This lesson teaches children that God wants to be honored in the way He has told us, not just in the way that seems easy or exciting. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the Bible reading, and the activity.
Big Idea
God is holy and good, and we honor Him by doing things His way. When we do things our own way, we can get hurt, but God always keeps His promises and blesses His people.
Memory Verse
Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.”
(WEB)
Have children stand still with arms folded, then slowly raise both hands up high as they say “Be still and know.” Repeat it three times, moving slower each time. The stillness helps them remember that God is in charge.
The Story: 1 Chronicles 13 for Kids
King David was now ruling over all of Israel in Jerusalem. He wanted to bring the ark of God back to the city. The ark was a special wooden box covered in gold, and it was the place where God’s presence was remembered. It had been far away for a long time, and David wanted it home again.
David talked with all the leaders and the people. Everyone agreed. “Let us bring the ark home,” they said, “because it is right in God’s eyes.” So a huge crowd gathered and traveled together to fetch the ark from the house where it had been kept.
The people were very happy. They sang songs, played harps, tambourines, cymbals, and trumpets, and danced with all their might. But they did not carry the ark the way God had said to carry it. They put it on a new cart pulled by oxen, and two men named Uzza and Ahio guided the cart along the road.
When the oxen stumbled near a threshing floor, the ark began to slip. Uzza reached out his hand to steady it, even though only specially chosen people were allowed to touch it. Right away, Uzza fell down and died. Everyone was shocked and scared.
David was upset and afraid. He asked, “How can I bring God’s ark home to me?” He did not take the ark into the city. Instead, he left it at the house of a man named Obed-Edom. The ark stayed there for three months, and God blessed Obed-Edom’s whole family and everything he owned.
Read It Together
1 Chronicles 13:1-4
1 David consulted with the captains of thousands and of hundreds, even with every leader. 2 David said to all the assembly of Israel, “If it seems good to you, and if it is of the LORD our God, let us send word everywhere to our brothers who are left in all the land of Israel, with whom the priests and Levites are in their cities that have suburbs, that they may gather themselves to us. 3 Also, let us again bring the ark of our God back to us; for we didn’t seek it in the days of Saul.” 4 All the assembly said that they would do so; for the thing was right in the eyes of all the people.
(WEB)
Point out how David did not decide alone. He asked the leaders and all the people, and everyone agreed. Ask children why it is good to listen to others before making big choices.
1 Chronicles 13:9-10
9 When they came to Chidon’s threshing floor, Uzza put out his hand to hold the ark; for the oxen stumbled. 10 The LORD’s anger burned against Uzza, and he struck him, because he put his hand on the ark; and he died there before God.
(WEB)
Show children that Uzza touched the ark even though God had given clear rules about it. Explain that God’s rules are not meant to be silly. They show how holy and important He is, and we must take Him seriously.
1 Chronicles 13:13-14
13 So David didn’t move the ark with him into David’s city, but carried it aside into Obed-Edom the Gittite’s house. 14 God’s ark remained with the family of Obed-Edom in his house three months; and the LORD blessed Obed-Edom’s house and all that he had.
(WEB)
Point out that even after the sad mistake, God blessed Obed-Edom’s family. Remind children that God keeps caring for His people, even when we get things wrong, and He is always faithful.
Talk About It
- Why do you think David was happy at first, and then felt sad and afraid?
- What is one way God has told us to do things, and why is it good to follow His way?
- Why do you think the people were excited to bring the ark home, but forgot to do it God’s way?
- How did David show that he was willing to change his plans after the sad event?
- What did God do for Obed-Edom’s family, and what does that tell you about God’s heart?
Activity Ideas
Ark Drawing Craft
You will need a sheet of paper, crayons or markers, gold or yellow paint or markers, and some glue sticks. Have children draw a simple box shape and color it gold to look like the ark. Then ask them to write or draw one way God wants us to live. Hang the finished pictures in your classroom or on the fridge at home as a reminder.
Follow the Rules Game
Gather a few pillows, a soft ball, and a timer. Set up a simple course and give children one clear rule, such as walking on tiptoe or carrying the ball on a spoon. Let them try it their own way first, then do it the right way. Talk about how following instructions keeps everyone safe and helps the game go well.
Take-Home Promise Card
You will need index cards, a pen, and a small ribbon or clip. Write one simple promise on each card, such as “God keeps His promises.” Ask children to take a card home and place it where they will see it each morning, like on their bedroom door or by the sink. Encourage them to read it aloud with their family during dinner or bedtime.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that enthusiasm for God does not replace obedience to Him. David and the people were sincere and joyful, yet they still ignored God’s clear instructions about how the ark was to be carried. It is a reminder that worship must follow God’s word, not just our own ideas of what seems good.
When teaching children, avoid making Uzza’s death sound like God is cruel or quick to punish every small mistake. Keep the focus on God’s holiness and His loving faithfulness, which is shown in how He blessed Obed-Edom’s household. Children should leave knowing that God is good and always keeps His promises.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for being holy and good. Help us to honor You in the way You have shown us. When we make mistakes, help us to listen, learn, and trust You. Thank You that You always keep Your promises to us. Amen.
