In 2 Samuel 1, David hears that King Saul and his son Jonathan have died in battle, and he grieves for them instead of rejoicing. The lesson teaches children that God wants us to be kind and respectful, even to people who have hurt us. This lesson is written for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
We can show respect and sorrow when something sad happens, even to someone who was not always kind to us. God cares about how we treat others, even our enemies.
Memory Verse
2 Samuel 1:12
They mourned, wept, and fasted until evening, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the LORD, and for the house of Israel; because they had fallen by the sword.
(WEB)
Teach the children to cup their hands over their hearts, then slowly lower their heads as they say the verse together. Repeat it three times, lowering the head a little more each time, so the motion helps them remember that David was truly sad.
The Story: 2 Samuel 1 for Kids
A long time ago, a young man named David had just come back from a fight with some enemies called the Amalekites. He had been staying in a town called Ziklag for two days. On the third day, a man came running into camp with torn clothes and dirt on his head. He looked very upset.
The man fell to the ground in front of David. David asked him where he had come from. The man said he had escaped from the army of Israel. David asked what had happened. The man said many soldiers had run away and many had died. He told David that King Saul and Jonathan, Saul’s son, were dead too.
David asked how he knew this. The man said he had been near the mountains of Gilboa and saw Saul leaning on his own spear, badly hurt. Saul asked him to come close and finish him off, because he was in terrible pain. The man said, “I did what he asked, and I took his crown and his bracelet to bring to you.”
When David heard this, he was not happy about it. He tore his own clothes to show how sad he felt, and all the men with him did the same. They cried and did not eat until evening. David was grieving for Saul, for Jonathan, and for the people of Israel who had died.
David then asked the young man why he was not afraid to hurt the king God had chosen. David told one of his men to take care of it, and the man who had brought the news was no longer alive. Then David wrote a special song of sadness to remember Saul and Jonathan, and he asked people to teach it to the children of Judah.
Read It Together
2 Samuel 1:4
David said to him, “How did it go? Please tell me.” He answered, “The people have fled from the battle, and many of the people also have fallen and are dead. Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also.”
(WEB)
Point out how David asks the messenger to tell him what happened. David wants to hear the news clearly and listen carefully, even though it is sad.
2 Samuel 1:11-12
11 Then David took hold on his clothes, and tore them; and all the men who were with him did likewise. 12 They mourned, wept, and fasted until evening, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the LORD, and for the house of Israel; because they had fallen by the sword.
(WEB)
Show the children how David tore his clothes and everyone with him did the same. Explain that this was a way of showing deep sorrow and that they grieved together as a group.
2 Samuel 1:26
I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan. You have been very pleasant to me. Your love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women.
(WEB)
Point out that David loved Jonathan as a dear friend and says so openly. Talk about how friends can show love and care for each other in everyday ways.
Talk About It
- How do you think David felt when he heard that Saul and Jonathan had died?
- Why do you think David was sad even though Saul had been chasing him?
- What did David do to show that he was sad, and what could you do to show someone you care?
- Why do you think David chose not to celebrate when his enemy died?
- Who is someone in your life that you could show kindness to this week?
Activity Ideas
Heart Drawing Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child draw a big heart and write or draw one person they want to show kindness to. Let them decorate the heart and take it home as a reminder that God wants us to care for others.
Mourning Walk Game
Have the children walk slowly around the room in a line, with heads bowed and hands folded, as a way of showing respect. Stop them at intervals to say a short prayer or name someone they care about. This helps them feel what it is like to show quiet respect together.
Kindness Card Take-Home
You will need index cards, a pencil, and envelopes. Ask each child to write a short note or draw a picture for a family member or friend to say they are cared for. Encourage them to deliver it during the week as a practical way of showing love, like David did for his friend Jonathan.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that grief can be honest and deep, even when the person who died was an opponent. David’s sorrow over Saul reflects that human lives matter to God, and that we can mourn loss without pretending it did not hurt. It also shows that David’s heart was softened toward someone God had placed in authority.
Avoid suggesting to children that David was perfect or that they should never feel angry. The chapter shows David’s grief and his choice to respect God’s anointed king, but it also includes hard moments about violence. Keep the focus on respect and sorrow, and avoid turning the story into a simple moral about winning or losing.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for helping us care about others, even when things are sad. Help us show respect and kindness to everyone, especially when it is hard. Help us remember that you care about every person. Amen.
