This lesson teaches children that God is still in charge even when people are unkind or when bad things happen. It is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is in charge even when people are mean to us, so we can trust Him and keep doing what is right.
Memory Verse
2 Samuel 16:12
It may be that the LORD will look on the wrong done to me, and that the LORD will repay me good for the cursing of me today.”
(WEB)
Have the children cup their hands together in front of their chests as if holding something precious, then slowly lift them up toward the ceiling. Say the verse together while lifting, reminding them that God sees and cares for us.
The Story: 2 Samuel 16 for Kids
King David was not having an easy time. His own son Absalom wanted to take the kingdom away from him, and David had to run away from Jerusalem with his servants. Along the road they met a servant named Ziba, who brought bread, fruit, and wine for the tired travelers. Ziba said that Mephibosheth, the son of David’s dear friend Jonathan, had stayed behind in the city. David believed him and gave Ziba everything that belonged to Mephibosheth.
Then a man named Shimei came out from the hillside. He was angry at David and shouted terrible words at him. He threw stones and dirt as David walked by. David’s own soldier, Abishai, wanted to stop him right away. He said, “Let me go and take off his head!”
But David said, “Leave him alone. Maybe God will see how I am being treated and do something good for me because of it.” David trusted that God was watching over him, even when it did not feel like it.
Meanwhile, in Jerusalem, Absalom came back with his advisor Ahithophel. A friend of David named Hushai pretended to support Absalom, but he was really there to help David. Absalom listened to Ahithophel’s bad advice, and the story shows that the people who work against God’s plan will not succeed.
When you read this chapter, remind the children that David had many reasons to be upset, yet he chose to trust God. Ask them what David said about God when Shimei was throwing stones.
Read It Together
2 Samuel 16:1-4
1 When David was a little past the top, behold, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met him with a couple of donkeys saddled, and on them two hundred loaves of bread, and one hundred clusters of raisins, and one hundred summer fruits, and a bottle of wine. 2 The king said to Ziba, “What do you mean by these?” Ziba said, “The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride on; and the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat; and the wine, that those who are faint in the wilderness may drink.” 3 The king said, “Where is your master’s son?” Ziba said to the king, “Behold, he is staying in Jerusalem; for he said, ‘Today the house of Israel will restore me the kingdom of my father.’” 4 Then the king said to Ziba, “Behold, all that belongs to Mephibosheth is yours.” Ziba said, “I bow down. Let me find favor in your sight, my lord, O king.”
(WEB)
Point out how Ziba showed up with food for David’s weary group. Ask the children how they might help a tired friend or family member today.
2 Samuel 16:9-11
9 Then Abishai the son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Please let me go over and take off his head.” 10 The king said, “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? Because he curses, and because the LORD has said to him, ‘Curse David;’ who then shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’” 11 David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, “Behold, my son, who came out of my bowels, seeks my life. How much more this Benjamite, now? Leave him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD has invited him.
(WEB)
Show the children that Abishai wanted to fight back, but David told him to wait. Talk about why it is hard to stay calm when someone is unkind to us.
2 Samuel 16:13-14
13 So David and his men went by the way; and Shimei went along on the hillside opposite him, and cursed as he went, threw stones at him, and threw dust. 14 The king, and all the people who were with him, came weary; and he refreshed himself there.
(WEB)
Point out that David kept walking and then rested. Explain that even when we are hurt, God gives us strength to keep going and to take a break.
Talk About It
- What do you think David felt when Shimei called him names and threw stones at him?
- Why did David tell Abishai to leave Shimei alone?
- How can you show kindness to someone who has been mean to you?
- What did Ziba do to help David and his friends when they were tired?
- When something bad happens to you, what is one way you can remember that God is still in charge?
Activity Ideas
Crown Drawing Craft
Give each child a paper plate, crayons, glue, and yarn or paper strips. Have them draw a crown on the plate and decorate it with gold and red crayons. They can write “God is in charge” across the front. Let them wear their crowns during class and tell you one thing God helps them with.
Stones and Dust Movement Game
Use soft balls or crumpled paper as stones. Have the children stand in a line and take turns walking slowly across the room while others gently toss the soft stones at their feet. The walker keeps going without stopping, just like David did. Afterward, ask them how it felt to keep walking calmly.
Trust Jar Take-Home
Give each child a small jar or cup and a stack of paper strips. Ask them to write one hard thing that happened this week and one way God helped them through it. Let them fold the strips and place them in the jar at home. Encourage them to read a few strips aloud each night at bedtime as a reminder that God is always watching over them.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s sovereignty works even through painful and wicked events. David does not pretend the insults are small, yet he trusts God to judge rightly and to bring good out of suffering. Adults can learn from David’s response to criticism, choosing to wait on God rather than retaliate.
Avoid telling children that God will always make bad things turn out well right away or that good behavior guarantees an easy life. Keep the focus on God being faithful and in control, even when the outcome is not what we want or expect.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You are always in charge, even when people are unkind to us. Help us to trust You when things feel hard, and help us to be kind to others. Give us calm hearts and brave words. Amen.
