In this lesson, children learn that David spared King Saul’s life even when he had the chance to get revenge, because he trusted God to take care of things. This lesson is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God takes care of us, so we do not have to get back at people who hurt us. We can choose to be kind and trust God to do what is right.
Memory Verse
1 Samuel 26:23
The LORD will render to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness; because the LORD delivered you into my hand today, and I wouldn’t stretch out my hand against the LORD’s anointed.
(WEB)
Have the children hold both hands out in front of them, palms up, then slowly bring them together and fold them as if holding a precious thing. Say the verse together while they hold their hands folded, then open them gently as you say “faithfulness.” This motion reminds them that God keeps His promises and gives each person what is right.
The Story: 1 Samuel 26 for Kids
King Saul was very jealous of David, and he wanted to kill him. One day some people from a town called Ziph told Saul where David was hiding. So Saul took three thousand soldiers and went out to find him in the wilderness.
David sent out spies to check what Saul was doing, and they came back and said that Saul had really come. That night David and his friend Abishai crept into Saul’s camp. Everyone was fast asleep, because God had made them sleep very deeply.
Right next to Saul lay his spear and a jar of water. Abishai whispered, “God has given your enemy to you today. Let me strike him with the spear just once!” But David shook his head and said, “No. Saul is the king that God chose, and I will not hurt him.”
David took the spear and the water jar and quietly walked away. Then he stood on a hill far away, where everyone could see him, and shouted to Abner, the commander of Saul’s army. “Why did you not guard the king?” he called. Saul woke up and recognized David’s voice.
Saul said, “I have sinned! Come back, my son David. I will not harm you anymore.” David answered, “Here is your spear. Let one of your men come and get it. God will reward each person for what is right and faithful.”
So David went on his way, and Saul went back home. David had chosen to trust God instead of taking revenge.
Read It Together
1 Samuel 26:9-11
9 David said to Abishai, “Don’t destroy him; for who can stretch out his hand against the LORD’s anointed, and be guiltless?” 10 David said, “As the LORD lives, the LORD will strike him; or his day shall come to die; or he shall go down into battle and perish. 11 The LORD forbid that I should stretch out my hand against the LORD’s anointed; but now please take the spear that is at his head, and the jar of water, and let us go.”
(WEB)
Point out that David refused to harm God’s anointed king, even though he had every reason to be angry. Explain that David trusted God to decide what would happen to Saul.
1 Samuel 26:12
So David took the spear and the jar of water from Saul’s head; and they went away: and no man saw it, or knew it, nor did any awake; for they were all asleep, because a deep sleep from the LORD was fallen on them.
(WEB)
Ask the children to notice that God caused the soldiers to sleep so David could safely enter the camp. Explain that God was watching over David and protecting him.
1 Samuel 26:24
Behold, as your life was respected today in my eyes, so let my life be respected in the LORD’s eyes, and let him deliver me out of all oppression.”
(WEB)
Point out that David valued Saul’s life just as Saul had valued his own. Explain that David wanted God to protect him from all trouble, showing he trusted God completely.
Talk About It
- What did David want to do to Saul, and what did he choose to do instead?
- Why did David say he would not hurt the king that God had chosen?
- How do you feel when someone is mean to you, and what can you do instead of getting even?
- What did God do to keep David safe while he was in Saul’s camp?
- How can trusting God help you when you feel angry at someone?
Activity Ideas
Spear and Water Jar Drawing
Give each child a sheet of paper and crayons or markers. Ask them to draw a spear and a water jar next to a sleeping king. Have them write or draw one kind thing they could do for someone who has hurt them. This helps children picture the story and think about choosing kindness.
Freeze and Trust Game
Play a simple game of freeze tag where children move around the room. When you call out “Saul sleeps,” they freeze quietly like David’s enemies did. When you call “David walks,” they tiptoe slowly to the other side of the room. Explain that David moved carefully and trusted God to protect him.
Take-Home Kindness Chart
Give each child a paper with a simple chart and a few stickers. Ask them to place a sticker each time they choose to be kind to a family member or friend, even when it is hard. Explain that they can talk with their family about trusting God when people are unkind. This helps children practice choosing mercy at home.
Teacher Notes
This chapter shows that God’s chosen leaders deserve respect, and that we should never take justice into our own hands. David trusted that God would deal with Saul in His own time, and he refused to kill his enemy even when it would have been easy. Adults can learn that trusting God is more important than getting revenge.
Avoid implying that children must always obey adults who are wrong, or that they should not stand up for themselves when someone is hurting them. David was not asked to stay in danger; he showed mercy while still trusting God and speaking the truth. Keep the focus on trusting God rather than on rules for behaving around authority.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for taking care of us every day. Help us choose kindness when someone hurts us, and help us trust You to make things right. Thank You that You always keep Your promises. Amen.
