In this lesson, children learn that God gave King David victory wherever he went, and that God is faithful to keep His promises. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is with His people, and He helps them win when they trust Him. He is always faithful, even when the battles seem big.
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)
Have children stand tall with their arms raised like a strong tree, then bend their knees and wave their hands like a flag each time they say “The LORD gave victory.” Repeat the motion three times so the words and actions stick together.
The Story: 1 Chronicles 18 for Kids
Long ago, there was a king named David. God had chosen David to lead His people, Israel, and God was with him everywhere he went. Not everyone liked Israel, though. Some neighboring nations wanted to fight them.
David did not sit back and wait for trouble to come. He went out and defeated the Philistines, and he took the city of Gath from them. He also won a battle against the Moabites, and they became servants who paid tribute to David. Every time David fought, God helped him win.
Next, David fought a king named Hadadezer. The enemy army had many chariots and soldiers, but David won the battle. Then the Syrians from Damascus came to help Hadadezer, and David won that battle too. David took a great deal of gold and bronze back to Jerusalem, and those treasures were used later to make things for God’s house.
After these battles, a king named Tou sent his son Hadoram to greet David. Tou said, in his own way, “Thank you for defeating our enemy!” King David gave thanks to God and dedicated the gold, silver, and bronze to the LORD. He knew that the victories had come from God, not from his own strength.
David also won against the Edomites, and the people of Edom became his servants. David ruled all of Israel well. He made sure that everyone was treated fairly and that people did what was right. He also chose good helpers, including Joab to lead the army and Benaiah to lead the special guards.
Read It Together
1 Chronicles 18:3
David defeated Hadadezer king of Zobah to Hamath, as he went to establish his dominion by the river Euphrates.
(WEB)
Point out that David went out to make his kingdom stronger. Ask the children to notice that David did not wait for the enemies to come to him, but went where God was leading him.
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)
Show the children the repeated phrase about God giving victory. Explain that this line appears more than once in the chapter, so God’s help is the main point of the story.
1 Chronicles 18:14
David reigned over all Israel; and he executed justice and righteousness for all his people.
(WEB)
Talk about the word “justice,” which means being fair. Point out that David cared about treating his people fairly, and ask how the children can be fair to their friends and family.
Talk About It
- What did David do when he was facing big enemies?
- Who did David say was really giving him the victories?
- How do you think David felt when God helped him win every battle?
- What is one way you can trust God when something feels hard?
- How can you be fair and kind to the people in your home or class?
Activity Ideas
Victory Flag Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, a popsicle stick or straw, and tape. Have each child draw a flag and write “The LORD gave victory” across it. Tape the flag to the stick so they can carry it around the room during class and wave it when they hear the words.
Shield and Sword Relay
You will need two empty cardboard boxes or pillows for shields and a few rolled-up newspapers for swords. Set up a short course with cones or chairs. Children race from one end to the other, holding their shield in one hand and waving the sword with the other. When they finish, have them shout “God is with us!” together.
Thank You Treasure Box
You will need a shoebox, construction paper, and glitter or stickers. Let each child decorate the box and fill small paper slips with things they are thankful to God for. Encourage them to take one slip home each week and read it aloud to a family member at dinner.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter is a record of how God kept His promises to David and gave Israel rest from its enemies. It also shows that the kingdom was ordered with justice and righteousness, and that God’s people are called to serve Him through faithful leadership. Many of the items David gathered were later used in the temple, which points forward to the care God takes in His house.
Be careful not to suggest to children that God promises victory in every personal struggle, as if faithfulness guarantees winning. Instead, focus on the truth that God is faithful to His people and is with them in every situation, whatever the outcome.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You for always being with us, just as You were with David. Help us trust You when things feel hard, and help us remember that we belong to You. Teach us to be fair and kind to others. Amen.
