David the Shepherd King - Bible Lessons for Kids
The life of David is one of the most exciting and faith-building stories in the Bible. From being chosen and anointed by God as a young shepherd to defeating Goliath, building a loyal friendship with Jonathan, showing kindness to King Saul, and eventually becoming king, David’s journey is filled with powerful lessons about faith, courage, obedience, friendship, and trusting God. Whether you’re teaching at home, in Sunday school, or in a Christian classroom, these Bible lessons on the life of David can help children understand how God works through ordinary people to accomplish His extraordinary plans.
Who is David?
David is known for many things, including defeating the giant Goliath, writing many of the psalms in the Bible, and serving as King of Israel. He was described as "a man after God's own heart" because he sought to follow and obey God. David was not a perfect king, and he made several serious mistakes. However, he understood the importance of true repentance and turning back to God.
Where are Stories about David Found in the Bible?
Stories about David are mostly found in 1 and 2 Samuel, as well as in parallel accounts in 1 Chronicles. The first couple of chapters of 1 Kings recount David’s final days. There are references to him in 2 Chronicles, but they are not narrative accounts of his life.
David is Anointed as king
King Saul was no longer fit to be king because he consistently chose to do things his own way rather than God’s way. So, God had the prophet Samuel anoint a new king. He went to Jesse’s house and looked at all his sons, thinking they all looked handsome and strong. But God wasn’t interested in how someone looked. He was interested in their heart. Samuel anointed David, the youngest son. The story of David's anointing is a beautiful reminder that God wants us to have a heart that serves and worships him, just like David.
There are many crafts and activities that will help kids connect with this story, such as watching YouTube videos, singing worship songs to God, and making sheep crafts to remind them that David was a shepherd before he was king. Check out David Is Anointed Bible Lessons for Kids for more information on all of these, as well as printable heart crafts perfect for preschoolers and older kids. The kids will create foldable hearts that open to reveal a message: God isn’t concerned with outward appearance but with the heart.
David and Goliath
David and Goliath is a beloved story about trusting God and having the courage to stand up for what is right. David was not a mighty warrior, and yet, he was the one who volunteered to fight Goliath when all the soldiers in Saul’s army were too afraid to fight the giant. David defeated the giant because he trusted in God.
Kids will enjoy pretending to be David when they play Bowling for Giants, which is essentially bowling, but instead of knocking over bowling pins, they knock over giants. They will also enjoy painting rocks with messages of trusting God; David used a stone to defeat Goliath, so this is a great connection to the story. Preschoolers can do a simple cut-and-glue craft where they recreate the scene of David and Goliath. Challenge older kids to make a catapult using popsicle sticks. Check out David and Goliath Bible Lessons for Kids for more details and links to the printable crafts.
David and Jonathan
True friendship, one filled with respect, loyalty, support, and love, is a beautiful thing. David and Jonathan were best friends, and they spent their days supporting each other, even when Jonathan’s father was trying to kill David. This story is a great way to teach kids about the importance of being a loyal friend.
Making friendship bracelets, a friendship quilt, and painting friendship rocks are just a few of the craft ideas that connect to this story. In David and Jonathan Bible Lessons for Kids, you’ll find more details on these crafts and links to YouTube videos. There are so many links to printable crafts, including an “I can BEE a good friend” craft for preschoolers and a Friendship Robot craft for older kids.
David Serves Saul (and Spares His Life)
David faithfully served Saul for years, first as a musician and armor-beared. Later, David served as a soldier and leader in Saul’s army. Saul became jealous of David, so David had to run for his life. Saul hunted him for many years. On one occasion, David had the opportunity to kill Saul, but David chose to trust God and did the right thing: he did not kill Saul, but instead, spared his life.
This story connects well with the idea of a superhero because a superhero does the right thing, just as David chose to spare Saul’s life. Check out David Serves Saul (and Spared His Life) for printable superhero crafts perfect for preschool and older kids. There are also ideas for YouTube videos and links to crafts, such as making a harp and a kindness shield.
David is King
Eventually, David became king. He was known as a “man after God’s own heart” because David had a deep desire to do things God’s way and serve Him. David made mistakes during his reign, but he truly repented. David also knew the importance of prayer, and many of his prayers are recorded in the Bible.
To help kids connect with the importance of prayer and worship, take time to sing worship songs and dance. Then do some simple printable crafts to help kids remember the importance of prayer. Preschool kids will enjoy making a mini poster and a paper watch. Older kids will enjoy making a hanging door sign. Have kids decorate crowns because who doesn’t love making a crown!? For more details on these, as well as some ideas for games to connect to the story, check out David Is King Bible Lessons for Kids.
two years of Bible Lessons for Kids
If you’re looking for more Bible lessons, don’t miss our two-year Bible curriculum for kids in preschool through third grade. These David lessons are part of Year Two of our curriculum for kids. (Though the years can be taught in any order.) There is a curriculum for preschool and kindergarten, as well as for older children in first, second, and third grades.
Year one is also available, but each lesson is designed to stand alone. You can start with any lesson or any year—there's no need to teach them in order.