In this lesson, children learn that God cares about making things right between people, and that wise words and humble hearts can help bring a family back together. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God wants us to be wise and kind, and to help bring people back together when we can. Forgiveness and fairness matter to God.
Memory Verse
2 Samuel 14:14
For we must die, and are like water spilled on the ground, which can’t be gathered up again; neither does God take away life, but devises means, that he who is banished not be an outcast from him.
(WEB)
Hold your hands out in front of you, palms up, like you are carrying water. Slowly tip them down to show the water spilling, then cup your hands together and lift them up again to show God gathering what is lost. Say the verse together while you move your hands.
The Story: 2 Samuel 14 for Kids
King David had a son named Absalom. Absalom had done something very wrong. He had hurt his own brother, and then he ran far away from home. For a long time, David did not invite Absalom back, and the family was sad and broken apart.
David’s commander, Joab, noticed that the king missed his son. So Joab found a wise woman from a town called Tekoa. He asked her to pretend she was a mourner, someone who had been crying for a very long time. He told her what to say to the king.
The woman went to David and bowed low. She told him a story about her own two sons. One son had struck the other and killed him. Now her family wanted to punish the son who was left, and she feared she would lose him too. David said, “Go home, and I will make sure no one hurts your son.”
Then the woman spoke wisely to the king. She said that God does not want people to be cast out forever, and that God finds ways to bring back those who have wandered away. She pointed out that David was not keeping his own son close to him. She said the king was like someone who could make things right.
David asked the woman if Joab had sent her. She answered honestly that Joab had told her what to say. David was pleased with her courage and her honesty. He told Joab, “Go and bring Absalom back to Jerusalem.”
Joab went and brought Absalom home. But David did not yet let Absalom come into his presence. Things were still not fully healed, and the story shows us that bringing people back takes time and care.
Read It Together
2 Samuel 14:17
Then your servant said, ‘Please let the word of my lord the king bring rest; for as an angel of God, so is my lord the king to discern good and bad. May the LORD, your God, be with you.’”
(WEB)
Talk about the wise woman’s words of peace and hope. Ask children what it looks like to speak words that bring rest to someone who is troubled.
2 Samuel 14:22
Joab fell to the ground on his face, showed respect, and blessed the king. Joab said, “Today your servant knows that I have found favor in your sight, my lord, king, in that the king has performed the request of his servant.”
(WEB)
Show how Joab bowed low and gave thanks to the king. Explain that humility and thankfulness are good ways to respond when someone shows us kindness.
Talk About It
- What did the wise woman do to help King David think about his son?
- Why do you think Absalom had to be sent away for a while?
- How can we help make things right when someone in our family has been hurt?
- What does this story show us about God’s heart for people who are far away?
- When is a time you could bring someone back into your circle of friends?
Activity Ideas
Paper Bird Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child draw a bird and then cut it out. Ask them to write or draw one way they can help someone come back into a friendship. Let them tape the bird to a window as a reminder that God welcomes people home.
Lost and Found Game
Hide small objects around the room or yard, such as a toy, a spoon, or a block. Have children search for them, and when one is found, they bring it back to the group and say, “This was lost, but now it is found.” Talk about how God rejoices when people come home.
Take-Home Thank-You Card
Give each child a folded piece of paper and crayons. Ask them to draw a picture of someone they could welcome back, such as a sibling or friend. They can take the card home and give it to that person as a small way to show kindness and peace.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows the importance of wisdom, honesty, and reconciliation in families. David’s long delay in restoring Absalom reminds us that broken relationships can carry lasting pain, and that healing is not always quick. The woman of Tekoa’s speech shows that God devises ways to bring the banished back, which points to God’s own patient, restoring love.
With children, avoid suggesting that every broken relationship can be fixed quickly or that forgiveness removes all consequences. The story itself ends with Absalom still kept at a distance, so present it honestly as a step toward healing rather than a complete resolution.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you that you care about families and friends. Help us be wise and kind, and help us bring people back home when we can. Thank you that you always make a way for people to come back to you. Amen.
