In this lesson, children learn that Saul stopped listening to God and ended badly, while God keeps His promises even when hard things happen. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
When we choose to obey God, we can trust Him to keep His word, even when everything seems to go wrong.
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)
Put one hand on your heart and bring the other hand up to your forehead, like you are thinking hard about God. Then say the verse slowly together, nodding on each word. Repeat it three times, getting quieter each time.
The Story: 1 Chronicles 10 for Kids
Long ago, Israel had a king named Saul. Saul was supposed to listen to God and obey Him. But Saul often did what he wanted instead, and he stopped listening to God’s words. One day, Saul went into a battle against the Philistines, who were Israel’s enemies.
The battle was very hard. The Philistine archers shot many arrows, and Israel’s soldiers ran away. Saul was hurt and scared. He said to his helper, “Draw your sword and push it through me, so these enemies do not hurt me.” But his helper was too frightened to do it. So Saul took his own sword and died.
Saul’s three sons died in the battle too. Israel’s soldiers saw that their king was gone, so they ran away from their cities. The enemies moved in and took over the towns. Saul’s whole family died that day.
The people of Jabesh Gilead heard what had happened to Saul. They were brave men, and they went to get his body and the bodies of his sons. They buried them in Jabesh under a big oak tree. Then they fasted, which means they went without food, for seven days to show how sad they were.
The Bible tells us why Saul died. Saul did not keep God’s word, and he asked a witch for help instead of asking God. He did not ask the LORD for guidance. So God 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 asked for help in a bad way. Ask children what they do when they feel scared. Help them see that God is always ready to help us, even when we feel afraid.
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)
Explain that Saul chose not to ask God for help. Point out the words “didn’t inquire of the LORD.” Help children understand that God wants us to come to Him first, before we look somewhere else.
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)
Show children that the men of Jabesh Gilead did something kind and brave for Saul’s family. Talk about how people can show love even when someone has made a bad choice. Remind children that loyalty and kindness matter.
Talk About It
- What do you think Saul should have done when he felt scared about the battle?
- Why is it important to ask God for help before we try to fix things on our own?
- What are some ways we can show we trust God when we are worried?
- How do you think the men of Jabesh Gilead felt when they went to bring Saul’s body home?
- What is one thing you can do this week to listen more closely to God’s word?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Trusting Heart
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a big heart on the paper. Inside the heart, they should draw or write one thing they can trust God with this week. Let them share their drawings with the class and pray over each one.
Ask the LORD Game
You will need a few chairs and a bell or clapper. Set the chairs in a circle. When the bell rings, children walk around the circle. When it stops, they sit in the nearest chair and say a short prayer asking God for help with something. Play a few rounds so everyone gets a turn.
Memory Verse Card
You will need index cards, markers, and a small envelope. Have each child write the memory verse reference and copy the verse words onto the card. Decorate the card with stickers or drawings. Encourage them to put it in the envelope and keep it on their nightstand as a reminder to ask God first.
Teacher Notes
This passage shows that God’s word carries real weight. Saul’s failure came from ignoring what God had said and turning to other sources for guidance. For adults, it is a sober reminder that God calls His people to seek Him first, to take His word seriously, and to trust His timing, even when the outcome looks bleak.
Avoid overstating the witch detail to children. Keep the focus on Saul’s choice not to ask God, and explain simply that he looked to someone other than God for help. Do not turn the lesson into a scary story. Emphasize that God is faithful and that we can always come to Him.
A Prayer to Close
Father, we thank You that You always hear us when we pray. Help us to ask You first when we feel scared or unsure. Teach us to trust You with every part of our day. Help us to follow Your word and to be brave and kind like the people who loved Saul’s family. Amen.
