This lesson teaches children that Samson made many mistakes, but when he turned back to God and asked for help, God heard him. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach, including the discussion and activity.
Big Idea
God still hears us when we have made bad choices, and He is ready to help us when we ask Him to. We can always come back to Him.
Memory Verse
Judges 16:28
Samson called to the LORD, and said, “Lord the LORD, remember me, please, and strengthen me, please, only this once, God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.”
(WEB)
Have children stand up and cup their hands around their mouths as if calling across a field. Then have them raise both arms high on the word “remember,” as if reaching up toward God. Practice it together three times.
The Story: Judges 16 for Kids
Samson was a strong man whom God had chosen to help the people of Israel. God gave Samson great strength, but Samson did not always make wise choices. One day he fell in love with a woman named Delilah, who lived in a valley called Sorek. The leaders of the Philistines, who were enemies of Israel, saw their chance. They offered Delilah a large amount of money if she could find out the secret of Samson’s strength.
Delilah asked Samson again and again where his strength came from. Three times he gave her a false answer, and three times she tested it. Each time Samson broke free, and Delilah was not able to hurt him. Samson should have stopped and listened to God, but he kept playing her game.
Finally, Delilah pressed him every day until he grew tired of her asking. Samson told her the truth. He said, “If my hair is cut, I will lose my strength, because I have belonged to God since before I was born.” While he slept, Delilah had his hair cut off. When the Philistines came, Samson did not know that God had left him. They captured him, put out his eyes, and made him grind grain in prison.
Samson’s hair began to grow back. The Philistines gathered in a big temple to celebrate their god Dagon and to laugh at Samson. They brought him out to entertain them and set him between two large pillars that held up the building. Samson was blind, and he was very sad about his mistakes.
Samson prayed to God and said, “Lord, remember me, and make me strong one more time.” Then he pushed against the two middle pillars with all his might. The building fell down on the leaders and the people inside. Samson died, and his family buried him in the place where his father, Manoah, was buried.
Read It Together
Judges 16:20
She said, “The Philistines are upon you, Samson!” He awoke out of his sleep, and said, “I will go out as at other times, and shake myself free.” But he didn’t know that the LORD had departed from him.
(WEB)
Point out that Samson did not notice God had left him. Explain that Samson had stopped listening to God long before this moment, and that his choices had led him far from God’s help.
Judges 16:22
However the hair of his head began to grow again after he was shaved.
(WEB)
Show children that even after Samson had been punished, his hair began to grow again. Explain that this is a sign that God was still patient with Samson and was not finished with him yet.
Judges 16:28-30
28 Samson called to the LORD, and said, “Lord the LORD, remember me, please, and strengthen me, please, only this once, God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.” 29 Samson took hold of the two middle pillars on which the house rested, and leaned on them, the one with his right hand, and the other with his left. 30 Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” He bowed himself with all his might; and the house fell on the lords, and on all the people who were therein. So the dead that he killed at his death were more than those who he killed in his life.
(WEB)
Point out that Samson asked God for help and God answered him. Explain that God heard Samson’s prayer even though Samson had made many mistakes, and that God is always ready to hear us when we pray.
Talk About It
- What do you think Samson should have done when Delilah kept asking him the same question?
- How did Samson feel when he realized God had left him?
- What is one thing you can do when you make a mistake and want God to help you?
- Why do you think God still listened to Samson’s prayer at the end?
- How can you remember that God is always ready to hear your prayers?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Pillar Picture
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and tape. Ask each child to draw two tall pillars and a strong building on top of them. Then have them draw a small figure of Samson between the pillars, with a prayer bubble above his head. Tape the pictures to the wall as a reminder that God hears prayers.
Hair-Growing Movement Game
Have children crouch down low on the floor, like a seed under the soil. Then ask them to slowly stand up and stretch their arms high, as hair slowly grows. Call out “Samson is weak” and have them drop low again, then call “God is strong” and have them stand tall. Repeat several times to practice the story.
Prayer Reminder Card
You will need index cards, a pen, and a pencil case or small box. Help each child write “God hears me” on one side of a card and draw a simple heart on the other. Encourage them to keep the card in their pocket or bag and read it whenever they feel sad about a mistake they made during the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows how a person can waste God’s gifts through repeated poor choices, yet God remains patient and responds when a person finally calls on Him in humility. The story also warns about the danger of playing with temptation and the cost of hiding the truth from people we love.
Avoid suggesting to children that Samson’s death was a good example to follow or that God wants people to harm their enemies. Focus instead on God’s faithfulness and the importance of turning back to Him when we have gone wrong.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You hear us even when we have made mistakes. Help us to come back to You quickly when we do wrong. Remind us that You are always ready to listen and to help us. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
