Lesson
Engaging Introduction
Hello, everyone! Today, we’re going on an exciting adventure back in time to learn about an important story from the Bible. Our story comes from the book of 2 Samuel, chapter 21. Imagine way back in ancient times, when there were kings and castles. Our story involves a king named David. Have any of you heard of King David before? He’s the same David who fought the giant Goliath! Today, we’re going to find out something very different that happened when David was king.
Now, let’s imagine it hasn’t rained for a very long time. In fact, it hasn’t rained for three whole years! The land is dry, there’s not much food, and people are starting to get worried. In 2 Samuel 21, this is the situation that King David and his people face. They’re dealing with a long famine, which means there’s no food because the crops haven’t grown. King David wanted to find out why this was happening. Don’t you think it’s smart to ask for help when you don’t understand something?
David decided to pray and ask God why the famine was happening. God gave David an answer that helped him understand the problem. Today, we’re going to follow the story of how David solved the problem with God’s help, and what important lessons we can learn from it. Are you ready to explore this story together? Let’s dive into the main points about what happened during this time when there was no rain.
Main Teaching Points
1. David Seeks God’s Guidance
Our first point is about seeking guidance. Imagine playing a difficult video game. Wouldn’t you want some help or hints to figure out the tricky parts? That’s what King David did by praying to God. He asked for guidance to understand why it wasn’t raining. God replied that Israel was being punished because something wrong had happened in the past with the Gibeonites, who were a group of people the Israelites had promised to protect. This shows us that it’s important to seek help from God and wise people when we don’t understand what’s happening around us.
2. Understanding Promises
The second point involves promises. Have you ever made a pinky promise with a friend? Those are serious, right? Many years ago, Israel had made a special promise to protect the Gibeonites. But Saul, the previous king, had broken that promise, which was why the famine happened. Keeping promises is very important to God. When David found out, he tried to make things right with the Gibeonites. He had to fix what was broken. This teaches us how important it is to keep our promises and to try making things right when we break them.
3. Making Peace
Our third point is about making peace. After speaking with the Gibeonites, David asked them how he could make things right, and they told him that they wanted justice. Let’s think of it like a teeter-totter on the playground. If one side is too heavy, you need to add more weight to the other side to balance it out so that both sides are even again. David listened to what the Gibeonites needed and worked on making peace by balancing what was wrong. This tells us that making peace can sometimes be hard, but it’s so important.
4. God’s Faithfulness in Ending the Famine
Finally, God’s faithfulness shows up again. Have you ever heard that saying, “Good things come to those who wait?” Once David made peace with the Gibeonites, something amazing happened. God ended the famine, and it rained again! The land became green, and food started to grow. This was God’s way of showing His faithfulness and love. Just as rain refreshes the earth, God’s solutions refresh our lives. By trusting God and doing what’s right, David’s actions changed everything, reminding us that God is always faithful.
Now that we have explored the main points of the story, let’s see how we can learn from these lessons in our own lives.
Personal Application for Elementary Students
Think about the story we just heard. There are some important things we can use in our own lives. First, just like David, we can ask God for help and guidance in difficult times. Whether it’s understanding your homework or solving a problem with a friend, praying can bring peace to your worries.
Second, we learned about the importance of keeping promises. Imagine if every time you said, “I promise,” you really meant it and followed through! Let’s try to be honest with our promises, like finishing our chores or helping a friend when we say we will.
Third, making peace with others is crucial. Maybe you had a disagreement with someone in school or at home. It’s important to talk things out, apologize when necessary, and find a way to solve the problem together. Like balancing a teeter-totter, making peace keeps our relationships strong and joyful.
Lastly, remember God’s faithfulness. Just like how God ended the famine for David and his people, He watches over us. When we trust and follow God, He helps us in ways we can see and sometimes even in ways we might not notice right away.
Each of these lessons can help us make better choices every day. Now, let’s discuss some questions to see how we can put this all into practice!
Interactive Discussion Questions with Explanation and Teaching Guidance
Question 1: Why is it important to ask for help when you don’t understand something?
When you’re stuck on something, like a puzzle, asking for help can make it much easier to solve. Let students know it’s okay to ask their teachers, parents, or God for help when they’re unsure about something. This builds their confidence in seeking guidance.
Question 2: Why do you think promises are important? What are the consequences of not keeping a promise?
Discuss how promises build trust. Students can share times they’ve kept promises and how it felt. Explain that breaking promises can hurt others’ feelings and make it hard for them to trust you again. Understanding this helps children realize the value of being reliable.
Question 3: How can you make peace after a disagreement with a friend or sibling?
Encourage students to share examples of solving arguments. Explain that saying sorry, being kind, and listening to how the other person feels are steps to making peace. Role-playing scenarios can help them practice these skills.
Question 4: How does trusting in God’s faithfulness make a difference in your life?
Let students talk about how they feel when they trust in God. Share stories of times when patience and trust in God led to a positive outcome, like finding something they’d lost or resolving a tough situation. This can strengthen their belief that God is always with them.
Through these discussions, students can deepen their understanding of the story and learn how to apply its lessons to their own lives. By exploring these ideas together, they can grow in their faith and relationships, just as King David did so many years ago.
Games
Game 1: Gibeonite Quest
Objective: Teach the story of the Gibeonites and David’s action to atone for Saul’s wrongful actions.
Number of Players:
5-10
Materials Needed:
– Craft sticks or small twigs (represent bones)
– Small bag for carrying sticks
– Timer
Setup:
1. Gather players in an open space.
2. Scatter the craft sticks or twigs around the area.
3. Designate a “starting line” where players begin each round.
4. Set the timer for 2 minutes.
Instructions:
1. Explain to players that King Saul wronged the Gibeonites, and David sought to make things right, as recounted in 2 Samuel 21.
2. Players are tasked with collecting as many “bones” as they can find as a way to remember the solution to the problem.
3. On “go,” players race from the starting line to collect as many sticks as they can in the allotted time.
4. Players return the sticks to the starting line and attempt to collect more if time permits.
5. Once time is up, count the collected sticks.
6. Discuss how making efforts like David to solve problems can involve teamwork and reconciliation.
Reinforcement:
This game illustrates problem-solving and reconciliation, emphasizing the importance of peacemaking and responsibility in line with the biblical narrative.
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Game 2: Tunnel of Justice
Objective: Learn about David’s sense of justice and fairness.
Number of Players:
4-8
Materials Needed:
– Paper towel or toilet paper tubes
– Marbles
– Small box or container
Setup:
1. Arrange the tubes into a path leading into a box, serving as the tunnel. Secure if necessary.
2. Ensure the path is linear but with gentle curves or challenges, to simulate a journey.
Instructions:
1. Discuss how David resolved Saul’s mistake by journeying to bring justice.
2. Players take turns rolling marbles through the tube tunnels, representing the quest for fairness.
3. Each successful marble lands in the container symbolizing a step toward justice.
4. Once all marbles have been rolled, discuss how each action, represented by a marble, contributed to a fair resolution.
5. Encourage students to talk about how they seek fairness in their daily lives.
Reinforcement:
This game models the journey toward fairness and teaches the importance of deliberate actions in achieving justice.
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Game 3: Echo of Peacemakers
Objective: Highlight cooperation and peace in solving community issues.
Number of Players:
6-12
Materials Needed:
– None required
Setup:
1. Divide players into two equal groups.
2. Form two lines facing each other several feet apart.
Instructions:
1. In 2 Samuel 21, David worked with the Gibeonites to restore peace. Similarly, players will engage in an echo challenge.
2. A leader calls out a phrase from the story, like “Gibeon wants peace!” The first group echoes by repeating the phrase.
3. The other group responds with their own echo-like action or phrase, maintaining the peace theme, such as “Together we can!”
4. Continue until each group has echoed multiple messages of peace.
5. Conclude by discussing how communication and cooperation can lead to peaceful solutions, drawing parallels to David’s actions.
Reinforcement:
This activity reinforces communication and collaboration, mirroring David’s reconciliation efforts in the story.
Takehome
Take-Home Assignment: Reflection on 2 Samuel 21
Introduction:
Hi there! Today, we learned about 2 Samuel 21, a story from the Bible. In this chapter, King David faces a tough situation after a famine in the land. Let’s think more about what happened and why it matters. Share your thoughts and activities with your family!
Activity 1: Story Summary
Take a few minutes to summarize the story you read in 2 Samuel 21. Here are some questions to help you:
– Who are the main characters in this chapter?
– What difficult situation did King David face?
– How did David solve the problem he was facing?
Activity 2: Discuss with Family
Have a chat with your family about these questions:
– Why do you think there was a famine?
– How do you think God helped King David find a solution?
– What can we learn from this story about making things right?
Activity 3: Creativity Time
Draw a picture showing King David solving the problem in the story. Use colors and imagination to show how he felt and what was happening. Share your artwork with your family and explain what’s happening in the picture.
Activity 4: Thankfulness Journal
King David communicated with God to understand how to help his people. Try writing down 3 things you are thankful for and 2 things you might want to pray about. You can ask a family member to help you write them down.
Wrap-Up Questions:
– How do you think David felt when he learned the reason for the famine?
– What do you think is an important lesson from this chapter?
– How can we be like David and solve problems in our own lives?
Conclusion:
Take a moment to think about how you can do something kind or make something right at school, at home, or in your neighborhood, just like David did. Share your idea with your family.
Visuals
Slide 1: Title Slide
– Visual: An illustrated image of an ancient scroll or book titled “2 Samuel 21”
– Caption: “Exploring 2 Samuel 21: Lessons from the Past”
Slide 2: Introduction to 2 Samuel 21
– Visual: A map of ancient Israel highlighting areas like Gibeon and Jerusalem
– Caption: “Setting the Scene: Where the Story Takes Place”
– Description: Use a simple map to show where the events unfold, helping students visualize the geographic context.
Slide 3: The Famine in Israel
– Visual: Illustration of a dry, barren landscape with wilting crops under a bright, sunny sky
– Caption: “A Time of Famine: What Would You Do?”
– Description: Discuss the cause of the famine and its effects on the people.
Slide 4: King David’s Solutions
– Visual: Image of King David on his throne pondering over messages or scrolls
– Caption: “David Seeks Answers: Asking the Right Questions”
– Description: Explain how King David sought guidance on how to end the famine.
Slide 5: The Gibeonites’ Request
– Visual: Two groups of people facing each other, one representing David’s advisors and the other the Gibeonites
– Caption: “Meeting the Gibeonites: A Story of Promises and Requests”
– Description: Discuss the history between Israel and the Gibeonites.
Slide 6: Resolution and Sacrifice
– Visual: Scales balancing justice and mercy, symbolizing the resolution of conflicts
– Caption: “Balancing Justice with Mercy”
– Description: Talk about the actions taken to end the famine and what they mean.
Slide 7: The Importance of Keeping Promises
– Visual: A simple chain or link symbolizing a promise
– Caption: “Why Keeping Promises Is Important”
– Description: Relate the story’s lesson to everyday life and the significance of promises.
Slide 8: Closing: Lessons Learned
– Visual: Children holding a scroll with the lesson written on it, such as “Always keep your promises”
– Caption: “Lessons from 2 Samuel 21: A Promise Kept”
– Description: Summarize the story’s moral and encourage discussions about honesty and integrity.
Slide 9: Q&A/Discussion Prompt
– Visual: Question marks in colorful speech bubbles
– Caption: “What Did We Learn? Let’s Discuss!”
– Description: Prompt students to think critically and share their thoughts on the story.
Memory Verse
Key Verse:
2 Samuel 21:14a (NIV) – “They buried the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan.”
Creative Ways to Memorize:
1. Rhyme Time:
Create a simple rhyme to help remember the verse:
“Saul and Jonathan, laid to rest,
In their burial place, they were blessed.”
2. Hand Motions:
– Pretend to dig a small hole in the ground with your hands as if burying.
– Point to your bones (forearm) for “bones.”
– Make a crown shape with your hands above your head as if wearing a crown for “Saul.”
– Use your other hand to make a letter “J” (for Jonathan) with your thumb and forefinger.
3. Verse Song:
Use the tune of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” to sing the verse:
“They buried, buried bones away,
Saul and Jonathan today.”
4. Memory Challenge:
Write the verse on a small piece of paper and practice reading it aloud. Each day, cover one word at a time with a sticker as you try to recall the missing words until you can recite it from memory without any assistance.
5. Drawing Activity:
Draw a picture of a peaceful burial scene and write the verse at the bottom of the drawing. Visualizing the verse as a picture can help with memory retention.
Group Activity
Activity 1: Story Reenactment
Objective: To help students understand the events and relationships in 2 Samuel 21 through role play.
Instructions:
1. Divide the students into small groups (4-5 students per group).
2. Assign each group a scene from the chapter to act out (e.g., the famine, the hanging of Saul’s descendants, David’s intervention).
3. Provide simple props or costumes to enhance engagement.
Roles:
– Narrator: Guides the story and sets the scene.
– King David: Takes action to resolve the famine.
– Rizpah: Protects her sons and shows devotion.
– The Gibeonites: Explain their request to David.
– Additional roles: Other family members or advisers.
Discussion Prompts:
– What did you learn about King David’s leadership from this story?
– How did Rizpah’s actions impact those around her?
– Why do you think the Gibeonites requested what they did?
Participation:
– Each student plays a character or acts as the narrator.
– Encourage creativity and ask each student to share their favorite part of the reenactment.
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Activity 2: Cause and Effect Mapping
Objective: To understand the relationship between events and their consequences in 2 Samuel 21.
Instructions:
1. Provide each group with a large sheet of paper and markers.
2. Ask them to draw a cause-and-effect chart that connects key events in the chapter.
3. Begin with the famine and continue to the resolution.
Roles:
– Facilitator: Ensures the group stays on task.
– Recorder: Writes down the events and connections.
– Presenter: Shares the chart with the class.
– Questioner: Thinks of questions to deepen discussion.
Discussion Prompts:
– How did the initial famine affect King David and the people of Israel?
– What steps did David take to resolve the crisis?
– What were the outcomes of David’s decisions?
Participation:
– Ensure all group members contribute ideas for the chart.
– Allow students to take turns adding elements to the chart.
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Activity 3: Reflection and Art
Objective: To express understanding of the story through art and personal reflection.
Instructions:
1. Provide art supplies (paper, markers, crayons) to each group.
2. Ask students to illustrate a part of the story that stood out to them.
3. After completing their artwork, have a group discussion.
Roles:
– Artist: Leads the drawing or art direction.
– Supporter: Helps with ideas and supplies.
– Presentation Leader: Explains the artwork to the class.
– Reflection Guide: Leads a discussion on feelings and thoughts about the story.
Discussion Prompts:
– Why did you choose this part of the story to illustrate?
– What emotions did you feel while learning about this chapter?
– How does this story relate to your own life or choices you make?
Participation:
– Encourage each student to contribute to the artwork.
– Allow time for each group to present their art and reflections to the class.
Download PDF for Group Activity
Journaling
Guided Journaling Prompts for 2 Samuel 21
1. Understanding the Story:
– Summarize what happens in 2 Samuel 21. Who are the main characters in this chapter?
– What problem were the Israelites facing, and what did David do about it?
2. Reflecting on the Actions:
– Why do you think David decided to take action to solve the problem of the famine?
– How did God guide David to find a solution?
3. Personal Application:
– Think about a problem you faced that needed solving. What did you do? How did you feel afterward?
– Who do you go to for guidance when you are unsure about a problem? Why?
4. Connecting to Daily Life:
– How can you be like David when you face challenges or problems today?
– Is there something you’ve learned in this story that can help you trust God more in your daily life?
5. Prayer Time:
– Write a short prayer asking God for wisdom like David had when he faced the famine.
– Thank God for the people who help guide you and teach you, just like He guided David.
6. Open-Ended Questions:
– What do you think God is teaching us through the story of 2 Samuel 21?
– How do you think following God’s guidance can help us become better helpers to others?
Remember to spend a few quiet moments thinking about these questions, and let your answers fill your heart with understanding and peace.
Quiz
2 Samuel 21 Quiz for Elementary Students
Multiple Choice Questions:
1. Why was there a famine in the land during the time of King David?
a) Because of a lack of rain.
b) Because of the sins of the Israelites.
c) Because of what Saul did to the Gibeonites.
d) Because of a war with the Philistines.
2. How did King David resolve the issue with the Gibeonites?
a) He gave them money.
b) He sent them away to another land.
c) He held a feast in their honor.
d) He handed over seven of Saul’s descendants.
3. Who was protected from being given to the Gibeonites?
a) Michal
b) Mephibosheth, son of Jonathan
c) Abner
d) Joab
True/False Questions:
4. True or False: The famine lasted for three years before David sought help from God.
5. True or False: Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah, protected the bodies of Saul’s descendants from birds and wild animals.
Short-Answer Questions:
6. What did Rizpah do to protect the bodies of Saul’s descendants?
7. Who was David fighting against when the giants were killed?
Answer Key
Multiple Choice:
1. c) Because of what Saul did to the Gibeonites.
2. d) He handed over seven of Saul’s descendants.
3. b) Mephibosheth, son of Jonathan
True/False:
4. True
5. True
Short-Answer:
6. Rizpah spread sackcloth on a rock and stayed there from the beginning of the harvest until rain fell, keeping birds and wild animals away from the bodies.
7. David was fighting against the Philistines when the giants were killed.
Teacher Tips
Teacher Notes and Tips for Teaching 2 Samuel 21 to Elementary Students
Objective:
Understand the narrative of 2 Samuel 21, focusing on the events and key lessons about justice, leadership, and God’s provision.
Pacing Suggestions:
1. Introduction (5 minutes):
– Start with a brief recap of who King David is to provide context.
– Explain what the book of 2 Samuel is about – stories of leadership and God’s promises.
2. Reading the Passage (10 minutes):
– Read a simplified version of 2 Samuel 21:1-14.
– Break down the reading into two sections: Verses 1-9 (The Gibeonites’ Grievance) and 10-14 (Rizpah’s Vigil and Resolution).
3. Discussion (15 minutes):
– Verses 1-9: Discuss the importance of resolving past wrongs and keeping promises. Explain who the Gibeonites are and why there was a famine.
– Verses 10-14: Talk about Rizpah’s actions and David’s response. Introduce concepts like justice and protection.
4. Activity (15 minutes):
– Engage students in a role-playing activity where they act out resolving a conflict or problem from their daily lives.
5. Wrap-Up and Reflection (5 minutes):
– Summarize the key lessons from the passage.
– Allow students to share one thing they learned or a question they have.
Explaining Difficult Concepts:
– Famine: Explain as a “big problem where there is not enough food to eat.”
– Atonement/Resolve: Simplify as “making things right after someone has been hurt or wronged.”
– Gibeonites: Describe as a group of people who had an agreement with Israel long ago.
Guidance for Managing Student Engagement:
– Interactive Storytelling: Use props or visual aids like pictures or drawings to keep students engaged during the reading.
– Questions and Connections: Frequently ask questions to connect the story to students’ lives. Example: “Have you ever had to make something right at school or home?”
– Movement Breaks: Use breaks before and after the discussion to let students move. This helps them release energy and refocus.
– Group Work: Encourage students to work in pairs or small groups during the activity to facilitate peer learning and engagement.
Additional Tips:
– Be prepared for varied levels of biblical literacy and adjust explanations accordingly.
– Use positive reinforcement to encourage participation and respect during discussions.
– Relate lessons from the passage to concrete examples, such as resolving conflicts with friends.
Crafts
Craft Activity: “David’s Shield of Protection”
Materials List:
– Cardstock or sturdy paper
– Scissors
– Markers or crayons
– Aluminum foil
– Glue sticks
– Decorative stickers or gems
– Hole punch
– String or yarn
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Draw the Shield:
– On the cardstock, have the students draw a large shield shape. Use an example to guide them if needed.
2. Cut out the Shield:
– Assist students in cutting out their shield shape from the cardstock.
3. Decorate with Aluminum Foil:
– Cover the front of the shield with pieces of aluminum foil. Use glue to stick the foil smoothly over the surface, making it look metallic.
4. Design the Shield:
– Using markers or crayons, students can decorate their shields. Encourage them to add symbols or words that represent protection, strength, and faith.
5. Add Decorations:
– Adorn the shield with stickers or gems to make it vibrant and personalized.
6. Attach a Handle:
– Flip the shield to the back and glue two strips of cardstock as handles or hand grips. Ensure they are firmly attached so the shield can be held comfortably.
7. Punch Holes and Add Strings (Optional):
– Punch a hole on each side of the shield’s top and thread a piece of yarn through, tying knots on each end. This allows the shield to be hung or displayed.
Connection to the Lesson:
In 2 Samuel 21, David exemplifies the qualities of leadership and protection as he addresses the famine and defends Israel from their enemies. Creating “David’s Shield of Protection” reinforces the lesson of God’s protection and David’s role as a protector of his people. By designing personal shields, students engage with the concept of protection — both divine and communal — and reflect on how they, too, can embody protective qualities in their daily lives.
Music
Song Recommendation: “God Answers Prayer”
Paraphrased Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
When things are tough and seem unfair,
Remember God is always there.
He hears our cries, dries our tears,
So have no doubts, cast away your fears.
(Chorus)
God answers prayer, yes, He hears,
Every word, every tear.
Trust in His ways, His love is true,
God answers prayer, He cares for you.
Suggested Actions:
– During “He hears our cries,” cup your hands behind your ears.
– For “dries our tears,” mimic wiping tears from your face.
– On “cast away your fears,” pretend to throw something away from you.
– As you sing “God answers prayer,” point upwards to emphasize God’s presence.
Connection to Lesson:
This song reflects the theme of God hearing and responding to the cries of His people, as seen in 2 Samuel 21 when David seeks God to resolve the famine. It emphasizes trust in God’s timing and care, just as David sought God’s guidance through prayer.
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Worship Activity: “Prayer Circle”
– Materials Needed: A small globe or ball to represent the world.
– Description: Gather the students in a circle. Pass the globe around, and when a student receives it, they briefly mention a prayer request or thank God for something.
Connection to Lesson:
This activity reinforces the idea that God listens to everyone’s prayers, just as He did for David. It gives students a chance to practice praying for specific needs, highlighting trust and faith that God will answer.
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Interactive Storytime: “David’s Challenge”
– Activity Steps:
– Read or paraphrase the story of 2 Samuel 21.
– Pause periodically and ask students what they think David felt and how they would ask God for help in his situation.
Connection to Lesson:
This interactive session draws parallels between David seeking God for solutions and encourages children to think about how they can turn to God in times of need. It makes the story relatable and showcases prayer as a vital tool in overcoming life’s challenges.
Scripture Background
Background Notes: 2 Samuel 21
Historical Context:
– Time Period: The events in 2 Samuel 21 occur during the reign of King David, which is around 1000 BC.
– Israel and Gibeonites: The Gibeonites were not Israelites but had made a treaty with the Israelites during the time of Joshua. King Saul had violated this treaty by attacking them, which led to consequences later addressed in this chapter.
Cultural Insights:
– Famine: During David’s reign, there was a severe famine lasting three years. In ancient times, people viewed such natural calamities as possible signs of divine displeasure or the result of societal wrongs.
– Treaties: Treaties and promises made in ancient times were considered very serious and sacred. Breaking them could result in severe consequences and needed to be corrected to restore peace and justice.
– Reconciliation Practices: The Israelites had specific customs and practices for making amends, including seeking divine guidance and making reparations to those wronged.
Theological Insights:
– Divine Justice: This passage highlights the importance of justice and faithfulness to agreements. It demonstrates that past wrongdoings need to be addressed to bring peace and healing to a nation.
– Role of a King: King David seeks God’s guidance to solve the problem, showing the importance of looking to God for wisdom in leadership.
– Atonement: The resolution of the conflict with the Gibeonites involved an act of atonement, which means making things right to restore a broken relationship, pointing to themes of forgiveness and reconciliation important in the Bible.
Key Takeaway:
This story teaches that keeping promises and doing the right thing are important in building trusting relationships, and it emphasizes the need to seek guidance from God when dealing with difficult situations.
Download PDF for Scripture Background
