Lesson
Engaging Introduction
Hello everyone! Today, we’re going to learn about part of an exciting story from the Bible found in 1 Samuel 21. Have you ever gone on an unexpected adventure? Sometimes life takes us on paths we don’t plan for, and that’s what happened to a young man named David. David is quite an interesting character in the Bible; he was a shepherd, a musician, and even a hero who defeated the giant Goliath!
Today’s lesson focuses on a time when David was on the run. Can you imagine being chased and having to hide? It’s kind of like a game of hide and seek but much more serious! At this point in his life, David was being chased by King Saul, who was very jealous of him. Think of King Saul as someone who was once a friend but was now an adversary. As we dive into the lesson, picture yourself as David, navigating through a tricky situation while trusting in God.
In today’s story, David finds himself in a town called Nob and meets a priest named Ahimelech. David needs to figure out how to stay safe and get what he needs without revealing too much. It’s an adventure filled with trust, decisions, and God’s provision. So, let’s strap on our imaginations and get ready to explore 1 Samuel 21!
Main Teaching Points
1. David’s Arrival in Nob (1 Samuel 21:1-2)
David arrives in Nob, a place where the priests lived and served. When he meets Ahimelech the priest, the priest is very nervous because David is alone. Usually, a person like David, who was famous and had many followers, wouldn’t be traveling by himself. Ahimelech questions David, and here we see the first part of David’s cleverness. David explains to the priest that he’s on a secret mission for the king.
Imagine needing to convince your teacher to let you into class without being fully prepared. You might need to think on the spot, just like David! He uses this explanation to protect himself, revealing little but reassuring Ahimelech enough to provide help.
2. David’s Request for Food (1 Samuel 21:3-6)
David asks Ahimelech for food, but the only bread available is the special bread that was set aside for the priests, known as the “holy bread” or “showbread.” This bread was part of a special ceremony and wasn’t usually eaten by just anyone. However, Ahimelech makes an exception for David and his men after ensuring they were pure, which teaches us about the importance of understanding and compassion.
Think of this like sharing a sandwich from your lunch with a friend who forgot theirs. Even if it might be against the usual rules, sometimes helping someone in need is what’s most important. God uses the priest to provide for David in a surprising way, highlighting His care through others.
3. David’s Need for a Weapon (1 Samuel 21:8-9)
After receiving food, David asks Ahimelech if he has any weapons. David had to leave in such a hurry that he didn’t have time to take a sword or spear with him. Interestingly, the only weapon available is the sword of Goliath, the giant whom David defeated! Ahimelech gives it to him, and David acknowledges there is none like it.
The sword of Goliath represents God’s past victories for David. When we face challenges, it’s helpful to remember past successes and how God has been with us. It’s like recalling the last time you solved a tough math problem when you face a new one—it encourages you to persevere!
4. David’s Journey to Gath and His Behavior (1 Samuel 21:10-15)
David then moves to the city of Gath. There, the servants of the king recognize him and recall his victories in battle. This realization puts David in danger once again. Fearing for his life, he pretends to be insane by acting very strangely, scribbling on doors, and letting saliva run down his beard.
This might seem silly, but David’s quick thinking ensures his safety. Sometimes, when trapped, a creative solution is our best option. As a parallel, think of trying to distract a younger sibling with a game when they’re upset so you can solve a situation smoothly.
Personal Application for Elementary Students
How can we apply David’s story to our everyday lives? First, remember that God is always looking out for us, just like He did for David. Even when things seem difficult or confusing, we can trust that God will guide us and provide what we need.
If you’re ever in a tough situation, like at school or on the playground, think of how David sought help wisely and was resourceful. You can be resourceful by asking a teacher or a friend for help or by using your talents to solve a problem.
Another lesson we can learn is the importance of being honest and careful with our words, just like David was when he talked to Ahimelech. Telling the truth is important, even if it means we have to be brave.
Finally, we can learn that God will use our experiences to help us, just like how David’s past victory over Goliath reassured him. Remembering how we’ve overcome challenges in the past can help us be confident in the present.
Interactive Discussion Questions
Let’s talk about what we learned from David’s adventure.
1. Why do you think Ahimelech was nervous to see David alone?
– Guide students to think about unexpected situations. When things don’t seem normal, it’s okay to ask questions, just like Ahimelech did. This reminds us of the importance of communication and checking in on friends if something seems unusual.
2. How did God provide for David in this story?
– Encourage reflections on the elements of the story: the bread and the sword. Discuss how God can provide through unexpected means and people. Ask students to share times they got the help they didn’t anticipate.
3. Why was David’s behavior in Gath considered clever?
– Discuss the importance of thinking quickly in tight situations. Relate this to times when students might have had to improvise or be creative to solve a problem, like making a game fun with limited resources.
4. How can we trust God like David did, even when we’re scared or unsure?
– Encourage students to share experiences when they felt unsure but found comfort in prayer or talking to someone they trust. Discuss small steps they can take, such as saying a prayer or remembering a comforting story when they feel scared.
Remember, just like David, we may face unexpected challenges or feel scared sometimes, but God is always with us to help and guide us towards safety and success.
Games
Game 1: Goliath’s Sword Relay
Objective: Learn about David acquiring the sword of Goliath and develop teamwork skills.
Players: 4-10
Materials Needed:
– A lightweight toy sword or a cardboard cutout sword
– Cones or markers for boundaries
– Stopwatch or timer
Setup:
1. Set up a start line and a finish line, about 20 feet apart.
2. Mark a circle (or use a small table) at the finish line to represent the priest Ahimelech’s place.
Instructions:
1. Divide the students into two teams.
2. The first player in each team starts at the start line with the “sword.”
3. When you say “Go,” the first player runs to the finish line, places the sword in the circle, and runs back to tag the next player.
4. The next player runs to the circle, picks up the sword, and brings it back to the start line.
5. Repeat until all players have run.
6. The first team to complete the relay wins.
Lesson Reinforcement:
Discuss how David used Goliath’s sword, highlighting the lesson of resourcefulness and faith in God. Encourage teamwork and communication, mirroring how David relied on others.
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Game 2: David’s Escape Maze
Objective: Help students understand David’s resourcefulness as he fled Saul.
Players: 4-10
Materials Needed:
– Large sheets of paper or poster boards
– Markers
– Scissors
– Tape
Setup:
1. Create a simple maze on a large sheet using markers, outlining David’s path to escape Saul, with entry and exit points.
2. Tape the maze sheets onto a wall or floor accessible to the children.
Instructions:
1. Explain David’s escape and how he went to Ahimelech for provisions.
2. Split students into small groups.
3. Using a toy figure or cutout, have each group guide David through the maze, avoiding false paths and reaching the exit.
4. Add clues and questions about 1 Samuel 21 along the way that need to be answered correctly to proceed.
Lesson Reinforcement:
This game shows how David used wisdom and God’s guidance to find safe paths. Discuss the importance of making thoughtful decisions.
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Game 3: Guess the Bread
Objective: Learn about David receiving holy bread from Ahimelech.
Players: 4-10
Materials Needed:
– Selection of different bread types or pictures of bread
– A blindfold
– Notecards with hints related to 1 Samuel 21
Setup:
1. Place the bread or bread pictures on a table.
2. Have the notecards ready with clues related to the story.
Instructions:
1. Blindfold a student and hand them a piece of bread or picture.
2. Provide clues from 1 Samuel 21 (e.g., “This bread was originally meant for priests”).
3. The blindfolded player must guess the bread, using the clues.
4. Switch roles, allowing each child to have a turn.
Lesson Reinforcement:
Explain the significance of the holy bread in David’s story. Discuss Ahimelech’s role in providing for David and how it shows God’s provisions. Encourage students to talk about sharing and generosity.
Takehome
Take-Home Assignment: Reflecting on 1 Samuel 21
Dear Students,
Today, we talked about 1 Samuel 21, where David visits the priest Ahimelech and faces challenges while fleeing from King Saul. Let’s reflect on this story and think about what we can learn from David’s experiences. Share this with your family and complete it together!
Story Summary:
David is on the run from King Saul, who is very angry with him. David goes to the town of Nob and meets Ahimelech the priest. He tells Ahimelech that he is on a secret mission from the king and needs food and a weapon. Ahimelech gives David the holy bread since there is no other bread available. David also receives Goliath’s sword from the priest.
Activities and Questions:
1. Family Discussion:
– Gather your family and read 1 Samuel 21 together.
– Talk about why David might have chosen to tell Ahimelech he was on a secret mission. Why is telling the truth important?
– Discuss how Ahimelech helped David and why it’s important to help others in need.
2. Drawing Activity:
– Draw a picture of David receiving the bread and Goliath’s sword from Ahimelech.
– Share your drawing with your family and explain what parts of the story your picture shows.
3. Role Play:
– With a family member, act out the encounter between David and Ahimelech.
– Think about how both David and Ahimelech might have felt during their meeting.
4. Reflective Questions:
– Why was David running away from King Saul?
– How did David’s faith help him during difficult times?
– What would you do if you needed help and who would you turn to?
5. Prayer Activity:
– Together with your family, say a short prayer asking for guidance and strength during challenging times, just like David needed.
Remember to take your time and enjoy these activities with your family. We look forward to hearing about what you learned and created!
Visuals
Visual 1: David at Nob
– Illustration Description: Create a simple cartoon of a small village set in biblical times, with a few huts to represent Nob. Show David in the forefront speaking to Ahimelech the priest at the door of the tabernacle.
– Caption: “David seeks help from Ahimelech in the village of Nob.”
– Presentation Slide Idea: Title: “Scene at Nob” – Use a wide view to introduce the setting where David approaches the priest.
Visual 2: The Bread of Presence
– Illustration Description: Draw a table with bread loaves stacked on it, illustrating the Bread of Presence. Add David receiving the bread from the priest with gratitude.
– Caption: “David receives the Bread of Presence from Ahimelech.”
– Presentation Slide Idea: Title: “The Holy Bread” – Focus on the gesture of sharing and hospitality with a few bullet points about the Bread of Presence.
Visual 3: Sword of Goliath
– Illustration Description: Show a simple drawing of a large, distinct sword resting against a wall, with David picking up the sword carefully, recognizing it as Goliath’s.
– Caption: “David is given Goliath’s sword.”
– Presentation Slide Idea: Title: “A Familiar Sword” – Highlight the connection to the past and the symbolism of strength and history.
Visual 4: David in Gath
– Illustration Description: Depict a cartoon-style scene of a bustling city gate with David trying to blend in, looking anxious after arriving in Gath.
– Caption: “David arrives in Gath and pretends madness to avoid suspicion.”
– Presentation Slide Idea: Title: “A Clever Escape” – Illustrate with a map showing the journey from Nob to Gath with an emphasis on David’s cleverness.
Visual 5: Feigning Madness
– Illustration Description: Draw a humorous scene of David acting unusually, with scribbles and wide-eyed expressions to show his feigned madness.
– Caption: “To protect himself, David pretends to be mad in front of King Achish.”
– Presentation Slide Idea: Title: “David’s Plan” – Use text boxes to highlight how David’s actions saved him, reinforcing the theme of clever problem-solving.
These visuals and slides aim to help elementary students understand the narrative of 1 Samuel 21 while emphasizing important story elements and moral lessons.
Memory Verse
Key Verse: 1 Samuel 21:13 (NIV) – “So he pretended to be insane in their presence.”
Memory Tool:
1. Rhyme: Create a simple rhyme to help remember the verse.
– “David acted so funny, it wasn’t for money. He made a plan to fool every man.”
2. Motions: Use actions to help memorize the verse.
– “Pretended” – Act out moving your hands in a confused manner around your head.
– “Insane” – Make a funny face and spin around once.
3. Song: Sing the verse to the tune of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.”
– “So he pretended to be insane, in their presence, it was his game.”
4. Short Challenge:
– Have the children form pairs and one person acts out being a little silly or confused while the other says the verse. Then switch roles.
Group Activity
Activity 1: Story Role-Play
Instructions:
Students will act out the key events from 1 Samuel 21, focusing on David’s interactions with Ahimelech the priest and his encounter in Gath with King Achish.
Roles:
– Narrator
– David
– Ahimelech the Priest
– King Achish
– Achish’s Servants
Steps:
1. Assign roles to students in each group.
2. Read the key parts of 1 Samuel 21 together.
3. Allow students to create a simple script based on the story.
4. Have each group perform their role-play for the class.
Discussion Prompts:
– Why do you think David pretended to be mad in front of King Achish?
– How do you think Ahimelech felt when David asked for bread?
– What would you have done if you were in David’s situation?
Participation:
Ensure every student has an opportunity to play a role or assist in creating the script. Rotate roles if needed to include everyone.
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Activity 2: Problem Solving Discussion
Instructions:
Students will discuss and solve problems David faced in the story, focusing on themes of fear and trust.
Roles:
– Discussion Leader
– Note Taker
– Time Keeper
– Speaker (presents the group’s ideas)
Steps:
1. Discuss the problems David faced (needing food, a weapon, and safety).
2. As a group, brainstorm solutions David could have considered.
3. Assign roles and guide the discussion.
4. Share solutions with the class.
Discussion Prompts:
– What are other ways David could have gotten food besides asking the priest?
– How might David have shown trust in God, even in a scary situation?
– What would you have done if you were David and why?
Participation:
Encourage students to share ideas and ensure each role is performed, changing roles if necessary.
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Activity 3: Creative Drawing and Sharing
Instructions:
Students will draw scenes from 1 Samuel 21 and share their drawings with the group.
Roles:
– Artist
– Presenter
– Question Asker
– Question Answerer
Steps:
1. Each student selects a scene from 1 Samuel 21.
2. Create a drawing that represents the chosen scene.
3. Share their drawing with the group.
4. The Presenter explains the drawing while others ask questions.
Discussion Prompts:
– What part of the story does your drawing represent?
– Why did you choose this scene to draw?
– How do you think David felt during this part of the story?
Participation:
Each student should create a drawing and have a turn in each role to ensure everyone is active.
Download PDF for Group Activity
Journaling
Guided Journaling Prompts for ‘1 Samuel 21’
1. Understanding the Story:
– Who is the main person in this chapter, and what is he doing?
– Can you explain why David is visiting the priest Ahimelech? How do you think David feels during this time?
2. Reflecting on Emotions:
– David was feeling scared and had to flee from danger. Describe a time when you felt scared or needed help. Who did you turn to?
– How do you think God helped David during this challenging time?
3. Making Connections:
– David was given special bread to eat. Why do you think this bread was important to him during his journey?
– Have you ever received something special that helped you during a difficult time? What was it and how did it make you feel?
4. Applying the Lesson:
– David had to trust God and make wise choices while on his journey. What is one choice you can make this week to show that you trust God?
– How can you help a friend who might be going through a hard time, like the priest helped David?
5. Praying with Purpose:
– Write a prayer asking God for courage and wisdom like David. You can thank God for always being with you and providing what you need.
6. Thinking About the Future:
– What is one thing you can do this week to be brave like David, even if you feel scared?
– List one way you can share God’s love with someone you know who might need help. How can you put this into action?
Quiz
1 Samuel 21 Quiz
Multiple Choice
1. Where did David go to find food and shelter in 1 Samuel 21?
a) Jerusalem
b) Nob
c) Bethlehem
d) Hebron
2. What was the name of the priest David met in Nob?
a) Eli
b) Zadok
c) Ahimelech
d) Samuel
3. What did David ask the priest for?
a) A horse
b) A sword
c) Bread
d) Clothes
True/False
4. T/F: David was alone when he went to Nob.
5. T/F: The only food available for David was the bread from the temple that was meant for the priests.
Short Answer
6. What weapon did David receive from the priest?
7. Why was the weapon available at the temple?
Answer Key
Multiple Choice
1. b) Nob
2. c) Ahimelech
3. c) Bread
True/False
4. True
5. True
Short Answer
6. David received the sword of Goliath.
7. The weapon was available at the temple because it had been stored there after David defeated Goliath.
Teacher Tips
Teacher Notes and Tips for Teaching 1 Samuel 21 to Elementary Students
Objective:
Help students understand the story of David seeking refuge and the importance of faith, trust in God, and honesty.
Lesson Overview:
1. Introduction (10 minutes)
2. Reading and Discussion (15 minutes)
3. Activities (15 minutes)
4. Closing and Reflection (10 minutes)
Introduction:
– Begin with a brief background on David. Explain how he was chosen by God and anointed by Samuel but faced challenges before becoming king.
– Ask if anyone has ever had to make a tough decision or felt nervous. Relate this to David’s situation.
Pacing Suggestions:
– Keep the introduction brief to maintain attention.
– Spend time reading small sections, ensuring understanding before moving on.
– Allocate time for discussion and revisiting difficult concepts.
Reading and Discussion:
Reading:
– Read 1 Samuel 21:1-15 aloud, pausing for questions.
– If students can read, assign roles and act out characters for engagement.
Explaining Difficult Concepts:
– David’s Visit to Ahimelech: Explain that David needed help but felt scared and told a lie to receive supplies.
– Consecrated Bread: Discuss how this bread was specially for priests but was given to David and his men as a sign of God’s provision.
– Goliath’s Sword: Remind students of the story of David and Goliath, highlighting courage and God’s protection.
– Seeking Refuge: Emphasize the idea of seeking safety and trusting in God’s plan during difficult times.
Discussion Questions:
– Why did David feel he had to lie to Ahimelech?
– How did God provide for David and his men?
– What does this story tell us about trust and honesty?
Activities:
Craft Activity:
– Create a “Shield of Faith”: Have students design and decorate a paper shield which symbolizes trusting in God in difficult situations.
Role-Play:
– Act out the meeting between David and Ahimelech, encouraging students to explore the feelings and motivations of the characters.
Managing Student Engagement:
– Interactive Reading: Use gestures and voices to make the story come alive.
– Encourage Participation: Ask open-ended questions and encourage students to share their thoughts.
– Movement: Incorporate short breaks or movements (like mimicking drawing a sword) to keep energy levels up.
Closing and Reflection:
– Summarize the key lessons about honesty, trusting in God, and courage.
– Encourage students to share a situation where they can practice trust and honesty.
– End with a short prayer or moment of reflection, asking for help in making good choices.
Assessment:
– Observe student participation and their responses to questions to gauge understanding.
– Use the craft or a short writing prompt to reflect on the story’s lessons.
By keeping the session engaging and interactive, students will better grasp the story’s lessons and apply them to their lives.
Crafts
Craft: David’s Escape Hat
Materials List:
– White paper plates (one per student)
– Crayons or markers
– Scissors (safety scissors for children)
– Glue sticks or tape
– String or yarn (to fit around a child’s head)
– Optional: Glitter, stickers for additional decoration
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Discussion and Introduction:
Start the craft by briefly discussing the story from 1 Samuel 21. Explain how David pretended to be insane to escape from King Achish. Highlight themes of trust and cleverness.
2. Hat Creation:
– Give each student a paper plate. The plate will become a hat representing David’s clever escape disguise.
– Instruct the children to draw symbols or images on their plates that remind them of the story (like sheep for David as a shepherd, harp for his music, or a crown to represent King Saul).
– Let the children color the images using crayons or markers.
3. Design and Cutting:
– Demonstrate how to cut a slit from the edge to the center of the plate along one radius.
– Show how to overlap the cut edges to create a cone shape, securing it with glue or tape. This will form the hat.
4. Decorating the Hat:
– Offer materials like stickers or glitter to further decorate the hat.
– Encourage kids to write a word or phrase related to the story, like “Trust” or “God protects,” to reinforce the lesson.
5. Adding a Chin Strap:
– Help students cut a piece of string or yarn long enough to serve as a chin strap.
– Punch or carefully cut small holes on each side of the hat base.
– Thread the yarn through the holes and tie knots to secure it.
6. Wrap Up:
– Allow the children to wear their crafted hats and have a brief sharing session where they can talk about their design choices.
– Reinforce how David used cleverness and trust in God to navigate difficult situations, paralleling their ability to create personal symbols on their hats.
Lesson Reinforcement:
This craft helps reinforce the story of David’s escape in 1 Samuel 21 by allowing students to creatively engage with the narrative. Designing and wearing the hat symbolizes David’s disguise and escape, reminding students of the importance of trust in God and using their wits wisely. Crafting personal symbols encourages them to internalize the story’s themes personally.
Music
Songs for 1 Samuel 21:
1. “God Will Provide”
Paraphrase of Lyrics:
– Verse 1: “When we are in need, and don’t know what to do, God will always see, and provide for me and you.”
– Chorus: “God will always provide, wherever we go. His love will be our guide, and His grace we’ll know.”
Suggested Actions:
– Pretend to be searching with a hand above the eyes during “When we are in need.”
– Point upwards towards God during “God will always provide.”
– Hold hands with a neighbor to symbolize togetherness during “His love will be our guide.”
Connection to Lesson:
– Reflects the story of David receiving provision from God through the priest, highlighting trust in God’s provision.
2. “Brave Like David”
Paraphrase of Lyrics:
– Verse 1: “When times are hard, and we feel afraid, remember David, the brave choice he made.”
– Chorus: “God is with us, each and every day. No need to worry, be brave like David always.”
Suggested Actions:
– During “times are hard,” make a sad face and slump shoulders.
– Stand tall and flex muscles during “brave choice he made.”
– March in place to the tune during “God is with us” to show confidence.
Connection to Lesson:
– Encourages bravery and faith, like David who trusted in God’s protection while on the run from Saul.
Worship Activities:
1. Bread of Presence Craft
– Description: Create paper or clay models of the “Bread of Presence” that represents God’s provision.
– Connection: Based on David receiving the showbread, this activity helps students understand God’s provision and care.
2. Trust Circle
– Description: Students sit in a circle, and each shares a moment they trusted God, reflecting on times they saw God’s provision like David.
– Connection: Reinforces the lesson of trusting God in difficult circumstances.
3. Act It Out
– Description: A simple skit portraying the interaction between David and Ahimelech to bring the story to life.
– Connection: Engages students with the narrative, emphasizing the themes of trust and divine assistance.
Each of these activities and songs ties back to the central theme of trust in God’s provision and care, as demonstrated through the story of 1 Samuel 21.
Scripture Background
Background Notes on 1 Samuel 21
Historical Context:
– The story is set in ancient Israel during the time of King Saul and David, who will later become king.
– It takes place in the Philistine period, around the 11th century BCE.
– David is fleeing from King Saul who is jealous and wants to harm him.
Cultural Insights:
– Nob: A city of priests in Israel, indicating the importance of religion and worship.
– The tabernacle, a place of worship, is located in Nob; it’s where the priest Ahimelech helps David.
– The practice of eating “shewbread” or “holy bread” was reserved for priests, highlighting religious customs and laws.
Theological Themes:
– Trust in God: David relies on God for protection and guidance amid fear and danger.
– Provision: God provides for David’s physical needs through the holy bread given by Ahimelech.
– Leadership: David demonstrates leadership and reliance on God despite being in a difficult situation.
– God’s plan: Despite King Saul’s attempts, God’s plan for David to become king continues to unfold.
Key Characters:
– David: Future king of Israel, known for his bravery and faith in God.
– Ahimelech: The priest of Nob who assists David, demonstrating kindness and resourcefulness.
– King Saul (mentioned): The current king, showing how power can be misused when one turns away from God’s commands.
Use this background to help students understand the bravery and faith of David, as well as how God cares for His people in times of trouble.
Download PDF for Scripture Background
