In this lesson, children learn that God gives brave help when people are in trouble, and that He can use ordinary people, even a farmer like Saul, to rescue others. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is strong, and He helps His people when they are scared. He can give us courage to help others too.
Memory Verse
1 Samuel 11:13
Saul said, “No man shall be put to death today; for today the LORD has rescued Israel.”
(WEB)
Have the children stand tall with fists on their hips, like a brave hero. Then have them say the verse together while they slowly raise both arms in a big cheer on the word “rescued.”
The Story: 1 Samuel 11 for Kids
A mean king named Nahash came to a town called Jabesh Gilead. He was an enemy who wanted to hurt the people there. The men of Jabesh were scared, so they asked him to make a deal to be friends. Nahash said he would only agree if he could poke out everyone’s right eye. That was a cruel and shameful thing to say.
The leaders of Jabesh asked for seven days to find help. They sent messengers all over Israel to ask for rescue. When the messengers came to the town of Gibeah, the people there heard the news and began to cry. Then Saul came walking in from the fields behind his oxen. He asked, “Why is everyone crying?”
When Saul heard the story, God’s Spirit came powerfully on him, and he became very angry at the mean king. Saul took a pair of oxen, cut them into pieces, and sent the pieces to every part of Israel. His message was, “If you do not come and fight with Saul and Samuel, your oxen will be treated the same way.” Everyone was afraid, and they came together as one big army.
Saul counted the soldiers. There were three hundred thousand men from Israel and thirty thousand from Judah. Then they sent a message to Jabesh Gilead saying help would arrive the next day. The people there were very happy.
The next morning, Saul split the army into three groups. They attacked the enemy early in the morning and kept fighting until the hot part of the day. The enemy was scattered, and no two of them were left together. God rescued His people.
After the battle, some people wanted to punish the ones who had doubted Saul. But Saul said, “No one will die today, because today the LORD has saved Israel.” Then Samuel led everyone to Gilgal, and they made Saul their king. They offered peace offerings to God and celebrated with great joy.
Read It Together
1 Samuel 11:6
God’s Spirit came mightily on Saul when he heard those words, and his anger burned hot.
(WEB)
Point out that God’s Spirit came on Saul and made him brave and angry at what was wrong. Ask the children how God might help them be brave when they see someone being treated unfairly.
1 Samuel 11:9
They said to the messengers who came, “Tell the men of Jabesh Gilead, ‘Tomorrow, by the time the sun is hot, you will be rescued.’” The messengers came and told the men of Jabesh; and they were glad.
(WEB)
Show the children how the messengers brought good news that made the people of Jabesh glad. Talk about a time when someone brought them good news and how it made them feel.
1 Samuel 11:11
On the next day, Saul put the people in three companies; and they came into the middle of the camp in the morning watch, and struck the Ammonites until the heat of the day. Those who remained were scattered, so that no two of them were left together.
(WEB)
Explain that Saul organized the people into groups and they fought together with a plan. Ask the children what it looks like when people work together as a team at home or at school.
Talk About It
- How did the people of Jabesh feel when the mean king threatened them?
- What did Saul do when he heard the bad news, and why do you think he acted that way?
- How do you think God helped Saul and the army win the battle?
- Who is someone you know who helps others when they are scared or in trouble?
- What is one way you can show courage and kindness to a friend this week?
Activity Ideas
Brave Hero Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a picture of themselves as a brave helper rescuing someone. Have them write one word on the picture, such as “brave” or “helper.” Let the children explain their drawings to the group.
Rescue Relay Game
You will need a few cups, a bowl of soft toys or balls, and a open space to run. Divide the children into teams and have them carry a toy from one side of the room to the other, passing it to the next runner. Shout “Rescued!” when each team finishes. Talk about how the team worked together, just like Saul’s army did.
Take-Home Brave Reminder
You will need a small piece of cardboard, a marker, and a ribbon or string. Write the words “God helps me be brave” on the cardboard and punch a hole in the top. Thread the ribbon through so the child can hang it on a bedroom door or wear it as a bookmark. Encourage the family to read the sign together each morning.
Teacher Notes
This chapter shows that God is faithful to His people in danger and that He can use ordinary, humble people to bring deliverance. Saul’s story reminds adults that God’s Spirit empowers those He calls to serve others, and that leadership is about rescuing those in need rather than seeking personal glory.
Avoid overstating to children that God always makes courage feel easy or that doing right guarantees a happy ending. Speak instead of God’s faithfulness and His presence with us when we are afraid.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You for being strong and faithful when we feel scared. Help us to be brave like Saul and to care for people who are in trouble. Show us how to help others with kindness and courage. Thank You for always being with us. Amen.
