This lesson teaches children that God guides his people, and that David trusted God’s timing when he became king. Children ages 5 to 11 will need about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the memory verse, and one activity.
Big Idea
God chooses who leads, and we can wait for him to show us what to do. We can also be kind to people who helped others, even when they are not our friends.
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 cup their hands like they are asking a question, then point up toward the ceiling as they say the words together. Repeat it three times, getting a little quieter each time.
The Story: 2 Samuel 2 for Kids
David had already been chosen by God to be the king of Israel. But the king before him, Saul, had died in a battle, and David did not rush off to take the crown. First, he asked God what he should do. God told him to go to a city called Hebron in the land of Judah. So David went there with his wives and his men, and they made their homes in that city.
The people of Judah came to Hebron and chose David to be their king. They told him about some men from a town called Jabesh Gilead. Those men had bravely buried King Saul after he died. David was pleased with them. He sent them a message and said, “God bless you for being so kind to Saul, and I will reward you for it.”
Meanwhile, Saul’s general, Abner, had made Saul’s son Ishbosheth king over the other tribes of Israel. So the land was split. Judah followed David, but the rest of the country followed Ishbosheth. This was not what God wanted, but David still waited for God to work things out in his own time.
Later, Abner and Joab, who was David’s general, met by a pool in a place called Gibeon. Abner suggested that some young men have a contest. Twelve men from each side stood up, grabbed each other, and fought until they all fell down. The fight got very hard, and Abner’s men lost. Joab’s men won that day.
Asahel, Joab’s brother, was very fast. He chased Abner. Abner told him to stop and take another soldier’s armor instead, but Asahel would not stop. Abner did not want to hurt him, but he had no choice. Asahel died there. Joab and his brother Abishai kept chasing Abner until the sun went down.
Abner called out to Joab and asked him to stop the fighting. Joab agreed, and the soldiers went home. Joab’s army went back to Hebron, and Asahel was buried in his father’s tomb in Bethlehem. Even though they had fought hard, the people were still family.
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 to be their king. Explain that God had already picked David, and now the people were agreeing with God’s plan.
2 Samuel 2:5-6
5 David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh Gilead, and said to them, “Blessed are you by the LORD, that you have shown this kindness to your lord, even to Saul, and have buried him. 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 how David thanked the men of Jabesh Gilead for their kindness. Ask them who they could thank this week for something kind they did.
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)
Explain that Joab reminded everyone that the soldiers were brothers. Help children see that fighting can hurt the people we love, so it is good to stop and think about our family and friends.
Talk About It
- What did David do first before he became king, and why was that a good choice?
- How did the men of Jabesh Gilead show kindness to King Saul?
- Why do you think David waited on God instead of rushing to take the crown?
- What happened when the soldiers got into a hard fight, and how did it end?
- Who is someone in your family you can be kind to this week?
Activity Ideas
Crown Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, scissors, and tape. Have each child draw a crown on the paper, then cut it out and decorate it with gold or bright colors. Let them write one word on the crown that reminds them of David’s trust in God. Tape the crowns to their wrists or heads to wear home.
Wait and Go Game
Gather the children in an open space. Call out “Wait!” and have them freeze like statues, then “Go!” and have them walk around the room. Practice a few times, and say that David waited for God before he moved. When they are done, celebrate by clapping together.
Thank You Card
Give each child a folded piece of paper, a pencil, and crayons. Ask them to write or draw a thank-you note for someone who helped them this week. Encourage them to bring the card home and give it to that person. This helps them remember that kindness is a way to honor God.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows how God’s plan unfolds over time. David waited patiently for God to lead him, and the people of Judah recognized God’s choice. The passage also reminds us that conflict within God’s people brings grief, and that peace is possible when people choose to stop and remember they are family.
Be careful not to overstate the violence of the fight to young children. Focus on the lesson that David trusted God and that kindness matters, rather than describing the battle in graphic detail. Keep the emphasis on waiting for God’s timing and treating others with respect.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, we thank you that you know exactly what to do and when to do it. Help us to wait for you, like David did, and to be kind to the people around us. Thank you for loving us and guiding us every day. Amen.
