Leader Guide
Teaching Time
- Empty paper towel tube (King's scepter)
- Toy shields (2) or use the template provided
- Toy crown or use the template provided
- Two pool noodles, yardsticks, or broom handles (Spears)
- Robe, blanket, or bath towel (King's robe)
- Cardstock—3 sheets
- Cup
- Chair (Throne)
- Optional: Toy construction hats
- Optional: Crown Page, cardstock, and crayons
- Optional: Shield Page and Strap Page
- Optional: Toy tools (Hammer, ruler, screwdriver, shovel, etc.)
- Scissors
- Masking tape or stapler
- Actors: King, Nehemiah, two guards, workers (3 or more), enemies (2 or more)
- Optional: Costume beards and headwraps for one or more characters
- Bible or Superbook Bible App
Optional: Make a copy of the Crown Page on cardstock. Color the crown if the copy is in black and white.
Cut out the three pieces. Size the bands for a child’s head. Tape the pieces together.
Make two copies of the Shield Page and one copy of the Strap Page on cardstock. Color the front of the shield if the copies are black and white.
Cut out the two shields and the four arm straps. Align the two arm straps on the back of each shield. (Each strap is mounted vertically.) Raise the center of each strap to form a U so a child’s arm can slide through. Tape or staple each strap.
Assist the actors with costumes and props as necessary.
Slowly read the Bible story as outlined below. Pause at the bold text to direct the actors.
Place a chair (throne) in the presentation area.
● The king enters wearing a crown and robe, holding a scepter, then sits on the “throne.” A long time ago, there was a king in a country called Persia.
● A man named Nehemiah was the king’s cupbearer. This was a very important job, and the king trusted Nehemiah very much. Nehemiah enters with cup and hands it to the king.
● Although Nehemiah lived in Persia, he was in exile from his homeland, which was far away in Israel and its capital city, Jerusalem. Exile means you are forced to live away from your home. Nehemiah had just heard some bad news that the wall around Jerusalem had been destroyed. This made it easy for enemies to attack!
● Thinking about this made Nehemiah very sad—so sad that he wept. Nehemiah looks sad and wipes his eyes.
● When the king asked him why he was so sad, Nehemiah prayed to God, asking the Lord what to say. Nehemiah folds his hands in prayer.
● Nehemiah told the king about the broken walls of Jerusalem and asked the king’s permission to go and rebuild them. Nehemiah pretends to ask.
● The king liked Nehemiah very much. He smiled and said, "Yes!" King smiles, nods his head "Yes," and points to Nehemiah with his scepter.
● Nehemiah began the long trip to Jerusalem. Nehemiah walks away from the king.
(The king leaves, and the chair is removed).
● Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem. He looked at the long wall around the city that was all broken down and saw that it was a big job—so big that he could not do it alone. Nehemiah looks around with hand above his eyes and shakes his head.
● Nehemiah needed help! When the Jewish people heard what Nehemiah planned to do, they came from all over to help! He was so happy and thankful to see them! Workers enter with tools (optional hats). They stand with Nehemiah. He shakes their hands and smiles.
● The workers began to rebuild the wall. Workers bend over to pick up stones and pretend to use tools to build the walls.
● But not everyone was happy the walls were being rebuilt! Some enemies laughed at the workers and made threats to get them to stop their work! The enemies enter laughing, making angry faces, and shaking their fists.
● But Nehemiah and the workers refused to stop. He trusted God and had a plan! Nehemiah points to the sky, smiles, then looks determined and shakes head "no."
● The guards with shields and spears enter and stand with serious faces. Nehemiah had guards with weapons and shields stand watch to protect the workers. The Israelites kept working, and the wall kept getting taller!
● Because the Israelites trusted God and worked together, the wall was finished in only 52 days!
● The people had worked together, so now they could celebrate together. The enemy’s threats did not stop them! Nehemiah, the actors, and all of the children jump, clap, and cheer. The enemies sadly walk away with their heads down.
Optional Review Questions
Hold up the Object to Go! cup. One of Nehemiah’s important jobs was being a cupbearer. Who did he bring a cup to? The king (of Persia).
Could just one man repair that great big wall while also looking out for enemy attacks? No!
It took everyone working together!
What did the Israelites do when the walls were rebuilt? They returned to Jerusalem.