Samson - Bible Lessons for Kids
The story of Samson is a powerful Bible lesson that helps children understand God’s strength, the importance of obedience, and the consequences of their choices. Known for his incredible strength, Samson was set apart by God for a special purpose, yet his story also shows what can happen when we stray from God’s plan. Ideas for teaching this story to kids include engaging crafts, hands-on activities, and printable lesson plans to make it memorable and easy for kids to understand.
the STORY OF SAMSON
The story of Samson can be found in Judges 13-16. A married couple wanted a child, and God blessed them with a son. He told them that Samson would be a Nazirite, someone set apart by God. Samson was not to drink wine, touch anything dead, or cut his hair. And God would give Samson unparalleled strength to begin defeating the Philistines.
The Philistines looked for a way to defeat him. They approached Delilah and asked her to find out the secret of his strength. Initially, Samson lied to her, but eventually told her the truth. She told the Philistines, and they cut off his hair and captured him.
While in prison, Samson’s hair started to grow back, and he prayed, asking God for strength one more time. One day, the Philistines brought him out to mock him, and Samson pushed against the pillars of the building, bringing it down on the Philistines.
Samson Bible Lessons for Kids
Are you teaching the story of Samson to kids? Our scripted lesson plans, discussion questions, activities, and printable crafts are perfect for kids aged 3 to 8.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT SAMSOn
Samson's strength came from God. The Bible tells us that Samson ripped a lion apart with his bare hands. He killed a thousand men with a donkey's jawbone. He tore down a city gate. He could break free from ropes. And at the end of his life, he destroyed the Philistines' temple.
Samson’s downfall was trusting the wrong people. Samson fell in love with Delilah and, even though she proved herself untrustworthy, he still shared the secret of his strength with her. Despite his mistakes, God still had a plan and a purpose for Samson. In the end, Samson defeated the Philistines (at the cost of his own life). Even though Samson made mistakes, God was still able to use him.
Part of the Picture samson CRAFT FOR OLDER KIDS
Samson made many wrong choices, but God still had a plan. Our mistakes matter, but they are not bigger than God or His plans. God always has a plan, and He works through all circumstances (even our mistakes!).
Have kids brainstorm some real mistakes or wrong choices people their age might make. Then talk about how our mistakes can have consequences. Even when we make mistakes and face consequences, God’s promises are still true. After discussing, have kids color the “God is bigger than my mistakes” coloring page. You can find this page in Samson for Older Kids. Then have kids tear their page into 4-8 pieces, like a puzzle.
Kids will then assemble their picture like a puzzle and glue it to a piece of paper. You can still see the tears, but the picture is complete again. This craft reminds us that God can still work through our mistakes, just like the picture is still clear even though it’s ripped.
Samson’s long hair CRAFT FOR PRESCHOOLERS
Samson’s long hair is an iconic part of his story. While his strength didn’t come from his hair, it was an important part of his Nazirite vow. Give each child a printable Samson page from Samson for Preschool, plus strips of paper or long pieces of yarn to use as hair.
Kids can glue the strips of paper or yarn around Samson’s head to give him a full head of hair. As they work, remind them that God was the true source of Samson’s strength, and just like Samson needed God, we need Him too.
OTHER CRAFTS AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE STORY OF SAMSON
Strength Challenge: Complete a fun strength challenge with the kids. This might look like a simple workout circuit, where kids do push-ups, sit-ups, and burpees to test their strength. Or do a tug-of-war competition or an arm-wrestling challenge. Then connect this back to Samson and his strength.
Pillar Knock Down: Build a tower out of Duplo, blocks, or another building material. Then have kids take turns pretending to be Samson and knocking down the tower, like Samson knocked down the pillars of the Philistine temple.
Lion Crafts: Samson was so strong he defeated a lion! So, making a lion craft is a great way to connect to Samson's story. Here are a few options:
YOUTUBE VIDEOS ABOUT the story of Samson
Below are some suggestions for YouTube videos about this story. There are many YouTube videos about Samson's story, and several depict Samson's more violent actions in ways that might not be appropriate for some viewers. These videos are not included in the suggestions below, but please preview any videos you show your kids to ensure they are age-appropriate and align with what you want to teach.
The Story of Samson’s Hair by Minno Bible Stories for Kids: The video also includes information about some of the other Judges Israel had.
Samson and Delilah by Saddleback Kids: This video tells only the story of Samson and Delilah, ending when Samson is captured by the Philistines.
WANT TO CONTINUE LEARNING ABOUT OLD TESTAMENT STORIES?
This lesson is part of a seven-week series on beloved Old Testament stories. This series covers 7 “big names” in the Old Testament and includes lessons on Gideon’s Army, God Calls Samuel, Ruth and Boaz, Ruth and Naomi, Solomon Asks for Wisdom, and the Fiery Furnace.
