In this lesson, children learn that God helped King David win every battle he fought, and that God is faithful to his people. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach, including the story, the verses, and the activity.
Big Idea
God helps and takes care of his people, and he is always in charge of what happens. When we trust him, we can be brave and kind, because he is with us wherever we go.
Memory Verse
1 Chronicles 18:6
Then David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus; and the Syrians became servants to David, and brought tribute. The LORD gave victory to David wherever he went.
(WEB)
Teach children to hold both arms out wide, like someone standing tall, and then bring their hands together in front of their chest as they say “The LORD gave victory.” Repeat the motion three times so the words and the gesture stay together.
The Story: 1 Chronicles 18 for Kids
King David had many enemies, and some of them were strong. One of them was a group called the Philistines, who lived near the land of Israel. David fought against them and won, and he took their city of Gath. He was not only a brave fighter but also a king who wanted to care for his people fairly.
Next, David defeated the Moabites. After that, they came to serve David and brought him gifts to show they respected him. David also fought against a king named Hadadezer, who had many chariots and soldiers. David won that battle too, and he took a large amount of gold shields and bronze from the enemy cities.
When the people of Damascus came to help Hadadezer, David fought them as well. He put soldiers in their land, and they became his servants and paid him gifts. Later, David fought against the Edomites in a salty valley, and he won there too. Every time, the story says, “The LORD gave victory to David wherever he went.” David knew that God was the one who helped him.
David did not keep the riches for himself. He gave silver and gold to the LORD, so it could be used to honor God. He also ruled his people with fairness and goodness, making sure everyone was treated rightly. He chose good helpers, like Joab to lead the army and Benaiah to lead the special guard, so that the kingdom could be well run.
Read It Together
1 Chronicles 18:13
He put garrisons in Edom; and all the Edomites became servants to David. The LORD gave victory to David wherever he went.
(WEB)
Point out that David won again in Edom, and that the verse repeats the words “The LORD gave victory.” Ask children to notice how often the story reminds us that God was the one helping David, not just David’s own strength.
1 Chronicles 18:14
David reigned over all Israel; and he executed justice and righteousness for all his people.
(WEB)
Show children that David did more than fight. He ruled with justice and righteousness, which means being fair and doing what is right for everyone. Explain that good leaders care about the people they serve, not only about winning.
1 Chronicles 18:11
King David also dedicated these to the LORD, with the silver and the gold that he carried away from all the nations; from Edom, from Moab, from the children of Ammon, from the Philistines, and from Amalek.
(WEB)
Point out that David gave the gold and silver he won back to the LORD. Explain that this shows David wanted to thank God and honor him with what he had, and that giving to God is a good way to show gratitude.
Talk About It
- What did King David do when he won a battle, and who did he say was helping him?
- Why do you think the story says “The LORD gave victory to David wherever he went”?
- How did David show fairness and kindness to the people he ruled?
- What did David choose to give to the LORD, and why do you think he wanted to?
- When do you feel brave, and how can remembering that God is with you help you feel braver?
Activity Ideas
Victory Flag Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a craft stick or straw for each child. Have each child draw a flag and write or draw one thing that God helps them with, such as being brave at school or being kind to a friend. Tape the flag to the stick so they can wave it while they say together, “The LORD gave victory.”
Shield and Chariot Relay
You will need two paper plates for shields and some space to run. Divide the children into two teams and have each child carry a plate shield across the room and back, then pass it to the next runner. Between turns, call out “The LORD helps us,” and let the team shout it together before the next runner goes.
Thank You Jar at Home
You will need a jar, slips of paper, and a pen. Each day for a week, ask your child to write one thing they are thankful to God for and drop it into the jar. At the end of the week, read the notes out loud together and thank God for each one, just as David gave gifts back to the LORD.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God is sovereign over nations and that his help is the true source of victory, even when people work hard and fight bravely. It also shows that a godly leader combines strength with justice and gratitude toward God. Readers can notice that David’s kingdom was built on the Lord’s faithfulness, and that the good things David did were ways of honoring God.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the idea that God always makes us win every game or contest, or that faithfulness means we will never lose anything. The chapter is about God’s power and David’s wars in a particular historical setting. Keep the focus on God being with his people and caring for them, and be careful not to promise children specific outcomes in their own lives.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank you that you are always with us and that you help us in everything we do. Help us be brave and fair, just like King David, and help us remember to thank you for every good gift. Amen.
