Discover the 1 Samuel 23 lesson, where David makes brave choices while facing King Saul.
Lesson
Engaging Introduction
Good morning, boys and girls! Today, we are going to explore a really exciting story from the Bible. It’s about a time when David, before he became king, had to make some tough choices. Have any of you ever had to make a tough decision? Maybe you had to choose between playing with your favorite toy or doing your homework? Or maybe you had to decide what to do when a friend wanted to play a game that wasn’t fair? Decisions are a part of life, and we all face them, even superheroes in the Bible like David!
In this story from 1 Samuel 23, David wasn’t just trying to decide what game to play; he had to decide how to save a town and keep himself safe from danger. Can you imagine having to be brave like that? David was a young shepherd who was chosen by God to become the next king of Israel, but before that could happen, he spent a lot of time running away from King Saul, who was jealous of him. Even though David was in a tough situation, he always wanted to do what was right in God’s eyes. And one of the most important things about this story is how David talked to God and asked for His help before making any big moves. Let’s dive into the story and see what lessons we can learn from David and his adventures!
Main Teaching Points
Point 1: David Seeks God’s Counsel
The first thing David did in our story was to seek God’s advice. This is really important because David was being chased by King Saul, and it would have been very easy for him to act quickly out of fear or panic. But instead, David chose to pray and talk to God about what he should do. God is like our best friend who knows everything and loves to help us. Just like when we ask our parents or teachers for help with a problem, David asked God to guide his footsteps. God answered David, telling him to save a town called Keilah from the Philistines who wanted to attack it.
Point 2: Following God’s Instructions
After receiving God’s guidance, David did not hesitate. He took his men and went to Keilah to help the people there. Now, imagine if you were the people of Keilah, and you saw David and his men coming to the rescue! It’s like when a superhero suddenly shows up when everything seems hopeless. Thanks to David listening to God, the town was saved, and the people were safe from the Philistines. This shows us that following God’s instructions is important. God knows what’s best for us, just like our parents want the best for us when they give us instructions.
Point 3: Trusting God in Difficult Situations
Soon after saving Keilah, David faced another tough choice. King Saul found out that David was in Keilah and planned to trap him. Can you imagine being hunted like that? It might feel scary or lonely. But David wasn’t alone; he trusted God. He prayed again, and God told him to leave Keilah to avoid danger from King Saul. Sometimes we might find ourselves in situations where we feel scared or alone, but like David, we can trust God to show us a way out. Remember how God helped David by warning him, which helped him escape? He does the same for us by guiding us when things seem challenging!
Point 4: The Power of Friendship and Loyalty
An important part of David’s story is the friendship he had with Jonathan, King Saul’s son. Even though his father was trying to capture David, Jonathan remained a true friend. He helped David by warning him about his father’s plan. It’s like when a good friend stands by you, even when things are hard. Jonathan encouraged David and reminded him of God’s promises. This teaches us about the power of friendship and loyalty. We should be there to support our friends, especially in tough times, just like Jonathan did.
Point 5: Staying True to What is Right
Finally, David had the opportunity to harm King Saul, who was trying to take him down, but David chose not to. Even though Saul was making life difficult for him, David decided that he didn’t want to hurt him because he respected Saul as the king chosen by God. Sometimes, doing the right thing isn’t easy, especially when others aren’t being nice to us. But David shows us that it’s always best to stay true to what we know is right.
Personal Application for Elementary Students
Now that we have walked through David’s adventure, let’s think about how we can apply these lessons to our own lives. First, like David, we can talk to God whenever we need help making a decision. Praying is like sending a heavenly message asking for direction. When you find yourself unsure about what to do at school or at home, take a moment to pray and ask God for help.
Next, it’s important to listen to God’s instructions. Remember how David saved Keilah because he listened to God? In our lives, we might not always get a message like David did, but we can read the Bible and seek advice from adults we trust.
Trusting God is another lesson we learn from David. If you’re ever in a sticky situation, like when you’re feeling upset about a friend or worried about a test, trusting God can provide comfort. Believe that He’s looking out for you just like He did for David.
Having good friends, like Jonathan was to David, is a blessing. Be a supportive friend and choose friends who help you stay on the right path. Lastly, even when others do what’s wrong, like King Saul did, remember to do what’s right. It might be hard, but it’s part of being like David, who chose to follow God’s way no matter what.
Interactive Discussion Questions
1. Why did David ask God for help before making decisions?
– Teaching Guidance: Encourage students to express why it’s important to pray. Explain that when we ask God for help, we’re letting someone who loves us and knows what’s best guide us through life’s challenges.
2. What did David do when God told him to help the people of Keilah? How can we follow God’s instructions in our lives?
– Teaching Guidance: Wait for responses and guide them to understand that just like David took action to help others, we can help our parents, friends, or classmates when they need us. Maybe it’s as simple as sharing, listening, or being kind.
3. How did trusting God help David in a difficult situation when he was in Keilah?
– Teaching Guidance: Discuss how trusting God offers peace and direction. Use an example of how trusting a parent or teacher helps them feel safe and secure.
4. What makes a true friendship like the one David had with Jonathan? How can you be a good friend?
– Teaching Guidance: Help the students discuss what qualities make a good friend. Explain that loyalty and encouragement can strengthen friendships, just like David and Jonathan’s friendship.
5. How did David show he was choosing to do what is right even when things were hard?
– Teaching Guidance: Guide them to see that sometimes doing the right thing feels difficult, especially when someone isn’t nice to us. Encourage them to think of a time it was hard to be good but turned out to be a better choice.
And that wraps up today’s lesson from 1 Samuel 23! Let’s remember to always seek God first, stay brave in tricky situations, and be good friends like David was. Isn’t it amazing how much we can learn from one story in the Bible? Thanks for listening, and I hope this lesson helps you make God-filled choices in your everyday lives!
Games
Game 1: Shepherd’s Hide and Seek
Objective: Understand David’s flight from King Saul.
Players: 4-10
Materials:
– A large space for hiding
– Printed images of David (one for each player)
– Index cards with scripture references from 1 Samuel 23
Setup:
1. Spread out the printed images of David with scripture references on the back.
2. Select one player to be “King Saul” who will seek.
Instructions:
1. Players, except “King Saul,” take an image and find a hiding spot.
2. “King Saul” counts to 20 with eyes closed and then searches for the players.
3. When found, the hiding players must recite their scripture or explain the context in simple terms.
4. Rotate roles so each player gets a chance to be “King Saul.”
Reinforcement:
This game emphasizes how David had to hide from King Saul and illustrates God’s protection and guidance as shared in the scriptures.
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Game 2: David’s Brave Path
Objective: Navigate a board illustrating David’s escape while learning key points from 1 Samuel 23.
Players: 2-4
Materials:
– A simple board game layout (on paper or cardboard)
– Dice
– Pieces for each player
– Question cards with multiple-choice questions about 1 Samuel 23
Setup:
1. Place all pieces on the start position.
2. Shuffle and stack the question cards.
Instructions:
1. Players take turns rolling the dice, moving along the path.
2. If a player lands on certain spaces (marked with a question symbol), draw and answer a question from the stack.
3. Correct answers allow the player to advance by one additional space.
4. The first player to reach the end of the path wins.
Reinforcement:
This game provides a fun way to test their knowledge of the key events in 1 Samuel 23 such as David’s consultation with God, his escape to Keilah, and interactions with Jonathan, reinforcing memory and learning through answering questions.
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Game 3: Keilah Defense Strategy
Objective: Reinforce teamwork and problem-solving from David’s defense of Keilah.
Players: 6-12
Materials:
– Hula hoops (or cones to mark areas)
– Balloon (representing Keilah)
– Timer
– Scripture cards with hints (take from different Bible stories)
Setup:
– Use hula hoops or cones to create two side-by-side circles (“Keilah” and “Philistines’ Camp”).
– Place the balloon in the “Keilah” circle.
Instructions:
1. Divide players into two teams. One defends Keilah and the other plays the “Philistines.”
2. The defending team must strategize to protect Keilah by keeping the balloon in the circle.
3. The opposing team tries to softly tap the balloon to the “Philistines’ Camp” within a set time.
4. After each round, read the scripture card and discuss how the strategy relates to David’s story.
5. Swap roles after each round. Teams win points for keeping or capturing the balloon.
Reinforcement:
This game highlights the importance of teamwork and problem-solving akin to David’s strategic mind when defending Keilah, and it allows students to engage in action related to planning and decision-making as David did.
Takehome
1 Samuel 23: A Take-Home Assignment
Objective:
Learn about trust in God and friendship through the story of David and Jonathan.
Assignment Overview:
Read 1 Samuel 23 together and reflect on how David trusted in God and the importance of his friendship with Jonathan. Spend about 15 minutes on the activities and questions with your family.
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Reading:
With a family member, read 1 Samuel 23, focusing on how David trusted God’s guidance and the friendship between David and Jonathan.
Discussion Questions:
1. How did David show trust in God when he was being chased by King Saul?
2. Who helped David when he was in need, and how did they help him?
3. Why do you think Jonathan was a good friend to David?
4. What can we learn from David about asking for help from God and from friends?
Activities:
1. Trust Exercise:
– Pair up with a family member and take turns being blindfolded. The other person will guide the blindfolded person around a room or safe area, just as Jonathan helped guide David. Discuss what it felt like to trust someone.
2. Friendship Illustration:
– Create a drawing or comic strip showing a scene from the story. Include David, Jonathan, and a symbol of their friendship, such as a heart or a shield.
3. Prayer Time:
– Take a moment to pray together. Ask God for guidance in your daily lives and thank Him for the friends who help and support you.
Reflection:
Write a few sentences about a time you trusted someone like David trusted his friend Jonathan. How did it feel to have someone you could rely on, and how does it help you understand the story better?
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Remember:
The story of David and Jonathan teaches us about the importance of trusting in God and valuing friendships. Reflect on how you can be a good friend and trust in God’s plan for you.
Visuals
Visual 1: Map of Ancient Israel
Caption: “David’s Journey in 1 Samuel 23”
Presentation Slide Idea: Create a simple map highlighting key locations mentioned in 1 Samuel 23, such as Keilah, Ziph, and the Desert of Maon. Use colorful markers to show David’s movement and Saul’s pursuit.
Description: A clear, child-friendly map with labeled locations. Use arrows to depict David’s movement from one place to another, and perhaps footprints or dotted lines to illustrate a journey or chase. Add icons like a sandal or a tent to represent travel.
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Visual 2: David Rescues Keilah
Caption: “David and His Men Save Keilah”
Presentation Slide Idea: An illustration showing David and his soldiers approaching a city under siege. The town should be portrayed with simple drawings of walls and towers.
Description: This illustration should depict a heroic scene where David and his men are shown valiantly approaching Keilah, with expressions of determination on their faces, while the Philistines (depicted with simple warrior outfits) are attacking the city.
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Visual 3: Consultation with God
Caption: “David Seeks Guidance from God”
Presentation Slide Idea: Show David praying with a glowing, abstract representation of divine guidance (such as a light or symbol coming from the heavens).
Description: A simple scene where David is kneeling or standing with his hands together in prayer. Use a soft glow or light beam above him to represent communication with God. Include a text bubble with phrases like “Shall I go?” to emphasize his quest for guidance.
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Visual 4: Saul’s Pursuit
Caption: “Saul Chases David”
Presentation Slide Idea: A diagram showing the chase, with a frustrated looking King Saul at the lead of a group of soldiers, following trails or paths marked with footprints or arrows leading offscreen with David’s name.
Description: Illustrate Saul with a crown and intense expression, while soldiers around him are following David’s trail. Use different textures or colors for the paths to make them distinct and interesting.
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Visual 5: The Rock of Escape
Caption: “The Escape at the Rock”
Presentation Slide Idea: Draw two hills or mountains with a narrow path in between, labeled “Rock of Escape.” Show arrows to indicate David’s clever evasion of Saul.
Description: Depict a dramatic moment with Saul’s forces on one side of the rock and David’s on the other. Show David leading his men, carefully slipping away under cover, emphasizing the idea of strategic escape.
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Visual 6: Message of Friendship
Caption: “Jonathan’s Support for David”
Presentation Slide Idea: An illustration of friendship, such as Jonathan handing David a small symbolic gift or offering a handshake.
Description: Show a touching moment where Jonathan and David are speaking. Jonathan offers David a token of friendship or reassurance, like a small object. Add speech bubbles with kind words of reassurance.
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These visuals and descriptions can be turned into slides easily and made interactive. Encourage students to discuss what they see to reinforce the lesson’s themes.
Memory Verse
Key Bible Verse: 1 Samuel 23:16 (NIV) – “And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God.”
Creative Ways to Memorize:
1. Song: Create a simple melody or use a familiar tune like “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” to sing the verse, emphasizing keywords like “Jonathan,” “David,” “strength,” and “God.”
2. Rhyme:
– “Jonathan went to his friend, you see,
To help David be strong as strong can be.”
3. Motions:
– Hold hands together for “Jonathan went to David” (like friends meeting).
– Flex muscles for “helped him find strength.”
– Point upwards for “in God.”
4. Short Challenge:
– Pair students and have them take turns saying each word of the verse back and forth.
– Use a timer to see how fast they can complete the verse together without mistakes.
Group Activity
Activity 1: Role Play the Rescue
Objective: Understand the story of David saving the town of Keilah.
Instructions:
1. Read 1 Samuel 23:1-13 aloud as a group.
2. Assign roles: David, Abiathar (the priest), townspeople of Keilah, King Saul, and David’s men.
3. Have each student act out their role as you recreate the scene.
Roles:
– David: Lead the group and decide when to consult God.
– Abiathar: Assist David with answers about God’s direction.
– Townspeople: Show gratitude or express concerns.
– King Saul: Demonstrate how he reacts when hearing about David’s actions.
– David’s Men: Voice their feelings about fighting.
Discussion Prompts:
– How do you think David felt having to make these decisions?
– Why do you think it was important for David to ask God for guidance?
– How did the townspeople of Keilah feel when they realized they might be attacked?
Participation:
– Every student should have a speaking role.
– Encourage students to express the emotions they think their character would feel.
Activity 2: Map the Escape
Objective: Visualize David’s journey and the places mentioned in the text.
Instructions:
1. Use a map of Ancient Israel. Identify and mark Keilah, the Wilderness of Ziph, and other locations mentioned.
2. As a group, trace David’s journey using markers or stickers.
Roles:
– Map Leader: Guides the group in finding locations.
– Reader: Reads the story to identify the places.
– Tracker: Places markers on the map for each location.
– Historian: Provides a brief history or fact about each location.
Discussion Prompts:
– Why do you think David chose to go to the Wilderness of Ziph?
– How did the geography affect his decisions?
Participation:
– Each student rotates through roles to ensure everyone contributes.
– Encourage students to ask at least one question about each location.
Activity 3: Message Relay
Objective: Practice communication and teamwork while exploring how messages were delivered.
Instructions:
1. Divide the group into two teams. Set a start and finish line.
2. One student starts with a “message” (a short sentence from the story).
3. Students relay the message by whispering it from one to the next until it reaches the last person.
Roles:
– Message Sender: Starts the relay with the original message.
– Relay Participants: Pass the message along and maintain its accuracy.
– Message Receiver: Recites the final message.
Discussion Prompts:
– Was the message accurately delivered? If not, what changed?
– How does this relate to the ways messages might have traveled in David’s time?
Participation:
– Each student must take a turn relaying the message.
– After each relay, discuss what made it successful or challenging.
Download PDF for Group Activity
Journaling
Guided Journaling Prompts for 1 Samuel 23
Reflecting on the Story
1. Understanding the Passage:
– Who are the main characters in this chapter, and what are they doing?
– Can you describe one problem David faced in this chapter? How did he solve it?
2. David’s Decisions:
– David turned to God for guidance multiple times. How did this help him?
– Write about a time when you needed help and the person or thing that helped you.
Connecting to Daily Life
1. Seeking Guidance:
– Why is it important to ask for help when you’re unsure about what to do?
– Who do you ask for advice when you have a problem? Why do you trust them?
2. Facing Challenges:
– Describe a challenge you faced recently. How did it make you feel?
– How can you use David’s example of trusting God when facing difficult situations?
3. Being a Leader:
– David showed qualities of a leader. What qualities do you think are important for being a good leader?
– Who is someone you admire as a leader, and what makes them special in your eyes?
Personal Application
1. Trusting God:
– How can you practice trusting God in your everyday activities?
– Write a short prayer asking God to help you trust Him more.
2. Helping Others:
– What is one way you can help a friend or family member this week?
– How do you think David felt after helping the people of Keilah? How do you feel when you help others?
3. Overcoming Fear:
– Is there something you’re afraid of right now? How can you ask God for courage?
– Write about a time you were brave. What helped you overcome your fear?
Prayer
1. Gratitude:
– List three things you are thankful for today.
– Write a thank-you prayer to God for something good that happened this week.
2. Asking for Help:
– What is one thing you need God’s help with today?
– Write a prayer, asking God to guide and help you, just like He helped David.
These prompts are designed to help you reflect deeply on the chapter, connect the lessons to your everyday life, and grow in your relationship with God. Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to journal—write what’s on your heart.
Quiz
Quiz on 1 Samuel 23
Multiple-Choice Questions
1. Who did David and his men save from the Philistines?
a) The Israelites
b) The people of Keilah
c) The people of Bethlehem
2. Why did David’s men initially hesitate to go to Keilah?
a) They were afraid of Saul.
b) They were afraid of the Philistines.
c) They were tired from traveling.
3. Who informed David that Saul was coming after him?
a) Abigail
b) Jonathan
c) The Lord
True/False Questions
4. True or False: David always made decisions without asking God for guidance.
5. True or False: The people of Keilah were loyal to David and did not betray him to Saul.
Short-Answer Questions
6. What object did Abiathar bring to David when he fled to him?
7. Who did David consult to find out whether Saul would come to Keilah?
8. How did Jonathan encourage David when they met in the woods?
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Answer Key
Multiple-Choice Answers
1. b) The people of Keilah
2. b) They were afraid of the Philistines.
3. c) The Lord
True/False Answers
4. False
5. False
Short-Answer Answers
6. Abiathar brought an ephod to David.
7. David consulted the Lord to find out whether Saul would come to Keilah.
8. Jonathan encouraged David by reassuring him that he would be king and that Saul would not harm him.
Teacher Tips
Teacher Notes for Teaching 1 Samuel 23 to Elementary Students
Objective:
– Help students understand the story of David in 1 Samuel 23, focusing on themes of trust, divine guidance, and moral choices.
Pacing Suggestions:
– Total lesson time: 30-40 minutes.
– Introduction and context: 5 minutes.
– Reading the scripture or summarized story: 10 minutes.
– Discussion and activities: 15-20 minutes.
– Conclusion and reflection: 5 minutes.
Introduction and Context:
– Briefly introduce the story of David as a shepherd boy chosen by God, who will later become king.
– Set the scene for 1 Samuel 23, where David is on the run from King Saul, who is jealous and wants to harm him.
Reading the Scripture or Story:
– Choose a child-friendly version of the Bible or paraphrase the chapter focusing on key events:
– David saves the town of Keilah.
– Saul plans to capture David, but God guides David through prayer.
– David escapes with his men.
Explaining Difficult Concepts:
– Divine Guidance & Prayer: Explain how David asked God for help by comparing it to asking a trusted adult for advice when you’re unsure.
– Jealousy and Anger: Describe jealousy as feeling upset when someone else has something you want and anger as when you upset because those feelings get very strong.
– Trust in God: Illustrate trust with a simple game (e.g., trust fall with a partner) to show how David trusted God’s plan.
– Moral Choices: Discuss how doing the right thing, like David helping Keilah, is important even when it’s difficult.
Discussion and Activities:
– Character Analysis: Talk about what makes David a good leader. Is it his bravery, trust, kindness?
– Role Play: Have students act out a scene where David and his soldiers decide to help Keilah, showing teamwork and decision-making.
– Map Activity: Show a map of ancient Israel. Mark places like Keilah and use it to visualize David’s journey.
Managing Student Engagement:
– Keep students actively involved by asking open-ended questions: “What would you do if you were David?”
– Use visual aids like maps and drawings to help them visualize the story.
– Encourage students to share their feelings about trusting and making good choices.
Conclusion and Reflection:
– Summarize the key lesson from David’s story about listening to God and making good choices.
– Ask students to reflect on a time they needed guidance and what they learned from that experience.
Final Tips:
– Keep language simple and relatable.
– Use analogies relevant to everyday experiences kids might have.
– Be patient and open to questions, ensuring you keep the conversation age-appropriate and focused.
Crafts
Activity: David in the Wilderness Diorama
Materials List:
– Shoe boxes (one per student)
– Colored construction paper
– Scissors
– Glue sticks
– Small twigs and stones (for decoration)
– Markers or crayons
– Printable character templates of David, Saul, and any guards
– Green tissue paper or fabric scraps (for grass)
– Cotton balls (for clouds)
– String or yarn (for hanging a “God’s Protection” banner)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Shoebox
– Begin by painting or covering the inside of the shoe box with blue construction paper on the top for the sky and green on the bottom for the ground.
Step 2: Create the Wilderness Scene
– Use strips of green tissue paper or fabric to lay on the bottom of the shoebox, representing grass.
– Glue twigs and small stones into the box to create a forest setting.
– Stretch cotton balls slightly and glue them to the top, inside part of the box to represent clouds.
Step 3: Add Characters
– Provide students with printable templates of David, Saul, and any guards. Have them color these with markers or crayons.
– Cut out the characters and fold a small tab at the bottom of each character’s feet to glue them standing up in different places inside the diorama.
Step 4: Add a Banner
– Cut a small strip of paper and write “God’s Protection” on it. Decorate if desired.
– Use string or yarn to drape the banner across the top of the shoebox, securing it with tape.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
– Allow students to add any additional elements they feel represent the wilderness setting, such as extra foliage or small animal figures.
Lesson Reinforcement:
This craft activity reinforces the lesson from 1 Samuel 23, where David is repeatedly protected by God while evading Saul in the wilderness. As students create their diorama, they’ll visualize the environment where David was living and hiding. God’s protection banner serves as a constant reminder of the key message from the passage: God is always watching over and protecting those who are faithful to Him, just as He watched over David. The hands-on aspect helps children internalize the story by connecting physical crafting with the narrative and its moral lesson.
Music
Song Recommendations and Activities for 1 Samuel 23
1. Song: “God is Our Protector”
Lyrics Paraphrase:
– God is our shield and friend,
– He hears our prayers and defends.
– He guides our steps each day,
– In Him we’ll trust and obey.
Suggested Actions:
– Use hand motions to show a “shield” (cross arms in front of chest).
– Point upwards when mentioning God.
– March in place to imitate “guiding our steps.”
Connection to Lesson:
– This song emphasizes God’s protection, aligning with how God guided and protected David from King Saul’s pursuit.
2. Song: “Seek His Voice”
Lyrics Paraphrase:
– Listen to His voice, hear Him speak today,
– Leading with love, showing us the way.
– In every moment, trust His gentle call,
– God is with us, guiding through it all.
Suggested Actions:
– Cup hands around ears when singing “Listen to His voice.”
– Use a gentle hand wave to symbolize “showing us the way.”
– Walk forward in place for “guiding through it all.”
Connection to Lesson:
– This song reflects how David constantly sought God’s guidance through prayer before making decisions.
3. Activity: “Prayer Maps”
Instructions:
– Provide each student with a blank map representing ancient Israel.
– As you discuss the story in 1 Samuel 23, have students mark significant locations David visited.
– Encourage them to draw or write short prayers on their maps for guidance like David’s.
Connection to Lesson:
– This activity helps students visualize the story and understand the importance of seeking God’s guidance at every step.
4. Song: “Mountains and Valleys”
Lyrics Paraphrase:
– Through the mountains high, valleys low,
– God is there, wherever we go.
– His love surrounds us near and far,
– Always shining like a star.
Suggested Actions:
– Raise arms high for “mountains high” and crouch low for “valleys low.”
– Do a big circle with arms to represent “surrounds us.”
– Star hands (fingers spread wide) above head for “shining like a star.”
Connection to Lesson:
– The song reminds students that God’s presence never wavers, just as He was with David in every situation.
These songs and activities not only engage students but also reinforce the themes of seeking God’s guidance and trusting in His protection as illustrated in 1 Samuel 23.
Scripture Background
1 Samuel 23 – Background Notes
Historical Context:
– The Book of 1 Samuel is part of the Bible’s Old Testament. It tells the story of the first kings of Israel.
– During this time, Israel was transitioning from being ruled by judges to having kings.
– David is the main character in this chapter. Although he is not yet king, he has been chosen by God to be the future king of Israel.
Cultural Insights:
– The Philistines were a group of people living near Israel, and they often fought with the Israelites.
– Cities like Keilah had strong walls to protect the people from attacks. When the Philistines attacked Keilah, it was a serious threat to the city.
– Saul was the current king of Israel, but he was jealous of David because David was popular with the people and blessed by God.
Theological Insights:
– David demonstrates trust in God by asking Him for guidance before making decisions. This shows his faith and reliance on God.
– God provides answers to David and helps him save the city of Keilah.
– Even when David is being hunted by King Saul, he continues to trust in God’s plan for his life.
– Jonathan, Saul’s son, shows loyalty and friendship to David. Their friendship is an important example of kindness and support.
Key Themes:
– Trust in God: David’s actions remind us to look to God for help and guidance.
– Friendship: The strong bond between David and Jonathan is a reminder of how important it is to have supportive friends.
– Leadership: Even though David is not yet king, his actions show qualities of a good leader—courage, wisdom, and faith.
Teaching Points:
– Discuss how David trusts God in difficult times and how students can do the same in their own lives.
– Explore the theme of friendship, using David and Jonathan as an example.
– Talk about the importance of making wise choices and seeking God’s guidance, just like David did.
Download PDF for Scripture Background
