In this lesson, children learn that God keeps His promises and protects His people even when enemies are plotting against them. Kids ages 5 to 11 can follow this story, and the lesson takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God takes care of His friends, even when bad people try to hurt them. We can trust Him every day, even when we feel scared.
Memory Verse
Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
(WEB)
Have children cup both hands together in front of their chest, then lift them up high like a shield over their heads. Say the verse together and do the shield motion each time you say the word “refuge.”
The Story: 1 Samuel 19 for Kids
King Saul was jealous of David, because the people loved David more than they loved the king. Saul got so angry that he told his son Jonathan and all his servants to kill David. But Jonathan was David’s very best friend, and he loved David very much.
Jonathan warned David. “My father wants to hurt you,” he said. “Hide in a safe place tomorrow morning. I will talk to my father and find out what is happening.” Jonathan spoke kindly to Saul and reminded him that David had done many good things for the king. Saul listened, and he promised that David would not be killed.
But Saul’s anger came back. One day, while David was playing music for him, Saul grabbed a spear and tried to pin David to the wall. David ran away quickly, and God kept him safe that night. Saul sent soldiers to David’s house to catch him in the morning.
David’s wife, Michal, loved him and wanted to help. She helped David climb out through a window, and he escaped. Then Michal put a pillow and some clothes in David’s bed to look like a sleeping man. When the soldiers came, they were fooled, and David was long gone.
David ran to Samuel, the prophet, and told him everything Saul had done. Samuel took David to a safe place. When Saul sent more soldiers to catch David, God’s Spirit came upon them, and they began to praise God instead of hurting David. Even Saul himself was touched by God’s Spirit, and he lay down and could not stop praising God for a whole day and night.
Read It Together
1 Samuel 19:1-2
1 Saul spoke to Jonathan his son, and to all his servants, that they should kill David. But Jonathan, Saul’s son, greatly delighted in David. 2 Jonathan told David, saying, “Saul my father seeks to kill you. Now therefore, please take care of yourself in the morning, and live in a secret place, and hide yourself.
(WEB)
Point out that Jonathan loved David and warned him when Saul wanted to hurt him. Ask children to notice how a true friend looks out for the people they care about.
1 Samuel 19:12-13
12 So Michal let David down through the window. He went away, fled, and escaped. 13 Michal took the teraphim, and laid it in the bed, and put a pillow of goats’ hair at its head, and covered it with clothes.
(WEB)
Show how Michal helped David escape through the window. Explain that God used the courage of ordinary people to protect David, and that children can also be brave helpers.
1 Samuel 19:20
Saul sent messengers to seize David: and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as head over them, God’s Spirit came on Saul’s messengers, and they also prophesied.
(WEB)
Point out that God’s Spirit came upon Saul’s messengers and turned them toward praise. Explain that no plan of man can stop God from doing what He wants.
Talk About It
- How do you think David felt when he had to run away from King Saul?
- What did Jonathan do to help his friend David, and how can you help a friend this week?
- Who helped David escape, and what brave thing did she do?
- What does this story tell us about how God takes care of His people?
- When you feel scared, what is one thing you can say or do to remember that God is with you?
Activity Ideas
Paper Shield Craft
You will need paper plates, crayons or markers, and tape or a craft stick. Have each child draw a big heart or a cross in the middle of the plate and write “God is my shield” around the edge. Tape the stick to the back so they can hold it up during the memory verse. Remind them that God protects us like a shield.
Hide and Seek Escape
Choose one child to be David and have the rest of the class count to twenty with their eyes covered. David then hides somewhere safe in the room, and the others look for him. Afterward, talk about how God helped David hide and escape, and how He helps us when we feel afraid.
Protection Pillow Take-Home
Give each child a small paper square and a crayon. Have them draw a picture of someone who helps them feel safe, such as a parent, friend, or grandparent. Fold the paper and tuck it under a pillow at home. Each night, ask them to tell you one way God protected them that day.
Teacher Notes
This chapter shows that God keeps His promises even when powerful people try to destroy His chosen servant. For adults, it also shows how God uses faithful friends, like Jonathan and Michal, and even the Holy Spirit’s presence, to accomplish His purposes. Saul’s actions reveal how jealousy and pride can lead a person far from God.
Avoid overstating to children that God will always rescue us from every danger in the same way He rescued David. Some faithful people suffer and are not delivered from trouble on earth. Focus instead on God’s faithfulness, His presence, and His unshakable care.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You keep us safe and never leave us alone. Help us be good friends like Jonathan, and help us trust You when we feel scared. Thank You that You are our shield and our strong place to hide. Amen.
