In this lesson, children learn that God gives courage to people who help those in trouble, and that a good leader is someone who cares about others. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God helps brave people who rescue others. When we see someone in trouble, God can give us courage to help them.
Memory Verse
1 Samuel 11:6
God’s Spirit came mightily on Saul when he heard those words, and his anger burned hot.
(WEB)
Put one hand on your heart and lift the other hand high, like a brave knight. Say the words slowly together, then lift both hands up when you say “God’s Spirit came mightily on Saul.”
The Story: 1 Samuel 11 for Kids
A mean king named Nahash came to a town called Jabesh Gilead. He had an army, and the people of the town were scared. The men of Jabesh said, “Please make a deal with us, and we will serve you.” Nahash laughed and said, “I will make a deal only if I can hurt your right eyes. That will shame all of Israel.”
The men of Jabesh did not want their eyes hurt. They asked for seven days to send messengers across Israel to find someone to save them. The messengers went to the town of Gibeah, where Saul lived. Saul was out in a field, bringing in his oxen, when he heard people crying.
When Saul heard the sad news, God’s Spirit came strongly on him, and he got very angry at the bad king. Saul took a pair of oxen, cut them into pieces, and sent the pieces through all of Israel. He sent a message that said, “Whoever does not come out to fight with Saul and Samuel will have their oxen treated the same way.”
The people were afraid of what would happen to their oxen, so they came out together, as one big group. Saul counted them at a place called Bezek. There were three hundred thousand people from Israel and thirty thousand from Judah. Saul split his army into three groups.
Early in the morning, Saul’s army surprised the Ammonites and fought them until the hot part of the day. The enemies ran away and were scattered. Then the people of Israel said, “Where are the men who said Saul should not be king? Bring them here!” But Saul said, “No one will be hurt today, because the LORD has saved Israel.” Samuel then invited everyone to go to Gilgal, where they made Saul their king, and they offered thank-you gifts to God and celebrated with joy.
Read It Together
1 Samuel 11:3
The elders of Jabesh said to him, “Give us seven days, that we may send messengers to all the borders of Israel; and then, if there is no one to save us, we will come out to you.”
(WEB)
Point out that the men of Jabesh were scared and asked for help. Explain that asking for help when we are in trouble is a wise thing to do.
1 Samuel 11:7
He took a yoke of oxen, and cut them in pieces, and sent them throughout all the borders of Israel by the hand of messengers, saying, “Whoever doesn’t come out after Saul and after Samuel, so shall it be done to his oxen.” The dread of the LORD fell on the people, and they came out as one man.
(WEB)
Show how the people came together when they were called. Explain that when people work as a team, they can do great things for God.
1 Samuel 11:13
Saul said, “No man shall be put to death today; for today the LORD has rescued Israel.”
(WEB)
Point out that Saul gave credit to the LORD for the rescue. Explain that good leaders remember that God is the one who gives the victory.
Talk About It
- What did the men of Jabesh do when they were in trouble?
- How do you think Saul felt when he heard the people crying?
- Why did the people come out together when Saul called them?
- What is one way you can help someone who is scared or in trouble?
- Why do you think Saul said that the LORD had rescued Israel?
Activity Ideas
Brave Helper Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a picture of themselves helping someone who is in trouble, such as a friend who fell down or a family member who is sad. Let them color it and write one brave thing they could do this week. Hang the pictures on the wall to remind the class that God gives courage to helpers.
Team Rescue Relay
You will need a few cones or chairs, a bean bag, and an open space. Divide the children into three teams, like Saul’s three groups. Each team passes the bean bag down a line to rescue a “town” at the other end of the room. Cheer for every team, and remind them that working together helps everyone win.
Thank You Card for Someone Brave
You will need a sheet of paper, folded in half, and crayons or stickers. Have each child make a card for a family member, teacher, or helper they know who shows courage. Encourage them to write or draw one thing that person does that is brave or kind. They can take the card home and give it as a gift this week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God raises up leaders who respond with courage when people are oppressed. Saul’s anger against injustice and his refusal to take revenge on those who doubted him point to a leader who gives God the credit for victory. The story also shows that God’s people are most powerful when they come together.
Avoid overstating the idea that God will always make children brave or that every problem ends with a quick victory. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and the call to help others, and do not suggest that fear is a sin or that a child who feels scared has failed God.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for being our helper when we are scared. Give us brave hearts, like Saul’s friends, so we can help people who need us. Help us remember that you are the one who gives us courage and victory. Thank you for loving us and for always being with us. Amen.
