In this lesson, children learn that God helped King David win every battle he fought, and that David gave God the credit and the gifts. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is always with us and always keeps His promises, so we can trust Him in every part of our lives, even the hard ones.
Memory Verse
2 Samuel 8:14
He put garrisons in Edom. Throughout all Edom put he garrisons, and all the Edomites became servants to David. The LORD gave victory to David wherever he went.
(WEB)
Have children stand up tall and point both arms forward like a runner crossing a finish line each time they say “The LORD gave victory to David wherever he went.” Then have them sit down together.
The Story: 2 Samuel 8 for Kids
King David had a big job. He was the king of all Israel, and his people needed him to keep them safe. Enemies lived all around them, and some of those enemies wanted to fight. David did not run from them. He trusted God to help him.
David fought the Philistines, a people who were often Israel’s enemies, and he beat them. He also fought the Moabites and the Arameans of Zobah and Damascus. Each time, God gave David the win. David did not win because he was the strongest man around. God was the one who helped him.
After the battles, David did something wise. He took the gold shields that belonged to the enemy soldiers and brought them back to Jerusalem. He also took bronze from the cities he had won. Other kings heard about David’s victories, and one king named Toi was so glad that he sent his son Joram to greet David and bring him gifts.
David did not keep all these treasures for himself. He gave silver, gold, and bronze to the LORD. He wanted everyone to know that the victories came from God. David was thankful, and his thankful heart showed in what he did with the gifts.
The chapter ends with a list of the people who helped David rule well. Joab led the army. Jehoshaphat wrote down the important events. Zadok and Abiathar were priests who served God. Benaiah led special soldiers. David ruled with fairness and did what was right for all of his people.
Read It Together
2 Samuel 8:6
Then David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus; and the Syrians became servants to David, and brought tribute. The LORD gave victory to David wherever he went.
(WEB)
Point out that David won battles because God was with him, and that the last part of this verse says God gave David victory wherever he went. Ask children to notice the word “wherever,” and explain that God’s help reaches every place we go.
2 Samuel 8:11
King David also dedicated these to the LORD, with the silver and gold that he dedicated of all the nations which he subdued…
(WEB)
Show children that David did not keep the gifts for himself. He gave them to the LORD. Explain that when we receive good things, we can thank God and share what we have with Him and with others.
2 Samuel 8:15
David reigned over all Israel; and David executed justice and righteousness for all his people.
(WEB)
Point to the words “executed justice and righteousness.” Explain in simple words that David treated people fairly and did what was right. Ask children what it looks like to be fair at home or at school.
Talk About It
- What did David do when enemies came to fight against God’s people?
- Who did David say was the reason he won every battle?
- What did David do with the gold, silver, and bronze he received?
- How can you show thankfulness to God for the good things He gives you?
- What is one way you can trust God when something feels scary or hard?
Activity Ideas
Shield Craft
Give each child a paper plate, gold or yellow markers, glitter glue, and a craft stick or tape for a handle. Let them decorate the front of the plate like David’s gold shields. While they work, say that David’s shields were given back to God’s glory, and ask children what they would like to give thanks for.
Victory Relay Game
Set up two cones or chairs about twenty steps apart and place a small object, such as a beanbag, on one of them. Children take turns carrying the beanbag to the other side and back, then cheering loudly for their team. Each time someone finishes, say “The LORD gave victory!” together to connect the game to the memory verse.
Thank You Jar at Home
Find an empty jar, some paper scraps, and a pencil. Ask the family to write one thing they are thankful to God for each day and place it in the jar. At the end of the week, read the notes aloud together as a family and thank God for each one, just as David gave thanks to the LORD.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God is faithful to keep His word, and that He gives His people strength and wisdom to lead well. The long list of officials at the end reminds us that God works through many different people, each with a role to play. David’s example of returning honor to God encourages us to hold our blessings with open hands.
With children, be careful not to suggest that God always makes us win every game, sport, or contest. The victories in this chapter were given to David as God’s king in a specific historical setting. Instead, focus on the truth that God is with His people and that He is faithful, even when outcomes are not what we hoped for.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for being with us everywhere we go. Thank You for helping King David and for keeping Your promises. Help us to trust You when things are hard, and help us to say thank you for the good things You give us. Help us be fair and kind to others. Amen.
