This lesson teaches children that God chooses Saul to be the first king of Israel and that God can give courage to people who feel small. It works well for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God knows who He has chosen, and He gives the courage and help we need to do what He asks.
Memory Verse
1 Samuel 10:9
It was so, that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart; and all those signs happened that day.
(WEB)
Have children stand up and turn all the way around in a slow circle as they say the verse together. Turning shows how God changed Saul’s heart, and standing up tall reminds everyone that God gives strength for big jobs.
The Story: 1 Samuel 10 for Kids
A man named Samuel was God’s prophet, which means he listened to God and told the people what God said. One day Samuel took a small bottle of olive oil and poured it on the head of a young man named Saul. Pouring oil this way showed that God had chosen Saul to be the king of Israel.
Samuel told Saul what would happen on his way home. Saul would meet some men who would give him bread. Then he would meet a group of prophets singing and playing music. Samuel said, “God will be with you, so do what needs to be done.” Everything happened just as Samuel said.
When Saul met the prophets, God’s Spirit came upon him in a powerful way, and Saul began to praise God with them. The people who knew Saul were surprised. They said, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” God was doing something new in Saul’s life.
Later, Samuel called all the people of Israel together at a place called Mizpah. He reminded them that God had rescued them from Egypt and from many enemies. Then Samuel began to choose a king by lots, first by tribe, then by family, and finally by person. Saul was chosen, but at first he was hiding among the baggage.
When the people found Saul, he was taller than everyone else. Samuel said, “Do you see the man God has chosen?” All the people shouted, “Long live the king!” Saul then went home, and God’s people went home too.
Not everyone cheered for Saul. Some people said, “How could this man save us?” Saul did not argue with them. He stayed quiet and trusted God to take care of him.
Read It Together
1 Samuel 10:6
Then the LORD’s Spirit will come mightily on you, and you will prophesy with them, and will be turned into another man.
(WEB)
Point out that the Spirit of the Lord came on Saul and helped him do something he could not do alone. Ask children to notice that God was the one who gave Saul this new strength.
1 Samuel 10:22
Therefore they asked of the LORD further, “Is there yet a man to come here?” The LORD answered, “Behold, he has hidden himself among the baggage.”
(WEB)
Show children that Saul had hidden himself, yet God knew exactly where he was. Explain that nothing can be hidden from God, and He still knows where each of us is.
1 Samuel 10:24
Samuel said to all the people, “Do you see him whom the LORD has chosen, that there is no one like him among all the people?” All the people shouted, and said, “Long live the king!”
(WEB)
Point out that the people shouted for Saul because God had chosen him. Help children see that when God chooses someone for a special task, He will help them do it.
Talk About It
- What do you think Saul felt when Samuel poured the oil on his head?
- How do you think Saul felt when he hid among the baggage, and why do you think he hid?
- What was one thing God helped Saul do that he could not have done by himself?
- Why do you think some people did not want Saul to be king?
- When is a time you felt small or unsure, and what can you do to remember that God is with you?
Activity Ideas
Crown Drawing Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child draw a crown and decorate it with bright colors and shapes. Ask them to write or draw one way God helps them be brave. Cut out the crowns and let children wear them as they tell the class what they drew.
Stand Tall Game
You will need an open space and a few soft objects for hiding, such as pillows or cushions. Let one child hide behind a pillow while the others count to ten. Then have the group look for the hidden child and cheer loudly when they are found, saying “Long live the king!” Switch roles so every child gets a turn.
Take-Home Prayer Card
You will need index cards, a pen, and a marker. Write the memory verse on one side of the card and draw a small picture of a bottle of oil or a crown on the other side. Send the card home and ask families to read it together at dinner. Encourage children to say the verse each morning before school or bedtime.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that God is the one who chooses leaders and who gives them what they need for the task ahead. Saul received a new heart and the Spirit’s help, which reminds us that God equips people rather than leaving them to rely on their own strength. The passage also shows that God’s plans are not always welcomed by everyone, yet He remains faithful.
Be careful not to suggest to children that being chosen by God always means being rewarded or celebrated by others. Saul was honored by some and doubted by others, and he still had to trust God in quiet moments. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness rather than on popularity or success.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for choosing us and for being with us every day. When we feel small or scared, help us remember that You give us courage and strength. Help us trust You to lead us, just as You led Saul and Samuel. Amen.
