David Becomes King 2 Samuel 5 Sunday School Lesson
Hey kids! Today, we’re going to learn that God chose us to follow His will.
Have you ever had to wait for something you really, really wanted? Maybe for a special toy or a birthday?
You might know our Bible hero, David! He was the brave shepherd boy who defeated the giant, Goliath. God chose David to be the next king of Israel, but he didn’t become king right away. In fact, he had to wait for many, many years!
This story teaches us an amazing lesson: God always keeps His promises, even when we have to wait a long time. Let’s find out how David finally became the King of Israel!
Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 16 and 2 Samuel 5
Key Truth for Today: We might have to wait for things we want, but we can trust that God’s timing is always perfect.
READ TO YOUR OWN BIBLE: 1 Samuel 16 and 2 Samuel 5
A New King Needed
After King Saul disobeyed God, it was time to choose a new king for Israel. God told His prophet, Samuel, to go to a town called Bethlehem to find a man named Jesse. God said, “I have chosen one of his sons to be the next king.”
When Samuel arrived, Jesse brought out his oldest son, Eliab. He was tall, strong, and looked like a king! Samuel thought, “This must be the one!”
But God said to Samuel, “Don’t look at his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
Samuel realized his mistake. God had a different way of choosing. So, Jesse brought out his other sons, one by one. There were seven of them, and for each one, God told Samuel, “No, this is not the one I have chosen.”
Finally, Samuel asked Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” Jesse replied, “There is still the youngest one, but he’s out in the fields taking care of the sheep.”
Samuel knew this was the boy God wanted. When David, the youngest son, was brought in, God told Samuel, “This is the one! Anoint him.” Samuel poured oil on David’s head, showing that he was chosen by God to be the new king of Israel.
God didn’t choose David because he was the biggest or the strongest, but because of his faithful heart.
All Israel Chooses David
God had chosen David to be king when he was still a young shepherd boy. But it didn’t happen right away. David had to wait many years, trust God, and go through many challenges.
At first, David became the king over just one tribe—the tribe of Judah. He ruled from a city called Hebron for 7 years.
After King Saul died, all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron. They said:
“We are your own flesh and blood. Even when Saul was king, you led us in battle. And the Lord said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will become their ruler.’”
A King Who Follows God
The people knew David was the leader God had chosen.
At Hebron, the leaders made a covenant (a special promise) with David before the Lord. Then they anointed him as kingover all Israel.
David was 30 years old when he became king. He ruled for 40 years—7 years in Hebron over Judah, and 33 years in Jerusalem over all Israel.
David wasn’t perfect, but he loved God and wanted to follow Him. God blessed David’s kingdom and made Israel strong.
❤️ Lesson for Kids:
- God’s promises take time—be patient and trust Him.
- Good leaders follow God’s ways.
- God can use your talents and faith to bless others.
📜 Memory Verse:
“You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will become their ruler.” – 2 Samuel 5:2
🎨 Activity Ideas:
- Make a Crown: Write “God looks at the heart” on it.
- Waiting Game: Teach patience by having kids wait for a surprise (like David waited for God’s timing).
- Map Craft: Show Hebron and Jerusalem on a simple Bible map.