In this lesson, children learn that David’s mighty men were brave and loyal because they loved their king, and that God gives us courage to be faithful too. It suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, with the story and activities doing most of the work.
Big Idea
God’s people can be brave and loyal, and God loves to help us do good things for the people we care about. Some of the best things we do come from love, not from being asked.
Memory Verse
2 Samuel 23:4
Shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun rises, a morning without clouds, when the tender grass springs out of the earth, through clear shining after rain.’
(WEB)
Teach the children to raise one hand high, then slowly wave it down like the sun coming up over a hill. Have them say the verse together while they move, so the light and the morning come alive in their hands.
The Story: 2 Samuel 23 for Kids
King David was old now, and he wanted to say his last words before he died. He remembered that God had chosen him when he was just a shepherd boy. God’s Spirit had spoken through him, and David was thankful for every good thing God had done.
David also had a group of very brave soldiers. They were called the mighty men. Once, David was thirsty and he said, “Oh, I wish someone could bring me water from the well in Bethlehem, the town where I grew up!” The soldiers heard him say it.
Three of the mighty men heard their king’s wish. They were not afraid of the enemy soldiers standing between them and the town. They ran straight through the enemy army, pulled water from the well, and carried it all the way back to David.
When David saw the water, he was amazed. He said, “I can’t drink this. This water cost you your lives.” So David poured the water out as a gift to God. He wanted to honor the brave men who had risked everything for him.
The story also tells us about other mighty men who did heroic things. Some fought lions, some defended a field of lentils alone, and some fought tall enemies. Each one was brave because he trusted God and cared about his king and his people.
Read It Together
2 Samuel 23:16
The three mighty men broke through the army of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate, and took it and brought it to David; but he would not drink of it, but poured it out to the LORD.
(WEB)
Point out that the three mighty men did a dangerous thing out of love and loyalty. Ask the children what they notice about how the men got the water, and what David did when he received it.
2 Samuel 23:10
He arose and struck the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand froze to the sword; and the LORD worked a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to take plunder.
(WEB)
Show the children that Eleazar fought until his hand was tired, and that God gave a great victory. Explain that God helps us keep going even when we feel worn out.
2 Samuel 23:12
But he stood in the middle of the plot and defended it, and killed the Philistines; and the LORD worked a great victory.
(WEB)
Point to Shammah standing firm in the middle of a field when everyone else ran away. Remind the children that standing up for what is right can take courage, and God is with us when we do.
Talk About It
- Why do you think the three mighty men were willing to take such a big risk for David?
- What did David do with the water, and why do you think he chose to pour it out?
- When is a time you have seen someone be brave for a friend or family member?
- How did God help the mighty men when the enemy army was very big?
- What is one small way you can show courage and loyalty this week?
Activity Ideas
Draw Your Own Mighty Man or Woman
Give each child a sheet of paper, crayons, and markers. Ask them to draw a picture of someone they know who is brave and loyal, such as a parent, grandparent, or friend. Have them write one word under the picture that describes that person, like “brave” or “kind,” and talk about how God helps us be like that.
Water Carry Race
Fill two cups with water and place them at one end of a room, with an empty bowl at the other end. Children take turns carrying a cup across the room without spilling, walking carefully like the mighty men carrying water. Cheer for each child, and afterward talk about how carrying something important takes care and determination.
Take-Home Courage Card
Cut index cards in half and give each child one. Ask them to write or draw one brave thing they plan to do this week, like helping a sibling or telling the truth. Have them take the card home and place it somewhere they will see it each day, so they remember God’s help.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s people are often remembered for courage that comes from loyalty and love. David’s mighty men are named and honored because they gave their best to their king and their God. The chapter also shows that God works through ordinary people who trust him, and that God receives our acts of faithfulness as worship.
With children, avoid overstating the details of the battles or the names of the soldiers. Keep the focus on the three men who brought water, David’s response, and the simple message that God helps us be brave and faithful. The lesson is about love and courage, not about making every person in the list into a memory test.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for giving us brave hearts and loyal friends. Help us care for the people around us the way the mighty men cared for David. Give us courage when things are hard, and help us remember that you are always with us. Amen.
