This lesson teaches children that God is still in charge even when people ask for things that are not good for them. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach, with time for reading, talking and one activity.
Big Idea
God knows what is best for us, even when we want something different. He loves us and He is still the one who is in charge.
Memory Verse
1 Samuel 8:7
The LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in all that they tell you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me as the king over them.
(WEB)
Have the children cup their hands together in front of their chest, then slowly open them wide as they say the words “God is still in charge.” Repeat the motion three times so the children connect the words with the gesture.
The Story: 1 Samuel 8 for Kids
Samuel was an old man who had served God for a very long time. He had two sons, Joel and Abijah, and he made them judges to help lead the people of Israel. But Joel and Abijah did not follow God. They cared about money, and they took bribes and were not fair to the people who came to them for help.
The leaders of Israel came to Samuel with a request. “You are old,” they said, “and your sons are not good leaders. Please give us a king, like all the other nations have.” Samuel did not like this idea at all. He took his worry to God in prayer.
God spoke to Samuel and said, “Listen to what the people say. They are not really rejecting you. They are rejecting Me as their king.” God told Samuel that the people had turned away from Him many times since He brought them out of Egypt. So Samuel should do what they asked, but he should also warn them clearly about what a king would do.
Samuel told the people everything God had said. A king would take their sons to be soldiers, their daughters to work in his house, and some of their fields and crops for himself. He warned them that they would one day cry out for help, and God would not answer them in that day. But the people would not listen. “No,” they said. “We want a king to rule over us, so we can be like all the other nations.”
God told Samuel to listen to the people and give them a king. Samuel sent everyone home to their own cities. The people had gotten what they asked for, but it was not the way God had hoped it would go.
Read It Together
1 Samuel 8:1-3
1 When Samuel was old, he made his sons judges over Israel. 2 Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abijah. They were judges in Beersheba. 3 His sons didn’t walk in his ways, but turned away after dishonest gain, took bribes, and perverted justice.
(WEB)
Point out that Samuel’s sons did not follow their father’s good example. Ask the children what it looks like to follow a good example in their own home or class.
1 Samuel 8:6-7
6 But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” Samuel prayed to the LORD. 7 The LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in all that they tell you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me as the king over them.
(WEB)
Show the children that Samuel took his worry straight to God in prayer. Explain that God answered him by reminding Samuel that the people were really turning away from God Himself.
1 Samuel 8:19-20
19 But the people refused to listen to the voice of Samuel; and they said, “No; but we will have a king over us, 20 that we also may be like all the nations, and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles.”
(WEB)
Point out that the people refused to listen to Samuel’s warning. Talk about how it feels when we want something so badly that we do not want to hear what is good for us.
Talk About It
- Why do you think the people wanted a king that was like the kings of other nations?
- How did Samuel handle his worry about what the people wanted?
- What did God say was really happening when the people asked for a king?
- Why do you think God let the people have a king even though it was not the best plan?
- What is one thing you can trust God with when you feel worried or unsure?
Activity Ideas
Crown Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, scissors and tape. Have each child draw a crown on paper, then cut it out and decorate it with jewels or colors. As they work, remind them that the only true King is God, and that He always knows what is best for us.
Follow the Leader Game
Choose one child to be the leader and have the others follow their movements, like clapping, jumping or touching their toes. Then talk about how the people of Israel chose their own leader, and how it is good to follow the One who loves us most. End by having everyone stop and point up to God.
Take-Home Reminder Card
You will need index cards, a pen and a rubber band. Write the memory verse on each card and let the children decorate the front. Encourage them to keep it in a pocket or bag so they can remember that God is always in charge, even when life does not go the way they planned.
Teacher Notes
This passage shows that people can ask for things that are not good for them, and that God is patient with us even when we choose our own way. For adults, the chapter reminds us that God does not hide the cost of our choices, but He also remains faithful and present with His people. It is a reminder that God’s kingship is the foundation of our trust, even when earthly leaders fail.
Avoid overstating to children that all kings or leaders are bad. The text is about the people’s desire to be like other nations and turning away from God, not a condemnation of every ruler. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and on trusting Him as our true King.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, we know You are our King and You love us very much. Help us to trust You when we want something different from what You have planned. Thank You for always knowing what is best for us. Amen.
