In this lesson, children learn that God hears us when we ask for help and keeps His people safe even when they are scared. Children ages 5 to 11 can do this lesson in 20 to 30 minutes, with time for a story, a verse, and an activity.
Big Idea
God hears us when we pray, and He keeps us safe even when we feel afraid.
Memory Verse
1 Samuel 23:4
Then David inquired of the LORD yet again. The LORD answered him, and said, “Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into your hand.”
(WEB)
Teach the children to cup both hands together like a little bowl, then lift them up toward the ceiling as they say the verse. Lifting the hands shows that we bring our worries up to God.
The Story: 1 Samuel 23 for Kids
David was a young man who loved God, and God had chosen him to be the next king of Israel. One day David heard some bad news. The Philistines were attacking a town called Keilah, and they were stealing the grain from the threshing floors. David wanted to help the people of Keilah, so he asked God what to do.
God told David to go and save the town. David’s men were scared. They said, “We are already afraid here in Judah. How much more afraid will we be if we go to fight the Philistines in Keilah?” David did not feel brave either, so he asked God again. God told him, “Go down to Keilah. I will help you win.” David trusted God, and he and his men went to Keilah. They fought the Philistines and saved the people of the town.
Now King Saul heard that David was in Keilah. Saul was jealous of David and wanted to catch him. Saul said, “God has put David into my hand, because he is trapped inside that town.” But David knew that Saul was planning to attack him. So David asked God, “Will the people of Keilah hand me over to Saul?” God said yes, they would. So David and his men left Keilah.
David went to live in hiding in the wilderness, in the hills and caves. Saul looked for David every single day, but God kept David safe, and Saul could not find him. Then David’s friend Jonathan, who was Saul’s own son, came to see him in the woods. Jonathan said, “Don’t be afraid. You will be king, and my father knows it too.” Jonathan encouraged David and helped him trust God again.
Even when enemies came close, God protected David. Saul was almost able to catch David, but just then a messenger came with news that the Philistines were attacking the land again. Saul had to stop chasing David and go fight them. David was able to escape and live safely in a place called En Gedi.
Read It Together
1 Samuel 23:2
Therefore David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I go and strike these Philistines?” The LORD said to David, “Go strike the Philistines, and save Keilah.”
(WEB)
Point out that David asked God before he acted. Ask the children what they might do when they feel unsure, and remind them that they can ask God in prayer too.
1 Samuel 23:14
David stayed in the wilderness in the strongholds, and remained in the hill country in the wilderness of Ziph. Saul sought him every day, but God didn’t deliver him into his hand.
(WEB)
Show the children how the verse says Saul looked for David every day, yet God did not let Saul find him. Explain that God protects His people even when others are trying to hurt them.
1 Samuel 23:16-17
16 Jonathan, Saul’s son, arose, and went to David into the woods, and strengthened his hand in God. 17 He said to him, “Don’t be afraid; for the hand of Saul my father won’t find you; and you will be king over Israel, and I will be next to you; and Saul my father knows that also.”
(WEB)
Point out how Jonathan encouraged David by telling him not to be afraid. Talk about how a good friend can help us feel brave when we are worried.
Talk About It
- What did David do when he was not sure what to do next?
- How did David’s men feel about going to fight, and how do you think David felt?
- Who helped David feel brave when he was scared?
- How did God keep David safe even when Saul was looking for him?
- When have you felt scared, and what can you say to God when that happens?
Activity Ideas
Hiding Place Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a picture of David hiding in the rocks or caves, with God watching over him. Let them add a small heart or sun above the hiding place to show that God is near. Talk together about the picture while the children color.
Follow the Leader Hide and Seek
You will need a open room or yard and a blindfold if you have one. Choose one child to be David and have that child hide while the others count to twenty. The other children search for David like Saul did. When someone finds David, say together, “God kept David safe.” Then let another child take a turn being David.
Safe Place Card
You will need an index card and a marker for each child. Have each child write or draw one thing they can do when they feel afraid, such as praying, talking to a parent, or taking a deep breath. Let them take the card home and put it somewhere they will see it, like on a bedroom door or inside a school bag.
Teacher Notes
This chapter shows that God’s people can ask Him for guidance before they act, and that He answers. David also faced fear, discouragement, and an enemy who wanted to harm him, yet God protected him through faithful friends and through the events of the day. For adults, the passage reminds us that God’s care is steady even when our circumstances are uncertain.
With children, avoid suggesting that God will always rescue us from every danger in the same way He did for David. Keep the focus on God’s presence and faithfulness, and help children see that trusting God does not mean they will never feel afraid.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You hear us when we pray. When we feel scared, help us remember that You are near and You will keep us safe. Give us brave hearts and good friends, just like David had Jonathan. Help us trust You every day. Amen.
