3rd Grade Bible & Scripture — Kings and Prophets — God's Faithful Servants
Students will learn about Saul, Israel's first king, and understand that God values obedience above all else.
The people of Israel wanted a king so they could be like the other nations. God was their true King, but He allowed the prophet Samuel to anoint a man named Saul as Israel's first king.
Saul was tall, handsome, and strong. At first, he was humble and followed God's commands. God's Spirit came upon him, and he led Israel to victory in battles against their enemies.
But over time, Saul became proud and disobedient. He made sacrifices that only the priest was supposed to make. He disobeyed God's clear instructions during a battle against the Amalekites by keeping the best animals instead of destroying everything as God commanded.
When Samuel confronted Saul, Saul made excuses. Samuel told him, 'To obey is better than sacrifice.' Because of his disobedience, God rejected Saul as king and chose someone else — a young shepherd boy named David.
Saul's story teaches us that God cares most about our hearts and our obedience. It does not matter how strong or talented we are if we do not follow God's commands.
Draw two pictures of Saul: one showing him as a humble young man listening to God, and one showing him being disobedient. Write under each picture what happened and what we can learn.