In this lesson, children learn that David chose to spare King Saul even when Saul was trying to hurt him, and that God helps us do the right thing when we want to get even. It is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God wants us to be kind and trust Him to make things right, even when someone is unkind to us. We do not have to pay back mean things with mean things.
Memory Verse
1 Samuel 24:12
May the LORD judge between me and you, and may the LORD avenge me of you; but my hand will not be on you.
(WEB)
Hold both hands out in front of you, palms up, then slowly close them into gentle fists and bring them to your chest. Say the verse together as you do it, reminding children that they can give their hurts to God instead of holding onto them.
The Story: 1 Samuel 24 for Kids
King Saul was jealous of a young man named David. Saul believed David wanted to take his crown, so he took three thousand soldiers and went out to find him. David and his men were hiding deep inside a cave in the hills of En Gedi.
Saul walked into that very cave, not knowing David was hiding in the back. David’s men whispered, “God said He would give your enemy into your hand. Now is your chance!” But David did not want to hurt the man God had chosen to be king. Quietly, he crept forward and cut off a small piece of Saul’s robe.
Afterward, David felt bad inside. He told his men, “I will not hurt the king, because God has chosen him.” When Saul left the cave, David ran out after him and called, “My lord the king!” Then David bowed low to the ground to show respect.
David held up the piece of cloth and said, “Look! I could have hurt you, but I did not. I am not your enemy. May God be the judge between us.” Saul began to cry. He said, “You are more righteous than I am. You have done good to me, and I have done evil to you.”
Saul promised that David would one day be king and asked him to protect his family. David agreed. Then Saul went home, and David and his men went up to their safe place in the hills.
Read It Together
1 Samuel 24:4
David’s men said to him, “Behold, the day of which the LORD said to you, ‘Behold, I will deliver your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it shall seem good to you.’” Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul’s robe secretly.
(WEB)
Point out that David’s men thought this was the perfect chance to get revenge. Ask children to notice that David did not do what they suggested, even though it seemed to be what Saul deserved.
1 Samuel 24:6
He said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the LORD’s anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed.”
(WEB)
Show children that David said God would not want him to hurt the one God had anointed as king. Explain that David respected God’s choice, even when it was hard.
1 Samuel 24:17-19
17 He said to David, “You are more righteous than I; for you have done good to me, whereas I have done evil to you. 18 You have declared today how you have dealt well with me, because when the LORD had delivered me up into your hand, you didn’t kill me. 19 For if a man finds his enemy, will he let him go away unharmed? Therefore may the LORD reward you good for that which you have done to me today.
(WEB)
Point out how Saul admitted that David had been good to him. Let children see that kindness can change how people feel, even someone who was unkind before.
Talk About It
- What did Saul do that was unkind to David in this story?
- Why do you think David’s men wanted him to hurt Saul?
- How do you feel when someone is mean to you, and what can you do instead of getting back at them?
- What did David say about God being the judge, and why might it help to leave a problem with God?
- How did David’s kindness make Saul feel, and can you think of a time when kindness helped you?
Activity Ideas
Cave and Robe Drawing
Give each child a sheet of paper, crayons, and a strip of old cloth or colored paper. Have them draw a dark cave with David and his men inside, and glue the cloth strip onto the picture as the piece of Saul’s robe. As they work, ask them to describe what David chose to do instead of hurting Saul.
Peace Walk Game
Set up two chairs at opposite ends of the room to represent Saul and David. Children take turns walking from one chair to the other while carrying a soft object like a pillow, passing it gently instead of tossing it. Each time they reach the other side, have them say one kind thing they could do for someone who was unkind to them.
Kindness Reminder Card
Provide index cards, markers, and a rubber band or ribbon. Children write “Choose kindness, God is the judge” on one side and draw a small heart on the other. They can keep the card in a pocket or backpack to remind them of the lesson during the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that real faithfulness sometimes means refusing a chance for revenge, trusting God to vindicate the righteous in His own time. David’s restraint flows from respect for God’s appointed authority and confidence that God would act. It also shows that honest repentance can soften even a hostile heart.
With children, avoid suggesting that kindness always makes enemies become friends or that doing good guarantees a happy ending. Some people do not change, and children should know it is wise to stay safe and tell a trusted adult when someone is hurting them.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for showing us how David chose kindness when he could have chosen revenge. Help us to be kind when others are unkind to us, and help us trust You to make things right. Please keep us safe and help us follow Your way every day. Amen.
