In 2 Samuel 5, God keeps His promise to make David king over all Israel, and David learns to trust God in every battle. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God always keeps His promises, and when we trust Him, He helps us win. David did not have to make God’s plan happen by himself, because God was already with him.
Memory Verse
2 Samuel 5:10
David grew greater and greater; for the LORD, the God of Armies, was with him.
(WEB)
Teach the children to hold both hands up in front of them, then slowly lift them higher as they say the words “David grew greater and greater.” Ask them to stand taller each time they say it, so the motion shows how God helped David grow.
The Story: 2 Samuel 5 for Kids
A long time ago, the tribes of Israel came to a city called Hebron to see David. They said, “We are your family. You are our bone and our flesh.” They remembered that God had told David he would be the shepherd of His people. So they made David the king over all Israel.
David was thirty years old when he became king. He ruled for seven and a half years in Hebron over the tribe of Judah. Then he ruled for thirty-three more years in Jerusalem over all of Israel and Judah. God kept His word, just as He had promised.
Next, David and his men went to take the city of Jerusalem. The people living there were called the Jebusites. They laughed at David and said, “Even the blind and the lame can keep you out!” But David took the strong fortress of Zion, and he called it David’s City. God was with David, so David grew stronger and stronger.
Then King Hiram of Tyre sent workers and cedar wood to help build David a fine house. David knew that God had made him king and had lifted up his kingdom for the good of God’s people. He thanked God for helping him.
Later, the Philistines came to fight David in a valley. David asked God, “Should I go and fight them?” God said, “Yes, go! I will give them to you.” David went, and God helped him win the battle. David said, “The LORD has broken my enemies before me, like waters breaking through a wall!”
The Philistines came back again. This time God gave David a different plan. He said, “Wait for the sound of marching in the tops of the trees, and then move.” David listened carefully and obeyed God. God helped David defeat the Philistines all the way from Geba to Gezer.
Read It Together
2 Samuel 5:2
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.’”
(WEB)
Point out that God had already promised David he would be the shepherd of Israel before he became king. Explain that God’s promises are sure, even when we have to wait for them to come true.
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 and blessed his kingdom. Ask them to notice that David did not take the credit for himself.
2 Samuel 5:19-20
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.” 20 David came to Baal Perazim, and David struck them there. Then he said, “The LORD has broken my enemies before me, like the breach of waters.” Therefore he called the name of that place Baal Perazim.
(WEB)
Point out that David asked God before he went into battle. Explain that asking God for help first, before we act, is always a wise thing to do.
Talk About It
- How do you think David felt when all the tribes of Israel came to make him king?
- What did David do before he went to fight the Philistines, and why is that a good idea?
- Can you remember a time when God helped you do something hard?
- Why do you think the Jebusites said the blind and the lame could keep David out of the city?
- What is one promise of God that you are glad He keeps?
Activity Ideas
Crown Craft
You will need paper, scissors, crayons, glue, and some glitter if you have it. Have each child cut a strip of paper long enough to wrap around their head, then decorate it with crayons and glitter. Tape or glue the ends together, and let them wear their crown while they tell one way God has kept a promise to them.
Mulberry Tree Marching Game
You will need a open space and a few chairs or pillows to act as trees. Have the children walk around quietly like David’s army, then make them stop when you clap twice. Explain that they must wait for the sound of marching in the trees before they move, just like David did, and reward the children who listen well.
Promise Keeper Card
You will need index cards, markers, and a small envelope for each child. Ask each child to draw a picture of something God has promised, such as being with them always. Let them take the card home in the envelope so they can remember God’s faithfulness during the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God fulfills His promises on His own timing. David waited years after being anointed before he was made king over all Israel, and he trusted God through every battle. The passage also reminds us that real strength comes from seeking God first and giving Him the glory for every victory.
Be careful not to suggest to children that God will always make every battle easy or that faithfulness guarantees a life without trouble. David faced real enemies and real waiting, and the point is that God is faithful, not that life will always go smoothly.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Father, thank You for always keeping Your promises to us. Help us to trust You like David did, and to ask You first before we act. Thank You for being with us every day. Amen.
