This lesson teaches children that God is still in charge even when things feel unfair and people are unkind. It is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is in charge, even when bad things happen. We can trust Him and keep doing what is right, even when others are mean to us.
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 children place one hand over their heart and then lift both arms up high, like someone looking up to God. Say the verse together slowly, lifting your arms on the words “the LORD will look on the wrong done to me,” and then open your hands wide on “repay me good.” Repeat it three times, getting a little quieter each time.
The Story: 2 Samuel 16 for Kids
King David had to leave his city, Jerusalem, because his son Absalom wanted to take over the kingdom. As David walked along the road, a man named Ziba met him with donkeys loaded with bread, raisins, fruit, and wine. David asked why Ziba had brought them, and Ziba said the food was for David’s helpers who were tired from the journey.
Ziba also told David something that was not true. He said that Mephibosheth, the grandson of King Saul, was hoping to get the kingdom back for himself. David believed Ziba and said, “Then everything that belonged to Mephibosheth is now yours.” Ziba bowed low and thanked the king.
Next, David came to a town called Bahurim, where a man named Shimei came out and started yelling bad words at David. Shimei threw stones and dirt at David and his men. He said that David was a bad man who deserved trouble.
One of David’s soldiers, Abishai, got angry. He wanted to go and stop Shimei. But David said, “Leave him alone. Maybe God sees what is happening to me, and maybe God will bring something good out of it.” So David and his men kept walking, and Shimei kept shouting from the hillside.
Meanwhile, Absalom came into Jerusalem with his friend Ahithophel. A man named Hushai, who was loyal to David, came to Absalom and pretended to support him. Absalom asked Ahithophel what he should do next, and Ahithophel gave him a plan. The Bible says Ahithophel’s advice was so wise that people thought it was like asking God for an answer.
Read It Together
2 Samuel 16:5-8
5 When king David came to Bahurim, behold, a man of the family of Saul’s house came out, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera. He came out and cursed as he came. 6 He cast stones at David, and at all the servants of king David, and all the people and all the mighty men were on his right hand and on his left. 7 Shimei said when he cursed, “Be gone, be gone, you man of blood, and wicked fellow! 8 The LORD has returned on you all the blood of Saul’s house, in whose place you have reigned! The LORD has delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom your son! Behold, you are caught by your own mischief, because you are a man of blood!”
(WEB)
Point out how Shimei hurt David with his words and his stones. Ask children how they feel when someone says mean things to them, and remind them that David was hurt too but did not yet act in anger.
2 Samuel 16:11
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)
Explain that David chose to trust God instead of seeking revenge. Show children that David was willing to let God handle the situation, even when it was painful.
2 Samuel 16:23
The counsel of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was as if a man inquired at the inner sanctuary of God. So was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.
(WEB)
Tell children that people sometimes seem very wise and powerful, but God’s wisdom is always greater. Remind them that they can go to God for help and guidance every day.
Talk About It
- How do you think David felt when Shimei yelled at him and threw stones?
- Why did David tell his soldier to leave Shimei alone?
- What is one thing you can do when someone is unkind to you?
- Who do you think David was trusting when he said maybe God would bring something good?
- How can you remember that God is in charge when things feel scary or unfair?
Activity Ideas
Crown Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child draw a crown and write or draw one thing that reminds them God is in charge. Cut out the crowns and let children wear them during the lesson or take them home to put on their bedroom door.
Stone and Shield Game
You will need a few soft objects like socks rolled into balls and a cardboard box or large paper bag for a shield. One child holds the shield and tries to block soft “stones” thrown by others, while the group repeats the memory verse together. Switch roles so everyone gets a turn. Talk afterward about how God protects us even when we cannot see it.
Take-Home Verse Card
You will need index cards, a pen, and a rubber band. Write the memory verse on one side of each card and let children decorate the other side. Encourage them to keep the card in a pocket or backpack and read it each morning before school or each night before bed.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that God works even in messy, painful situations that involve lies, anger, and rebellion. David does not know how things will end, but he chooses to trust God rather than take revenge. The chapter reminds us that God’s purposes can be bigger than the human conflicts we see around us.
Be careful not to suggest that God always makes bad things turn out perfectly in this life or that every hard situation will be explained to children. Instead, focus on God’s character and His presence with us in difficult times.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You that You are in charge of everything, even when we feel scared or treated unfairly. Help us to trust You and to do what is right. Please be with us when people are unkind, and help us remember that You see everything. Amen.
