David and Saul
1 Samuel 24
Teaching Videos
Teaching Ideas
Idea 1
Write words on pieces of Saul’s cloak.
Retell part of the story about when David went into the cave and cut off a piece of Saul’s cloak.
Ask the kids why they think David cut off just a piece of his cloak? Was there anything different that David could have done instead? Talk about David being respectful, obedient or showing mercy in a very difficult situation.
Hand out pieces of cloth (tell the kids that it is kind of link Saul’s cloak) and use fabric markers.
Let the kids draw a picture or write some words that can remind them of todays story.
Idea 2
Read Willow Finds A Way by Lana Button with the kids.
Talk about finding different ways to stop people who are treating you badly. How can you stop someone from doing evil, without repaying them with evil? Or how can you stop someone from doing bad things without doing anything bad yourself?
Idea 3
True or false questions.
Saul was jealous of David. (True)
Saul wanted to find David so he could give him presents. (False)
Saul went into a cave because he had to go pee. (True)
David came up to Saul in the cave and killed him. (False)
David’s friends wanted to kill Saul in the cave. (True)
David cut off a piece of Saul’s robe. (True)
When Saul left the cave, David ran after him and told him how he cut off a piece of his robe. (True)
David promised to never hurt Saul (True).
Idea 4
Read "David Spares Saul" on page 194 in the The Beginner's Bible: Timeless Children's Stories by Zondervan
Summary: This book simplifies the story for young children. It highlights how David, even though he had the chance to harm Saul, chose to show mercy and trusted God to handle his enemies.
Questions:
Why didn’t David hurt Saul when he had the chance?
What does this story teach us about forgiveness?
How do you think Saul felt when David showed him the piece of his robe?
Have you ever been kind to someone who wasn’t kind to you? How did it make you feel?
Idea 5
Show the kids a video of the story, or tell them the story of David and Saul, but stop just at the part where David is the the back of the cave and King Saul have come in to relieve himself.
Ask the kids for ideas on what David should do.
You could get kids into small groups to make up a plan, then each group to present their ideas.
After everyone has presented their ideas, read the rest of the story to the kids.
What do they think of how David acted? Do they think David did the right thing?
Idea 6
Tell a personal story of where someone was bullying you and you stopped them, or you were doing something to someone else and they stopped you. Help the kids relate the story to their own lives. Encourage them to think of stories and share them.
Please click on the links below for some formal lessons.