In this lesson, children learn that God helped His people win battles against the enemies who seemed too big to beat. It is designed for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is stronger than any giant, and He helps His people when they feel small and scared.
Memory Verse
1 Chronicles 20:2
David took the crown of their king from off his head, and found it to weigh a talent of gold, and there were precious stones in it. It was set on David’s head, and he brought very much plunder out of the city.
(WEB)
Have children stand tall with arms raised like a crown on their heads, then slowly lower their arms as they say the verse together. Repeat it three times, getting quieter each time, so the words stick.
The Story: 1 Chronicles 20 for Kids
Every spring, when kings led their armies out to fight, Joab went to war against the people of Ammon. Joab’s army went to the city of Rabbah and attacked it. King David stayed back in Jerusalem, and he trusted God to be with his soldiers.
Joab’s army defeated Rabbah. The soldiers took the crown from the head of the Ammonite king. It was very heavy, weighing about seventy-five pounds, and it had shining jewels set in it. David put the crown on his own head, and the people brought home a great deal of treasure from the city.
Later, the Philistines came to fight again, and this time they had giants among them. A warrior named Sibbecai defeated a giant named Sippai, and the Israelites won the battle. In another fight, Elhanan killed Lahmi, a brother of Goliath, so the giants kept falling before God’s people.
There was one more battle at Gath with a giant who had six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot. He mocked Israel, but David’s nephew Jonathan stood up to him and brought him down. The people said, “God is with us.” These giants all fell by the hand of David and his servants.
Read It Together
1 Chronicles 20:6-7
6 There was again war at Gath, where there was a man of great stature, who had twenty-four fingers and toes, six on each hand, and six on each foot; and he also was born to the giant. 7 When he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea David’s brother killed him.
(WEB)
Point out that the giant bragged and made fun of Israel, but he could not win against God’s people. Ask children what it feels like when someone teases them and how God helps them stay brave.
1 Chronicles 20:4
After this, war arose at Gezer with the Philistines. Then Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Sippai, of the sons of the giant; and they were subdued.
(WEB)
Show that the Philistines had giants, yet God gave His people the victory in battle. Explain that the story reminds us to trust God even when the enemy looks large.
1 Chronicles 20:1
At the time of the return of the year, at the time when kings go out, Joab led out the army, and wasted the country of the children of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed at Jerusalem. Joab struck Rabbah, and overthrew it.
(WEB)
Point out that Joab went out to fight while David remained in Jerusalem. Talk about how each person in God’s family has a job to do and can serve Him where they are.
Talk About It
- What do you think it felt like for the soldiers when they saw such a huge giant?
- Why do you think God helped the Israelites win against enemies who seemed too strong?
- What is a “giant” that you sometimes feel scared of, like a big test or a hard day?
- How can you remember that God is with you when you feel small?
- What is one brave thing you can do this week because God is on your side?
Activity Ideas
Giant and Crown Craft
Gather paper plates, glue, crayons, and gold foil or yellow paper scraps. Have each child draw a giant on one side of a paper plate, then fold the plate in half. On the other side, they can decorate a paper crown and glue it on top to show that God gives victory. Let children tell the class what their giant looks like.
Giant Steps Game
Mark a starting line with masking tape and make a finish line across the room. Call out “Giant!” and have children take big slow steps like the giant, then call out “Victory!” and let them run back to the start. Repeat the game a few times, and end by saying together, “God is stronger than any giant.”
Victory Reminder Card
Give each child an index card, a pencil, and a marker. Ask them to write or draw one thing that feels like a giant to them, then flip the card over and draw a crown or a smiling face. Encourage them to take the card home and keep it on their bedside table as a reminder that God helps them win.
Teacher Notes
This chapter shows that God kept His promises and gave His people victory over enemies, including the giant warriors of the Philistines. For adults, it is a reminder that God is faithful to His people in every generation, even when battles feel overwhelming. The passage also shows how God uses ordinary people, like the soldiers and leaders named here, to accomplish His purposes.
Avoid suggesting to children that every fear will disappear if they simply have enough faith. Let them know that God helps His people through hard things, and that courage in God is something we learn to trust over time.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You are stronger than any giant we face. Help us to be brave and trust You when we feel small or scared. Thank You for always being with us. Amen.
