In this lesson, children learn that God knows where we should go and when, so we can trust Him even when we have to wait. The lesson takes about 20 to 30 minutes and works well for children ages 5 to 11.
Big Idea
God leads His people in His own time, and we can trust Him to keep His promises even when waiting feels long.
Memory Verse
2 Samuel 2:1
After this, David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah?” The LORD said to him, “Go up.” David said, “Where shall I go up?” He said, “To Hebron.”
(WEB)
Ask the children to put both hands on their heads, then slowly bring them down to their knees as they say the verse together. Repeat it a few times, getting slower each time, so the words sink in like waiting does.
The Story: 2 Samuel 2 for Kids
After the death of King Saul, David was living in the land of Judah. David asked God a question. He said, “Should I go up into one of the cities of Judah?” God answered him, “Go up.” David asked again, “Where should I go?” God said, “Go to Hebron.”
So David went to Hebron, and he took his two wives and his men with their families. The people of Judah came to Hebron, and they made David their king. David was happy, but not everyone had a king yet, because Saul’s son Ishbosheth was made king over the other tribes of Israel.
David heard that the men of Jabesh Gilead had bravely buried Saul. He sent them a message. He said, “May the LORD bless you for being kind. Be strong and brave, because the people of Judah have made me their king.” David was thankful to them for showing kindness.
For a long time, the land was split. Ishbosheth ruled the north, and David ruled Judah from Hebron. David waited for seven years and six months in Hebron. He did not rush ahead of God’s plan. God was still in charge of the whole story.
One day, the two sides met at a pool in Gibeon. Their leaders, Joab and Abner, said, “Let the young men stand up and fight, so we can see who is strongest!” The young men fought hard, and sadly, many of them were hurt. The fighting got worse, and a lot of people were hurt that day.
Joab and Abner talked and decided it was time to stop. Joab blew a trumpet, and the fighting stopped. Everyone went home. It was a sad day, but God was still watching over His people and His plan.
Read It Together
2 Samuel 2:4
The men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. They told David, “The men of Jabesh Gilead were those who buried Saul.”
(WEB)
Point out that the men of Judah chose David as king in God’s time. Ask the children to notice that David’s kingship started in a place God told him to go, not a place David picked by himself.
2 Samuel 2:6
Now may the LORD show loving kindness and truth to you. I also will reward you for this kindness, because you have done this thing.
(WEB)
Show the children that David trusted God to show kindness and faithfulness. Explain that when we do good things for others, we can count on God to see and remember.
2 Samuel 2:27
Joab said, “As God lives, if you had not spoken, surely then in the morning the people would have gone away, and not each followed his brother.”
(WEB)
Help the children see that even in a sad fight, Joab stopped when it was time. Point out that stopping a fight is a choice that can help peace return.
Talk About It
- Why do you think David asked God where to go before he moved?
- How did David wait for God to make him king, even when it took a long time?
- What can we do when we have to wait for something we really want?
- Why was it kind of the men of Jabesh Gilead to bury Saul, and how did David respond?
- What is one way you can show you trust God when you are waiting for an answer?
Activity Ideas
Waiting Clock Drawing
You will need paper, crayons, and a paper plate. Have each child draw a clock on the plate and write “God’s Time” in the center. Talk about how God knows the right time to act. Let children color the clock and take it home as a reminder that God’s timing is always best.
Follow the Leader Trust Walk
Play a simple game where one child is blindfolded and another child gently guides them by the hand around the room. Explain that David followed God’s direction, even when he could not see the whole plan. Switch leaders and talk about how it felt to trust someone else to lead.
Trust Jar at Home
Find an empty jar and some small pieces of paper. Each day, have your child write one thing they are waiting on God for and drop it in the jar. Read the notes together once a week and thank God for the ways He has shown His timing and faithfulness.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s promises can unfold over years, and that faithful people can wait without rushing ahead. The conflict between David and Ishbosheth’s supporters also reminds us that God’s plans are not carried out by human strength alone.
Avoid overstating to children that God always answers quickly or that waiting always ends in a happy result right away. Be honest that the chapter includes a painful fight and many deaths, and focus on God’s faithfulness and His ability to bring peace.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for knowing exactly where we should go and when. Help us to wait patiently and trust You, even when it feels slow. Show us how to be kind and brave like David. Thank You for always being with us. Amen.
