This lesson teaches children that God gave Samson strength to help His people, and that God hears us when we call on Him, even when we feel tired or scared. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the verses, and the activity.
Big Idea
God is strong, and He hears us when we call to Him for help. He can help us even when we feel weak or thirsty.
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 the children to cup their hands like a drinking cup and lift them up while they say the verse together. Each time they lift their hands, they are showing that they are calling on God for help.
The Story: Judges 15 for Kids
Samson was a strong man whom God chose to help the people of Israel. In those days the Philistines ruled over Israel, and Samson was often angry with them. One summer, during the time of the wheat harvest, Samson went to visit his wife with a young goat as a gift. But her father would not let him go in. He said Samson had hated her, so he had given her to another man. He offered Samson his younger daughter instead.
Samson was angry. He said, “This time I will be blameless when I harm the Philistines.” He caught three hundred foxes, tied their tails together in pairs, and fastened torches between them. He set the torches on fire and let the foxes run into the Philistines’ fields. The grain and the olive groves burned up. When the Philistines found out who had done it, they burned Samson’s wife and her father.
Samson struck down many of the Philistines and then went to live in a cave. The Philistines came to the land of Judah to find him. The men of Judah were afraid of the Philistines, so three thousand of them went to the cave. They asked Samson to let them tie him up so they could hand him over. Samson agreed, but he made them promise they would not hurt him. They bound him with two new ropes and led him away.
When the Philistines came shouting toward him, God’s Spirit came powerfully on Samson. The ropes snapped like burned threads. Samson found a fresh donkey’s jawbone on the ground, picked it up, and fought. He struck down a thousand men with it. Then he was very thirsty, and he called out to the LORD, “Will I now die of thirst?” God split open a hollow place in the ground, and water came out of it. Samson drank and felt strong again. Samson led Israel for twenty years.
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 ropes fell off Samson because God’s Spirit came on him. Ask the children who they think gave Samson the power to break free, and remind them that God helps His people.
Judges 15:15
He found a fresh jawbone of a donkey, put out his hand, took it, and struck a thousand men with it.
(WEB)
Show the children how Samson used a simple thing that was lying on the ground. Explain that God can use ordinary things in our hands when He wants to help us do something brave.
Judges 15:19
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)
Point to the water that came out of the ground when Samson was thirsty. Tell the children that God cares about our needs, even our everyday needs like being thirsty.
Talk About It
- When have you felt tired or scared, and what did you do?
- What did Samson do when he was very thirsty?
- Why do you think God gave Samson so much strength?
- What is something ordinary in your home that God could use to help someone?
- How can you call on God when you need help today?
Activity Ideas
Water Drop Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and glue. Have each child draw a large cup or a rock on the paper. Then have them glue on small blue paper drops coming out of the rock. Let them take the picture home and tell someone how God brought water out of the rock for Samson.
Strong Like Samson Game
You will need a open space and a few soft pillows or towels. Call out “Strong!” and have the children flex their arms like strong men. Then call out “Thirsty!” and have them cup their hands and pretend to drink. Keep switching the words to show that God helps us in both strong and weak moments.
Take-Home Prayer Card
You will need index cards, a pencil, and a small rubber band. Write the memory verse on one side of each card and let the children draw a simple cup on the other side. Have them keep the card in a pocket or wallet. When they feel weak or thirsty, they can take it out and say the verse.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God worked through a flawed and angry man to deliver His people. It reminds us that God’s strength is greater than our own, and that He hears the cries of those who are weak or in need. The chapter also shows God’s care for ordinary needs like water, even in the middle of a great battle.
Avoid suggesting that Samson’s anger or revenge should be copied. The chapter describes his actions as they happened without approving of them. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and His willingness to help people who call on Him.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You for being strong when we feel weak. Thank You for hearing us when we call to You. Help us remember that You care about our needs, big and small. Be with us this week, and help us trust You every day. Amen.
