In this lesson, children learn that God keeps his promises even when bad people try to stop them, and that lying and hurting others is never the right way to get what we want. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God keeps his promises, and he is always fair and good, even when people do wrong things. We can trust him to take care of us and make things right in his own way.
Memory Verse
Psalm 37:5
Commit your way to the LORD. Trust also in him, and he will do this…
(WEB)
Teach the children to hold both hands out in front of them, palms up, as if they are giving something to God. Then have them lift their hands up high while they say the verse together. Repeat it three times, getting a little quieter each time, so the words stick.
The Story: 2 Samuel 4 for Kids
King Saul had died, and David was supposed to become king over all of Israel. But Saul’s son Ishbosheth was still alive and ruling. Ishbosheth had two captains named Baanah and Rechab. These two men were wicked, and they wanted to be rewarded for helping to bring David to power.
One hot afternoon, while Ishbosheth was resting in his house, Baanah and Rechab came in pretending to fetch some wheat. They attacked him while he lay on his bed. Then they cut off his head and carried it away with them. They walked all night to bring it to David at Hebron.
They thought David would be happy with them. They said, “Here is the head of Ishbosheth, your enemy! The LORD has avenged you today.” But David was not pleased at all. He said, “As the LORD lives, I will not reward a man who kills an innocent person in his own home.”
David told his young men to punish Baanah and Rechab for what they had done. The men were put to death, and their hands and feet were cut off and hung beside the pool in Hebron. Then David had Ishbosheth’s head buried in Abner’s grave, showing respect for the one who had been killed.
The story shows us that David did not take the shortcut of lying or murder, even though it might have seemed to help him. He trusted that God would bring about his kingdom in God’s own time and way.
Read It Together
2 Samuel 4:1
When Saul’s son heard that Abner was dead in Hebron, his hands became feeble, and all the Israelites were troubled.
(WEB)
Point out that when Ishbosheth heard the bad news, the whole nation was frightened. Ask the children how they feel when they hear scary news, and remind them that God is with them in those moments.
2 Samuel 4:9-10
9 David answered Rechab and Baanah his brother, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, and said to them, “As the LORD lives, who has redeemed my soul out of all adversity, 10 when someone told me, ‘Behold, Saul is dead,’ thinking that he brought good news, I seized him and killed him in Ziklag, which was the reward I gave him for his news.
(WEB)
Show the children how David refused to celebrate a wicked deed, even though it helped him. Explain that David knew it was wrong to hurt someone, even someone who seemed to be his enemy.
2 Samuel 4:12
David commanded his young men, and they killed them, cut off their hands and their feet, and hanged them up beside the pool in Hebron. But they took the head of Ishbosheth, and buried it in Abner’s grave in Hebron.
(WEB)
Point out that David made sure the king’s body was treated with respect and buried properly. Talk about how we can show kindness and respect to others, even when we disagree with them.
Talk About It
- What did Baanah and Rechab do that was wrong, and why do you think they wanted to do it?
- How did David show that he trusted God instead of trying to get what he wanted in a sneaky way?
- What does it feel like when someone tells a lie to get something they want?
- Why do you think it was important for David to be honest about what he thought of those men?
- What is one way you can wait patiently for God to help you, instead of trying to fix things on your own?
Activity Ideas
Crown Drawing Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child draw a simple crown and write or draw one thing that God has promised, such as always being with us. Cut out the crowns and let the children wear them during the lesson as a reminder that God is the true King.
Stop and Wait Game
Choose one child to be the “leader” and let the others follow simple movements like clapping, stomping, or jumping. Call out “Stop and wait!” at random times, and everyone must freeze until you say “Go.” This helps children practice waiting patiently, just as David waited for God to act in his time.
Take-Home Promise Card
Give each child an index card and a pencil. Ask them to write or draw a promise God makes to us, such as “God will never leave me.” Encourage them to keep the card on their nightstand or in their backpack so they can read it when they feel afraid or impatient.
Teacher Notes
This passage shows that God is faithful to his promises even when wicked people try to take matters into their own hands. David’s refusal to reward murder shows that God’s kingdom is built on justice and integrity, not on deception or violence.
When teaching children, avoid making the story seem too gruesome or suggesting that violence is an appropriate response to wrongdoing. Focus instead on David’s character, his honesty and his trust in God’s timing.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, help us to be honest and kind, even when it is hard. Help us to trust that you keep your promises and that you always do what is right. Thank you for taking care of us every day. Amen.
