📖 Unit 4: God Protects His Anointed
David is hunted as a fugitive for years, and this four-week unit shows kids that God is faithful to his promises even in the wilderness seasons of waiting. It closes with the tragic deaths of Saul and Jonathan, setting the stage for David's rise as king in 2 Samuel.
David Is on the Run and Hides in a Cave from King Saul
1 Samuel 21-22
David is fleeing from King Saul and stops at the tabernacle for food and a weapon, but a servant of Saul sees everything and reports it. The priest and his family are killed because of their kindness to David, and David must hide in a cave with a group of desperate men while he learns to trust God as his only refuge.
View LessonThe Wise Woman Abigail Who Stopped a War with a Gift
1 Samuel 25
David asks the wealthy Nabal for provisions while hiding in the wilderness with his men, but Nabal harshly refuses. Nabal's wise wife Abigail quickly prepares a generous gift, rides out to meet David, and humbly asks him to show mercy. Her brave actions stop David from attacking their household, and later God deals with Nabal's wickedness.
View LessonSaul Visits a Witch and Learns a Hard Lesson in Obeying God
1 Samuel 28
King Saul is desperate and afraid as the Philistine army gathers against Israel. When God refuses to answer him, Saul foolishly visits a forbidden medium at Endor to speak with the dead prophet Samuel, who delivers a grim prophecy of his death. This lesson teaches children to trust God's direct access through prayer.
View LessonSaul's Final Battle and the Rescue That Honored a King
1 Samuel 31
The Philistines defeat Israel and kill King Saul and his three sons. When the Philistines hang Saul's body on the wall of Beth-shan, the brave men of Jabesh-gilead risk their lives to rescue it and give their king a proper burial. This story shows us the difference between giving up in fear and showing courage and loyalty.
View Lesson