The King's Final Battle
(1 Samuel 31)
The Philistines gathered their armies to fight against Israel. The battle was fierce, and the men of Israel ran away from the Philistines. Many soldiers fell down dead on Mount Gilboa.
The Philistines chased hard after King Saul and his sons. They killed three of Saul's sons in the fight: Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchi-shua. The fighting grew very intense around Saul himself. The Philistine archers found him and shot him with their arrows, wounding him badly.
Saul knew he was in great danger. He turned to his armor-bearer and said, "Draw your sword and thrust me through with it. Do not let these uncircumcised Philistines come and kill me in a cruel way." But his armor-bearer was terrified and refused to do it. So Saul took his own sword and fell on it. When the armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he too fell on his own sword and died with him. That same day, Saul, his three sons, his armor-bearer, and all his men died together.
When the Israelites living on the other side of the valley and beyond the Jordan River saw that their army had run away and that Saul and his sons were dead, they fled from their cities. The Philistines moved in and took over those towns.
The next day, the Philistines came to strip the dead soldiers of their weapons and armor. They found the bodies of Saul and his three sons lying on Mount Gilboa. They cut off Saul's head and stripped off his armor. Then they sent messengers throughout the land of the Philistines. They carried the news to the temples of their idols and told all the people. They put Saul's armor in the temple of the Ashtaroth, and they fastened his dead body to the wall of the city of Beth-shan.
But the people of Jabesh-gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul. They remembered how Saul had rescued them from the Ammonites many years before. All their brave warriors rose up and traveled all night to Beth-shan. They took down the bodies of Saul and his sons from the wall and brought them back to Jabesh. There they burned the bodies and buried the bones under a tamarisk tree. For seven days, they fasted and mourned.
A Curious Question
Why did Saul choose to fall on his own sword rather than trust God to rescue him, even when everything looked hopeless?
Jesus Connection
Saul was Israel's first king, but his story ends in defeat and death. He tried to save himself by his own strength, but it did not work. Many years later, another King came from Israel, Jesus Christ. Unlike Saul, Jesus did not try to save Himself. Instead, He gave His life willingly on the cross for the sins of the whole world. Jesus did not fall on a sword in defeat; He rose from the dead in victory. In John 10:18, Jesus said He had power to lay down His life and power to take it up again. Where Saul failed, Jesus won the ultimate victory over sin and death.
Discussion Questions
- Why do you think Saul was so afraid of being captured by the Philistines that he took his own life?
- What does the brave rescue of Saul's body by the men of Jabesh-gilead tell us about their character and loyalty?
- How is Jesus's death and resurrection different from Saul's death, and what does that teach us about trusting God?
"So What?" What Can I Do?
- Trust God in hard times. Saul gave up hope and stopped trusting God. When you face a difficult situation, remember that God is still in control and wants you to pray to Him for help.
- Show loyalty to others. The men of Jabesh-gilead showed great bravery and loyalty to Saul, even after he died. Look for ways to stand by your family and friends and show them you care.
- Follow Jesus, not your own plan. Saul tried to handle his problems on his own, and it led to a sad ending. Jesus invites us to follow Him and trust His plan for our lives, which always leads to life.
Memorize God's Word
John 10:18: "No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father."
- No one takes it from me hold out both hands with palms open as if holding something precious.
- but I lay it down of my own accord lower your hands slowly as if placing something down gently.
- I have authority to take it up again raise your hands back up with palms facing up as if receiving a gift.
Praying with Kids
Dear Father, thank you for sending Jesus to win the victory over sin and death for us. Help us to trust you in every hard time, just like the brave men of Jabesh-gilead who showed loyalty and courage. Help us to follow Jesus every day. Amen.
Craft or Activity
Loyalty Wall Hanging
This craft reminds kids of the loyalty shown by the men of Jabesh-gilead who rescued Saul's body, and how we can show loyalty to others.
Materials Checklist:
How to Make the Loyalty Wall Hanging:- Cut a large rectangle from brown construction paper to look like a city wall.
- Draw or write the word "Loyalty" on the wall with markers.
- Cut out small paper figures to represent the brave men of Jabesh-gilead.
- Glue the figures onto the wall, showing them taking the bodies down.
- Punch a hole at the top and tie a piece of yarn through it to hang up your craft.
Effective Teaching Techniques
For Younger Children: Focus on the bravery of the men of Jabesh-gilead. Use simple language and emphasize that they did a good deed to honor their king.
For Older Kids: Discuss the contrast between Saul's hopelessness and Jesus's sacrifice. Ask them why they think Jesus willingly gave His life when Saul tried to take his own.
Prep Shortcut: Pre-cut the paper shapes for the craft to save time and make it easier for younger children to assemble.
Classroom Management: During the discussion, use a small object like a ball to pass around. Only the child holding the ball may speak, helping to keep the group focused and orderly.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why did Saul take his own life in battle?
- Saul was badly wounded and afraid the Philistines would capture and torture him. In his fear and hopelessness, he fell on his own sword rather than face them.
- Who rescued Saul's body and why?
- The brave men of Jabesh-gilead traveled all night to recover the bodies of Saul and his sons from the Philistine wall. They remembered that Saul had once rescued their city and honored him in return.
- How is Jesus different from Saul in this story?
- Saul died in defeat trying to save himself. Jesus willingly laid down His life on the cross and then rose from the dead in victory, showing that He alone has power over life and death.