In 2 Samuel 17, God uses two friends and a clever plan to keep King David safe, which shows children that God can stop even the worst advice from working. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is always in control, and he can turn bad plans into something that protects the people who trust him.
Memory Verse
2 Samuel 17:14
Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring evil on Absalom.
(WEB)
Teach the children to cup their hands like a bowl, then turn them upside down slowly as they say, “God turns things around.” Repeat the motion each time the verse is read so the children connect the words with the turning hands.
The Story: 2 Samuel 17 for Kids
King David had a son named Absalom, and Absalom wanted to be king instead. He made many people follow him, and David had to run away from Jerusalem with his friends. Things were scary, and David was tired and worried.
Absalom had a trusted advisor named Ahithophel, who was very clever. Ahithophel said, “Let me pick twelve thousand men tonight, and I will chase after David while he is weak.” His plan sounded very good to Absalom, and all the leaders liked it too.
But God had a different plan. Absalom asked another friend of David’s, a man named Hushai, to share his advice. Hushai told Absalom, “Your father is a brave warrior, and his men are fierce. Wait and gather a huge army, and then we will win.” Absalom said, “Hushai’s advice is better!” God had made Absalom choose the plan that would help David.
Two of David’s helpers, Jonathan and Ahimaaz, had to hurry to warn David. A kind woman hid them in a well and covered it with grain so that no one would see them. When Absalom’s men came looking, she told them the men had gone across the water, and the men went away.
The helpers ran to David and said, “Cross the river right now!” David and everyone with him crossed the Jordan River before morning, and not one of them was lost. When Ahithophel saw that Absalom did not follow his plan, he was so upset that he went home and gave up. God had kept David safe.
Read It Together
2 Samuel 17:1-3
1 Moreover Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me now choose twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David tonight. 2 I will come on him while he is weary and exhausted, and will make him afraid. All the people who are with him will flee. I will strike the king only, 3 and I will bring back all the people to you. The man whom you seek is as if all returned. All the people shall be in peace.”
(WEB)
Point out that Ahithophel’s plan sounded smart and strong, and ask the children whether a plan that sounds good is always the right plan. Show them that the rest of the chapter reveals what God was doing behind the scenes.
2 Samuel 17:21-22
21 After they had departed, they came up out of the well, and went and told king David; and they said to David, “Arise and pass quickly over the water; for thus has Ahithophel counseled against you.” 22 Then David arose, and all the people who were with him, and they passed over the Jordan. By the morning light there lacked not one of them who had not gone over the Jordan.
(WEB)
Point out the helpers who hurried to warn David, and ask the children how God used ordinary people to protect David. Notice that the whole group crossed safely, showing how God cares for each person.
2 Samuel 17:27-29
27 When David had come to Mahanaim, Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim, 28 brought beds, basins, earthen vessels, wheat, barley, meal, parched grain, beans, lentils, roasted grain, 29 honey, butter, sheep, and cheese of the herd, for David, and for the people who were with him, to eat; for they said, “The people are hungry, and weary, and thirsty in the wilderness.”
(WEB)
Point out the friends who brought food, beds, and water to David’s tired group. Explain that God often takes care of people through the kindness of other people who share what they have.
Talk About It
- What did Absalom want, and why was it wrong for him to try to take the throne from his father?
- Why do you think God chose to make Absalom listen to Hushai instead of Ahithophel?
- Who were the helpers in this story who kept David safe, and how did they show courage?
- How do you feel when someone gives you advice that sounds good but you know might not be right?
- What is one way you can trust God when things seem scary or confusing?
Activity Ideas
Turning Pictures Craft
You will need paper plates, crayons, and craft sticks. Have each child draw a picture of David’s helpers hiding in the well on one side of the plate, then turn the plate over and draw something God did to protect them on the other side. Glue a stick to the middle so the children can flip the plate and show the story. Talk together about how God turns things around for good.
Follow the Helper Game
Set up a simple course with chairs or cushions. One child plays David’s helper who must sneak quietly from one spot to another while the other children pretend to be Absalom’s searchers. Take turns so everyone gets a chance to be the helper. Afterward, talk about how the helpers had to be quiet and brave.
Take-Home Thankfulness Card
Give each child an index card and a pencil. Ask them to write or draw one person who helps keep them safe, such as a parent, teacher, or friend. They can take the card home and show it to that person. This reminds children that God often protects us through the people around us.
Teacher Notes
This chapter shows that God is sovereign over human plans. Even when a clever and persuasive counselor offers a strong strategy, the Lord can work through other people and circumstances to frustrate it and protect his anointed king. Adults can take comfort that God’s purposes are not thwarted by human scheming, and that he often uses ordinary faithful people to accomplish his will.
Be careful not to suggest to children that God always makes our bad choices turn out well or that trusting God means we will never face danger. The story shows God protecting David in a specific moment, not a promise that every hard situation will end quickly. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and character rather than on a guaranteed outcome.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you that you are always in control and that you can turn hard things around for good. Help us to trust you when we feel scared, and help us to be brave helpers for the people around us. Thank you for keeping us safe. Amen.
