This lesson teaches children that God keeps His promises even when it takes a long time, and that we can trust Him to make things right in His way and His timing. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God keeps His promises, and we can wait for Him to do what He said He would do.
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)
Hold both hands out flat, then slowly move them closer together, then pull them apart again slowly. Say the verse with each motion to show how the two families were pulling against each other for a long time, and how David kept growing stronger.
The Story: 2 Samuel 3 for Kids
For a long time, there was a war between two families. King Saul’s family and King David’s family were fighting each other. David was getting stronger and stronger. Saul’s family was getting weaker and weaker.
David had many sons, born to him in the town of Hebron. Over time, David was growing more powerful. Abner was a strong leader in Saul’s family. He was the one who kept Saul’s family going after the king died.
One day, Abner had a fight with Ishbosheth, who was Saul’s son. Ishbosheth was upset that Abner had spent time with one of his father’s servants. Abner was so angry that he said he would help David take the kingdom away from Saul’s family, just as God had promised David.
Abner then sent a message to David, asking to make a deal. David agreed, but he asked for his wife Michal to be brought back to him first. Michal had been taken away from David, and now she was returned to him. Her husband Paltiel followed her, crying all the way, until Abner told him to go home.
Abner went to David in Hebron with twenty men, and David gave them a big meal. Abner promised to gather all of Israel to make David king. But then Joab, David’s army leader, came back and was very upset. Joab did not trust Abner, and he secretly took Abner aside and killed him, because Abner had killed Joab’s brother in a battle.
When David heard what happened, he was very sad. He wept at Abner’s grave, and he said that he had nothing to do with that terrible deed. Everyone saw that David was not the one who wanted Abner dead, and they were pleased with how he behaved.
Read It Together
2 Samuel 3:17-18
17 Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, “In times past, you sought for David to be king over you. 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)
Point out that Abner reminded the leaders of Israel that God had already promised David would be their king. Ask the children to notice that God’s promise was already in motion, even before everyone agreed.
2 Samuel 3:31
David said to Joab, and to all the people who were with him, “Tear your clothes, and clothe yourselves with sackcloth, and mourn in front of Abner.” King David followed the bier.
(WEB)
Show the children that David did not celebrate the death of his enemy. Instead, he asked everyone to tear their clothes and mourn, which shows that David cared about doing what was right.
2 Samuel 3:39
I am weak today, though anointed king. These men, the sons of Zeruiah are too hard for me. May the LORD reward the evildoer according to his wickedness.”
(WEB)
Explain that David trusted God to deal with wrongdoing in His own way. David was honest that Joab’s deed was wrong, and he left the justice up to the Lord.
Talk About It
- Why do you think David kept waiting for God to make him king, even though he had already been anointed?
- How did David show that he cared about Abner, even though Abner had been his enemy?
- What is something you have had to wait for, and how did you feel while you waited?
- What did David do when he heard that Abner had died, and why was that good?
- How can you trust God when something good is taking a long time to happen?
Activity Ideas
Waiting Crown Craft
Give each child a strip of paper, crayons, and tape. Have them draw a simple crown on the strip and write the words “God keeps His promises” along the band. Tape the strip into a loop that fits each child’s head. Let them wear their crowns during the lesson and talk about how God’s promise to David came true in His time.
Stronger and Weaker Relay
Set up two lines of chairs at opposite ends of the room to represent the two families. Have children take turns walking from one end to the other, pretending to grow stronger as they go toward David’s side and weaker as they walk toward Saul’s side. Use a bell or clap to mark each change. Afterward, ask the children how it felt to move slowly and steadily toward the goal.
Promise Keeper Card
Give each child an index card and a pencil. Ask them to write one promise God has made in the Bible, such as “I will never leave you,” and draw a picture next to it. Encourage them to take the card home and place it somewhere they will see it each morning. Explain that just as God kept His promise to David, He will keep His promises to them.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s promises do not depend on human timing or human cooperation. David was anointed as king long before he took the throne, and the long war between the two houses shows how patience and trust are shaped over time. The chapter also shows David’s restraint and his mourning of Abner, which reveals a heart that honored justice and refused to celebrate a rival’s death.
When teaching children, avoid making the story sound like a lesson about violence or revenge. Keep the focus on David’s trust in God and his waiting, rather than on the details of Joab’s crime. Be careful not to suggest that God approves of murder or that the story gives children a model for handling anger.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for keeping all Your promises. Help us to wait patiently when things take a long time, and help us to trust that You are always working. Show us how to do what is right, even when it is hard. Amen.
