In this lesson, children learn that Saul disobeyed God and that God keeps his word, even when people do not. The lesson suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God is always faithful, and he wants us to trust and obey him instead of asking others for answers. When we listen to God, we are safe with him.
Memory Verse
1 Chronicles 10:13
So Saul died for his trespass which he committed against the LORD, because of the LORD’s word, which he didn’t keep; and also because he asked counsel of one who had a familiar spirit, to inquire…
(WEB)
Teach children to cup both hands over their hearts when they say the verse, then lift their hands toward the sky on the word “LORD.” Repeat it together three times, getting a little quieter each time.
The Story: 1 Chronicles 10 for Kids
King Saul was the first king of Israel, but he stopped listening to God. One day the Philistines, who were Israel’s enemies, came to fight. Israel’s soldiers ran away, and many of them fell in the battle on Mount Gilboa.
The fighting was very hard, and the enemy archers caught up with King Saul. He was badly hurt and very scared. He said to his armor bearer, his helper, “Please, take your sword and end my life, so the enemy will not hurt me.” But the helper was too frightened to do it.
So Saul took his own sword and died. When his helper saw that the king was gone, he died too. Saul’s three sons died in the battle as well, and the Philistines took over the cities that had belonged to Israel.
The people of Jabesh Gilead heard what had happened. The brave men of that town walked through the night to bring back the bodies of Saul and his sons. They buried them with care and spent seven days fasting and grieving.
The Bible tells us why this happened. Saul had not kept God’s word, and he went to a fortune teller to ask for answers instead of asking the LORD. Because of this, God ended Saul’s time as king and gave the kingdom to David, the son of Jesse.
Read It Together
1 Chronicles 10:4
Then Saul said to his armor bearer, “Draw your sword, and thrust me through with it, lest these uncircumcised come and abuse me.” But his armor bearer would not; for he was terrified. Therefore Saul took his sword, and fell on it.
(WEB)
Point out that Saul was scared and made a bad choice in a hard moment. Ask children what they think they should do when they feel afraid, and remind them that God is always near to help.
1 Chronicles 10:13-14
13 So Saul died for his trespass which he committed against the LORD, because of the LORD’s word, which he didn’t keep; and also because he asked counsel of one who had a familiar spirit, to inquire, 14 and didn’t inquire of the LORD. Therefore he killed him, and turned the kingdom over to David the son of Jesse.
(WEB)
Show children the two things Saul did wrong: he did not keep God’s word, and he did not ask the LORD for help. Explain that asking God first is always the right choice, even when it is hard.
1 Chronicles 10:12
All the valiant men arose, and took away the body of Saul, and the bodies of his sons, and brought them to Jabesh, and buried their bones under the oak in Jabesh, and fasted seven days.
(WEB)
Point out how the men of Jabesh Gilead showed kindness and respect by caring for the bodies of Saul and his sons. Ask children how they can show care for others, even when someone has done wrong.
Talk About It
- What do you think Saul should have done when he was afraid in the battle?
- Why is it important to ask God for help before we ask other people or things?
- How did the people of Jabesh Gilead show kindness, even in a sad time?
- What are some ways we can keep God’s words in our everyday lives?
- When you feel scared, what is one thing you can say or do to remember that God is with you?
Activity Ideas
Crayon Crown Drawing
Give each child a sheet of paper, crayons, and scissors. Have them draw a crown and write or draw one way they can trust God this week. Cut out the crown and tape it to a strip of paper to make a headband they can wear home.
Follow the Leader Game
Choose one child to be the “shepherd” and the rest to be “sheep.” The shepherd must move slowly and speak clearly, and the sheep must listen and follow only his voice. Talk about how God’s voice guides us, and how we follow him instead of other voices.
Family Reminder Card
Give each child an index card and a marker. Have them write the memory verse, or draw a picture of a open Bible, and decorate the card. Encourage them to place it on the kitchen table or by their bed so the family can read it together at meals or bedtime.
Teacher Notes
This passage shows adults that choosing to ignore God’s word has real consequences, and that God is faithful even when people fail him. Saul’s story reminds us that seeking guidance from God first is the foundation of a faithful life. Adults can see that God’s faithfulness stands even when human leaders falter.
Avoid suggesting to children that God causes bad things to happen to people as punishment for every mistake. Keep the focus on Saul’s choices and God’s faithfulness, and on the kindness shown by the men of Jabesh Gilead, rather than on frightening details of the battle.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you that you always keep your word and that you are always with us. Help us to ask you first when we feel scared or unsure, and help us to listen to your voice. Show us how to be kind and brave like the people of Jabesh Gilead. Amen.
