In this lesson, children learn that when David sinned by counting his soldiers instead of trusting God, he said sorry, and God showed him how to make things right. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
When we do wrong, we can tell God we are sorry, and God helps us make things right. God always keeps his promises, even when we fail.
Memory Verse
Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.”
(WEB)
Teach the children to hold both hands up, palms open, like they are giving something away to God. Then slowly place one hand over their heart as they say the verse together. Repeat it three times, getting quieter each time.
The Story: 2 Samuel 24 for Kids
King David had a large army, and he wanted to know how many soldiers he had. He told his commander, Joab, to go and count all the men in Israel. Joab did not think this was a good idea, but the king would not listen. So Joab and the soldiers walked all over the land and counted the people.
After they finished, David felt terrible in his heart. He had been proud, and he had forgotten to trust God for his strength. David prayed, “I have sinned greatly. Please forgive me, Lord, for I have been very foolish.” God sent a prophet named Gad to speak to David the next morning.
Gad told David that God would let him choose one of three punishments. David could have seven years of hunger, three months of running from his enemies, or three days of a terrible sickness in the land. David said, “I am in distress. Let us fall into the Lord’s hand, for his mercy is great.” So God sent a sickness on the land, and it was very sad for the people.
When the angel of the Lord stood near Jerusalem, God told him to stop. God felt sorry for the people. Then Gad told David to go to the threshing floor of a man named Araunah and build an altar to God there.
Araunah bowed down before the king and said he would give David the land for free. David said, “No, I will pay you for it. I will not offer something to God that costs me nothing.” So David paid fifty pieces of silver, built an altar, and offered sacrifices to God. Then the sickness stopped.
Read It Together
2 Samuel 24:10
David’s heart struck him after he had counted the people. David said to the LORD, “I have sinned greatly in that which I have done. But now, the LORD, put away, I beg you, the iniquity of your servant; for I have done very foolishly.”
(WEB)
Point out that David did not make excuses. He noticed his mistake, felt sorry, and went straight to God in prayer. Ask the children what they notice about the way David talked to God.
2 Samuel 24:14
David said to Gad, “I am in distress. Let us fall now into the LORD’s hand; for his mercies are great. Let me not fall into man’s hand.”
(WEB)
Show the children that David trusted God even with a hard choice. He believed God’s mercy was greater than his own plans. Help them see that God is kind even when he corrects us.
2 Samuel 24:24
The king said to Araunah, “No; but I will most certainly buy it from you for a price. I will not offer burnt offerings to the LORD my God which cost me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.
(WEB)
Explain that David wanted to give God something that truly cost him something. Talk about how giving our best to God shows that we value him. Ask the children what gifts they could bring to God.
Talk About It
- How do you think David felt after he counted the soldiers?
- What did David say to God when he knew he had done wrong?
- Why did David choose to fall into God’s hands instead of man’s hands?
- What did David do to show God that he was thankful and sorry?
- When have you felt sorry for something you did, and what did you do next?
Activity Ideas
Draw an Altar of Thanks
Give each child a sheet of paper, crayons, and a pencil. Ask them to draw a small stone altar with a fire or smoke rising from it, then write or draw one thing they are sorry for and one thing they are thankful for on the altar. Let them share their drawings if they want to.
Walk Like David’s Soldiers
Mark a path across the room or outside with chairs or cones to represent the land of Israel. Have the children walk the path together while counting out loud, then stop and say, “God is our helper.” This game helps them picture the long journey through the land and talk about trusting God instead of counting on ourselves.
Sorry Jar at Home
Gather an empty jar, some paper strips, and a pen. Ask the family to write one short “I’m sorry” or “Thank you, God” note each day and place it in the jar. At the end of the week, read the notes together during dinner and thank God for his forgiveness.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that sin often starts with pride, and that God takes sin seriously even when it seems small. David’s sorrow was real, but his sin still had painful consequences for the nation. The passage also reveals God’s mercy, which stops the judgment when David turns to him in humble repentance and sacrifice.
With children, avoid suggesting that God sends sickness or disaster as a quick response to every mistake. Keep the focus on David’s honest confession and on God’s kindness and forgiveness. Be careful not to make the lesson about frightening punishment, since the chapter’s main message is God’s mercy and the way he restores his people.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for loving us even when we make mistakes. Help us to say we are sorry when we do wrong, just like David did. Teach us to trust you with everything and to give you our very best. Amen.
