Teaching kids about David as King is a wonderful way to help them discover God’s faithfulness, leadership, and promises. This story helps children learn how God chose David, guided him through difficult seasons, and established him as king over Israel. It offers meaningful opportunities to talk about prayer, trusting God, showing courage, and leading with a heart that seeks Him. You’ll find engaging ideas such as crafts, games, hands-on activities, printable lesson plans, and kid-friendly videos that make the story of David as King easy for children to understand and remember.

The Story of David as King

The stories of David as King are found in 1 Samuel 16 through 1 Kings 2. After Saul died, David became King of Judah. Later, he became king over all of Israel. While he was king, he achieved great military success, defeating many enemies and strengthening the kingdom.

In one notable story, David had the Ark of the Covenant brought to Jerusalem so Jerusalem could become the center of worship for the Israelite people.

David is King Bible Lessons for Kids

Are you preparing to teach about David as king? Our scripted lesson plans, printable crafts, and discussion questions are perfect for kids ages 3 to 8.

(Click HERE for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade version!)

Click here for the preschool/kindergarten version

Background information about David as King

David knew the importance of prayer. David wrote many prayers and psalms to God. The book of Psalms contains many of David's prayers. David wasn’t afraid to express his emotions in his psalms and prayers. He expressed emotions like sadness, guilt, praise, anger, and joy in his prayers and psalms.

David is called a man after God's own heart. He truly desired to follow God, even though he was not perfect at doing this and made mistakes. David tried to do the right thing, and he knew the importance of prayer. He was also truly repentant when he sinned. 

”I can Talk to God” Mini Poster and Watch for Preschool

We can talk to God anytime and anywhere. We don’t need to be at church or in a special place. We don’t have to do anything special to get God’s attention. He always hears us when we pray! This is such an important concept for kids to understand. 

Create a mini poster with preschool kids to help them remember that they can talk to God anywhere. The phrase “I can talk to God!” can be represented by pictures. An eye for “I”, lips for “can talk”, and a finger pointing up for “to God!” Have kids cut and glue the three images next to the corresponding words. This poster will become a simple (and cute) reminder that they can talk to God anywhere!

Then have kids make a paper watch craft. Watches will often beep with alarms and reminders throughout the day. This watch can remind them to talk to God throughout the day. The watch face says “I can talk to God” and has the same images as the poster. Kids can decorate their watch straps and then use tape to attach them to their wrists. For template pieces, check out David is King for Preschool.

Pray, Listen, Follow Hanging Sign for Older Kids

David knew the importance of prayer and took many opportunities to pray for guidance, thank God, and praise God. Prayer is more than just talking to God. It’s also listening. We should pray, listen, and then follow God’s direction. This helps strengthen our relationship with God.

To help kids remember to pray, listen, and follow, create the hanging sign from David is King for Older Kids. Color and decorate the sign. Then punch holes at the marked spots along the bottom and one at the top. Thread ribbon through each hole to decorate the bottom of the hanging sign, and thread a ribbon through the top so kids can hang it on their door as a daily reminder to pray, listen, and follow God.

Other Activities and Crafts to use as you learn about king david

• Shepherd to King Relay Race: Set up a simple relay race where kids carry a toy sheep (or a picture of a sheep) to one end of the relay race course and exchange it for a crown at the other end of the relay race course. Then help kids connect that David started as a shepherd and then became a king.

• Crown Decorating Crafts: Crown decorating can be fun for kids of all ages. There are some fun crown crafts you can purchase on Amazon, or make your own with construction paper, glitter, and stickers. Meaningful Mama also has a simple paper-plate crown idea.

• Follow the King: Choose one kid to be the “king”. Then play a game of follow-the-leader. Kids have to follow the actions that the “king” does. Then have a discussion about what makes a good king.

• Sing and Worship: David was called a “man after God’s own heart”. He had a heart of worship and loved to praise God. Take time to worship God together, making noise and dancing. Here are some song suggestions:

  • Praise by Elevation Worship

  • Super Wonderful by Yancy and Little Praise Party

  • Praise the Lord Every Day by Yancy and Little Praise Party

  • God is by LifeTree Kids

YouTube Videos about David as King

If you’d like to help children picture the events of David’s reign, videos can be a helpful teaching tool. Always take a few minutes to watch any video before sharing it with your class or family to ensure it is both age-appropriate and faithful to the biblical account. Here are some recommended videos about David as King that can help bring the story to life for young learners.

• David by Crossroad Kids’ Club

• Saddleback Kids’ David Brings the Ark to Jerusalem  

If you’re looking for a longer episode-length video to show your kids, check out The Life of David by Minno - Bible Stories for Kids.

LOOKING FOR MORE LESSONS ON THE LIFE OF DAVID

This lesson is part of a four-week series about the Life of David. The other lessons include David is Anointed, David and Jonathan, and David Serves King Saul (and Spares His Life). There is also a bonus lesson about David and Goliath. 

The story of David Serves Saul and Spares His Life is a powerful Bible lesson that teaches children about kindness, forgiveness, humility, and trusting God’s timing. Found in the book of 1 Samuel, this remarkable account shows how David chose mercy over revenge when he had the opportunity to harm King Saul, who was trying to kill him. Through engaging crafts, hands-on activities, videos, and printable lesson plans, kids can explore what it means to honor others, show self-control, and trust God even in difficult situations.

The Story of David Serving king Saul

Aspects of David’s service to Saul are sprinkled throughout 1 Samuel. In 1 Samuel 16, David became a musician and armor-bearer for Saul. In 1 Samuel 17 and 18, he defeated Goliath, joined King Saul’s army, and became a mighty warrior. Then, in 1 Samuel 24, we learn about the story of David sparing Saul’s life.

David was on the run from Saul, who was trying to kill him. One day, David and his men were hiding in a cave when Saul entered the cave to relieve himself. Instead of killing Saul, David spared Saul’s life and secretly cut off a corner of Saul’s robe.

Then David told Saul what he had done and showed him the cut piece of the robe as evidence. Saul repented, but sadly, his heart did not change, and he later continued to pursue David.

David Serves Saul and Spares His Life -

Bible Lessons for Kids

Are you preparing to teach the story of David Serves Saul and Spares His Life? Check out our print-and-go lesson plans, crafts, and discussion questions. Perfect for kids aged 3 to 8.

(Click HERE for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade version!)

Click here for the preschool/kindergarten version

Background information about the story of David Serving Saul

King Saul was jealous of David because of David’s success and popularity. Saul tried to kill David and hunted him with a group of 3000 soldiers. Some scholars believe David was on the run for between 7 and 13 years, although the Bible doesn’t tell us a specific length of time. He travelled from place to place, hiding in caves or living in regions where he hoped to escape Saul.

David was a popular man, and he gathered a group of around 600 men. Later, their families were with them as well. David could have tried to take the kingdom from Saul, but he trusted God’s plan and chose to do the right thing, even when Saul was doing the wrong thing. 

David showed respect to Saul because Saul was the anointed king. David knew that one day he would become king, but David honored Saul and refused to kill him.

Superhero Crafts for Kids

When we think of a superhero, we often think of a fictional character from a movie, TV show, or comic book. But there are superheroes all around us! These are people who choose to do what is right, even when it is difficult or dangerous. 

David was a superhero when he chose to do the right thing rather than take revenge on Saul. David trusted God, instead of doing things his own way. And we can be superheroes, too, when we choose to do the right thing!

Superhero Craft for Older Kids

Older kids will enjoy creating a superhero, complete with a cape and accordion legs. Have kids color the face of the superhero to look like them, and then have them assemble the body. On the torso reads the message, “With God’s help, I can be a superhero and choose to do what is right!” The craft pieces can be found in the David Serves Saul Bible Lesson for Older Kids.

As kids work, talk about different situations where they can choose to do the right thing. 

Superhero Craft for Preschool and Kindergarten

Younger kids will create an “I can be a hero!” headband. Have kids decorate the “I can be a hero!” badge. Staple two strips of construction paper to the badge and adjust them to fit each child’s head. Then staple the ends together to make a headband. 

Using staples on the headbands ends up being more durable. Glue does work, but the headband will likely come apart. The pieces for this craft can be found in David Serves Saul for Preschool.

Other Activities and Crafts for David Serves Saul

• Hide and Seek: Depending on the size of your space, play hide-and-seek with kids. Then help them connect back to the story: David had to hide from Saul.

• Tag Games: Tag games also work as a connection to the story. David had to run away from Saul, just like you have to run away from the person who is “it.”

• Kindness Shield: David chose to be kind and merciful rather than take revenge. Have kids cut out a shield from construction paper or cardboard. Then have kids write words like “love”, “kindness”, “patience”, etc. These words will remind them that David chose to do the right thing. For a larger-scale shield craft, check out But First We Craft.

• Make a Harp: One of the jobs David had was to play music for Saul. Take time to make musical instruments with your kids. For a multi-step project, you could make this elastic-band harp from HubPages. Or check out Artsy Craftsy Mom for ideas on other instruments, like hand drums, spoon maracas, and popsicle-stick harmonicas.

YouTube Videos about David Serves Saul

If you’re looking for a way to help kids visualize the story, YouTube can be a great resource. But be sure to preview any content you intend to share with young viewers to ensure the video is age-appropriate and accurately portrays the material you are teaching. Below are some suggestions for David Serves Saul:

• Saddleback Kids’ David Serves Saul

• God’s Story: David and Saul by Crossroad Kids’ Club

• David Spares Saul’s Life by KidSpring Children’s Ministry

LOOKING FOR MORE LESSONS ON THE LIFE OF DAVID

This lesson is part of a four-week series about the Life of David. The other lessons include David is Anointed, David and Jonathan, and David is King. There is also a bonus lesson about David and Goliath. 

The story of David and Jonathan is a powerful Bible story about friendship, loyalty, kindness, and trusting God. Teaching kids about David and Jonathan can help children learn what it means to be a faithful friend and to care for others with love and courage. Below you’ll find fun and meaningful ideas, including crafts, activities, printable lesson plans, and kid-friendly videos to help bring this important story to life for children.

The Story of David and Jonathan

The story of David and Jonathan is detailed in 1 Samuel 20. David was serving Saul, and Jonathan was Saul’s son and David’s close friend. After Saul had repeatedly tried to kill David, David went to Jonathan for help. Jonathan devised a plan to determine whether David was still in danger from Saul. Jonathan learned that Saul was adamant about killing David, so Jonathan warned David that it wasn’t safe for him to return to the palace. Jonathan’s loyalty and friendship helped to protect David.

David and Jonathan Bible Lessons for Kids

Are you planning to teach about David and Jonathan? Check out our scripted lesson plans, printable crafts, and discussion questions. Perfect for kids aged 3 to 8.

(Click HERE for the preschool/kindergarten version!)

Click here for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade version

Background information about the story of David and Jonathan

Jonathan knew that God had chosen David to be the next king of Israel. Instead of trying to take the throne for himself, Jonathan supported David. He was more concerned about being a good friend than about the status of being the prince in line for the throne.

David was also a loyal friend and, years later, cared for Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth, who was unable to walk. In 2 Samuel 9, there is a story about how David made sure that Mephibosheth was cared for. 

”I can BEE a Good Friend” Craft for Preschool

Who doesn’t love a good pun? “I can be a good friend” easily becomes a “bee” that reminds us of the qualities that make a good friend. 

Preschool kids will love creating the bee craft found in David and Jonathan for Preschool. First, they will color all the craft pieces and then cut them out. An adult might need to help with this step, depending on the kids' cutting ability. Then, assemble the bee and glue it on a branch that says, “I can BEE a good friend.”

Friendship Robot Craft for Older Kids

David and Jonathan were good friends! Jonathan helped David, encouraged him, and put David’s needs ahead of his own. David helped Jonathan by caring for his son, Mephibosheth. Just like David and Jonathan cared for each other, God wants us to care for our friends. Take time to brainstorm qualities of a good friend, such as someone who shows kindness, makes us feel safe, and shares with us.

Then create a friendship robot with kids as a visual reminder of what makes a good friend! On each body party, write or draw one way you can be a good friend. Then glue all the pieces together. For template pieces, check out David and Jonathan for Older Kids.

Other Activities and Crafts for David and Jonathan

• Friendship Bracelets: David and Jonathan were the best of friends. Making friendship bracelets can be a fun way to connect with this story. As kids make their bracelets, have them talk about what makes a good friend. For some simple friendship bracelet ideas, check out Projects with Kids.

• Friendship Quilt: Children’s Foundation of America has a cute friendship quilt craft. Give kids squares of thick paper and have them draw pictures of things they like to do with their friends or things that make a good friend. Then connect all the squares together with yarn to form a paper quilt.

• Friendship Rocks: Paint rock pets for your friends as a reminder of friendship. Follow these instructions from Red Ted Art.

• Secret Code Game: David and Jonathan had a secret code in this story, where Jonathan shot an arrow and told his servant how far it was. This code told David it wasn’t safe for him to stay. Older kids might enjoy creating secret codes to share with their friends. There are some free printable codes on Picklebums: Fun Ideas for Kids.

YouTube Videos about David and Jonathan

YouTube is a wonderful resource, and many creators produce high-quality videos for kids. Below are a couple of suggestions for the story of David and Jonathan. But before showing them to kids, be sure to preview them to ensure they are age-appropriate. 

• Saddleback Kids’ David and Jonathan

• Saddleback Kids’ Slapstick Theatre: David and Jonathan

LOOKING FOR MORE LESSONS ON THE LIFE OF DAVID

This lesson is part of a four-week series about the Life of David. The other lessons include David is Anointed, David Serves Saul, and David is King. There is also a bonus lesson about David and Goliath. 

The story of David being anointed by Samuel is a powerful reminder that God looks at the heart rather than outward appearance. This meaningful Bible story teaches kids that God can use anyone for His purposes, regardless of age or appearance. These engaging ideas for teaching David Is Anointed include fun crafts, hands-on activities, YouTube videos, and printable lesson plans that will help children understand how God chose David to become king of Israel.

The Story of David being anointed as king

1 Samuel 16 tells the story of David being anointed as the next king of Israel. Saul had been king for a while, and he was no longer serving God. Instead, he was going things his own way. So, God sent Samuel to anoint a new king.

God led Samuel to the house of Jesse. Jesse had many sons, and Samuel looked on all of them, thinking they looked like good kings. God, however, reminded Samuel that outward appearance didn’t matter; God cares what a person is like on the inside. 

Then David came in from tending the sheep, and Samuel anointed him as the next king.

David is Anointed Bible Lessons for Kids

Are you looking for a simple way to teach the story of David being anointed as king? Be sure to check out our scripted lesson plans, printable crafts, and discussion questions. These lessons are perfect for kids aged 3 to 8.

(Click HERE for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade version)

Click here for the preschool/kindergarten version

Background information about the story of David’s Anointing

Samuel went to a man named Jesse who had eight sons. Samuel saw Jesse’s older sons first and thought they looked like good kings. They were handsome and strong. These were qualities people admired in a king because a king represented the people.

God is not concerned with what a person looks like on the outside. God wants people to have a heart that longs to follow and obey Him. God was pleased with what He saw in David's heart and chose him.​

Anointing someone means pouring oil on their head as a sign that God has chosen them for a special purpose. After Samuel anointed David, he had to wait many years before becoming king.

God looks at my heart craft

The story of David teaches us that God looks at the heart, and He cares about what is on the inside of our lives (our character, our motivations, and our heart posture).

To help kids connect with this story, have kids make a folding heart craft.

Foldable heart for preschool and kindergarten

For this craft, found in David is Anointed for Preschool, kids will create a heart that folds open to reveal a message inside: “God looks at my heart!” Kids can decorate the inside of their hearts with drawings, stickers, and other crafting materials. Once complete, kids will have fun opening and refolding their hearts to remind them that God looks at the inside.

While kids work, discuss what this means. God wants us to be kind, honest, loving, truthful, etc.

Foldable heart craft for older kids in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades

Older kids will also create a heart, but one that is slightly more complex. On the outside, it says, “The Lord looks at the heart.” The heart folds open to reveal a question inside: “How can you show good character?”

Encourage kids to write or draw examples of godly character, such as kindness, honesty, obeying parents, sharing, or telling the truth. For the template pieces, check out David is Anointed for Older Kids.

Other Activities and Crafts for teaching The Anointing of David

• Heart Hunt for Preschool: Check out David is Anointed for a cute heart hunt activity, perfect for preschool. Hide hearts around the room and challenge kids to find as many as possible. Then make the connection with kids that God cares about what is in our hearts.

• Sheep Crafts: David was a shepherd, so doing a sheep craft is a natural connection to the story. There are some super simple and cute sheep crafts. Turn a toilet paper tube and cotton balls into a sheep, using these instructions from Easy Peasy and Fun. Use white yarn to wrap around a piece of cardboard to create a woolly sheep, following these instructions from This Crafty Family. Or create Kids Kubby’s 3D sheep using Q-tips.

• Directed Drawing: Art for Kids Hub has many videos on sheep, but it also has a simple directed drawing of a shepherd and a sheep. The step-by-step instructions are easy for kids to follow, and they will feel so proud of their drawing when they finish.

• Sing and Worship: David is known for having a heart of worship. Encourage kids to also have a heart of worship by singing some worship songs together and dancing. Here are some song suggestions:

  • Praise by Elevation Worship

  • Super Wonderful by Yancy and Little Praise Party

  • Praise the Lord Every Day by Yancy and Little Praise Party

  • God is by LifeTree Kids

YouTube Videos about David’s Anointing

YouTube is a wonderful resource, and many creators produce high-quality videos for kids. Below are a couple of suggestions for the story of David Gets Anointed as King. But before showing them to kids, be sure to preview them to ensure they are age-appropriate.

• David Chosen to be King by Saddleback Kids

• How God Chose David to be King by Minno - Bible Stories for Kids

LOOKING FOR MORE LESSONS ON THE LIFE OF DAVID

This lesson is part of a four-week series about the Life of David. The other lessons include David and Jonathan, David Serves Saul, and David is King. There is also a bonus lesson about David and Goliath.