Judges 14 teaches children that God is with them even when people make bad choices, and that God can work through a hard situation. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is always with us, even when we make mistakes or things seem scary and mixed up. He is strong, and He can help us.
Memory Verse
Judges 14:6
The LORD’s Spirit came mightily on him, and he tore him as he would have torn a young goat; and he had nothing in his hand, but he didn’t tell his father or his mother what he had done.
(WEB)
Hold your arms out wide like a strong person, then bring them together in front of your chest as if you are pushing something away. Say “God’s Spirit is with me” each time you do the motion.
The Story: Judges 14 for Kids
Samson was a strong man whom God had chosen for a special job. One day he went down to a town called Timnah, and he saw a young woman there from a people called the Philistines. Samson liked her very much, and he told his mom and dad, “Please get her for me to be my wife.”
His mom and dad were surprised. They asked him, “Isn’t there anyone among our own people you could marry?” Samson said, “Get her for me, because she pleases me.” His parents did not yet understand that God was using this to work out a plan against the Philistines, who were ruling over Israel at that time.
On the way to Timnah, a young lion roared at Samson. God’s Spirit came strongly upon him, and he tore the lion apart with his bare hands. Later he came back and found bees and honey inside the lion’s body. He ate some of the honey and shared it with his mom and dad, but he did not tell them where it came from.
At a big feast, Samson gave the men a riddle. He said, “Out of the eater came food, and out of the strong came sweetness.” If they could solve it in seven days, he would give them new clothes. But they could not figure it out, so they pressured Samson’s wife to get the answer from him. She cried and begged him until he finally told her, and she told the men.
When the men gave the right answer, Samson knew they had tricked him. God’s Spirit came on Samson again, and he went to a nearby city, defeated thirty men, and used their clothes to pay the riddle bet. Then he went home angry, and his wife was given to another man.
Read It Together
Judges 14:5-6
5 Then went Samson down with his father and his mother to Timnah, and came to the vineyards of Timnah; and behold, a young lion roared against him. 6 The LORD’s Spirit came mightily on him, and he tore him as he would have torn a young goat; and he had nothing in his hand, but he didn’t tell his father or his mother what he had done.
(WEB)
Point out that God’s Spirit gave Samson strength to face the lion. Explain that the strength came from God, not from Samson’s own power alone.
Judges 14:9
He took it into his hands, and went on, eating as he went. He came to his father and mother, and gave to them, and they ate, but he didn’t tell them that he had taken the honey out of the lion’s body.
(WEB)
Show children that Samson kept the honey a secret from his parents. Ask them why keeping things hidden from people who love us can cause trouble.
Judges 14:19
The LORD’s Spirit came mightily on him, and he went down to Ashkelon, and struck thirty men of them, and took their plunder, then gave the changes of clothing to those who declared the riddle. His anger burned, and he went up to his father’s house.
(WEB)
Help children notice that Samson’s anger led him to act in a way that hurt others. Talk about how God wants us to pause and ask Him for help when we feel angry.
Talk About It
- What did Samson do that was strong, and where do you think his strength came from?
- Why do you think Samson did not tell his mom and dad about the lion or the honey?
- How did Samson’s wife feel when she was in the middle of the riddle problem?
- What is one thing you could do when you feel angry, instead of doing what Samson did?
- How can you tell that God was still with Samson even when he made some poor choices?
Activity Ideas
Lion and Honey Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask children to draw a lion with a small beehive or bees near it. Let them write or dictate one sentence about how God’s Spirit gave Samson strength. Display the drawings where children can see them during the week.
Strong Like Samson Game
Clear a space in the room. Call out “lion” and have children stand tall with arms out like a lion, then call out “honey” and have them wiggle their fingers like bees. Keep it short and lively, and end by reminding the children that God is the one who makes us strong.
Take-Home Reminder Card
You will need index cards, a marker, and a hole punch with string or yarn. Write “God is with me” on each card and have children decorate it. Punch a hole in the corner and tie on the string so they can hang it on a bedroom door or wear it on a backpack.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God can accomplish His purposes even through flawed people and messy choices. Samson’s story is not a model of wisdom, but it reminds us that God’s faithfulness does not depend on our perfection. The strength that comes from the Spirit is real, and it points back to God’s power rather than the person’s own.
With children, avoid overstating the story as a clear lesson about marriage, revenge, or how to treat others. Keep the focus on God being present and strong, and on the value of being honest with parents and asking God for help when we feel angry.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You are always with us, even when we do not understand what is happening. Help us to be honest, to ask You for help when we feel angry, and to trust that You are strong. Thank You for loving us and caring for us every day. Amen.
