This lesson teaches children that God takes care of His people even when they are scared and far from home. It is best for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
When we are scared, God is still with us, and He keeps us safe. Even when people are mean to us, God does not forget us.
Memory Verse
1 Samuel 22:23
Stay with me. Don’t be afraid, for he who seeks my life seeks your life. For you will be safe with me.”
(WEB)
Have the children sit tall, put both hands on their hearts, and say the verse slowly together. Then have them stand up, cross their arms over their chests like a hug, and say it again with a big smile.
The Story: 1 Samuel 22 for Kids
David was running away from King Saul, who was jealous and wanted to hurt him. David was scared, so he hid in a cave called Adullam. His brothers and his whole family came to find him there, and soon many other people joined him too. Some were sad, some owed money, and some were just unhappy with the king. David became their leader.
David was worried about his mom and dad, so he took them to the king of Moab and asked him to keep them safe. The king agreed, and they stayed there while David stayed hidden. David trusted God to take care of his family while he could not.
A prophet named Gad came to David and said, “Don’t stay in the stronghold. Go into the land of Judah.” So David obeyed God and went to the forest of Hereth. He listened to God even when it was hard to leave.
King Saul found out where David was and became very angry. He accused his own people of helping David, and he wrongly blamed Ahimelech, a priest who had helped David. Saul said, “You shall surely die!” Sadly, Saul gave a cruel order and many innocent priests were hurt. This was a very sad and wrong thing that Saul did.
One priest named Abiathar escaped and ran to find David. He told David what had happened. David felt very sorry and said, “Stay with me. Don’t be afraid, for you will be safe with me.” David promised to take care of Abiathar, just as God takes care of us.
Read It Together
1 Samuel 22:1-2
1 David therefore departed from there, and escaped to the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and all his father’s house heard it, they went down there to him. 2 Everyone who was in distress, everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented, gathered themselves to him; and he became captain over them. There were with him about four hundred men.
(WEB)
Point out that David went to a cave when he felt afraid, and that people who were sad or worried came to him. Ask the children where they go when they feel scared and who they run to for help.
1 Samuel 22:5
The prophet Gad said to David, “Don’t stay in the stronghold. Depart, and go into the land of Judah.” Then David departed, and came into the forest of Hereth.
(WEB)
Show the children how David listened to God’s messenger and moved when God said to move. Explain that listening to God’s voice helps us make good choices even when we do not know what comes next.
Talk About It
- What did David do when he felt scared, and what can you do when you feel scared?
- Why do you think David took care of his mom and dad before he went to the forest?
- How did David listen to God through the prophet Gad?
- Why do you think King Saul was so angry and mean to the priests?
- Who can you trust to keep you safe, and how do you know God is always with you?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Safe Cave
Give each child a sheet of paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask them to draw a cave or a hiding place with a sun or a heart above it, and write the words “God keeps me safe” along the bottom. Let them share their picture and say one thing that makes them feel safe.
Follow the Leader Obey Game
Gather the children in an open space. Choose one child to be Gad, the prophet, and let them call out simple movements like “hop,” “spin,” or “tiptoe.” The others must follow the leader quickly, which shows how David listened and obeyed God’s voice.
Take-Home Safe Hands
Ask each child to trace their hand on a piece of construction paper and cut it out. Have them write one thing they can trust God with this week, and tape it to the fridge or their bedroom door. Encourage families to read the memory verse together as a reminder.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s people can face fear, betrayal, and loss, and yet God still provides shelter, guidance, and protection. David’s trust grows as he listens to God’s word through Gad and cares for his family and for Abiathar. The chapter also shows the danger of jealousy and the sad results of unjust anger.
Avoid overstating to children that God always prevents bad things from happening to us. In this chapter many innocent people suffered, and God’s protection was seen in the survival of Abiathar and in David’s care for him. Be honest that God is with us in hard times even when we do not understand why trouble comes.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You are with us when we are scared. Help us to listen to You and to trust You, just like David did. Keep our families safe and help us to be kind to others. Amen.
