In this lesson, children learn that God keeps his promises, even when they take a long time to come true. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God always keeps the promises he makes, and he helps his people win when they trust him and ask him what to do.
Memory Verse
2 Samuel 5:10
David grew greater and greater; for the LORD, the God of Armies, was with him.
(WEB)
Have children stand tall with their arms stretched wide, then slowly raise them up toward the ceiling as they say the verse together. Each time they raise their arms, they are showing that God grows his people bigger and stronger.
The Story: 2 Samuel 5 for Kids
After King Saul died, the people of Israel came to a man named David. They said, “You are one of us. You are our family.” Long before, God had told David that he would be the shepherd and leader of his people. Now it was finally time.
David was thirty years old when he became king over all of Israel. He ruled from the city of Hebron for seven years and six months. Then he moved to a big, strong city called Jerusalem, which was owned by a group of people called the Jebusites. The Jebusites laughed at David. They said, “Even the blind and lame people on our walls could keep you out!”
But David did not give up. He captured the stronghold of Zion, and it became known as the City of David. God was with David, and David grew stronger and stronger. A king named Hiram even sent workers and cedar wood to help build David a fine house.
Next, the Philistines came to fight against David. David asked God, “Should I go and fight them? Will you help me win?” God said, “Yes, go! I will give them into your hand.” So David went, and God helped him win a great victory. David said, “The LORD has broken my enemies before me, like waters breaking through a wall!”
The Philistines came back a second time. This time God gave David a different plan. He told David to wait and listen for a sound like marching feet in the tops of the mulberry trees. When David heard that sound, he knew God was going out ahead of him. David went, and he won again, all the way from Geba to Gezer.
Read It Together
2 Samuel 5:1-3
1 Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron, and spoke, saying, “Behold, we are your bone and your flesh. 2 In times past, when Saul was king over us, it was you who led Israel out and in. The LORD said to you, ‘You will be shepherd of my people Israel, and you will be prince over Israel.’” 3 So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron, and king David made a covenant with them in Hebron before the LORD; and they anointed David king over Israel.
(WEB)
Point out how the people came to David and said they were his family. Ask the children how it feels to be included in a family, and explain that God gave David the job of leading his family, the people of Israel.
2 Samuel 5:12
David perceived that the LORD had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for his people Israel’s sake.
(WEB)
Show the children that David understood God was the one who made him king. Point out that David did not become great on his own, but because God had chosen him and was blessing his people.
2 Samuel 5:19
David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hand?” The LORD said to David, “Go up; for I will certainly deliver the Philistines into your hand.”
(WEB)
Highlight that David asked God before he went into battle. Explain that prayer is a way we ask God for help and listen for his answer, just as David did.
Talk About It
- What did the people of Israel say to David when they came to him at Hebron?
- How do you think David felt when the Jebusites said he could not come into their city?
- What did David do before he went to fight the Philistines, and why was that a good idea?
- Why do you think God told David to wait and listen for the sound in the trees?
- Can you think of a time when you waited for God to show you what to do?
Activity Ideas
Mulberry Tree Crown Craft
You will need paper plates, green and brown construction paper, glue, and crayons. Have children draw a small tree trunk on brown paper and glue it to the bottom of a paper plate. Then they can tear green paper into leaves and glue them around the top. Explain that David listened for God’s sign in the trees, and talk about how we can listen for God in our own lives.
Listen for the Marching Game
You will need a timer or a bell and an open space to move around. Ask the children to march in place quietly and then stop when you ring the bell. Tell them that David waited to hear a sign before he moved, and that they should wait for your signal before they move. Play a few rounds and talk about how waiting for God’s signal takes patience.
Promise Keeper Card
You will need index cards, markers, and a stapler. Have each child write or draw one promise God has made in the Bible, such as God being with us. Staple the card to a ribbon so the child can take it home. Encourage them to read the card each night before bed and remember that God always keeps his promises.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God faithfully fulfills his promises, even when the timing is slow and the path involves conflict. David was anointed king in God’s plan, and God gave him victory, while David’s dependence on God through prayer shows the heart of faithful leadership. The chapter also reminds us that success comes from God’s help, not from human strength alone.
Be careful not to suggest to children that if they pray and trust God, everything will always go their way right away. David waited years to become king, and the victories came through obedience and waiting, not through instant results. Teach that God is faithful, even when the answer looks different from what we expected.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for keeping every promise you make to us. Help us to trust you when we have to wait, and help us to ask you for help before we act. Show us your plan and help us listen for your voice. Amen.
