This lesson teaches children that when many people choose to follow God and work together, good things can happen. Children ages 5 to 11 will need about 20 to 30 minutes to complete it, including the story, activities, and prayer.
Big Idea
God gives us friends and helpers, and when we work together for Him, we are stronger than we are alone.
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)
Teach the children to hold both hands up, palms facing each other, then slowly bring them together as they say the verse. This motion shows people coming together to help one another, just like the men who came to David.
The Story: 1 Chronicles 12 for Kids
A long time ago, a young man named David was hiding from King Saul, who wanted to hurt him. David was not in a palace. He was living in a place called Ziklag, away from the city and out of danger’s way. Many brave men came to find him there.
These men were warriors. Some could shoot arrows with their right hand and their left hand. Others could sling stones very accurately. Some were so fast that they could run like gazelles on the mountains. They were ready to fight for David and to help him.
Some men from the tribe of Benjamin came to David too. David went out to meet them. He looked at them carefully and said, “If you have come to help me, my heart will be joined with yours. But if you have come to betray me, may God see it and stop you.” The men answered that they were on David’s side, and David welcomed them.
More and more people kept coming to David every day. Soon there was a great army, and they all gathered at Hebron to make David king. The people were full of joy. They brought bread, figs, raisins, wine, oil, and many animals to share, because everyone wanted to celebrate together.
Read It Together
1 Chronicles 12:17
David went out to meet them, and answered them, “If you have come peaceably to me to help me, my heart will be united with you; but if you have come to betray me to my adversaries, since there is no wrong in my hands, may the God of our fathers see this and rebuke it.”
(WEB)
Point out that David first asked the men why they came. He wanted to know their hearts before he trusted them. Ask the children why it is wise to know a person’s heart before we decide to work with them.
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)
Show the children that Amasai said God was helping David. Explain that when we serve God, we can say peace and encouragement to others, and we can trust that God is with His people.
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 that these men came with a whole heart, all wanting the same thing. Ask the children what it looks like when a whole group of people agrees and works toward a good goal.
Talk About It
- What did the men who came to David have that helped them fight well?
- How can you be a good helper to someone in your family or class?
- Why do you think David was happy when so many people came to help him?
- How did the people show they were happy and thankful when they met at Hebron?
- What is one way you can join your friends to do something kind for someone else this week?
Activity Ideas
Paper Chain of Helpers
You will need strips of colored paper, markers, and tape. Have each child write or draw a helpful thing they can do, like sharing a toy or helping set the table, on one strip. Tape the strips together into a long chain. Hang the chain in the classroom or at home to show how many helpers work together.
Team Circle Game
Gather the children in a circle and have them stand shoulder to shoulder. Explain that the circle is like David’s army, strong because everyone stands close together. Pass a soft ball around the circle while everyone counts out loud. Each time the ball passes all the way around, cheer for the team.
Take-Home Thank You Card
Provide cardstock, crayons, and stickers. Ask each child to make a card for someone who helps them at home or at church, such as a parent, grandparent, or teacher. Encourage them to write or draw one thing they are thankful for. Let them take the card home and give it to that person as a reminder that helping one another is a gift from God.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows how God builds His kingdom through many people with different gifts and skills. The men who came to David were united in purpose, and their unity pointed to God’s larger plan for Israel. It also reminds us that wisdom includes testing hearts and motives before we commit to a shared cause.
With children, avoid overstating the idea that every group effort will always succeed or that God guarantees victory in every conflict. Focus instead on the simple truth that God is with His people and that cooperation and loyalty honor Him.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for giving us friends and helpers. Help us to work together and to be kind to one another. Show us how to join our hearts for good things, and remind us that You are always with us. Amen.
