David Serves Saul and Spares His Life - Bible Lessons for Kids
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.
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:
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.
