In this lesson, children learn that God gives people different gifts and that when they work together for a good purpose, great things happen. It is best for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God gives each of us a special job, and when we all work together for him, we can do amazing things. Every helper matters, even the ones who seem small.
Memory Verse
1 Chronicles 12:22
For from day to day men came to David to help him, until there was a great army, like God’s army.
(WEB)
Ask children to stand up and march in place as a group while saying the verse together. Then have them hold up both hands, with fingers spread wide, to show how many helpers God brings together.
The Story: 1 Chronicles 12 for Kids
Long ago, a young man named David was running away from King Saul, who wanted to hurt him. David was hiding in a safe place called Ziklag. Brave men began to come to him there, one by one, and they became his helpers. Some were strong archers who could shoot arrows with either hand. Some were fierce warriors with shields and spears, and they were as fast as deer on the mountains.
Men from many tribes came to David. Some were from the tribe of Benjamin, and some were from Gad. A few were from Manasseh, and they helped David fight against bands of robbers who were causing trouble in the land. Each man had a job to do, and each one was ready to help.
One day, a man named Amasai was filled with the Spirit of God. He called out to David, saying, in his own words, “We are on your side, David, and God is helping you!” David welcomed these men warmly and made them leaders of the groups.
Soon many more people came to Hebron to make David king over all of Israel. The people brought food on donkeys, camels, mules, and oxen. They ate and drank together for three days, and there was great joy throughout the land.
Read It Together
1 Chronicles 12:18
Then the Spirit came on Amasai, who was chief of the thirty, and he said, “We are yours, David, and on your side, you son of Jesse. Peace, peace be to you, and peace be to your helpers; for your God helps you.” Then David received them, and made them captains of the band.
(WEB)
Point out that Amasai’s words show faith and loyalty. He says God is helping David, and he chooses to stand with David. Ask children how they can show that same loyalty to people who are doing good work.
1 Chronicles 12:32
Of the children of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, their heads were two hundred; and all their brothers were at their command.
(WEB)
Show children that the men of Issachar understood the times and knew what Israel ought to do. Explain that wisdom means thinking carefully and asking God for guidance, and that God can use people who think well.
1 Chronicles 12:38
All these were men of war, who could order the battle array, and came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel; and all the rest also of Israel were of one heart to make David king.
(WEB)
Point out how all these many people had one heart and one goal. Ask children what it looks like when a group of people agree to help each other, and why it makes the work easier.
Talk About It
- What kind of job do you think you would be good at helping someone with?
- Why do you think David’s helpers came from so many different families and places?
- How did Amasai show that he trusted God to help David?
- What is one way you can help someone in your class or family this week?
- Why is it good for people to work together instead of working alone?
Activity Ideas
Helper Handprint Banner
You will need large paper, paint or markers, and a little patience. Have each child trace their hand on paper, cut it out, and write their name on it. Tape all the handprints together to make a long banner that says “God Gives Us Helpers.” Hang it in your classroom or on the kitchen wall as a reminder of the team.
Team Tug Game
You will need a long rope or a sturdy towel and an open space. Divide the children into two teams and have them pull the rope, but then pause and say how each person helped the team win. Afterward, talk about how every helper pulling together was needed. Remind children that teamwork is strongest when everyone does their part.
Take-Home Helper Card
You will need index cards, crayons, and a pencil. Give each child a card and ask them to draw one way they can help at home, such as setting the table or feeding a pet. Encourage them to show the card to their family and do that job during the week. Ask them to bring the card back to share how it went.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that God builds his kingdom through many people from different backgrounds, each with their own gifts and their own timing for coming to join. It reminds us that loyalty, courage, and wisdom are all valuable when placed in service of God’s purpose. The chapter also highlights a unified community that chose to make David king with one heart.
Avoid overstating to children that every person who joins God’s work will always be rewarded with success or safety, since David’s helpers faced real danger and hardship. Focus instead on the joy of serving together and the faithfulness of God in providing what each person needs.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for giving each of us special gifts and jobs to do. Help us work together like David’s helpers, with courage and kindness and a willing heart. Show us how we can help the people around us today. Amen.
