In this lesson, children learn that God gives strength to the people who call on Him, even when they feel weak or thirsty. This lesson suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God hears us when we call on Him. He gives us what we need, even when we feel weak and tired.
Memory Verse
Judges 15:18
He was very thirsty, and called on the LORD, and said, “You have given this great deliverance by the hand of your servant; and now shall I die of thirst, and fall into the hands of the uncircumcised?”
(WEB)
Teach children to cup their hands and pretend to drink from a cup while they say the verse. Then have them lift both arms up high, the way a person reaching toward God would. Do this motion each time you say the verse together.
The Story: Judges 15 for Kids
Samson was a strong man whom God chose to help His people, the Israelites. The Philistines were the enemies of Israel, and they ruled over the Israelites. Samson was often angry at the Philistines because they had done wrong things to him and his family.
One day Samson wanted to visit his wife, but her father would not let him in. He said, “I thought you hated her, so I gave her to another man.” Samson was upset. He went out and caught three hundred foxes. He tied their tails together with torches between them and let them run into the fields of the Philistines. The grain and the olive trees burned up.
The Philistines were angry too. They came and burned Samson’s wife and her father. Samson fought back and defeated many of them, and then he hid in a cave. The Philistines came to the land of Judah and asked the men of Judah to give Samson to them. Three thousand men went to the cave and asked Samson to come out.
Samson agreed to let them tie him up, but he made them promise they would not hurt him. They tied him with new ropes and brought him to the Philistines. When the Philistines shouted at him, the Spirit of the LORD came on Samson. The ropes snapped like burned string, and Samson grabbed a donkey’s jawbone and defeated a thousand men.
Then Samson was very thirsty. He called out to the LORD and asked for help. God split open a hollow place in the ground, and water came flowing out. Samson drank and felt strong again. The place was named En Hakkore, which means “the spring of the one who called.”
Read It Together
Judges 15:14
When he came to Lehi, the Philistines shouted as they met him. Then the LORD’s Spirit came mightily on him, and the ropes that were on his arms became as flax that was burned with fire, and his bands dropped from off his hands.
(WEB)
Point out that the Spirit of the LORD came on Samson when he was surrounded. Ask children to notice that God was with Samson even in a hard moment. Help them see that God gives strength when we need it most.
Judges 15:18-19
18 He was very thirsty, and called on the LORD, and said, “You have given this great deliverance by the hand of your servant; and now shall I die of thirst, and fall into the hands of the uncircumcised?” 19 But God split the hollow place that is in Lehi, and water came out of it. When he had drunk, his spirit came again, and he revived. Therefore its name was called En Hakkore, which is in Lehi, to this day.
(WEB)
Show children that Samson was thirsty and asked God for help. God answered by bringing water out of the ground. Explain that God hears us when we pray and cares about our needs.
Judges 15:20
He judged Israel twenty years in the days of the Philistines.
(WEB)
Point out that Samson led Israel for twenty years, even though he made mistakes. Tell children that God used Samson’s strength to help His people, and that God can use us to help others too.
Talk About It
- What did Samson do when he was very thirsty?
- How did God help Samson when he felt weak?
- Why do you think Samson wanted to fight the Philistines?
- What is something you can ask God for when you feel tired or scared?
- How can we show that we trust God to help us, just like Samson did?
Activity Ideas
Water Spring Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a rocky hill with a crack in it and blue water flowing out. Have them write or draw a small picture of something they want to ask God for. Let them share their drawings and talk about how God hears our prayers.
Jawbone Hop Game
You will need a room with some open space and a soft ball or a rolled-up sock. Set up a few cones or shoes as “Philistine” targets. Have children take turns tossing the ball and trying to knock down a target. Each time someone scores, the group says together, “God gives us strength!” This helps children connect physical movement with the idea of God’s strength.
Thirsty Heart Card
You will need a small index card, a pen, and a sticker or a stamp of water drops if you have one. Ask each child to write or draw one thing they want to pray about this week. Let them decorate the card with water drops to remind them that God hears their prayers. Encourage them to keep the card somewhere they will see it each day.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God works through a flawed and angry man to deliver His people. Samson’s story is complicated, and it reminds us that God’s faithfulness does not depend on our perfection. The main point for adults is that God answers prayers in His own way and time, and that He is faithful to those who call on Him.
Avoid overstating to children that God always gives us exactly what we want when we ask. Samson’s story includes violence and revenge, which children may not fully understand. Focus on God’s faithfulness and care rather than on the fighting, and make sure children understand that God wants us to love and forgive others.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for hearing us when we call on You. When we feel weak or thirsty, help us remember that You are with us. Give us strength and help us trust You every day. Amen.
