In this lesson, children learn that God is our true King, and that He knows what is best for us even when we ask for something different. Kids ages 5 to 11 can enjoy this story, and the full lesson takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God is our King, and He always takes care of His people, even when they want to do things their own way.
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 children hold both hands out in front of them, palms up, then lift them high above their heads and wiggle their fingers. As they do it, say the verse together. Repeat it three times, getting a little quieter each time, until the room is whispering.
The Story: 1 Samuel 8 for Kids
A long time ago, there was a good man named Samuel. Samuel was a judge and a prophet, and he helped the people of Israel listen to God. When Samuel grew old, he chose his two sons to be judges in his place. But his sons did not walk in their father’s ways. They cared more about money, and they took bribes and treated people unfairly.
The leaders of Israel came to Samuel with a request. “You are old,” they said, “and your sons are not doing what is right. Please give us a king, like all the other nations have.” Samuel was upset by their request. He took it to God in prayer.
God said to Samuel, “Listen to what the people are saying. They are not really rejecting you. They are rejecting Me as their King. Since the day I brought them out of Egypt, they have often turned away from Me. Still, give them what they ask for. But tell them clearly what a king will do.”
So Samuel told the people what their king would take from them. He said a king would take their sons to be soldiers, their daughters to work in his house, and a part of their fields and animals. Samuel warned them that they would cry out for help because of the king they had chosen. But the people would not listen. They said, “No! We want a king to lead us and to fight our battles, just like the other nations.” God told Samuel to listen to them and give them a king.
Read It Together
1 Samuel 8:4-5
4 Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together and came to Samuel to Ramah. 5 They said to him, “Behold, you are old, and your sons don’t walk in your ways. Now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.”
(WEB)
Point out that the leaders came to Samuel in a group and asked for something new. Ask the children to notice the reason they gave, which was that they wanted to be like everyone else. Explain that wanting to fit in can sometimes lead us away from God’s plan.
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)
Help the children hear the people’s stubborn answer. Point out the words “we will have a king,” and explain that the people had made up their minds. Remind the class that God still loves His people even when they make choices that hurt them.
Talk About It
- Why do you think the people wanted a king that was like the other nations?
- How did Samuel feel when the people asked for a king, and what did he do?
- What is one way you can tell God that you trust Him as your King?
- Why is it sometimes hard to wait for God’s plan instead of doing what our friends are doing?
- What can we do when we make a choice we later wish we hadn’t made?
Activity Ideas
Crown Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child draw a large crown on the paper and cut it out. On the front of the crown, they can write or draw one way God takes care of them. Let them take turns sharing what they drew with the group.
Follow the King
Choose one child to be the king and have everyone else stand behind them in a line. The king walks slowly around the room, and the others copy each step. Pause the game now and then to say, “God is our King, and we follow Him.” Switch leaders so that each child has a turn.
Family Thank You Jar
You will need an empty jar, paper strips, and a pen. Ask each family member to write one thing they trust God to provide on a strip and place it in the jar. Read a few strips together at dinner or bedtime. This helps children remember that God is faithful to care for their family.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that the people of Israel wanted a human king in place of God’s direct rule, and God allowed it while warning them about the cost. The passage reminds us that God’s care is faithful even when we choose paths that lead to hardship. It also shows that God listens to those who bring Him their concerns.
With children, avoid overstating the idea that all kings or leaders are bad. The chapter focuses on the people’s choice to reject God as their King and the difficulties that would follow. Keep the emphasis on God’s love and faithfulness rather than on the negative details of the king’s actions.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank You that You are our King and that You always take care of us. Help us trust You when we want things to be different, and help us follow You each day. Thank You for listening when we pray. Amen.
