This lesson teaches children that even when everything seems lost, David found strength by trusting God, and God helped him get back what was taken. It is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
When we feel sad or scared, we can ask God for help and trust that He will take care of us. God is always with us, even when we lose things we love.
Memory Verse
1 Samuel 30:6
David was greatly distressed; for the people spoke of stoning him, because the souls of all the people were grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters; but David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.
(WEB)
Put both hands on your chest and take a slow breath in. Then lift your hands up high and say the verse together, as if you are reaching up to God for strength.
The Story: 1 Samuel 30 for Kids
David and his men came home to their city, Ziklag, after a long trip. But when they got there, they saw smoke rising everywhere. Enemy raiders called the Amalekites had come while they were gone. They had burned the whole city and carried away the women and children.
David and his men were so sad that they cried until they had no more tears. Some of the men were so angry that they started talking about hurting David. David felt very scared and very alone. But he did not give up. He went to God and asked Him what to do.
God told David, “Chase after them. You will catch them, and you will get back everything they took.” So David gathered his army and set out after the raiders. They traveled until they came to a stream called Besor. Some of the tired men had to stay behind there, because they were too worn out to keep going.
Along the way, David’s men found a young man from Egypt lying in a field. He was weak and hungry, because he had been sick and left behind by his master. David’s men gave him food and water, and he soon felt strong again. He told David where the raiders were camped. He even agreed to lead David’s army right to them.
David’s army attacked the Amalekites and fought them from the evening until the next day. Not one of the raiders got away, except for four hundred young men who escaped on camels. David got back everything that had been taken. His two wives were safe, and so were all the children and the flocks. David said, “This is a great gift from God!”
When some of the men wanted to keep everything for themselves, David said, “No. We will share with everyone, including the men who stayed behind at the stream.” From that day on, David made this a rule for his people.
Read It Together
1 Samuel 30:8
David inquired of the LORD, saying, “If I pursue after this troop, will I overtake them?” He answered him, “Pursue; for you will surely overtake them, and will without fail recover all.”
(WEB)
Point out that David did not guess or panic. He asked God what to do first. Ask the children what they might do when they feel worried, and remind them they can always ask God too.
1 Samuel 30:18-19
18 David recovered all that the Amalekites had taken; and David rescued his two wives. 19 There was nothing lacking to them, neither small nor great, neither sons nor daughters, neither plunder, nor anything that they had taken to them. David brought back all.
(WEB)
Show how God gave David back everything that was lost. Help the children see that God keeps His promises, even when it takes a while.
1 Samuel 30:23-24
23 Then David said, “Do not do so, my brothers, with that which the LORD has given to us, who has preserved us, and delivered the troop that came against us into our hand. 24 Who will listen to you in this matter? For as his share is who goes down to the battle, so shall his share be who stays with the baggage. They shall share alike.”
(WEB)
Point out that David wanted everyone to share, even those who had stayed behind. Talk about how kindness and fairness show that we are thankful for what God gives us.
Talk About It
- What do you think David felt when he saw his city burned and his family gone?
- What did David do first when he was scared, and why do you think that helped him?
- How did the young man from Egypt get help, and what does that teach us about being kind to strangers?
- Why do you think David wanted everyone to share, even the men who were too tired to fight?
- What is one thing you can do this week to trust God when something feels hard?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Rescue Picture
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw David holding hands with his family after they were rescued. Have them add a small heart or sun above David to show God’s care. Let them explain their picture to you in their own words.
Follow the Leader Trail
You will need a few chairs or pillows to make a trail around the room. Have the children follow you as the leader, moving slowly and carefully, just like David’s army. Stop at each chair and ask, “What can we ask God for here?” Let them answer before moving on.
Share the Blessing at Home
You will need a small paper bag or envelope for each child. Ask them to put one small treat, a drawing, or a kind note inside. Encourage them to give it to someone at home who helped them this week, such as a sibling or grandparent. Remind them that David shared his blessings with others too.
Teacher Notes
This chapter shows that God’s people can face real loss and grief, yet still turn to God for strength and direction. David’s example of asking God before acting is a model for adults facing hard decisions. The chapter also shows God keeping His promise to restore what was taken, and David’s commitment to fair sharing among all his people.
Be careful not to suggest that trusting God always means getting back everything we lose right away. Some hardships are not resolved so quickly. Keep the focus on God’s presence and faithfulness, rather than promising specific outcomes.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You are with us when we feel scared or sad. Help us to ask You for help, just like David did. Teach us to share with others and to be kind, even when it is hard. Thank You for always taking care of us. Amen.
