In 2 Samuel 3, children learn that God keeps his promises even when things look messy and slow, and that David waited on God instead of taking revenge. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God keeps his promises, even when they take a long time. We can trust him and wait for him to do what is right.
Memory Verse
2 Samuel 3:1
Now there was long war between Saul’s house and David’s house. David grew stronger and stronger, but Saul’s house grew weaker and weaker.
(WEB)
Have the children stand and slowly stretch their arms wide, then bring their hands together in front of their hearts. Say “Long war, but God is still in charge” as they do it. Repeating the motion helps them remember that God is strong even when waiting feels long.
The Story: 2 Samuel 3 for Kids
For a long time, there was fighting between two families. The family of Saul was the king’s family, and the family of David was the family of the man God had chosen to be the next king. David grew stronger and stronger, but Saul’s family grew weaker and weaker. David waited patiently for God to fulfill his promise.
While David was growing strong, he had several sons born to him in the town of Hebron. Meanwhile, a man named Abner was becoming powerful in Saul’s house. One day, Saul’s son Ishbosheth scolded Abner for something Abner had done. Abner was very angry and said, “Am I a dog’s head that belongs to Judah?” He was upset that Ishbosheth would blame him after all he had done for Saul’s family.
Abner decided to switch sides and make peace with David. He sent messengers to David and said he would help bring all of Israel to David. David agreed, but he asked Abner to bring back his wife Michal first. Ishbosheth agreed, and Michal was returned to David.
Abner spoke with the leaders of Israel and told them that God had promised David would rule over his people. Abner then went to Hebron to meet David, and David made a feast for him. David sent Abner away in peace, but Joab, one of David’s army leaders, was not happy about this. Joab was angry because Abner had killed Joab’s brother in a battle, and Joab wanted revenge.
Joab tricked Abner into coming back to the town, and there Joab killed him. When David heard what had happened, he was very sad. David said that he and his kingdom were not guilty of Abner’s blood, and he mourned loudly at Abner’s grave. He refused to eat anything until the sun went down, showing everyone that he did not want revenge.
Read It Together
2 Samuel 3:18
Now then do it; for the LORD has spoken of David, saying, ‘By the hand of my servant David, I will save my people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies.’”
(WEB)
Show how Abner reminded the leaders that God had promised David would save his people. Explain that God’s promises were true even when people were not sure how they would happen. Encourage children to think about a promise God has made in the Bible.
2 Samuel 3:35
All the people came to urge David to eat bread while it was yet day; but David swore, saying, “God do so to me, and more also, if I taste bread, or anything else, until the sun goes down.”
(WEB)
Point out that David would not eat until the sun went down, even though everyone tried to get him to eat. This shows that David was serious about his sadness and his honesty. Talk about how we can be honest with God when we feel sad.
Talk About It
- What did David do while he was waiting for God to make him king?
- Why do you think David was sad when Abner died?
- What is something you have had to wait a long time for?
- How can you trust God when things take a long time to happen?
- What is one way you can show someone that you care about them, even when they have upset you?
Activity Ideas
Waiting Heart Drawing
You will need paper, crayons, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a picture of something they are waiting for, like a birthday or a school trip. Then have them draw a small heart in the corner and write “God is with me.” Talk about how waiting can feel hard, but God is always faithful.
Slow Walk Game
You will need an open space and a timer. Have the children walk very slowly across the room, one step at a time, while you count the seconds. Stop them every few steps to remind them that David waited patiently for God. Finish by having everyone cheer quietly when they reach the other side.
Promise Jar at Home
You will need a jar, paper, and a pen. Have the family write down one promise from God on each slip of paper and place it in the jar. Each day, pick one slip and read it together at dinner. This helps children remember that God’s promises are true, even when we have to wait.
Teacher Notes
For adults, 2 Samuel 3 shows that God’s promises can take years to unfold, and that people often act in messy and self-interested ways while God is working. David’s patience and his refusal to take revenge stand in contrast to the violence around him. The chapter invites adults to trust God’s timing rather than forcing outcomes.
Avoid suggesting that David’s grief over Abner was a perfect model of how to handle every loss, since the text shows him dealing with a complicated political situation. Be careful not to make the story about simple good and bad characters, because the people involved are more complex than that.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you that you keep your promises even when we have to wait. Help us to trust you when things take a long time. Teach us to be honest with you and to love others, even when it is hard. Amen.
