In this lesson, children learn that God keeps His promises and makes David king over all Israel, and that brave friends help each other. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God keeps His promises. He made David king, and He helped David and his brave friends win every battle. When we trust God, He is faithful to us.
Memory Verse
1 Chronicles 11:2
In times past, even when Saul was king, it was you who led out and brought in Israel. The LORD your God said to you, ‘You shall be shepherd of my people Israel, and you shall be prince over my people Israel.’”
(WEB)
Have children stand tall and hold both arms out wide like a shepherd carrying a staff. Each time you say a key word, such as “shepherd” or “prince,” have them lift one arm higher. Repeat the verse together three times, moving your arms slowly and clearly.
The Story: 1 Chronicles 11 for Kids
All the people of Israel came together to a town called Hebron. They wanted David to be their king. They said, “We are your family. We belong to you.” They remembered that David had always been a brave leader, even when Saul was king. God had already promised that David would be the shepherd of His people.
David made a promise with the people in Hebron, and they crowned him king. Next, David led his army to Jerusalem, which was also called Jebus. The people living there told David he could not come in. But David captured the strong hill called Zion. Then he made it his home, and people called it the City of David.
David’s army grew stronger because God was with him. Some of his mighty men were especially brave. One man named Jashobeam fought off three hundred enemies with his spear. Another man named Eleazar stood firm in a field of barley and helped his people win a big victory.
One hot day, David was thirsty and said, “Oh, I wish someone could bring me water from the well in Bethlehem!” Three of his strongest soldiers heard him. They bravely broke through the enemy army just to get the water. When they brought it to David, he would not drink it. He said, “This water is too precious. It was brought to me at great risk. I will pour it out to God instead.” David knew that God was worthy of honor.
Many other brave men fought alongside David. Each one helped make David’s kingdom strong. These men showed that loyalty and courage matter.
Read It Together
1 Chronicles 11:3
So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and David made a covenant with them in Hebron before the LORD; and they anointed David king over Israel, according to the LORD’s word by Samuel.
(WEB)
Point out that the people made a covenant with David before the LORD, and that they did this because God had already spoken through Samuel. Ask children to notice that David was chosen by God, not just by people.
1 Chronicles 11:9
David grew greater and greater; for the LORD of Armies was with him.
(WEB)
Show children that David grew greater and greater because the LORD of Armies was with him. Explain that God’s presence is what made David strong, not his own power alone.
1 Chronicles 11:18-19
18 The three broke through the army of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David; but David would not drink any of it, but poured it out to the LORD, 19 and said, “My God forbid me, that I should do this! Shall I drink the blood of these men who have put their lives in jeopardy?” For they risked their lives to bring it. Therefore he would not drink it. The three mighty men did these things.
(WEB)
Point out how David refused to drink the water because the men risked their lives for it. Help children see that David honored the bravery of his friends and gave his gift to God.
Talk About It
- What do you think it felt like for the people to choose David as their king?
- Why do you think David poured out the water instead of drinking it?
- How did God help David when things were hard?
- What is one way you could be a brave friend to someone this week?
- Which of David’s mighty men do you think was the bravest, and why?
Activity Ideas
Crown of Courage Craft
You will need construction paper, scissors, tape, and crayons or markers. Cut a strip of paper long enough to wrap around each child’s head and tape it into a circle. Let children decorate their crowns with stars, hearts, or drawings of things that make them brave. Talk together about one brave thing God has helped them do.
Mighty Men Relay Game
You will need a few cups of water, a spoon for each child, and an open space in your room or yard. Set up a course with a chair that marks the “well” at one end. Children carry a spoonful of water across the room and back without spilling, cheering each other on like David’s brave friends. End by pouring the water out together as a picture of giving back to God.
Take-Home Promise Card
You will need index cards, a pencil, and a small envelope for each child. Have children draw a picture of God keeping a promise, such as a rainbow or a shepherd with sheep. Write the words “God keeps His promises” on the back. Encourage children to share the card with someone at home and tell them what the story taught.
Teacher Notes
This chapter shows that David became king because God chose him and kept His word. The long list of mighty men teaches that God uses many people, each with different gifts, to accomplish His purposes. For adults, the story of David refusing the water is a picture of honoring God above personal comfort and recognizing the cost others pay for us.
Avoid suggesting that God rewards bravery with guaranteed victory. The chapter shows God’s faithfulness and presence, not a promise that hard things will never come. Keep the focus on God’s character rather than making the story a formula for success.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for keeping Your promises, just as You kept Your promise to David. Help us be brave and faithful like David’s friends. Teach us to honor You in everything we do. Thank You for always being with us. Amen.
