In this lesson, children learn that God helps David win battles when David asks God what to do first. This lesson works for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God is the one who makes us strong and wins our battles. When we ask him for help before we act, he is always ready to guide us.
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)
Teach children to cup their hands in front of their mouths, then open their palms upward as if asking. Say the words “Shall I go up?” and have everyone do the motion together. Repeat it three times so the children remember to ask God first.
The Story: 1 Chronicles 14 for Kids
King David now ruled all of Israel, and good things were happening. King Hiram of Tyre sent builders and carpenters with strong cedar wood to help David build a fine house in Jerusalem. David knew that God had made him king and had blessed his people. Soon David had more children, and his family grew.
Then the Philistines heard that David was king over all Israel. They were not happy about it. They came up and spread out in the valley of Rephaim, ready to fight. David wanted to know what to do, so he did not rush out. He asked God, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?”
God answered him clearly. “Go up, for I will give them into your hand.” So David went to a place called Baal Perazim, and God helped him win the battle. David said that God had broken his enemies like a rushing flood of water. The people named that place after what God had done.
The Philistines came back and spread out in the valley again. David asked God once more. This time God gave him a different plan. “Do not go straight at them. Go around behind them and wait by the mulberry trees. When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the trees, then attack, because I will go out before you.” David did exactly what God told him to do.
The army of David won a great victory, all the way from Gibeon to Gezer. Word of David spread across many lands. Everyone began to know that the Lord was with David and that the nations were afraid of him.
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 saw God’s hand on his kingdom. Ask children to notice that God made David’s kingdom strong for the sake of his people, not for David’s own glory. Help them see that God gives us good things for others too.
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 God gave David a new plan the second time. Point out the phrase about hearing marching in the trees, and explain that God gives us exactly the direction we need when we listen. Remind them that God goes out before us in the battles we face.
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)
Explain that David’s fame spread because God was with him. Point out that the people were not afraid of David alone; they were afraid of the Lord working through him. Encourage children to see that God’s power is greater than anyone’s.
Talk About It
- What did David do before he went out to fight the Philistines?
- Why do you think God gave David two different plans in this story?
- What is something you might ask God for help with this week?
- How did God show that he was helping David win the battle?
- Why is it a good idea to ask God first, even before we start something big?
Activity Ideas
Mulberry Trees Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a tree with a big leafy top, then draw a small army of soldiers hiding behind it. Have them write or draw a note at the bottom saying “God goes before us.” Let children share their pictures and explain what the trees and soldiers mean in the story.
Listen for the Marching Game
You will need a open space and a few household items you can bang together, such as wooden spoons and pots. Hide the children’s eyes while you tap a soft marching beat on a pot. When they hear the sound, they march in place, then freeze when you stop. Explain that David waited for God’s signal before he moved, just like the children waited for the sound.
Ask God First Jar
You will need an empty jar or box, slips of paper, and a pen. Each day for a week, have the children write one thing they want to ask God for help with and fold it into the jar. At the end of the week, read through the notes together and thank God for any answers or help you see. This helps children practice asking God first in everyday life.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s guidance is specific and personal. David did not rely on his own strength or his own plans. He asked God, listened for the answer, and obeyed even when the instructions were surprising. It also reminds us that God’s favor on his people is meant to spread to the nations around them.
Be careful not to suggest that God will always give us an easy win or that every struggle is a sign of our faithfulness. Children may take the story to mean that obedience always brings instant victory. Gently explain that God’s help is real and faithful, while his timing and methods are his own.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank you for being our strong helper. Help us remember to ask you first before we start something new or hard. Teach us to listen for your voice and to follow where you lead us. Thank you that you go before us in every battle. Amen.
