David Bible Crafts for Sunday School Kids

The Bible Story of David

David was the youngest son of Jesse. While his older brothers appeared stronger and more impressive, David spent much of his time caring for his father’s sheep.

One day, God sent the prophet Samuel to Jesse’s home. God told Samuel that one of Jesse’s sons would become the future king of Israel.

When Samuel saw David’s older brothers, he thought one of them must be the person God had chosen. But God told Samuel:

“People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

— 1 Samuel 16:7

David was brought in from the fields, and God told Samuel that David was the one He had chosen. Samuel anointed him, although David would not become king immediately.

David Plays the Harp

David was also a skilled musician.

King Saul was often deeply troubled, and his servants suggested finding someone who could play music for him. David was invited to the royal court because he played the harp well.

When David played, Saul felt calmer.

David’s musical gift gave him an opportunity to serve someone else. Long before he became king, David used one of his abilities to bring comfort.

David and Goliath

Later, the Israelites were fighting the Philistines.

A giant Philistine warrior named Goliath challenged the Israelite soldiers. He mocked them and demanded that someone come out to fight him, but the soldiers were afraid.

David came to the army camp to bring food to his brothers. When he heard Goliath’s challenge, David offered to face him.

King Saul tried to give David armor, but it was too heavy and unfamiliar. David chose instead to use the weapon he already knew: his sling.

He selected five smooth stones from a stream and approached Goliath.

David told Goliath that the battle belonged to the Lord. He placed a stone in his sling, struck Goliath, and defeated him.

David’s confidence did not come from being larger or better equipped. He trusted God and used the skill he already had.

David and Jonathan’s Arrows

David later became close friends with Jonathan, King Saul’s son.

Jonathan loved David and made a promise of friendship with him. However, King Saul became jealous of David and wanted to harm him.

David was unsure whether it was safe to return to the king’s court, so he and Jonathan created a secret plan.

Jonathan would go into a field and shoot arrows. He would then call out instructions to a young servant collecting the arrows.

If Jonathan said that the arrows were nearby, it would mean David was safe. If he said that the arrows were farther away, it would warn David that Saul still intended to harm him.

Jonathan discovered that Saul truly wanted David dead. He shot the arrows beyond the servant and gave the agreed warning.

After the servant left, David came out of hiding. David and Jonathan said goodbye and renewed their promise of friendship.

Jonathan showed loyalty through his actions. Helping David placed Jonathan in a difficult position because Saul was both his father and the king. Even so, Jonathan chose to protect his friend.

David Becomes King

David did not become king immediately after Samuel anointed him.

He experienced years of danger and uncertainty. Even when Saul pursued him, David refused to kill Saul when he had opportunities to do so.

After Saul’s death, David eventually became king. He first ruled over Judah and later became king over all Israel.

David was also a musician and writer. Many of the prayers and songs in the Book of Psalms are connected with him.

David was not perfect and made serious mistakes during his life. Still, his story shows that God could work through someone others had overlooked.

The story of David teaches children that gifts can be used to help others, courage can grow from trust in God, loyal friends act to protect one another, and outward appearance does not reveal what is inside a person’s heart.