In this lesson children learn that the LORD is stronger than any false god, even a statue of Dagon sitting in a Philistine temple. It works well for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including a short activity.
Big Idea
God is real and powerful, and no fake god can stand against him. Dagon fell down, but the LORD never falls down.
Memory Verse
1 Samuel 5:4
When they arose early on the following morning, behold, Dagon had fallen on his face to the ground before the LORD’s ark; and the head of Dagon and both the palms of his hands were cut off on the threshold. Only Dagon’s torso was intact.
(WEB)
Have children stand tall like a statue, then slowly bend forward until they touch the floor, showing how Dagon fell on his face. Say the verse together while you bend, then stand back up tall. Repeat it three times, bending a little lower each time.
The Story: 1 Samuel 5 for Kids
Long ago, the Philistines won a battle against the people of Israel and took the special box called the ark of God. The ark was a sacred box that showed God was with his people. The Philistines were proud. They carried the ark into the temple of their god Dagon and set it right beside his statue.
The next morning, the people of Ashdod got up early and walked into the temple. Dagon had fallen face down on the floor in front of the ark! The people lifted the statue and set it back on its stand. They thought that would fix things.
But the next morning, Dagon had fallen down again. This time his head and both of his hands had broken off and were lying on the doorway. Only his body was left. To this day, the priests of Dagon would not step on that spot. It was a reminder that Dagon could not protect himself.
God also sent trouble on the people of Ashdod. Tumors broke out on them, and people were very sick and afraid. The men of the city said, “The ark of the God of Israel cannot stay here. His hand is too strong against us.” So they sent the ark to the city of Gath.
In Gath, God caused trouble again. People got sick, and the whole city was frightened. Then they sent the ark on to the city of Ekron. But the people of Ekron cried out, “They brought the ark here to kill us!” The whole city was filled with fear, and the people cried out to heaven for help.
No matter where the ark went, God showed that he was the true and mighty God. The Philistines learned that they could not hold on to God’s power or hide it inside a temple.
Read It Together
1 Samuel 5:3-4
3 When the people of Ashdod arose early on the next day, behold, Dagon had fallen on his face to the ground before the LORD’s ark. They took Dagon, and set him in his place again. 4 When they arose early on the following morning, behold, Dagon had fallen on his face to the ground before the LORD’s ark; and the head of Dagon and both the palms of his hands were cut off on the threshold. Only Dagon’s torso was intact.
(WEB)
Point out that the statue fell down before the LORD’s ark, not the other way around. Ask children to notice that Dagon had to be picked up and set back up, but the LORD did not need anyone’s help to stand strong.
1 Samuel 5:6
But the LORD’s hand was heavy on the people of Ashdod, and he destroyed them, and struck them with tumors, even Ashdod and its borders.
(WEB)
Show children that God’s hand was heavy on the people who were proud and who had mistreated his ark. Explain that God is powerful, and he cares about what is right and wrong.
1 Samuel 5:11
They sent therefore and gathered together all the lords of the Philistines, and they said, “Send the ark of the God of Israel away, and let it go again to its own place, that it not kill us and our people.” For there was a deadly confusion throughout all the city. The hand of God was very heavy there.
(WEB)
Point out the fear that spread through the whole city. Explain that when people fight against God, they end up afraid, but God’s people can trust him to keep them safe.
Talk About It
- What did the Philistines think their god Dagon could do, and what happened to him?
- How do you think the people of Ashdod felt when they saw Dagon lying on the floor?
- Why do you think God did not let the ark stay in one place for long?
- What is something people sometimes put their trust in that cannot really help them?
- How can you remember that God is stronger than anything else in your life?
Activity Ideas
Dagon Falls Craft
You will need paper cups, markers, tape, and a paper plate. Have children draw a face on a paper cup to make a simple Dagon statue, then tape it to the middle of the plate. Let them tip the cup over and set it back up, then talk about how Dagon could not stand on his own while the LORD always stands strong.
Stand Tall, Fall Down Game
Ask children to stand in a big open space in a line. Call out “Dagon!” and have everyone fall to the floor like a statue. Then call out “The LORD!” and have everyone jump up tall with their arms raised. Repeat several times, and each time talk briefly about who is really strong.
Take-Home Reminder Card
Give each child an index card and a crayon. Have them write or draw “God is stronger” on one side and a small picture of a strong tree or mountain on the other. Encourage them to put the card somewhere they will see it at bedtime, and to tell a family member what the story taught them.
Teacher Notes
This passage shows that the LORD alone is God and no idol, however impressive, has any real power. For adults, it also shows that God is not controlled by human pride or by the places where people try to keep him. His holiness is serious, and his care for his people stands even when the nations around them trust in false gods.
With children, avoid suggesting that every bad thing that happens is a direct punishment from God, since the chapter is about God’s power over idols rather than a rule about daily life. Keep the focus on the fact that God is strong and real, and that he is worth trusting.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, we thank you that you are stronger than anything in this world. Help us to trust you and not to put our hope in things that cannot help us. Teach us to stand strong in you each day. Amen.
