In this lesson, children learn that God protects His people even when they feel scared and alone. The chapter tells how David hid from King Saul and how God kept David and his family safe. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God takes care of us even when we are scared, and we can run to Him for safety.
Memory Verse
1 Samuel 22:23
Stay with me. Don’t be afraid, for he who seeks my life seeks your life. For you will be safe with me.”
(WEB)
Teach the children to cup both hands together like a little cave, then fold them shut and rest them on their chest. As you say “You will be safe with me,” have them tuck their hands close, showing how God holds us close.
The Story: 1 Samuel 22 for Kids
David was running away from King Saul, who wanted to hurt him. David hid in a cave called Adullam. His brothers and his whole family heard where he was, and they came to be with him. Other people came too, people who were sad, people who owed money, and people who felt unhappy. About four hundred men gathered around David, and he became their leader.
David was worried about his mother and father. He went to the king of Moab and asked, “Please let my father and my mother stay with you until I know what God will do for me.” The king of Moab agreed, and David’s parents stayed safe with him for a long time.
Then a prophet named Gad came to David with a message from God. Gad said, “Don’t stay in the stronghold. Go into the land of Judah.” So David obeyed God and went into the forest of Hereth.
King Saul heard where David was. Saul was angry and said to his servants, “Will the son of Jesse give everyone of you fields and vineyards?” Saul believed that people were plotting against him. He did not listen to the truth.
Saul then found Ahimelech, a priest, and asked him why he had helped David. Ahimelech answered that David was faithful and honored by the king. He had not planned anything against Saul. But Saul was so angry that he gave a terrible order. Saul was wrong to do this, and God saw everything.
David felt sorry that the priests had been hurt because of him. He told Abiathar, the one son who escaped, “Stay with me. Don’t be afraid, for you will be safe with me.” David showed kindness and promised to protect Abiathar.
Read It Together
1 Samuel 22:1-2
1 David therefore departed from there, and escaped to the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and all his father’s house heard it, they went down there to him. 2 Everyone who was in distress, everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented, gathered themselves to him; and he became captain over them. There were with him about four hundred men.
(WEB)
Point out that David ran to a cave when he was in trouble. Ask the children where they go when they feel scared, and remind them that David trusted God even in a dark place.
1 Samuel 22:3-4
3 David went from there to Mizpeh of Moab, and he said to the king of Moab, “Please let my father and my mother come out with you, until I know what God will do for me.” 4 He brought them before the king of Moab; and they lived with him all the time that David was in the stronghold.
(WEB)
Show how David cared about his mother and father and asked for their safety. Explain that caring for family is one way we show love, just as David did.
1 Samuel 22:22-23
22 David said to Abiathar, “I knew on that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul. I am responsible for the death of all the persons of your father’s house. 23 Stay with me. Don’t be afraid, for he who seeks my life seeks your life. For you will be safe with me.”
(WEB)
Point out how David told Abiathar not to be afraid and promised safety. Explain that God’s protection often comes through people who care for us, and that David’s words show what God is like.
Talk About It
- What do you think David felt when he had to hide in a cave?
- Why do you think David asked the king of Moab to take care of his parents?
- How did David show kindness to Abiathar after the priests were hurt?
- What is one thing that makes you feel safe when you are scared?
- How can you tell someone that God is with them when they are afraid?
Activity Ideas
Paper Cave Drawing
You will need paper, crayons, and a pencil. Have each child draw a dark cave on one side of the paper and a bright, sunny sky on the other side. Ask them to draw a small figure of David inside the cave and write or draw a symbol of God’s care, such as a heart or a shining light. Talk about how God is with us in dark places too.
Hide and Seek Safety Game
Gather the children in an open room or yard. Choose one child to be David and have them hide while the others count to twenty. When they are found, ask them to say “God keeps me safe.” Repeat several times so the children enjoy the game and remember that God is always near.
Safe Hands Card
You will need a sheet of cardstock, glue, and cotton balls or yarn. Help each child trace their hand on the cardstock and cut it out. Let them glue cotton balls or yarn inside the outline to show comfort. On the back, write the phrase “You will be safe with me.” Children can take this card home as a reminder that God holds them close.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God preserves His anointed servant even when he is hunted and his friends face violence. David’s trust in God grows through hardship, and the chapter also shows the grief and injustice that come from human sin and anger. Adults can see God working through unexpected places, including the king of Moab and a single surviving priest.
Avoid suggesting that God always protects us from every harm in the same way. Children may think that trusting God means nothing bad will ever happen to them. Be honest that the chapter includes real suffering, and emphasize that God is faithful and near even when hard things happen.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You keep us safe when we feel scared. Help us remember that You are always near, even in dark places. Help us be kind to others like David was. We trust You to hold us close. Amen.
