder than words and stick in the mind." (p.400) To that I''d add a resounding "Amen!"  For one of my purposes in sharing these lessons would be to encourage teachers/parents/grandparents to creatively think of ways to tell these stories using Scripture script making them come alive never to be forgotten!

Word Search in the Word for Kids and Adults: I'm sure you've seen many word search books on store shelves.  Often, too, in schools "word search papers" are a first paper in the morning done by students serving as a time filler until all arrive/or the teacher is ready to begin class.  Even oldsters wile away time with mindless word search pages.  However, I ask you how much research have you done in your Bible?  And if not, I'd like to challenge you to get ready and try it with Jeremiah.

Here's How to Get Started:  On your white board/refrigerator clip/sticky notes have the word or words of the day posted. Introduce the word/words then open Bibles to Jeremiah 13:1-11.  Read it together.  Remember use giant print KJV Bibles for the youngest.  Then: 1. Write word/words you're searching for on the white board.  2.  Write word/words in journal.  3. Mark words found in your Bible as you search.  4. Dot the verse., put stickers beside it, or draw tiny pics. 6.  Record your findings/may even pass out premade papers like the sample below.  7.  Look over what you find--repetitious words, phrases, and key refs as well.  8.  Choose a verse to write and recite. 9.  Record what you learned!

Do a Girdle Word Search:  IYJ Page:  Kids/Adults can use page to pick out girdle words/other terms wish to search for.  Across top see the words --use several or all of them specifying the colors used, and lines and shapes used.  For example, draw a mini girdle shape round that word or make wave humps round Euphrates. etc.  Use colors to find the words in text.  Count the answers. For younger kids find one or two words a day. This page also makes a great puppet Scripture script as well.  View IYJ photo below!  

Record of Your Word Search: Jeremiah 13:1-11 KJV

How many times did you find the word "go?" three, four, or five ... "girdle"?  six, seven, or eight ...  "The word of the LORD?"  three, four, or five ... "loins?"  two, three, or four ...  "Euphrates?"  three, four, or five ..."it?"  six, seven, or eight?  and so on. 

Answers: Go-3; Girdle-8; Phrase-3; Loins 4; Euphrates-3; It-7.         

The "This Girdle" Gem Verse:  Jeremiah 13:10: "This evil people, which refuse to hear my words, which walk in the imagination of their heart, and walk after other gods to serve them, and to worship them, shall even be as this girdle, which is good for nothing."

This evil people were like the good for nothing girdle.  Why?   because they refused to hear God's words, they walked in the stubbornness of their hearts, and they walked after other gods to serve and worship them. Besides they had great pride!  Instead, God wanted the people to become a name, a praise, and a glory to him.  Sadly Jeremiah 13:11 ends, ... "but they would not hear."  How like them people are today!

Did you notice there's another phrase that's similar to "good for nothing" in Jeremiah 13:7?  What is it?  Isaiah 44:10 also uses that phrase where it says: "Who hath formed a god, or molten a graven image that is profitable for nothing?"  We too may be following after things that are worthless or useless. Think about whom and what you go after. 

An Imagination of the Heart Message:  Our gem verse is just one of eight "imagination of the heart refs" found in Jeremiah.  *Challenge: Search for more in chapters: three, seven, nine, eleven, sixteen, eighteen, and twenty-three.  Do note the differences and similar parts in each verse!!  When you find each one stick or draw a small heart by the verse.  View IYJ ideas on how to creatively use the verse!  Of this gem verse and girdle story, one certainly could say: "This parable message is clear-- they would not hear!"  *See photo below! 

The Gem n' Imagination of the Heart Verses IYJ Sheet:  Click on page below to look at the IYJ sheet.  At the top read the verse; note the parts that are underlined.  In the center see the verse done in two sizes of print emphasizing its meaning.  Ask who were the people?"  What did the people refuse to do?  Hear about their sinful behavior. They walked in the imagination of their heart (stubbornness or willfulness). They did their own thing. What did they walk after?  other gods (little "g") What's another name for "other gods?"  What two things did the people do with idols?  Serve them and worship them.  The people were sinful just like the ruined girdle.  For smaller kids: Repeat the first part adding motions as you say it.  Look sad, cover ears, walk in place, put hand on chest, pretend to bow, lock hands over waist, and shake head. Talk about how sad that was for God wanted them to be his special people to love and obey him.

Comment on Meaning of Girdle Parable:  On page 1289 The Word in LIFE Study Bible comments:  The meaning is ... self-evident just as the sash was ruined, so the pride of God's people had ruined them in terms of fulfilling God's purpose.  Their evil ways had made them 'profitable for nothing.'"  The sash's linen material was an apt material as "a symbol of proud Judah."  The costly material was ..."often imported from Egypt. (Prov.7:16.)"        

Stand Up!  Put on or Gird Your Loins with Truth!  In the NT there's a verse telling us what kind of a belt or girdle to put on.  And that's not a marred girdle, but a girdle the Bible calls "The Belt or Girdle of Truth."  The Christian, like the long-ago soldier, is to put on his battle outfit by first taking a stand against all evil by wearing "the belt of truth."  Note, that it's the first part of the whole armor of God.

Create a Clever Kids' "Girdle of Truth":  Here's a simple girdle or belt to make that younger kids will enjoy wearing while older kids/oldsters can hang up.  Make it from a discarded cardboard egg carton top, paper towel and tissue paper ties/sections, and foam letter stickers.  See photo below!

Steps:  Cut around carton top making belt about 8 1/2"X3".  Onto the top section stick "BELT."  To the raised middle sections stick "T-R-U-T-H."  Between letters add tiny oval sections from other letters.  To carton bottom add "GIRDLE."  For its belt ties fold paper towel sections and staple together.  Cover with tissue paper strips about 18" in length or shorter for smaller kids. Staple on ties to cardboard carton middle area.  Underneath front tape tissue paper strips measuring 2 1/2" X 7 1/2".  Onto those strips stick "GIRD UP THY LOINS.  Tape them on!  Kids can also cut strips and print "gird up" verses or "truth verses."  Wear to "rehearse" your verses or sing "Stand up for Jesus."    Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus - Bing video

The "Stand-Up, Stand-Up for Jesus" Song Story:  There's a captivating story behind the old song "Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus" that happened way back in the 1850s.  At that time there was a passionate young preacher named Dudley Tyng who during a revival "The Work of God in Philadelphia" began holding noon mass meetings at a downtown YMCA. On Tuesday March 30, 1858, he preached to over 5000 men from Exodus 10:11: "Go ye that are now men and serve the Lord."  Of the 5000 men there 1,000 of them responded to committed to totally being sold out to the Lord.

In his sermon he said, "I must tell my master's errand, and I would rather that this right arm were amputated at the trunk than that I should come short of my duty to you in delivering God's message."  Sadly, just a week later something happened to Dudley while he was at a farm looking at a corn thrasher machine.  There he accidently caught his loose sleeve between the machine's cogs and hurt his arm so badly that he died of an infection from the dreadful wound on April 19, 1858.

At his death bed surrounded by friends and pastors, Dudley's final whispered words were: "Let us all stand up for Jesus."  On the next Sunday, the story goes, Dudley's close friend and fellow worker, Rev. George Duffield spoke in memory of Dudley from Ephesians 6:14:  "Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness." After, he read aloud six stanzas of a poem he'd written centered round the dying words of Dudley Tyng.  It was from that poem the famous hymn "Stand Up, Stand Up, For Jesus" came to be!  (101 Hymn Stories by Kenneth W, Osbeck, pp.236-239) 

To read story and hear its verses, listen here: "Timeless Truth Online Library."   Also listen to the Cedarmont Kids' video of the hymn here: Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus - Bing video

Gird Up the Loins of Your Mind!  Prepare for Action!  I Peter 1:13 is another gird up verse to rehearse.  It reads: "Wherefore, gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ!"  

Gird Up Your What?  That simply means keep your minds clear and focused and free from distractions, so you'll be ready for action to serve the Lord.  What do you keep your mind focused on?  "Your phone, your Facebook, your ...?"  

Gird Up Kids!  Gird Up Girls, Gird Up Guys prepare to be ready for action.  For I Peter 3:15 also tells us: "... Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: ...."  So, hold the Word up high and get set for action! 

Gird Up Girls, Gird Up Guys!

Gird up girls, gird up guys,

Stand for truth, resist lies!

Rise up girls, rise up guys, 

Stand for truth, you be wise!

                                       LEP

Psalm 94:16:  "Who will rise up for me against the evildoers?  Or who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?"  Will you?   What will you stand for?  What will you stand against?  Hear the neat video by the Whisnant's titled: "Who Is on the Lord's Side?"  Hear here:  Bing Videos

Gird Up Girls, Guys IYJ Photo Page:  Look at the "GIRD UP!" page below.  Turn small U into girl or guy.  Read the verses and rhyme.  Then let kids make a page-sized "U" a page and draw themselves in it!  Entitle: "U Gird Up!" or "U Gear Up!"  

Gird Up! Jeremiah Door Hanger Verse/Learning Tool:  Using two door hanger cutouts make a Jeremiah that will help kids and adults to understand what gird-up your loins means when someone tucked their robe into their belt in or order to run or move more easily. Needed:  two door hanger cutouts, tissue paper, colored paper, punch, O foam sticker, Velcro pieces, foam stickers, pen top, sticky note, tape, glue, paper towels, and scissors.

Make:  Cut out hangers using pattern or buy them ready-made.   To the back of the front hanger tape/glue orange face. Use piece of tissue paper for a headband.  Cut two paper towel outer robe pieces one for each side. To robe sides stick "GIRD UP!" Glue on punch dot eyes, nose, cheek pieces. Add a foam "O" mouth.  Add a belt below.  If you wish stick Velcro squares to belt or use them for a beard or hair. 

To back tape/glue a second hanger leaving the top four inches without tape/glue so the Jeremiah Door Hanger can be over various doorknobs.  To the back gird up verses or girdle vocab can also be added!  See photo at end of the lesson.

For a soldier's girdle you can attach long chain-like strips to protect the loins.  Demonstrate how one might fold up the side robe pieces into the belt.  If you view biblical belts or girdle articles there are a number of drawings and suggestions, but in the end, scripture confirms the robes were gathered up and tucked into the sash if one wished to move freely--the exact method really isn't described. (I Kings 18: 46) A note in my Bible indicates that Elijah tucked the skirts of his robes into his belt in preparation for quick travel! The King James Study Bible (p. 595, 1988, Thomas Nelson Inc.)

PS You might like to make a mini sword (view photo below) using a ballpoint pen top and a folded sticky note.  

"At the Ready" Bird: The Belted Kingfisher:  Did you know there's a bird with a belt?  Now it isn't a belt like we've been discussing, but it is a belt of feathers so to speak. The male bird has an upper band, while the female has that as well as a rusty colored bird girdle or "bellyband".  The kingfisher is ever 'at the ready' perched on wires or other lookout positions high above a body of water as a creek, lake, or river.  At the slightest movement in the water below it swoops down to use its big beak to pierce that fish and eat it.  It surely is a picture of a bird "fisherman" that is prepared and always ready for action!  

Sing the Truth Belt Song!

(Tune: "The Lord's Army")

I will daily put on my truth belt,

Yes, put on my truth belt,

Yes, put on my truth belt, 

I will daily put on my truth belt,

Ready to stand up strong. (Say!) I will! 

Ready to stand up strong, (Say!) I will!

I will daily put on my truth belt,

Ready to resist wrong! (Say!)  I will!

Words: LEP

Actions for little ones: Interlock fingers across stomach as if putting on a belt, stand at attention, raise fists, speak "I will!" loudly, and nod head emphatically.  

Ephesians 6:14:  "Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth ...."

A Stand Up for the Lord Man:  Jermiah was a stand-up-for-the-Lord man who refused to give up or give in but persisted in taking a stand wherever he was or wherever he went.   He was beaten, persecuted, and mocked but still he stood up for truth obeying the Lord in each and every message he gave!   May we do the same bringing glory to His name!

Stand for Truth Today!  Tune: "Do Lord, Oh, Do Lord!

Yes Lord, oh, Yes Lord, I'll do what you say,

Yes, Lord, oh, Yes Lord, I'll do what you say,

Yes, Lord, oh, Yes Lord, I'll do what you say,

Your Word I will obey! Yes! 

Yes, Lord, oh, yes Lord, You I will obey,

Yes, Lord, oh, yes Lord, You I will obey,

Yes, Lord, oh, yes Lord, You I will obey,

And stand for truth today!  Yes!

                                                    Words: LEP

Actions for younger kids:  nod head, point up, and place hands together for "Bible."  Raise voice at end of second verse!

The Marred Girdle: Puppet/Scenes:

Jeremiah Puppet:  Use your Jeremiah puppet and add a white paper towel belt to bottom of puppet.  Click on photo below!

Background Scenes:  Jerusalem Gate; and Euphrates River:  Gate:  Stand Jeremiah between Jerusalem Gate wearing the folded paper towel sash or belt.  River:  Use a cardboard egg carton with scalloped blue construction paper pieces arranged as in photo below.  Make a "marker-like" sign saying "Euphrates River" for the back.  Take off Jeremiah's girdle and have him stand by the "river" that has small rocks in front. Put a little dirt inside a jar lid; and fold a second sash to stash between the rocks first putting some dirt on it.  Pull out sash to see it marred and mashed.  Use Scripture Script to tell story!  Click on photos below. 

Re: Euphrates River Map, Refs., n' Facts IYJ Sheet/Game:  Jeremiah hid and later dug up the girdle "by Euphrates."  What a river!  First mentioned in Genesis 2:14 and last mentioned in Revelation we find references throughout the Bible to it.  

Make a game sheet placing EUPHRATES down the left side of the page.  To the right place wavy line 3"X3" squares divided into three parts: Maps, Refs, and Facts.  Tape the squares so wavy line (cut apart wavy lined images) pieces can be put in the side of the correct part.  Use three bottle caps: "M, R, and F" for game pieces.  Find a map image to use for the game--enlarge for little ones--see the one I chose below.  May also find Euphrates image photo, and tiny map to top squares.  See photo!!!!

Here's a list of map places to find: Find: the four seas, Persian Gulf, Tigris, Euphrates, Babylonia, Babylon, Judah, Egypt, Nile, and the Mediterranean Sea.  For a list of Bible refs: use Gen.2:14, Gen 15:18, Jer.13, 4-7, Jer. 50:38, Jer. 51:8, Rev. 9:14, Rev. 16:12.; Read verse aloud; ask a ?  If correct put wavy piece into Refs. square.  For Facts: Use wavy pieces for: Eu-phra-tes, 2 rivers in Asia, flow from Turkey, Euphrates 1700 miles long, Tigris 1150 miles long, join together, Biblical Tigris a.k.a "Hiddekel," Euphrates from Gen.-Rev., Euphrates drying up, entire river dry in Rev., and Euphrates paired with Tigris.  Dig into the map, the Bible refs, and the facts about the Tigris and the Euphrates and you'll be better prepared to understand Babylon and its homebase for the exiled captivity!  Don't miss the IYJ pages photos below!!!  Click to enlarge!

To Play: Player picks a M, R, F from cup.  Then player picks one wavy piece from matching envelope.  Teacher/Parent reads it and asks for answer.  If correct put into side of river square.  Person with most wavy river pieces wins!

Large IYJ Map Sheet:  Find map image of Babylonian Empire; enlarge.  Reminder:  May use map for your personal use only.  May use this map by itself placing wavy pieces below that tell which parts to locate.  Parent/Teacher may then give kids some sticky dots, small sticky note arrows, etc.  Call out location.  Let kids use sticky piece to pinpoint location.  Great idea to use with any map page!    babylonian empire map images - Bing images        

A Stand Up for Truth Athlete!  

Not long ago I heard about a young athlete who like Daniel of old "dared to stand alone"* because he believed so strongly that trusting in the Lord Jesus as one's Savior from sin was the sole answer to today's problems.  This young man, Jonathan Isaac, wrote a book Why I Stand. Upon looking closely at the cover, I was especially moved by its illustration--the tall basketball player with his head bowed under the middle letter of an oversized "A" in STAND! Was the "A" for alone?  See IYJ page photo.   *"Dare to Be a Daniel!"  View lyrics here:  Dare to Be a Daniel > Lyrics | Philip P. Bliss (timelesstruths.org)     Bing Videos

On July 30, 2020, Isaac's recalled "suiting up" in his team jersey and sweatpants ready to stand by himself, while the rest of the team outfitted in look-alike clothing prepared to take a knee. This took courage especially for one so young.  Isaac's testimony of his salvation, and growing love for the Word is clearly evident in his interviews/descriptions.   Why I Stand: Isaac, Jonathan: 9781956007060: Amazon.com: Books

Be Like Jeremiah:  Gird Up & Stand Up!  

Recall, the prophet Jeremiah often stood alone and sat alone as well-- find and reread these standing and sitting passages. (Jeremiah 15: 16-17, 19-21.) May we like Jeremiah find the courage to stand for righteousness and truth in a world filled with hatred and evil!  

Yes, let us begin today to gird up our loins with truth for as George Duffield wrote: "Let courage rise with danger, and strength to strength oppose, Stand up, stand up for Jesus!  Stand in his strength alone, The arm of flesh will fail you, ye dare not trust your own, Put on the gospel armor, and watching unto prayer, Where calls the voice of duty be never wanting there."   As Jeremiah 17:5, 7 remind us: "Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD."  But, "Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the LORD is."

PS:  One More Gird Up Verse!  "Be Girded with Gladness!"  Read it!  Psalm 30:11:  "Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness."  Let us also, as the psalmist did, praise the Lord who alone is able to deliver us from being wrapped in sadness into being encircled with gladness!  As Psalm 30:5 declares:  "...Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning."

IYJ Gladness Page:  Click on photo below to view page.  Read aloud and discuss Psalm 30:10-11:  what does "mourning" mean?  What are some other like words?  crying, weeping, wailing, sadness.  What is the opposite of mourning?  gladness, happiness, dancing, joy, praise, glory, singing, and so on.  Notice: words: gird and gear up.  Begin bottle cap verse (secure with tape) at the green dot.  Notice the verse encircles the man full of gladness.  See 'smile' at bottom with word "gladness" between music notes, and bread-tie cheek pieces.         

PSS:  Another Euphrates' Mini Story:  The Seraiah Sequence:  Seraiah the Quiet Prince

Here's a Jeremiah 51:59-64 story to tell, act out, and draw IYJ.  This Seraiah was a quartermaster --a quiet prince-- to whom Jeremiah wrote all these words that he commanded Seraiah to read to the exiles when he got to Babylon.  Find at least six verb words beginning from "see to say."  Circle them in your Bible. See IYJ sheet!  Make mini "U" puppets.  Add facial features: eyes, cheeks, nose, mouth, and beard. If you like, make face sized Us for Jeremiah/Seraiah for little ones to peek through.   

Do view the IYJ page photo clicking on it to enlarge it!  Chock full of Scripture script and learning this page tells the story of Jeremiah's commands to Seraiah, its sequence, its six verb words, the 'this book' scroll, Euphrates pocket river, inserts into river, the 'this place' Babylon, and info about Seraiah.     

  

Jeremiah for Me! Journey, Journal, n' Puppets: Last Kings of Judah: The Signet Ring n' Jehoiachin & The Cistern n' Jeremiah

Jeremiah for Me!  Journey, Journal, n' Puppets:  Last Kings of Judah: Lesson 10: Part III:  The Signet Ring n' Jehoiachin & The Cistern n' Jeremiah

 

Our last lesson revolved round King Jehoahaz and King Jehoiakim while this lesson we'll encounter the two last kings of the twenty monarchs of the Southern Kingdom:  King Jehoiachin and King Zedekiah!

Of Jehoiachin don't miss the story from Bryan Windle's archaeological biography about the fascinating "Jehoiachin's Ration Tablets" discovered near the famous Ishtar Gate.  And don't miss the interesting videos/info on Signet Rings.  Kids will make a clever signet ring from a milk carton seal.  Rather than boring king statistics learn the exciting details of the lives of long-ago leaders often quite like our current rulers!

Of Zedekiah one of my favorites is Jeremiah's dungeon episode from Jeremiah 38,39 where Jeremiah upon being placed in a deep muddy cistern experienced the helping hand of the Ethiopian Ebed-Melech.  Delve into how Ebed-Melech after arranging the rescue of Jeremiah from his cistern cell is rewarded by the Lord for his kindness! Besides, the tube puppets kids will create mini finger puppets to retell the story.   Click on the photos to enlarge and view both kinds of puppets!   

King Jehoiachin A.K.A. Jeconiah, & Coniah!   Get to know "Jehoiachin" the young king who reigns just three months and ten days before he's taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar and exiled to Babylon.  Jehoiakim is then imprisoned and not heard of again until many years later when we find him restored to his kingship by Evil-Merodach and treated kindly for the remainder of his life. 

According to II Chronicles Jehoiachin was a son of the wicked king Jehoiakim--remember the self-centered, greedy, extravagant monarch who painted with vermilion and who paneled his chambers with cedar from our previous lesson? who burned the Book of the Law in his winter house fire? That was his father!  And says Scripture Jehoiachin followed in his evil ways. (II Kings 24:9)

Coniah, If You Were A Signet on My Finger:  In Jeremiah 22:24-26 there's a "signet ring" verse where the LORD says of Coniah: "Though Coniah ... were the signet on my right hand, yet would I pluck thee thence.  And I will give you into the hand of them that seek thy life, ... even into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and into the hand of the Chaldeans."  Not only would Coniah and his entire family and servants be captured but other Judaean leaders and workers would also be taken to Babylon where they would live and later die. 

This Man Coniah:  Jeremiah 22:28 asks why Coniah and his seed will be cast out or exiled to Babylon.  This is followed by the "O Earth, Earth, Earth" verse and the answer that Coniah's children wouldn't rule in Judah.

O Earth, Earth, Earth Verse: A great verse to memorize for part of it is often repeated in Jeremiah.  Listen: Jeremiah 22:29:  "O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the LORD."  Part of a A Colouring* Book Set-- of illustrated KJV Bible verses The Word of God color book can be ordered here:  The Word of God - Coloring Book 14 (lighthousetrails.com)   

View the photo below for just one creative way to use the page:  Read verse, find it IYB, mark it, discuss it, cut upper word apart, cut cityscape out, and arrange on your IYJ page.  Talk about it. What does the verse begin with? (O)  How many times is earth repeated? (3)  Notice its punctuation.  Sing it!  Tune: "Brother John."  Fun for kids and adults too to sing.      *UK spelling!  **Recall IYB means "In your Bible," and IYJ means "In your Journal."

O Earth, Earth, Earth!

Tune: "Brother John"

O earth, earth, earth,

O earth, earth, earth,

Hear the word,

Hear the word,

Hear the word of the LORD,

Hear the word of the LORD,

Earth, earth, earth!

Hints:  Behind "hear" glue piece of foam sticker so "hear" pops out.  Touch letters as you sing.  Glue atop the cityscape.  Do define "cityscape."  Instead of earth some versions say "land."  Kids can draw own landscape.  Add sticker dot periods or "O" letter rings to pic. Add hand motions--tap toe on "earth," cup hands round ears for "hear the word," hold hands palms up in front of self to make a "Bible," and raise voice and shake finger on last three words!

About "Seals": The KJV Study Bible for Girls (Baker Books, 2016) on p.801 in an insert titled "Seals" explains that "When a letter was written on a scroll, it was sealed with a bit of clay that had a special mark or design on it.  This moist clay fastener kept the scroll from unrolling.  This seal was like a signature.  A seal pressed into an object showed ownership.  More than a thousand Hebrew seals have been found by archaeologists...."   KJV Study Bible for Girls Hardcover: Baker Publishing Group, Richards, Larry: 9780801018527: Amazon.com: Books

Signet Rings Then/Signet Rings Now:  Have you ever seen anyone wearing a signet ring?  Do we sign our documents with signet rings today?  What do we use now to sign important papers?   Check out this Signet Ring Primer that gives an informative overview of the history and facts about signet rings: 

Men's Signet Rings: What They Are & How To Wear Them (gentlemansgazette.com)

Pinky Finger Signet Ring:  Did you know that King Charles of the UK wears a signet ring on his pinky finger.  For fun use an electric plug cover as a signet ring--slip it over your little finger.  Press it into some clay.  

Milk Carton Signet Rings:  Kids will enjoy taking the plastic ring-like stopper/seal out of a milk carton and turning it into a "signet ring."  To its top stick small foam shapes/letter.  Find some clay//Playdough and make an "impression" into it.  Talk about how people in Bible times used their rings to identify themselves on scrolls, or on other personal items.

View the photo of milk carton, and "rings" at end of lesson.  Note the words above the opening: "DO NOT USE IF SEAL UNDER CAP IS BROKEN."  Neat that this "milk carton signet" is considered a seal!  Find the idea of seals that closed scrolls in Revelation.  Note the seals would be broken or opened.  

Victor's Handbook Signet Photo:  In the Victor Handbook of Bible Knowledge by V. Gilbert Beers is a great photo of an Egyptian signet ring much like given to Joseph by Pharaoh.  Read the article "Signet Rings" too. (p.79) Published by Victor Books in 1981 this handbook is a treasure trove of Bible information for teachers, parents, pastors, and Christian education workers.  Find it here:   The Victor Handbook of Bible Knowledge: Answers Your Questions on 300 Bible Stories: V. Gilbert Beers: 9780882078113: Amazon.com: Books

Zerubbabel:  "As a Signet" IYJ Page:  In contrast to Coniah notice below the "O Earth" verse "God's Chosen Signet"--Zerubbabel mini finger puppet.  Explore more about Zerubbabel in Haggai 2:23 where he is referred to as "my servant."  Chosen by God, Zerubbabel along with Jeshua is mentioned in Ezra 5:2 leading a group of captives back to Jerusalem to help rebuild the temple after it was destroyed by the Babylonians.    

IYJ Page:  King's Crown Gem Verse Pocket:  Put verse strips into pocket and then arrange in order.  What a wonderful verse that reminds us that the kings we've learned about were mere men, but only one the Lord himself is the true and living God --a king that is eternal-a forever and ever perfect king-- the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!       

Jehoiachin Receives a Daily Ration: Jehoiachin is mentioned in last verses of Jeremiah 52.  Archaeological artifacts about Jehoiachin and his family known as the "Ration Tablets" were found in a vaulted room near the Ishtar Gate (famous Babylonian Gate) in honor of the goddess Ishtar.  Recall Lesson 7 where families in Jerusalem's streets worshipped her.  For further references to the worship of Ishtar see Jeremiah 44.

IYJ Ration Tablet Page: At the top are two finger puppet kings: Evil-Merodach n' Jehoiachin.

Merodach also was a.k.a. "Amel-Marduk."  who worshipped Marduk the head god over all the other Babylonian pantheon.  See info here:  Next to him is "Jehoiachin" a.k.a. "Jeconiah or Coniah."  The two kings were said to have met in prison-- II Kings ... says Jehoiachin was imprisoned 37 years after his exile to Babylon.  After freeing him or "lifting up his head" Evil-Merodach restored Jehoiachin treating him kindly and giving him a "daily rate" or "ration" for him and his family.  Yes, he also had a family while imprisoned in a better area than most common prisoners.  

IYJ:  See the "The Ration Tablet" lil' book with tablet notebook paper pages.  Inside it kids may write words or draw tiny pics.  Peek inside to see.   Read the "The Ration Tablet" Story by Bryan Windle here: what a fascinating archaeological find that would name both kings and tell how much oil he was given to use for food.  King Jehoiachin: An Archaeological Biography – Bible Archaeology Report

View the word "tablet" surrounded by vocab words: rectangular, wet clay, reed stylus, impression, cuneiform, and written text.   Discuss the fact tablets were often rectangular made from wet clay, using a stylus to impress into them cuneiform writing. They were then dried or baked.  It's so neat to read of Biblical archaeologists who have been busy unearthing artifacts of all kinds that support the Bible narrative.  What a great way to introduce yourself or your children to some impressive archaeological stories. 

King Zedekiah a.k.a. Mattaniah:

Zedekiah, a rebellious ruler, was the very last king of the Southern Kingdom of Judah and Benjamin.  In Jeremiah he also had the distinction of having the most verses written about him.  In II Kings and II Chronicles Josiah would win the prize.  

It is also important to note that Jeremiah is not written in sequential order but rather a jumbled sequence.  So, knowing the king's stories helps give a clearer picture of the messages and mistreatment of Jeremiah.  In fact, knowing the kings in order is a great key to understanding Jeremiah!!

Zedekiah's Constant Questions:  Zedekiah was always trying to corner Jeremiah into the latest message of the Lord concerning the future for Jerusalem.   Jeremiah always answered him truthfully presenting with if you obey then things will go well, if not there would be consequences for your evil departure from the Lord.  In the corner of the IYJ page see King Zedekiah n' Jeremiah finger puppets with the questions marks beside them.  Talk about how Zedekiah confronted Jeremiah trying to find out what the Lord had said would happen, and when told continued to do what he wanted.  

Zedekiah's Persecution of Jeremiah:  King Zedekiah often was very cruel to the Prophet Jeremiah.  On the other hand, later he'd relent and give aid to him.  This was especially true in our Cistern Story.

What Is a Bible Time Cistern?   A cistern was a bell-shaped enclosure dug in the rock and plastered to hold water.  Cisterns came in various sizes and were a wonderful way keep water making it available during the dry season. When empty cisterns could be, as in Jeremiah's case, a quick place to incarcerate an enemy.       

Zedekiah's Release of Jeremiah to the Princes:  Zedekiah wasn't pleased with Jeremiah's continual warnings that if the king and the people didn't obey God's directives the Babylonians would come and take them into captivity burning Jerusalem.  So, when Zedekiah's princes complained and refused to believe Jeremiah's warnings King Zedekiah told them to do what they wished to the courageous prophet.

The Princes' Dungeon Terrorization:  What did the evil princes do?  They threw Jeremiah into a cistern that was dry except for some mud at its bottom into which he sank.  This was noticed by Ebed-Melech King Zedekiah's servant who then took action to help the suffering prophet. 

Jeremiah's Ethiopian Rescuer: What an amazing help Ebed was to Jeremiah courageously asking the king to take Jeremiah out of his cistern prison so Jeremiah might live. Thinking of this story I recalled when in dark times the Lord sent some very unusual people to help us--people we would have never expected to aid us. What an ending to the story when the Lord in Jer. 38 promises Ebed when the Babylonians did come, he's be safe because he had trusted in the Lord and rescued the Lord's man--Jeremiah!

IYJ:  Mini-Finger Puppet Cistern Story Page:  Here are some easy mini finger puppets perfect for acting out the story complete with a small tissue-box-frame pocket cistern.  Write your own "Scripture Script" then retell the story using either your finger puppets or the toilet tube puppets.  Recall: Actual words from Scripture will always remain in one's mind as opposed to made-up script.  View these tiny puppets in photo below--just click on the photo to make them larger.

Be An Ebed!  

Today!

Be an Ebed!

Be alert.

Be ready.

Be God's hands.

Be an Ebed!

Be obedient.

Obey God's

commands.

Today!       LEP

Ebed-Melech-- an "Unsung Hero"!   Don't miss this eye-popping "Unsung Heroes" video--visualized so cleverly and clearly.  Click here to watch:  Bible and Me| Unsung Heroes Ep 03: Ebed Melech| - Bing video

Easy Puppet Cistern Scene:  Silver Gate Tubes, King Zed Puppet, Jeremiah Puppet, Ebed Puppet, Tissue Box frame, pattern from box frame, colored paper, yarn "rope," ...   Set up tubes to make gate, place K. Zedekiah by it, set up frame cistern, place Jeremiah in it, and add "mud" bottom strip.  Then, tell story using Scripture Script.  Tape 'yarn rope" to Jeremiah to 'rescue' him.  Do click on photos below to see more! 

Ropes of Hope:  Just as I was reading about Ebed-Melech and his men with the ropes I heard a lady commenting on "the ropes of hope."  Immediately I thought how timely it was for truly Ebed's ropes and raggedy clothing for under Jeremiah's arms were surely "ropes of hope" for Jeremiah.  Can you recall any time in your life when a total stranger seemed to appear from nowhere offering you a "rope of hope?"  In my life I especially recall an incident where I needed help, and the Lord provided it for me in a most unusual way! 

Help From a Stranger!  We were living outside of Munich in a town called Erding.  My husband was working for a travel company related to an airline.  Having to travel to the USA he took several long flights prior to returning to Germany.  One day later he had massive blood clots occur nearly killing him.  He was just forty-five.  He had gotten out of work, felt like he would pass out, managed to get a train to Erding, got off to a nearby motel and collapsed onto its floor.  An ambulance rushed him with multiple embolisms to the local Krankenhaus.  Later I was called and taken by taxi to the intensive care unit.  "You should be dead!" the doctors declared.  

After seeing him I had no idea how I'd gotten to that hospital, nor where the train was.  Out I went with folks speaking German all around me.  Knowing little of the language, I struck up a brief conversation with someone.  This person then offered me a ride taking me to Kordenhaus Gasse.  With a grateful word of thanks, I jumped out of the car and was soon inside.  I will never know who that person was, but this I do know this stranger was sent by the Lord!

IYJ "Ostracon" Page:  Learn more about archaeology terms and the Lachish letters which were written on pottery sherds or broken pieces that have been discovered.  On them one can read about Zedekiah and Jeremiah and two fortified cities: Lachish and Azekah.  Look over some online images of these ostracon and draw or cut out some pictures to use on your page.  Do point out pottery examples you encounter around you and talk about why pottery was something everyone used in Jeremiah's time.

Ostracon - Wikipedia

Click on each photograph to enlarge it!   

Jeremiah for Me: Lesson 10: Part II: A Jeremiah Journey, Journal, n' Puppets: Captive King Jehoahaz n' Greedy King Jehoiakim

Lesson 10: Part II: Captive King Jehoahaz, and Greedy King Jehoiakim 

Our last lesson was all about the last good king of Judah--Josiah!  Josiah was the kid king who sought the Lord in his youth.  However, his sons unlike him, did evil in the sight of the Lord!  Read their stories, how they turned from the Lord. Unravel their historical place in history.  Find out messages Jeremiah foretold about them, and how these prophecies proved true!  

For each king make a IYJ (In Your Journal) info sheet with a "crown topper. Besides, create a story/ stories' sheet(s). Unlocking the history mysteries of these kings will make them seem so much like leaders we see all around us today.  

Read about Jehoiakim's Vermilion Fixation, the Vermilion Conversation, Vermilion Fish, and The Vermilion Bible Verse Color Book.  Looking ahead to Lesson 10 Part III get ready to learn about signet ring history. Kids also will enjoy wearing unusual milk carton seal rings afterwards using them to make clay impressions. And get ready to create mini finger puppet kings from letter shapes!            

Portrait of a Potentate: About Him: Young King Jehoahaz

Josiah had just been killed at Megiddo by Pharoah Necho II of Egypt.  Jerusalem and Judah were weeping for him as told by Jeremiah in II Chronicles 35:25-27.  The people then installed a new king, the twenty- three-year old son of Josiah--Jehoahaz.  Unlike his father who sought the Lord at a young age, this middle son began to turn to evil right away.  However, Pharoah Necho II had other plans for after just ninety days of being king Necho took him to Riblah, and then later in chains into Egypt.  Then Necho made his brother Jehoiakim king instead.

In Your Journal: IYJ 17th. King of Judah--The Jehoahaz Page

Click on photo below to see IYJ.   Notice its "Crown Topper" with its large letters, and its syllable parts.  IYJ draw or create a mini Jehoahaz pic.  Add Jehoahaz details as shown on the sample photo page.  

Cut out a mini crown or draw one.  If it's a cut out lift up to peek at the meaning of the name--"God has held." Point out that the abbreviation a.k.a. stands for "also known as" "Shallum."  Ask:  Do you have more than one name people use to identify you?  It's been said that often kings had a birth name and later a different name when they became king.

Find a Necho II photo online under images to pop out or cutout or draw a Necho yourself.  Click to find Necho II Images here. *  Also find a map with Riblah, and Egypt on it.  Add to your page.  Notice the "zero chain" to recall Necho brought Jehoahaz to Egypt in chains. * necho ii of egypt - Search (bing.com)

Portrait of a Potentate: About Him: King Jehoiakim

King Jehoiakim followed King Jehoahaz.  Of him in Jeremiah 22:13 we read "Woe unto him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by wrong; that useth his neighbor's service without wages, and giveth him not for his work; That saith, I will build me a wide house and large chambers and cutteth him out windows; and it is ceiled with cedar, and painted with vermilion."  Wow, what a contrast Jehoiakim was to his godly father Josiah.  How full of self was he!  How greedy!  How fixated on his own needs!  

In Jer.22:15 God reminds the king that his father Josiah was less interested in the pleasures of just being a king but was far more interested in doing judgment and justice, and then it was well with him.  Says Jeremiah 22:16:  "He (Josiah) judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well with him: was not this to know (honor) me, saith the LORD?"  Which king are you like?  tender-hearted Josiah or fixated-on-self Jehoiakim?

Enclosed In Cedar:  Jehoiakim's Palace: Jeremiah 22:13 says Jehoiakim's palace was paneled in cedar wood--once again a very costly wood.  The Word IN LIFE Study Bible in "Cedar Paneling" (p.1300) says this: "King Jehoiakim was apparently very fond of cedar ... even while his people paid heavy taxes .... and labored for minimal wages ...."  The writer further comments that "Jehoiakim rejected God's ways right from the start of his reign (2 Kings 23:26-37) ......"       

In Your Journal:  IYJ Pages for the 18th King of Judah:

Click the IYJ pages below!  See its Jehoiakim Info: family names, date of reign, meaning of name and other personal details.  See tiny pic of the king atop a gold hole-punched O letter; notice its purple frame.  By it the "Woe" verse is written.  On the second page view the two framed "pics" of Josiah and Jehoiakim titled: "Well with Him!"  "Woe unto Him!"  I wonder if verses were written about you would you be like godly King Josiah, or ungodly Jehoiakim?   

Gem Verse:  I've never forgotten Micah 6:8 that we sang at our church that says: "He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good: and what does the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"  May we, as Josiah of old, love the Lord with all of our heart, mind, and soul and practice Micah 6:8!

Rather than justice, mercy, and love Jer. 22:17 informs us Jehoiakim's eyes and heart were for covetousness, murder, * oppression, and violence.  And Jer. 22: 8 with its therefore (3-dot symbol) says no one would lament for Jehoiakim after he died, but very sadly he would die as a donkey.  

*The phrase in the KJV Bible, rather than murder, says "the shedding of innocent blood" whether babies, children, or adults.  Look for this phrase in Jeremiah and elsewhere; ponder it!

Painted in Vermilion:  Jeremiah 22:14 tells besides being paneled in cedar, Jehoiakim chose an expensive paint for his palace--vermilion.  In The Word IN LIFE Study Bible section "Knowing God" (p.1301) the writer comments on Jehoiakim's extravagant lifestyle gotten by levying taxes on the poor to pay for his extensive palace plans.  Sound familiar?  Everything about the evil leaders of Jeremiah's day might be said about ours.  The commentary says in general, God's assessment of Jehoiakim was he was committed only to his own ways and his own covetousness or greed. (Jer. 22:17)

Explore Vermilion: Learn more about this beautiful red-orange color. Explore around your home to find some examples.  Use a red/orange crayon to write out the Gem verse, or Jehoiakim's name.  By the way vermilion was a very expensive paint often used in artwork of long ago.  Look at IYJ page below; check out the shades of vermilion.  Find vermilion color swatches here:  vermilion swatches - Search (bing.com)

A Conversation about Vermilion: Vermilion Paint, Vermilion Fish & More!   Just recently my grandson, an amazing young naturalist, was showing me fish and rock pics from his phone.  I in turn was showing him pics on my phone--what about?  You guessed it-- some of my Jeremiah research.  He threw all kinds of big words at me.  So, I thought I wonder if he's ever heard of "vermilion?"  I asked him.  Sure, enough he had--but not about King Jehoiakim's palace paint but about "Vermilion Snapper Fish" and vermilion like marks on fish.  Wow!  I was impressed.  Look them up yourself--see all the vermilion-colored fish images! Click here:  photos of vermilion fish - Search (bing.com)

Yes, it was God who first painted in vermilion!  What a neat opportunity to share about Jeremiah too!  And wonder of wonders later as he fished, and I watched what did he catch but a fish with vermilion coloring on it!  Click on photo of a fish he caught below!  How awesome is our Creator, and how colorful is his creation!  Note some Bible translations have changed the KJV word "vermilion" to "red" but how much more vivid and specific is the term vermilion.  And what a vocabulary stretcher too!  

Jehoiakim--The Book Burning King:  You'll recall Josiah heard the lost book of the law read, and obeyed it, whereas King Jehoiakim heard the book of the law read, and burned it.  He committed a grievous sin!  He tried wiping out God's word.  So, it is today as all around us folks are trying to erase and change the Word!    

Some Jeremiah Classic Verses:  Did you know that there's quite a few well-known and well-loved verses folks often quote from Jeremiah?  Some include: Jer. 17:5-10; Jer.21:8; Jer. 32:17, 27; Jer. 33:3,22: ....  To view the entire list: consult "Classic Passages in Jeremiah" on pp: 481-482 in Willmington's Survey of the Old Testament. (Victor Books, 1987)   Find his excellent book here:  Willmington's Survey of the Old Testament: An Overview of the Scriptures from Creation to Christ: Willmington, Harold L.: 9780882078243: Amazon.com: Books

IYJ Third Page: Heart Verse and In the Winter House:  Read the heart verse in the right corner; talk about the words: covetousness, innocent blood, oppression, and violence.  Who did these things?  Are there rulers today who do these things?  people?  Talk about this.  See the big snowflakes and the king's picture.  Who read the book of the law to the king?  What did he do when he heard it?  What did he do to it?  Be sure to read the story aloud. 

IYJ Fourth Page: The Lament Page:  Click on the page below.  See the word "lament." Ask what it means.  Talk about how after good King Josiah died Jeremiah and the men and women singers wept and sang laments for him.  In contrast when Jehoiakim died God stated no one was to cry over him for he had been so very wicked.  They were not to say mournfully, "Ah my brother! Ah sister! Ah lord! Ah his glory!"  For Jehoiakim would die as a donkey because he'd forsaken the living God, for idols of his own making! 

Lamentations: A Book of Laments:  Have you noticed the name of the OT book after Jeremiah?  It's just a small book of five chapters that has five laments or poems in it.  Jeremiah wrote this book as well.  Check out the book in your Bible index and find it in your Bible.  Now most of the laments are quite sad but one especially offers hope and that one is chapter three.  In fact, it has two of my favorite OT verses in found in Lamentations 3:22,23: "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.  They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness."  Maybe they are your favorites too! How I love to sing "Great Is Thy Faithfulness."

Jeremiah's Lamentation Verse of Hope:  Coming home after my "vermilion conversation" I listened to a pastor talk about Jeremiah.  In his message he told how Jeremiah was a prophet who suffered much persecution and mocking because he dared to share the Lord's words or messages.  But in spite of all his troubles Jeremiah put his hope in the Lord.  Then the pastor read the wonderful Lamentation 3:24 verse just after the "great is thy faithfulness verse."  It reads: "The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him." 

How blessed I felt hearing this marvelous verse. What a surprise I got too the next morning as I found a pile of Bible verse color books.  And wonder of wonders the first color book I chose was titled: The LORD is my God.  (Colouring Book 22). *  Opening its vermilion-like cover, I was soon at page five when what verse did I spy but Lamentations 3:24! Once more the Lord truly was showing me that He is a God of even the smallest details! How very great is his faithfulness! 

* * UK spelling!  See the book photo below.  Order it here:  The LORD is My God - Coloring Book 22 (lighthousetrails.com)

Do click on these photos to enlarge them.  Don't miss the two king tube puppets below.

 

 

 

    

Jeremiah for Me: Lesson 10: Part I: Good King Josiah: 16th. King of Judah: Jeremiah Journey, Journal, n' Puppets

Jeremiah for Me:  Lesson 10:  Part I: Good King Josiah: 16th King of Judah: Jeremiah Journey, Journal, n' Puppets

Lesson 10:  Part I features a short introduction to the last five kings of Judah plus the story of good King Josiah while Lesson 10: Part II & III will feature stories about Kings Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah.   Looking ahead:  In Part II read about "The Vermilion King," "The Vermilion Conversation," and the "The Vermilion Color Book Verse", and more.  And in the Part III lesson be sure to view cute king and other mini-Bible finger puppets that are such fun to create and use.  

Now, get ready to peek into the lives of the rulers that Jeremiah the prophet faithfully preached to.  In this lesson read the amazing story of Josiah, the kid king, who at an early age began to seek the Lord.  Follow him to his death in battle with Neco, King of Egypt.  

To begin recall that Jeremiah was part of the Southern Kingdom of Judah which included the tribe of Benjamin and Judah and centered round Jerusalem.  Recall too that the ten tribes of the Northern Kingdom Israel were captured by the Assyrians prior to the capture of Southern Kingdom Judah by the Babylonians.  Know also many events in Jeremiah are not in chronological order.

The Last Five Kings of Judah:  The final five kings included Josiah, Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah.  Perhaps, you're thinking what's the best way to remember these similar sounding names?  Here's a little way that's helped me, and a way that even the youngest child can learn about them.  First, cut out crown cutouts folded into four parts.  Then print/stick/glue letter parts of each king's name in the spaces separating them by syllables.  See photo below!  

Your names will look like this: Jo-si-ah, Je-ho-a-haz, Je-hoi-a-kim, Je-hoi-a-chin and Ze-de-ki-ah.  Then make some observations:  How many names begin with J? Which name has "jo" in it?  "ho'" in it?  Which names have a "z" in them? "hoi" in them?  Which have "ah" at the end?  Which ends with a girl's name? a part of the face? Which has the word "zed" (means "z") in it?  Which name is shortest? longest?  Which have three syllables/parts or four syllables?  A Hint:  Owning a Bible that syllabizes places and names make pronunciation so much easier!

Crown Cutout   Crown cutouts make great book markers, IYJ paper toppers, or even a crown for a younger child.  Use them atop your puppet stage area as well.  A Hint:  These lessons are written so that even preschoolers can be included!  For them notice the "headbands" on the puppets and make one for them too.  e.g. For our previous lesson the puppet had a sun, moon, and star headband; take a strip of paper and staple into ring; then draw or add pics of sun, moon, and stars!  Of course, older siblings could assist them in making puppets too!  Pick and choose the activities suitable for your situation!    

Jeremiah's Call Came During Josiah's Reign:  Jeremiah 1:2,3 pinpoints precisely when Jeremiah heard God's call to be a prophet--during the thirteenth year of Josiah's rule.  If Josiah was eight when he began to rule Judah and Jerusalem how old was, he then? (21)         

Josiah & Other Kings Mentioned in Bible History Books:  Besides Jeremiah's prophecy, accounts of Josiah's reign are also given in II Kings and II Chronicles at the end of the books.  IYB locate and read the accounts for each of the five last kings of Judah!    

I Kings 13 "O Altar, O Altar" Story Prophesies About Josiah!  In I Kings 13:1-1-3 is a curious story about a man of God, King Jeroboam, Josiah, and an altar that would split in two.  Find it, read it, and then skip ahead to II Kings 23:15, 16 where this prophecy is fulfilled by Josiah many years later when during his purge or idol demolition, he stopped someone from removing the bones of the man of God named in I Kings 13!      

Josiah's Part in Jesus' Genealogy:  Josiah is named in the Matthew 1:10,11 along with his grandfather, and son.  Turn to that passage and find their names.  In it Josiah is listed as Josias.  By the way in Matthew chapter two Jeremiah is called "Jeremy."

Josiah's Name Means:   According to Easton's Bible Dictionary Josiah's name means "healed by Jehovah," or "Jehovah will support."  Find here: Eastons Bible Dictionary Online (biblestudytools.com)   Do you know the meaning of your name?  Is your name a Bible name?  Early I was aware that both my first and middle names were Bible names.  I remember being very surprised that our youngest granddaughter's name was Biblical.  I had never noticed that name, and I very eagerly shared that with her.

Josiah's Place in History:  Josiah is a historical figure and often used with BC (Before Christ) which in case you haven't noticed it is no longer written that way.  Rather it is written BCE now.  (Before the Common Era) Why do you suppose this is?  Discuss!!  If you decided it's just another way to wipe out God you'd be correct!  So as for me I will continue always to use BC and AD!   

Josiah Did Right Gem Verse:  II Kings 22:2 tells us that: "And he (Josiah) did right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in all the way of David his father, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left." 

For even though youthful Josiah chose to follow the way of righteousness.  A perfect verse great for younger kids too "... Josiah did right in the sight of the Lord, ..." (Note: right and sight rhyme!)  Say could you write your name into this verse?

"Josiah Did Right" Action Rhyme:  Click below and scroll down to enjoy poem and much more on Josiah that I did as part of "K for Keep" It in my Deuteronomy for Me Lessons.  Fun to say and act out this action rhyme is perfect for the little ones you know.  Do click here!!  Post: Edit (blogger.com) 

Josiah's House of the Lord Renovation:  Josiah noticed that the house of the Lord had been neglected and needed repair.  Therefore, he ordered workers to fix it up once again. While this repair was being done Hilkiah the priest made a discovery that would change Josiah's life.  What was this discovery?  It was the finding of God's book!  Later, Shaphan the scribe read it to King Josiah.  As Josiah heard the words, he felt so sorrowful he tore/rent/ripped his robes.

Josiah Consults with Huldah:  After hearing God's book Josiah sent a group of men to ask a word from the Lord from the prophetess Huldah.  Huldah, as the keeper of the king's wardrobe, would have been a part of Josiah's inner circle. God's message to Josiah, through Huldah, was because Josiah had humbled himself and showed sadness for the sins of his people, he would never live to see all of the evil that would come to Jerusalem.

IYB put a heart sticker in front of v. II Kings 22:19 to remind you how his heart was touched and saddened over the horrible behavior of the idolaters.  I wonder does all of the lying and the evil round us today sadden your heart making you want to stand for truth?  I pray so!  Look at the "Huldah" IYJ page photo below.

Neat Huldah Page/Article:  Find a Huldah illustration on pages 510-511 in Baker Book's 2016 KJV Study Bible for Girls.  If one wishes the page can be colored.  What a great up-to-date KJV Bible for girls 8-12 with its Book Introductions; Women's World; Be All You Can Be; Good Morning, God; and Heroes and Heroines Sections.  At the back is an easy-to-use Dictionary-Concordance.  Although it lacks maps and cross references it is a good starter Bible for girls. After purchasing one for our granddaughter, I wanted one as well.  Find it here:     KJV Study Bible for Girls Hardcover: Baker Publishing Group, Richards, Larry: 9780801018527: Amazon.com: Books

       

Josiah's Idol Demolition: When King Josiah realized that all the idols, images, and sacred places were filled with abominable things he ordered a huge purging or clean-up of these places.  Would that be our leaders in our government/churches would do the same! For we just like in Jeremiah's era we have committed the very same sins.  That's why a book like Jeremiah needs to be taught from one's youth!!  How sad it was when a pastor I knew confessed to knowing nothing about Jeremiah.  

Josiah Images Galore:  Learn to click onto image sites that include lots more pics, artwork, time-line line pages, coloring book pics, craft projects, and much more.   You can peruse them with a child or grandchild should you want even more things to do.  king josiah images for kids - Search (bing.com)

Good King Josiah Then: Good Queen Elizabeth Recently:  All his life Josiah sought to please the Lord and of him it was written: "And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the LORD with all his heart, and with all his soul, and all his might, according to the law of Moses, neither after him arose there any like him."  I Kings 23:25

This makes me think of Queen Elizabeth who from her youth chose to do right and when she died many stories were told of her loyalty to her people and to the Lord. Her life especially intrigued me as my parents were born in England, and an aunt and uncle attended her coronation.  Later, I too got to visit Windsor Castle as well as St. George's Chapel where she is now buried. 

Potentate Portraits: In Dr. Harold L. Willmington's outstanding book Willmington's Survey of the Old Testament he presents succinct word pictures of the kings under whom Jeremiah prophesied. Find these portraits in: "Preview: Rulers in the South," and "Overview: Scripture, Subject, Specifics, Saints and Sinners, and Sentence Summaries" which contain a simple and thorough synopsis from Josiah-Zedekiah. (pp. 365-66) Turn over to pages 366-367 and pp.454 and following for even more info.  View the book here: Willmington's Survey of the Old Testament: An Overview of the Scriptures from Creation to Christ: Willmington, Harold L.: 9780882078243: Amazon.com: Books   Since this is an older book, it may be found online for a fraction of its original price.  

Speaking of "Potentates" list some other words for kings: rulers, leaders, monarchs, sovereigns, ....  As one reads Jeremiah besides Biblical facts, stories, prophecy, and verses it's easy to expand one's vocabulary.  What a treasure trove Jeremiah is for exploring so many other topics at the same time.

Puppet Display:  Look at the five king puppet photos. To display them I used a cardboard egg carton which allowed me to stand them all up the in order.   Note: Coming up in the next lesson will be easy-to-make: "Mini King Finger Puppets!!!!!!!!!!!!"  Don't miss them. 

Meet Hilkiah & Shaphan:  Hilkiah the High Priest was the finder of the "Book of the Law."  It was he who gave it to Shaphan who in turn read it to Josiah. See Shaphan the Scribe or Secretary:  Position him by the king with a scroll lectern as he reads its words.  Have Josiah listening.  Do add a few tear drops or ripped clothing piece.  Below view puppets in the photo section.   

Josiah Puppet Scene:  Josiah: Reading the Book of the Law by a Temple Pillar/Gate:  Use your Josiah king puppet made in Lesson Three. See photos below!  Also use the silver/gray covered towel tubes that form the "Temple Gate."  Click on photos!  Stand Josiah by one.  Use an assortment of other puppets to be the people who at the direction of Josiah stood to honor the reading of the book.    

Toilet Tube Lectern:  Make 2 1/4" toilet tube lectern; roll in silver/gray paper.  Make simple lectern top 2 1/2" X 2" to place over lectern tube top.  Lay "scroll atop" that.  See pics!  May stand Josiah on bottle top and cover with purple or red small napkin. 

Book of the Law Scroll:  Roll two cotton swabs in sticky note paper; secure.  Put a foam piece between them.  Tape.  Click on photos for close up.  Don't have the exact paper; no worry use what you can find at your house! 

IYJ:  Look over the IYJ photo pages with its sample Puppet Scripture Story Script. 

Step by Step Instructions for Puppet Shows with Scripture Script

  

1.  Choose story title.  The IYJ story example is: "Found: The Book of the Law."  (II Kings 22)

2.  Make a character list; let kids draw them.  IYJ the story characters are: Hilkiah the Priest, Shaphan the Scribe, King Josiah, Huldah the Prophetess, and The King's Men.  View photo below to see the two pages:  notice the characters.

3.  Next, read the story from your Bible aloud noticing the speaking parts.  If you wish to shorten the verses a bit use ... to show this.  Remember, the goal is to use Scripture for our script not our own made-up words!  Write or print out the verse words the characters will say perhaps printing or gluing them onto index cards.

4.  Check out the puppet photos.  Click on them to enlarge them! 

5.  Set up props: e.g., the silver pillars, a tiny tube lectern, and so on.  Use repurposed items.  e.g.  Use the inside of mailer envelopes for streets. Study the photos below!

6.  Practice your script moving the puppets and reading the script words.

7.  For each lesson story present a little show; older adults/kids can be in charge of a show for younger ones.

8.  Most of all encourage all puppeteers to put the Word into their hearts, not a made-up script.

Thoughts Concerning  Scripture Script:   Very concerning to me as a lifetime Christian educator and kids' curriculum author is the fact that as I view some Bible Story shows, movies, and podcasts very often the characters use ideas/words that do not resemble the Word in even a remote way.  Could this be why our children, products of Childrens' Churches, Christian TV shows, and so on, never have the Word in their heart for they really do not know it nor hear it???      

Always keep in mind II Timothy 3:15 which reads:    "... From a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."