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:

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.

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.