David is King - Bible Lessons for Kids
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.
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:
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.
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.
