In this lesson, children learn that King David was sad when his son Absalom died, but God still cared for David and his people as they came home together. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
Even when we feel sad or make mistakes, God helps people find their way back home to each other.
Memory Verse
2 Samuel 19:4
The king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, “My son Absalom, Absalom, my son, my son!”
(WEB)
Have the children cover their faces with their hands, then slowly lift them up and say “My son” out loud. Doing this motion helps them remember how King David felt, and that he loved his family very much.
The Story: 2 Samuel 19 for Kids
King David had a son named Absalom. Absalom had tried to take the kingdom away from his father, and a big battle happened. Absalom was killed in that battle. The soldiers who won the fight should have been happy, but instead they felt sad and quiet when they heard the news.
King David was very, very sad. He covered his face and cried out loud, “My son Absalom, my son!” He missed his son so much that he forgot to thank the people who had fought for him. His friend Joab came to talk to him. Joab told the king that he needed to stop crying and go out to see his people.
So King David got up and sat in the city gate, where everyone could see him. The people came to him, and they wanted their king to come home to Jerusalem. The leaders of Judah listened and agreed to bring him back. Then King David crossed the Jordan River to go home.
On the way, a man named Shimei ran down to meet the king. Shimei had said bad things before, and now he was sorry. He asked the king to forgive him. King David looked at him and said, “You will not die.” He chose to forgive Shimei and let him go.
Mephibosheth also came to meet the king. He had not cleaned himself up while the king was away, because he was sad too. King David was kind to him. There was also an old man named Barzillai, who had helped the king when he needed food. King David wanted to thank him and asked him to come along, but Barzillai was very old and said he would rather go home to his own city.
At last the king crossed the river, kissed Barzillai, and blessed him. The people of Judah and Israel began to argue about who should bring the king home, but in the end, the king was returning to his people.
Read It Together
2 Samuel 19:14
He bowed the heart of all the men of Judah, even as one man; so that they sent to the king, saying, “Return, you and all your servants.”
(WEB)
Point out how the men of Judah were moved to invite the king back. Explain that God can change hearts so that people choose to come together again.
2 Samuel 19:19-20
19 He said to the king, “Don’t let my lord impute iniquity to me, or remember that which your servant did perversely the day that my lord the king went out of Jerusalem, that the king should take it to his heart. 20 For your servant knows that I have sinned. Therefore behold, I have come today as the first of all the house of Joseph to go down to meet my lord the king.”
(WEB)
Show the children how Shimei said he was sorry and asked for mercy. Tell them that saying sorry and asking to be forgiven is important, and that God helps us be honest about our mistakes.
2 Samuel 19:39
All the people went over the Jordan, and the king went over. Then the king kissed Barzillai, and blessed him; and he returned to his own place.
(WEB)
Point out that the king kissed Barzillai and blessed him. Explain that showing love and kindness to people who helped us is a way we can show God’s care to others.
Talk About It
- How do you think King David felt when he heard that his son had died?
- What is one thing that helps you feel better when you are sad?
- Why do you think Shimei said he was sorry to the king?
- How did King David show kindness to people who had helped him?
- What can we do this week to help someone come back to a friend or family member?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Road Home
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a winding road that leads to a house or city, with a little figure walking on it. Have them add a sun or stars along the road to show God’s care as the people travel home together. Let them tell you one thing that the traveler might see on the way.
Forgive and Hug Game
You will need a open space in a room and a few soft pillows or stuffed animals. Have the children stand in a circle. One child pretends to be Shimei and says sorry, then the teacher or another child pretends to be the king and says “I forgive you.” Everyone then gives a gentle hug or high five. Play a few rounds so each child gets a turn.
Home Blessing Card
You will need index cards, stickers, and a pen. Have each child write or draw a short blessing on one card, like “God loves you” or “I’m glad you’re home.” Let them decorate it with stickers. Children can take the card home and give it to a family member, reminding them that God brings people back together.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows how deep grief can affect a whole nation. David’s love for Absalom was real, even though Absalom had rebelled. The chapter also shows that reconciliation takes time and that God works through people who listen, forgive, and choose to come together again.
Avoid implying that children should never feel angry or that every conflict ends perfectly. Some people in this story remain bitter, and the text ends with tension between Judah and Israel. Keep the focus on the simple truth that God helps people come home to Him and to each other.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for helping us when we feel sad or make mistakes. Please help us say sorry, forgive others, and show kindness to our friends and family. Bring us all home to you and to each other. Amen.
