This lesson teaches children that God is bigger than any giant they face, and that David trusted God when everyone else was afraid. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God is bigger than any giant, so we can be brave when we trust Him. David did not have to be the strongest person in the valley, because God was with him.
Memory Verse
1 Samuel 17:47
And that all this assembly may know that the LORD doesn’t save with sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give you into our hand.”
(WEB)
Have the children stand tall with their arms out wide, then bring both hands together in front of their chests as if holding something precious. Say the words slowly together, and then have them sit down quietly while they repeat it once more.
The Story: 1 Samuel 17 for Kids
A long time ago, the Philistine army gathered to fight the army of Israel. They camped on one hill, and Israel camped on the hill across a deep valley. Every morning and evening, a giant named Goliath walked out between the two armies. He was taller than any man there, and he wore heavy bronze armor from his head to his feet.
Goliath shouted across the valley. He said, “Pick one man to fight me. If he wins, we will serve you. If I win, you will serve us.” Saul, the king of Israel, and all his soldiers were terrified. Nobody wanted to step forward.
Meanwhile, a young shepherd boy named David was back home in Bethlehem. His father, Jesse, had three older sons who were in Saul’s army. One day Jesse sent David with bread and cheese to check on his brothers. When David arrived, he heard Goliath shouting, and he saw that the men of Israel were running away in fear.
David said to the soldiers, “Why is no one fighting this giant? He is defying the army of the living God!” His oldest brother was angry and told him to go back home. But David did not give up. He went to King Saul and said, “Let no one lose heart. I will go and fight him.”
Saul tried to put his own armor on David, but it was far too big. David took it off and said, “I have not tested these. I will go as I am.” He picked up his shepherd’s staff, chose five smooth stones from a brook, and took his sling in his hand. He walked out to meet the giant.
Goliath laughed at him and said, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” David answered, “You come to me with a sword and a spear, but I come in the name of the Lord of Armies.” David ran toward the giant, put a stone in his sling, and let it fly. The stone struck Goliath on the forehead, and the giant fell down. David won the battle that day because God was with him.
Read It Together
1 Samuel 17:32
David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail because of him. Your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.”
(WEB)
Point out that David spoke up when everyone else stayed silent. Ask the children what it means to be brave in a situation where others are scared.
1 Samuel 17:36-37
36 Your servant struck both the lion and the bear. This uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, since he has defied the armies of the living God.” 37 David said, “The LORD who delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine.” Saul said to David, “Go! The LORD will be with you.”
(WEB)
Show the children how David remembered that God had helped him against a lion and a bear. Explain that remembering God’s past help gives us courage for what comes next.
1 Samuel 17:45
Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin; but I come to you in the name of the LORD of Armies, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.
(WEB)
Point out that David did not trust his own strength or weapons. He trusted the name of the Lord, and this is the key to the whole story.
Talk About It
- What do you think David felt when he saw the giant, and what did he do with that feeling?
- Why did David say no to Saul’s heavy armor?
- What giants do you face at school or at home that feel too big for you?
- How did God help David in the lion and bear stories before the giant fight?
- How can you remember God’s help when you feel scared?
Activity Ideas
Paper Plate Giant and Shepherd
You will need paper plates, markers, glue, craft sticks, and a few cotton balls. Have each child draw a small shepherd boy on one plate and a large giant on another. Glue the shepherd to a craft stick so the children can hold him up and make him “walk” toward the giant. Talk about how the small shepherd was not alone.
Stone Toss Game
You will need a soft ball or beanbag, a large cardboard box, and a few tape markers on the floor. Stand the box up on one side of the room, and draw a line where the children stand. Each child takes a turn tossing a ball toward the box while saying, “The battle is the Lord’s.” Celebrate every try, and remind the children that David trusted God, not his aim.
Brave Words at Home
You will need a small index card and a crayon for each child. Ask the children to write or draw one giant they worry about, then one short line of trust such as “God is bigger.” Let them take the card home and place it where they will see it at bedtime. Encourage the family to pray together about the giant on the card.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God uses unlikely people and that faith is shown in action, not in size or status. David’s confidence rests on God’s past faithfulness and God’s character, and he speaks up when the whole nation is silent. The story also points forward to the greater victory God gives through His own Son, though children do not need that connection yet.
Avoid suggesting that God will always give children the outcome they pray for, as if faith guarantees a win in every fight. David trusted God in the battle, but the text does not promise that every frightening situation will end in an easy victory. Focus on God’s presence and faithfulness rather than on guaranteed results.
A Prayer to Close
Father, thank You that You are bigger than any giant we will ever face. Help us to be brave like David, to trust You when we feel scared, and to remember all the times You have helped us before. Be with us this week, and help us to walk with You. Amen.
