In this lesson, children learn that the LORD is more powerful than any idol, and that he is holy and worth trusting. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
The LORD is the true God, and no statue, not even a famous one, can stand against him. When we trust him, we don’t need to be afraid of anything that the world worships instead.
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 the children stand tall, then slowly bow forward with their hands out in front, like Dagon falling on his face. Then have them lift their heads and say the verse together, turning their hands up toward heaven when they say the word “LORD.”
The Story: 1 Samuel 5 for Kids
A long time ago, the Philistines won a battle against the people of Israel. They took something very special from them, called the ark of God. The ark was a golden box that held a reminder of God’s promises, and it was supposed to be kept holy. The Philistines were proud. They carried the ark into the house of their idol, Dagon, and set it down beside him.
The next morning, the people of Ashdod got up early and went to check on their idol. Dagon had fallen flat on his face on the ground in front of the ark of the LORD. The workers picked Dagon up and set him back in his place. 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.
God’s hand was heavy on the people of Ashdod. Many of them became sick with painful swellings. The men of the city said, “The ark of the God of Israel must not stay here with us, because his hand is hard on us and on our god Dagon.” So they sent the ark to a city called Gath.
But the same sickness broke out in Gath, and the people there were frightened too. They sent the ark on to the city of Ekron. When the ark arrived, the people of Ekron cried out, “They have brought the ark of the God of Israel to kill us and our families!” The leaders gathered together and asked for the ark to be sent back home. The whole city was full of fear, and many people were sick.
The people learned that the LORD could not be tamed or kept like a toy. He was the true God, and he showed his power over everything the Philistines trusted in.
Read It Together
1 Samuel 5:3
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.
(WEB)
Point out that the idol fell down in front of the ark, not the other way around. Ask the children what they think this tells us about who is really in charge. Help them see that the LORD does not need help to win.
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)
Explain that God’s hand being heavy means his power and judgment were strong. Remind the children that God is just, and that he cares about the people who were hurting because of their pride and their idols.
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)
Show how the people finally became so afraid that they asked for the ark to be sent away. Talk about how fear can make people want to fix a problem, and how only God can truly make things right.
Talk About It
- What did the people of Ashdod put next to the ark, and what happened to their idol?
- Why do you think the idol kept falling down in front of the LORD?
- How did the sickness spread from city to city, and what did the people decide to do?
- What are some things people sometimes trust in instead of God, and why can those things never save us?
- How can you remember that God is more powerful than anything we might be afraid of?
Activity Ideas
Fallen Dagon Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a tall statue of Dagon standing in a doorway, then draw it lying face down on the ground with its head and hands broken off. Next to it, have them draw a bright golden box with rays of light coming out of it to show the LORD’s power. Let them color their pictures and talk about what they see.
Stand Tall Statue Game
Clear some space in the room and ask the children to pretend to be statues. Call out “Statue!” and let them freeze standing tall. Then say “The LORD is here!” and have them slowly fall to the floor like Dagon. Play several rounds, and let children take turns being the leader who calls out. Finish by having everyone stand tall again and say the memory verse together.
Take-Home Promise Card
You will need an index card, a marker, and tape or a magnet. Help each child write or draw one thing they might be tempted to trust in besides God, such as money, a toy, or what other people think. On the back, write “The LORD is stronger.” Encourage the child to put the card on their bedroom door or fridge and read it each morning this week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that the LORD is the one true God, and that no false god or human pride can stand against him. The ark, which represented his presence and covenant, brought judgment on the Philistines for their idolatry. It also shows that God’s holiness is serious and cannot be treated lightly or used as a trophy.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the sickness or the fear, since younger children can become anxious about judgment. Focus instead on God’s power and his faithfulness to his people, and remind children that God’s justice is always good and never cruel.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank you that you are the true God and that you are more powerful than anything in this world. Help us not to be afraid of things that cannot help us, and help us to trust you with all our hearts. Keep us close to you every day. Amen.
