This lesson teaches children that God keeps his promises and that keeping our own promises matters too. It is written for children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach, including the memory verse and activity.
Big Idea
God always keeps his word, and we should try to keep our promises to others, even when it is hard.
Memory Verse
2 Samuel 21:1
There was a famine in the days of David for three years, year after year; and David sought the face of the LORD. The LORD said, “It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he put the Gibeonites to death.”
(WEB)
Teach the children to hold both hands out flat, palms up, as if they are carrying something heavy. Then slowly cross their arms over their chest and say the words together. This motion reminds them that God listens and answers when people ask him for help.
The Story: 2 Samuel 21 for Kids
A long time ago, King David ruled Israel. For three whole years there was no rain, and the crops would not grow. The people were hungry and scared. David knew something was wrong, so he asked God why this was happening.
God told David that the trouble was because of something King Saul had done long before. Saul had broken a promise. He had tried to hurt the Gibeonites, a group of people who had made a peace agreement with Israel many years earlier. Saul should not have done that, and his wrong choice had brought sadness to the whole land.
David went to the Gibeonites and asked them, “What can I do to make this right?” They answered that they did not want money or gold. They asked that seven men from Saul’s family be given to them as a serious payment for the wrong that was done. David agreed to their request, though it was a very sad thing to do.
David protected Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, because David had made a promise to Jonathan long before. That promise was kept. The other men were given to the Gibeonites, and the harvest season went on. Rizpah, the mother of two of those men, sat beside their bodies for many weeks and would not let the birds or animals touch them. Her love and sorrow showed how much she cared.
When David heard about Rizpah’s faithfulness, he gave Saul and Jonathan a proper burial in their family tomb. Then the land was no longer under the weight of that wrong, and God answered the prayers of his people again. Later in the chapter, David and his soldiers fought the Philistines, and some of David’s brave men defeated giants who were enemies of Israel. God helped them win.
Read It Together
2 Samuel 21:7
But the king spared Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan the son of Saul, because of the LORD’s oath that was between them, between David and Jonathan the son of Saul.
(WEB)
Point out that David kept his promise to Jonathan even after Jonathan had died. Ask the children what it means to keep a promise even when no one is watching or when it costs something.
2 Samuel 21:14
They buried the bones of Saul and Jonathan his son in the country of Benjamin in Zela, in the tomb of Kish his father: and they performed all that the king commanded. After that, God answered prayer for the land.
(WEB)
Show the children that after the wrong was made right, God answered prayer for the land. Explain that when we do what is right, God is pleased and his blessings can return to our homes and communities.
2 Samuel 21:17
But Abishai the son of Zeruiah helped him, and struck the Philistine, and killed him. Then the men of David swore to him, saying, “Don’t go out with us to battle any more, so that you don’t quench the lamp of Israel.”
(WEB)
Point out that David’s men cared for him and wanted to protect him. Talk about how good friends look out for each other and help one another be strong.
Talk About It
- What did David do when he found out the land was suffering, and why was that a good choice?
- Why do you think David kept his promise to Jonathan, even many years later?
- How do you think Rizpah felt while she waited by the bodies for so long, and what does her love teach us?
- What is a promise you have made to someone, and how can you keep it this week?
- How did God take care of his people even in a sad and difficult time?
Activity Ideas
Promise Keeper Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a picture of a promise they can keep this week, such as helping a sibling or saying thank you. Let them write one simple word on the bottom, like “Keep.” Hang the drawings on the wall as a reminder that God helps us keep our word.
Stand Strong Game
You will need a open space and a few soft objects like pillows or rolled-up socks. Have the children stand in a circle and pass a pillow around while the music plays. When the music stops, the child holding the pillow stands tall, arms out, like David’s men protecting their leader. Repeat several times and talk about how we can stand up for our friends.
Take-Home Promise Card
You will need index cards or pieces of cardstock, a pen, and a small envelope for each child. Have each child write one promise they will keep at home, such as making their bed each morning. Encourage them to place the card on the refrigerator or by their bed. Ask the family to talk about the promise together during dinner that week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God takes wrongdoing seriously and that sin can affect whole communities. It also shows God’s faithfulness: he keeps his promises even when people around him do not, and he is willing to answer prayer when wrongs are made right. Adults can see how David’s kindness to Mephibosheth reflects God’s loyal love.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the violence in this chapter. Keep the focus on keeping promises, caring for others, and God’s faithfulness, and gently explain that some parts of this story are sad and are not examples to copy.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for always keeping your promises to us. Help us to be honest and keep our word to others, even when it is hard. Show us how to care for our friends and family. Thank you for listening to our prayers. Amen.
