In this lesson, children learn that God chose David to be king of Israel, and David grew strong because the LORD was with him. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God keeps His promises, and when He chooses someone to lead, He helps them do the job well.
Memory Verse
1 Chronicles 11:9
David grew greater and greater; for the LORD of Armies was with him.
(WEB)
Ask children to stand tall with their arms raised like a strong tree, then sway gently side to side as they say the verse together. Each time they say “with him,” have them stomp once to show God’s strength.
The Story: 1 Chronicles 11 for Kids
All the people of Israel came together to a town called Hebron. They said to David, “We are your family, and we want you to be our king.” Long ago, when King Saul ruled, David was the one who led the army and brought the people home safely. God had already promised that David would be the shepherd of His people.
David made an agreement with the leaders of Israel in front of the LORD. Then they poured oil on David’s head to show that God had chosen him as king. Next, David and his men marched to Jerusalem, a city the Jebusites lived in. The people of that city laughed and said, “You will never get in here!”
But David captured the strong hill called Zion. David said, “Whoever attacks the Jebusites first will become the leader of my army.” Joab was the first to climb up, so he became the leader. David lived in that fortress, and it became known as the City of David. Because God was with him, David grew stronger and stronger every day.
David had many brave men who fought beside him. One time, three of his strongest soldiers were in a cave while the enemy Philistines camped nearby. David felt thirsty and said, “I wish someone could bring me a drink from the well in Bethlehem, my hometown!” Those three brave men snuck through the enemy camp, filled a jar with water, and carried it back to David.
David was amazed. He said, “I cannot drink this water, because it cost these men their lives.” Instead, he poured it out as a gift to God. David knew that God was more important than his own thirst, and he thanked his brave friends for their courage.
Read It Together
1 Chronicles 11:1-3
1 Then all Israel gathered themselves to David to Hebron, saying, “Behold, we are your bone and your flesh. 2 In times past, even when Saul was king, it was you who led out and brought in Israel. The LORD your God said to you, ‘You shall be shepherd of my people Israel, and you shall be prince over my people Israel.’” 3 So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and David made a covenant with them in Hebron before the LORD; and they anointed David king over Israel, according to the LORD’s word by Samuel.
(WEB)
Point out that all the people came to David together and wanted him as their king. Ask children how God used Samuel to show who the new king would be.
1 Chronicles 11:14
They stood in the middle of the plot, defended it, and killed the Philistines; and the LORD saved them by a great victory.
(WEB)
Show children that David and his men stood their ground and that the LORD gave them a great victory. Explain that God helps His people when they stay brave and faithful.
1 Chronicles 11:18-19
18 The three broke through the army of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David; but David would not drink any of it, but poured it out to the LORD, 19 and said, “My God forbid me, that I should do this! Shall I drink the blood of these men who have put their lives in jeopardy?” For they risked their lives to bring it. Therefore he would not drink it. The three mighty men did these things.
(WEB)
Point out how David chose to pour the water out to God instead of drinking it. Explain that David honored the lives of his friends and showed respect for God.
Talk About It
- Why do you think the people of Israel wanted David to be their king?
- What did the three brave men do when David said he was thirsty, and how do you think they felt?
- Why did David pour out the water instead of drinking it?
- How did God help David grow stronger and stronger?
- When is a time you saw someone be brave for someone else?
Activity Ideas
Water Jar Craft
Give each child a paper cup, some blue and brown crayons, and a strip of paper for a label. Have them color their cup to look like a clay jar and write “From the Well of Bethlehem” on the label. Let them take the cup home as a reminder of the brave men’s courage.
Brave Soldier Relay
Set up two cups of water at one end of the room and an empty cup at the other end. Children race in pairs, carefully carrying water from one cup to another with a spoon, like the three men carrying water through enemy lines. Cheer for teamwork and careful steps as they go.
Take-Home Promise Card
Give each child an index card and a marker. Have them draw a picture of something God has promised, such as God being with us, and write “God is with me” at the bottom. Encourage them to read it aloud at bedtime with their family this week.
Teacher Notes
This chapter shows that God’s choices stand firm, even when the people around David did not expect it. David’s rise to power came because God had promised to make him shepherd of Israel, and God’s presence with him gave him strength to win battles. The story also teaches that true greatness includes honoring God and the people who risk their lives for us.
Be careful not to suggest that every faithful child will become a famous leader or receive public praise. Focus instead on the idea that God’s help is steady and that courage and faithfulness matter in everyday life.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You for keeping Your promises and for being with us every day. Help us be brave like David’s friends and kind like David’s heart. Help us honor You in all we do. Amen.
