This lesson teaches children that God is in charge even when bad things happen and that sad feelings are real and okay to have. It is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Use it with a Bible, a few craft supplies, and a quiet space.
Big Idea
God is in charge even when people make bad choices and when our hearts hurt. It is okay to feel sad, and God cares about our sadness.
Memory Verse
2 Samuel 18:28
Ahimaaz called, and said to the king, “All is well.” He bowed himself before the king with his face to the earth, and said, “Blessed is the LORD your God, who has delivered up the men who lifted up their hand against my lord the king!”
(WEB)
Teach children to put both hands on their hearts, then lift their arms up high like a cheer on the word “Blessed.” Repeat the motion together three times until everyone can say it with the motion.
The Story: 2 Samuel 18 for Kids
King David had a son named Absalom. Absalom was not a good son. He wanted to take his father’s kingdom, and he started a war against King David. David loved Absalom very much, even though Absalom was doing wrong things. Before the battle began, David’s army got ready to go out and fight.
King David wanted to go out with his soldiers too. But the men said, “No, you must stay safe in the city, because you are worth many of us.” David listened to them. Then he gave a special command to his captains: “Please be gentle with Absalom for my sake.” Everyone heard the king say this.
The battle happened in a forest. King David’s army won the fight, and many of Absalom’s men were defeated. During the battle, Absalom was riding his mule when his long hair got caught in the branches of a big oak tree. He was left hanging there. Joab, one of David’s captains, heard about it and went to where Absalom was hanging.
Joab did not listen to the king’s command. He took three sticks and pushed them into Absalom, and then Absalom died. When the battle was over, Joab blew his trumpet and the soldiers stopped chasing the enemy. Then two men ran to tell King David the news. The first runner was Ahimaaz, and he brought the good news that the battle was won.
Ahimaaz did not tell David the sad news about Absalom. The Cushite man came next and told King David that Absalom had died. When David heard it, he was very sad. He went up to a room above the gate and cried, saying, “My son Absalom! I wish I had died instead of you!”
Read It Together
2 Samuel 18:3
But the people said, “You shall not go out; for if we flee away, they will not care for us; neither if half of us die, will they care for us. But you are worth ten thousand of us. Therefore now it is better that you are ready to help us out of the city.”
(WEB)
Point out that the people asked David to stay safe because they cared about him. Ask children who in their life helps keep them safe and takes care of them.
2 Samuel 18:14
Then Joab said, “I’m not going to wait like this with you.” He took three darts in his hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom, while he was yet alive in the middle of the oak.
(WEB)
Explain that this part of the story is sad and violent, and that Joab disobeyed the king. Gently remind children that the Bible tells us what happened, and that we learn from it that doing wrong has serious results.
2 Samuel 18:33
The king was much moved, and went up to the room over the gate, and wept. As he went, he said, “My son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! I wish I had died for you, Absalom, my son, my son!”
(WEB)
Point out that David was very sad and cried out for his son. Tell children that it is okay to cry when we are sad, and that God sees our tears.
Talk About It
- What did King David feel when he heard that Absalom had died, and how do you know?
- Why do you think the soldiers asked David to stay safe in the city?
- What is something that has made you feel really sad, and what helped you feel better?
- What do you think God wants us to do when we are sad or hurting?
- How can we remember that God is still in charge even when bad things happen?
Activity Ideas
Tear Drop Craft
You will need paper, blue paint or crayons, and glue. Have children draw a simple face on paper, then add blue tear drops coming down the cheeks. Talk about how David’s heart was sad, and that God sees every tear. Children can take their pictures home as a reminder that God cares about their feelings.
Stop and Go Game
Play a simple game where you call out “Run!” and children run in place, and “Stop!” when they freeze. Each time you say “Stop,” ask a child to say one thing that God is in charge of. Keep the energy light and fun, then close by saying that God is with us every moment, even when we feel sad.
Feelings Jar at Home
You will need an empty jar, paper slips, and a pen. Ask your child to write or draw a feeling they had this week on a slip and put it in the jar. At bedtime, read a few slips together and pray about each feeling. Explain that sharing our hearts with God and with family helps us trust Him.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows real grief within a family marked by rebellion and violence. David’s heartbreak over Absalom reveals a father who loved a son who had turned against him. The chapter reminds us that God’s purposes continue even when human choices bring pain, and that honest sorrow before God is part of faithful life.
With children, avoid overstating the idea that God always makes bad things turn out well for us in a simple way. Be careful not to suggest that Absalom’s death was a happy outcome, and do not present David’s wrong choices as examples to copy. Focus on the fact that God is with us in sadness and that feelings are real.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You see our sadness and You are always in charge. Help us remember that it is okay to feel sad, and help us trust You when our hearts hurt. Thank You for loving us every day. Amen.
