This lesson teaches children that God gives victory to his people when they trust him, even in hard battles. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is faithful to help his people win the battles they face. David trusted God, and God gave his people strength to win the fights against the giants and enemies of Israel.
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)
Ask the children to stand tall with their arms raised high like a winner in a race, then say the verse together while they hold that pose. Repeat it three times, lifting a little higher each time, to show that God lifts up his people.
The Story: 1 Chronicles 20 for Kids
A long time ago, the army of Israel went out to fight. The king of Israel was David, and his general was a brave man named Joab. Joab led the soldiers to the land of the people of Ammon, and they went to the city called Rabbah.
David did not go to the battle that year. He stayed in Jerusalem while Joab and the soldiers fought. Joab won the battle and knocked down the walls of Rabbah. The people of Israel had God on their side, so they were strong and brave.
When the battle was over, David took the crown from the head of the Ammonite king. The crown was so heavy that it weighed as much as a big bag of gold, and it had shiny stones in it. David put the crown on his own head. He took a great deal of treasure from the city too.
Next, the Philistines fought against Israel again. A brave man named Sibbecai defeated a giant named Sippai, and the Philistines were beaten. Later, Elhanan fought a giant whose spear was as thick as a weaver’s beam. Each time, God helped his people win the fight.
Even the giants in Gath were not too big for God. One giant had twenty-four fingers and toes. Jonathan, the nephew of David, defeated him. The people of Israel won every battle, and they came home with praise for God.
Read It Together
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 led the army while David stayed home. Ask the children who helped Joab and what the army did together, and remind them that every person has a job to do for God.
1 Chronicles 20:6
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.
(WEB)
Show the children that this was a very large man with many extra fingers and toes. Explain that even the biggest enemies cannot stop God’s plans, and that God helps his people even when a problem looks very big.
1 Chronicles 20:7
When he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea David’s brother killed him.
(WEB)
Point out how Jonathan stood up to the giant for the sake of Israel. Ask the children how they might be brave for God when someone teases them or when they are afraid.
Talk About It
- What did David do while Joab went to fight, and why do you think he stayed home?
- How do you think the people of Israel felt when God helped them win?
- Why was it important that Joab and his soldiers trusted God in the battle?
- What is one hard thing you are facing, and how can you ask God to help you with it?
- How can you be brave like Jonathan when you know something is right?
Activity Ideas
Crown Drawing Craft
Give each child a paper strip, crayons, glitter glue, and some stickers. Have them decorate the strip into a crown fit for a king. As they work, remind them that David gave God the glory, and that God is the true King who gives every victory.
Giant Stomp Game
Set up paper cups in a row to be the giants. Have the children march around the room as Israel’s army, then knock down a giant cup each time they say a line of the memory verse. Explain that the army stood strong because God was with them, and that God helps us stand firm too.
Victory Reminder Take-Home
Give each child a small card and a pencil. Ask them to draw a picture of something hard they are facing this week, then write the words “God helps me win.” Encourage them to tape the card on their bedroom door or by the breakfast table so they see it every day.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that God keeps his promises to his people even in long and hard wars. David did not fight every battle himself, yet God gave the victory through his army and his servants. It reminds us that God works through many people, each doing their part.
Avoid suggesting to children that God always makes us win every game or fight, because the text is about God’s faithfulness to Israel in a specific historical setting. Focus instead on trusting God when we face fear or trouble, knowing he is with us.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for being our strong helper when we feel small. Help us to trust you in every hard thing we face, and give us courage like Joab and Jonathan. Remind us that you are with us every day. Amen.
