In this lesson, children learn that a wise person can help stop a fight before it becomes a disaster. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God gives us wisdom to help people get along. Wise words can stop trouble, and God cares about peace.
Memory Verse
2 Samuel 20:22
Then the woman went to all the people in her wisdom. They cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and threw it out to Joab. He blew the trumpet, and they were dispersed from the city, every man to his tent. Then Joab returned to Jerusalem to the king.
(WEB)
Ask the children to put their hands together like a little bowl, then slowly open them and spread their fingers wide, like a city gate opening up. Say the verse together while you do the motion, then repeat it again, faster and then slower.
The Story: 2 Samuel 20 for Kids
A long time ago, King David was the ruler of Israel. A man named Sheba, who was not a kind man, blew a trumpet and shouted to the people. He said they should stop following David and go home to their tents. Many of the people of Israel listened to him and left David behind.
King David was not happy. He sent his leader, Joab, and some strong soldiers to chase after Sheba. Joab’s soldiers searched and searched until they came to a city called Abel. There they built a big mound of dirt next to the city wall, and they began to knock the wall down so they could catch Sheba.
Inside the city, a wise woman climbed up and called out, “Please, Joab, come close and talk to me!” Joab came near, and the woman said, “Our city has always been known for giving good advice. Why would you want to destroy a city that belongs to God’s people?” Joab said he only wanted to catch the man named Sheba, who had turned against the king.
The wise woman was clever and brave. She said, “Give me a little time, and his head will be thrown over the wall to you.” Then she went to all the people of the city and told them what to do. They listened to her, and they did what was right.
The people of the city cut off Sheba’s head and threw it over the wall to Joab. Joab blew the trumpet, and everyone went back to their own homes. The fight was over, and the city was saved because someone spoke wisely.
Read It Together
2 Samuel 20:1
There happened to be there a wicked fellow, whose name was Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjamite; and he blew the trumpet, and said, “We have no portion in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse. Every man to his tents, Israel!”
(WEB)
Point out how Sheba used his voice to stir up trouble and make people want to leave. Ask children to notice that words can be used to divide people or to bring them together.
2 Samuel 20:16
Then a wise woman cried out of the city, “Hear, hear! Please say to Joab, ‘Come near here, that I may speak with you.’”
(WEB)
Show the children how the wise woman calls out and asks for a chance to talk. Point out that she did not start a fight but spoke calmly and asked for a conversation.
2 Samuel 20:19
I am among those who are peaceable and faithful in Israel. You seek to destroy a city and a mother in Israel. Why will you swallow up the LORD’s inheritance?”
(WEB)
Explain that the woman described herself as peaceful and faithful. Help children see that being peaceful and faithful to God matters, and that our actions protect the people around us.
Talk About It
- What did Sheba say that made people want to leave King David?
- How did the wise woman speak to Joab, and why do you think she spoke so calmly?
- What is one way you can use kind words to help two friends who are arguing?
- Why do you think the woman wanted to protect her whole city?
- How can you tell when someone is speaking wisely, and what can you do to be wise with your words?
Activity Ideas
Wise Words Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a city wall with a small window at the top, and inside the window, draw a person speaking. Then have them write or draw one wise thing they could say to a friend.
Trumpet Peace Game
You will need a small bell, a whistle, or a cardboard tube for a pretend trumpet, and a open space to move. Players walk around quietly, and when you blow the trumpet, they stop and freeze. Each time, ask one child to say a kind or wise word, then everyone walks again.
Take-Home Peace Note
You will need a small card or sticky note for each child and a pencil. Ask children to write or draw one kind thing they will say this week to someone who is upset. Encourage them to put the note somewhere they will see it each morning, like on a mirror or by their shoes.
Teacher Notes
This passage shows that God can use a wise and faithful person to rescue a whole community. Adults can see that words carry great power, whether they divide people or help them find peace. The chapter also reminds us that the wise woman acted with courage and clarity, trusting that calm speech can do good.
Be careful not to overstate the violence in this story when you speak with young children. Focus on the wisdom and peace the woman brought, and handle the details of the battle gently and briefly.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank you for giving us words that can bring peace. Help us speak wisely and kindly to the people around us. Give us courage to help others get along, and keep our hearts faithful to you. Amen.
