1 Samuel 16 v 15 – 23, 17 v 34 – 37, 19 v 9 – 10 & Psalm 23

Lesson Aim

To understand how David grew up having a relationship with God.

There are many small incidents which have been put together here, each one illustrates David’s faith in God while a young man. Because a series of events is covered, the order in which the pictures are selected is not necessarily important.

Hook 1: Balloons

Have a series of pictures:- sheep,  a lion, a bear, a harp, a crown (Saul’s crown because David lived in the king’s palace), a spear and Psalm 23 written out. Roll up each piece of paper and insert each one into a balloon before inflating. Select a child to burst each balloon in turn and explain the significance of the picture in the life of David. A child should read out Psalm 23 – or part of it – as an example of David’s many poems which are found in the Bible.

Hook 2: Bucket of jelly

The pictures from Hook 1 could be placed in a bucket of jelly. Each picture needs to be laminated before being placed into the bucket. Only allow each child to select one of the pictures.

A gallon of water (half a bucket) takes 8 jellies to set. Polystyrene balls can be used as an alternative to jelly.

Hook 3: Hunt the picture

The pictures in Hook 1 could be hidden around the room if you did not want to use balloons. When each picture is found call the children back to explain it before the next picture is found. Alternatively send one child at a time to select a picture.

Hook 4: Questions

What is the best adventure which you have ever been on? Was it exploring a cave; climbing a tree; paddling in a stream or building a den? Today’s Bible story is about a young man and the exciting adventures in his life.

Application

As David grew up he had a close relationship with God. Each of these events in his life illustrates his faith in God.