In this lesson, children learn that God is the one who gives David victory, so David asks God what to do before he acts. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
Before we act, we ask God what He wants us to do. When we trust Him, He is faithful to help us, and we can tell others about His goodness.
Memory Verse
1 Chronicles 14:10
David inquired of God, saying, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hand?” The LORD said to him, “Go up; for I will deliver them into your hand.”
(WEB)
Ask the children to cup their hands like they are asking a question, then lift them up toward the ceiling as if they are looking to heaven. Say the verse together while doing the motion, and repeat it three times.
The Story: 1 Chronicles 14 for Kids
King David had become king over all of Israel, and God had made his kingdom strong. King Hiram of Tyre was a friend, and he sent David a gift of cedar trees, along with workers who knew how to build. David knew it was God who had made him king, and he thanked God for blessing his people.
David also had many children born to him in Jerusalem. The Bible lists their names, like Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon. Ask your children to listen for the name Solomon, because he will be a king one day too.
Then the Philistines heard that David was king, and they came to fight him. They spread out in a valley called Rephaim. Before David went out to fight, he did something important. He asked God, “Shall I go up against them? Will You give them into my hand?” God answered, “Go up, for I will give them into your hand.”
So David went, and God helped him win the battle. David said that God had broken his enemies like water bursting through a dam. The place was named Baal Perazim, which means “the Lord who breaks through.” Later the Philistines came back again, and David asked God for help once more. This time God said to wait until he heard marching in the mulberry trees, and then to attack.
David obeyed God’s instructions exactly, and the Philistines were defeated. Because of this, David’s fame spread to all lands, and God put fear of David on the nations around him. The chapter ends with God’s name being honored, not David’s.
Read It Together
1 Chronicles 14:2
David perceived that the LORD had established him king over Israel; for his kingdom was exalted on high, for his people Israel’s sake.
(WEB)
Point out that David noticed God had made his kingdom strong. Ask children who they think is really in charge of their lives, and remind them that God is the one who helps us succeed.
1 Chronicles 14:14-15
14 David inquired again of God; and God said to him, “You shall not go up after them. Turn away from them, and come on them opposite the mulberry trees. 15 When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, then go out to battle; for God has gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines.”
(WEB)
Show children that David asked God a second time, and God gave a different plan. Explain that God sometimes tells us to wait or to try something new, and we can trust Him to lead us.
1 Chronicles 14:17
The fame of David went out into all lands; and the LORD brought the fear of him on all nations.
(WEB)
Point out that God’s fame spread through David’s victories. Help children see that when God helps us, people can notice His goodness and learn about Him.
Talk About It
- What did David do before he went out to fight the Philistines?
- Why do you think David asked God what to do instead of just going on his own?
- When is a time you wanted to do something on your own, and what could you ask God first?
- How did God’s plan change the second time the Philistines came, and why do you think God gave a different plan?
- Who did people give the credit to after David won, and how can we give God credit when good things happen to us?
Activity Ideas
Hands Up Drawing
You will need paper, crayons, and a pencil. Have each child trace one of their hands and draw a small picture inside it of something they want to ask God about. Then they can add a line on the bottom that says “Ask God First.” Let them take it home to put on the fridge as a reminder.
Mulberry Tree Marching Game
You will need a space where children can move freely, and a tap or drumbeat. Explain that the children must wait until the teacher taps out a marching sound, then they march in place. When they hear the signal, they stop and freeze, just like David waited for God’s signal. Play several rounds and talk about waiting for God’s direction.
Ask First Note Card
You will need index cards, markers, and a small envelope. Have each child write or draw a simple prayer request on a card, such as asking God for help with a hard day. Fold the cards and place them in the envelope to keep at home. Encourage families to read one card together each week and pray about it.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that a godly leader depends on God rather than his own strength. David’s success comes from God’s promises and his willingness to ask for direction, which is why the Philistine victories honor the Lord. It also reminds us that God’s plans can differ from one moment to the next, so we must keep seeking Him.
Avoid suggesting to children that God will always give them the exact victory they want or that asking God guarantees a good outcome. Keep the focus on trusting God’s character and His faithful help, rather than promising specific results in their own lives.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for being in charge of everything. Help us remember to ask You first before we act, and help us listen when You tell us what to do. Thank You for always being faithful to us. Amen.
