In this lesson, children learn that God chose David to be king because God looks at the heart, not at outward appearance. It works well for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including a story, a few verses, and a simple activity.
Big Idea
God knows what is inside us, and He cares more about a kind, faithful heart than about how tall we are or how we look.
Memory Verse
1 Samuel 16:7
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Don’t look on his face, or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for I don’t see as man sees. For man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
(WEB)
Cup both hands over your heart when you say the words slowly. Then point up toward the sky, reminding children that God sees everything inside us, even when no one else does.
The Story: 1 Samuel 16 for Kids
Long ago, God’s people had a king named Saul, but Saul stopped obeying God. God told the prophet Samuel, “How long will you be sad about Saul? I have chosen a new king. Fill your horn with oil and go to Bethlehem.” Samuel was nervous, because he worried that Saul would be angry if he heard about it.
When Samuel reached Bethlehem, the town leaders trembled and asked him if he came in peace. He told them he had come to offer a sacrifice to the LORD, and he invited Jesse and his sons to join him. Then Jesse brought his sons to Samuel, one by one.
The first son, Eliab, was tall and strong. Samuel thought, “Surely this is the one God has chosen!” But God said, “Do not look at how he appears. People look at the outside, but I look at the heart.” One after another, seven of Jesse’s sons walked past Samuel, and God said no to each one.
Samuel asked Jesse if he had any other sons. Jesse said, “There is still the youngest. He is out taking care of the sheep.” Samuel told him, “Bring him here, because we will not sit down until he comes.” So they sent for David.
David came in, and he had a healthy, handsome face. God said, “Get up and anoint him, because this is the one.” Samuel poured the oil on David’s head, and from that day on, God’s Spirit came powerfully upon David.
Later, God’s Spirit left Saul, and an evil spirit troubled him. Saul’s servants suggested that someone who could play the harp might help him feel better. They sent for David, who played music for Saul, and Saul felt refreshed and well again.
Read It Together
1 Samuel 16:1
The LORD said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him from being king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go. I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite; for I have provided a king for myself among his sons.”
(WEB)
Point out that God sent Samuel to find a new king, which shows that God is always in charge, even when people make bad choices. Ask children to notice that God had already decided who would be king.
1 Samuel 16:12-13
12 He sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, with a handsome face and good appearance. The LORD said, “Arise! Anoint him, for this is he.” 13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the middle of his brothers. Then the LORD’s Spirit came mightily on David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up and went to Ramah.
(WEB)
Show children that David was the youngest and was out with the sheep, yet God chose him. Explain that God uses people no one else expected, and that God’s Spirit came on David in a special way.
1 Samuel 16:23
When the spirit from God was on Saul, David took the harp, and played with his hand; so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.
(WEB)
Point out that David used his harp to help Saul feel better. Talk about how God can use the gifts we have, even small or ordinary ones, to bring comfort to others.
Talk About It
- Why do you think people usually look at how someone looks on the outside first?
- What is something good about a person that you cannot see with your eyes?
- Why was David a surprising choice to be king?
- How can you show kindness to someone who others might overlook?
- What is one gift or talent God has given you that you could use to help someone?
Activity Ideas
Heart Collage Craft
Give each child a sheet of paper, markers, crayons, and some old magazines. Ask them to draw or cut out pictures of things that show a kind heart, such as helping a friend or sharing toys. Glue the pictures inside a paper heart cutout and talk about how God sees what is inside.
Shepherd Says Game
Play a version of Simon Says where you are the shepherd. Call out actions like “Shepherd says, hop like a sheep” or “Shepherd says, tap your heart.” Children only do the action when you say “Shepherd says” first. Explain that David was a shepherd who learned to listen carefully.
Heart Reminder Card
Cut index cards into heart shapes and give each child one to take home. Have them write or draw one way they can show God’s love from the inside out, such as being patient with a sibling. Encourage them to keep the card on their bedside table or in their backpack as a weekly reminder.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God does not choose people based on appearance, status, or expectations. Samuel had to learn to look past what he saw, and David was chosen from among the least likely candidates. It reminds us that God values faithfulness and a heart that seeks Him, and that He can work through anyone willing to serve.
Be careful not to suggest to children that God only cares about their feelings or that being good guarantees a perfect life. Keep the focus on God looking at the heart, and remind children that God is faithful even when things feel hard.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank You that You see what is inside our hearts and love us completely. Help us to be kind and honest, and to care for others like David cared for his sheep. Show us how to use the gifts You have given us. Amen.
