King David — A Man After God's Own Heart

Memory Verse "The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." — 1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)

Learning Objective

Students will learn about David's faith and how God chose him because of his heart, not his appearance.

Lesson Content

When God rejected Saul, He sent Samuel to the family of Jesse in Bethlehem to anoint a new king. Jesse had eight sons, and he brought the oldest and tallest ones to Samuel. But God said no to each of them.

Finally, Samuel asked if there were any more sons. Jesse said the youngest, David, was out watching the sheep. When David came in, God told Samuel, 'Rise and anoint him; this is the one.' God chose David because of his faithful heart.

Even as a young shepherd, David trusted God. When a giant warrior named Goliath challenged Israel's army, everyone was afraid. But David said, 'The LORD who rescued me from the paw of the lion will rescue me from this Philistine.' David defeated Goliath with just a stone and a sling!

David became a great king. He united all of Israel, captured Jerusalem as the capital, and brought the Ark of the Covenant there. He wrote many of the Psalms — beautiful songs of praise, prayer, and worship to God.

David was not perfect. He made serious mistakes. But he always came back to God with a repentant heart. That is why the Bible calls him 'a man after God's own heart.'

Hands-On Activity

Write your own short psalm (poem of praise) to God, like David did. It can be about God's creation, His love, or His faithfulness. Decorate it with drawings.

Discussion Questions

  • Why did God choose David instead of his older brothers?
  • How did David show bravery and faith when facing Goliath?
  • What does it mean to be 'a person after God's own heart'?
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