📖 Unit 3: David the Shepherd King
God looks past outward appearance to choose a shepherd boy, and David begins his rise from the pasture to the palace. In this six-week unit, kids see David anointed, face Goliath with nothing but a sling and trust in God, forge a loyal friendship with Jonathan, and twice spare Saul's life rather than take revenge into his own hands.
God Chooses Young David over His Brothers to Be King
1 Samuel 16:1-13
God tells Samuel to go to Bethlehem and anoint one of Jesse's sons as the next king of Israel. Samuel looks at Jesse's tall and strong sons, but God says no to each one and chooses the youngest son, David, who was out keeping the sheep. This story teaches kids that God looks at the heart, not just the outside.
View LessonDavid Plays the Harp for King Saul to Calm His Spirit
1 Samuel 16:14-23
King Saul has lost God's favor, and a distressing spirit torments him with fear. His servants suggest finding a skilled harpist to calm him. They bring young David, a shepherd with a gift for music and, more importantly, the Lord's presence. Whenever the spirit comes, David plays his harp, and the peaceful music drives away Saul's fear.
View LessonDavid the Shepherd Boy Defeats Giant with God's Power
1 Samuel 17
The Philistine giant Goliath taunts the army of Israel for forty days, and everyone is terrified. But a young shepherd named David steps forward with only his sling and five smooth stones because he trusts the living God. God gives David a mighty victory that saves Israel and shows that He alone is worthy of our faith.
View LessonDavid and Jonathan Make a Faithful Friendship Covenant
1 Samuel 18:1-4; 20
This lesson explores the deep friendship between David and Jonathan. Jonathan gives his robe and weapons to David, showing he valued their bond more than his own royal future. The story teaches children about loyalty, keeping promises, and how this friendship covenant points to Jesus, our faithful friend who gave up everything for us.
View LessonDavid Shows Mercy and Spares King Saul's Life in a Cave
1 Samuel 24
King Saul takes 3,000 soldiers to hunt down David and kill him. Saul enters a cave to rest, not knowing that David and his men are hiding deep inside. David's men urge him to kill Saul, but David only cuts off a corner of the king's robe and then feels guilty for even doing that.
View LessonDavid Trusts God and Spares King Saul a Second Time
1 Samuel 26
David has the perfect chance to kill King Saul in his sleep, but he refuses to harm God's anointed king. Instead, David takes Saul's spear and water jug as proof and calls out to the king. This story teaches kids about mercy, patience, and trusting God to be the fair judge.
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