Professional Documents
Culture Documents
A Kingdom Created
A Kingdom Created
Created
Kids
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CONTENTS
Unit 10: Hints of Christ
Session 1: Ruth and Boaz............................................................................6
Session 2: Eli and Boy Samuel................................................................16
Session 3: The Ark Was Captured...........................................................26
Special Features
Using This Worship Guide.......................................................................2
Teaching with Creative Arts...............................................................140
Teaching Kids with ADHD...................................................................142
A Kingdom Created
A Kingdom Created
LeaderBIBLE STUDY
Only two books in the Old Testament bear the name of a woman: Ruth and
Esther. Ruths story occurs at the time when judges ruled over Israel. Gods
people were characterized by rebellion and immorality. At a time when
the Israelites desperately needed a king to lead them back to God, Ruths
story of faithfulness points us to Jesus Christ, a coming Redeemer who will
make all wrong things right again.
Ruth was the daughter-in-law of Naomi, a woman from Bethlehem
who settled in Moab with her husband and two sons to escape a famine.
Naomis husband died, and her two sons married Moabite women, Orpah
and Ruth. They lived in Moab for 10 years; then Naomis sons died.
Naomi heard that the Lord had provided His people food during the
famine, so she decided to go back to Judah. Naomi encouraged Orpah and
Ruth to return to their families. Orpah returned home, but Ruth clung to
Naomi. Ruth said, Wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I
will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God
(Ruth 1:16). So Naomi and Ruth traveled back to Bethlehem together.
Naomi permitted Ruth to gather fallen grain in a field. The owner of the
field was Boaz, a relative of Naomis late husband and a family redeemer.
Boaz noticed Ruth and told her she could safely gather grain in his field.
At Naomis urging, Ruth sought to be redeemed by Boaz. Boaz bought
back the land Naomi and Ruth had lost when their husbands died, and he
married Ruth. They had a son named Obed, whose grandson would be
King David.
God gave Rutha foreignera special place in the lineage of Jesus Christ.
As you teach kids today, introduce them to Jesus, our Redeemer. He bought
for us salvation, paying the price with His very own blood.
Hints of Christ
TheBIBLE STORY
Ruth and Boaz
Ruth 14
Naomi lived with her family in Judah. She had a husband and two
sons. Naomi and her family were hungry. There was not enough food in
their land for everyone. Naomis family decided to go to the land of
Moab. Moab had food.
While they were in Moab, Naomis husband died. Naomi and her
sons were sad. Naomis sons got married. Their wives names were
Orpah and Ruth. Then Naomis sons died too. Naomi, Orpah, and Ruth
were all alone. Naomi wanted to go back to Judah. Judah had food now.
Orpah and Ruth went with Naomi, but Naomi could not take care of them.
She told them to go back to their families in Moab.
The women were very sad to leave each other. Orpah went home, but
Ruth would not leave Naomi. Ruth said, Wherever you go, I will go,
and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your
God will be my God. Naomi and Ruth went to Bethlehem.
It was time for the farmers to gather what they had planted in their
fields. The people gathering the crops left some of the grain on the ground
for people who needed it. Naomi said that Ruth could go into the fields
and gather fallen grain. Ruth went to a field owned by a man named
Boaz. Boaz saw Ruth working. He had heard how kind Ruth was to Naomi.
Boaz told Ruth to stay in his field where she would be safe. Boaz made
sure Ruth had food.
Ruth gathered a lot of grain in the field. She took the grain home to
Naomi and told her about Boaz. Boaz is a close relative, Naomi said.
He is one of our family redeemers. A family redeemer was someone who
helped his relatives if they were in trouble. Naomi knew Boaz would take
good care of Ruth, so she told Ruth to stay in Boazs fields.
Naomi wanted to make sure Ruth had a husband to take care of her, so
she gave Ruth special instructions. Ruth put on her best clothes and did
everything Naomi told her to do. She showed Boaz that she wanted to be
his wife. Boaz was surprised to see Ruth. You are a family redeemer, she
said.
Boaz promised to help Ruth. He agreed to marry Ruth and take
good care of her. Boaz gave Ruth grain and sent her back to Naomi.
Boaz married Ruth. Ruth and Boaz had a baby boy named Obed.
Naomi took care of Obed. When Obed grew up, he was the father of
Jesse, who was the father of King David.
Christ Connection: Boaz helped his close relatives. Boaz was a family
redeemer. He bought back what his relatives lost. Jesus is our Redeemer.
He bought our salvation from sin by dying on the cross.
* Use only the words in bold to review the Bible story or tell it to younger
preschoolers.
Hints of Christ
Large GroupWorship
Session Title: Ruth and Boaz
Bible Passage: Ruth 14
Big Picture Question: Who is our Helper? Jesus is our Helper.
Key Passage: 1 Samuel 2:35
Unit Christ Connection: God used people and visual elements in history
to give us pictures of Christ.
Play Center of It
in the background
as you welcome
incoming
preschoolers.
Follow your churchs
security procedures.
The Stay-in-Place
Song
Bible
Key Passage Poster
(enhanced CD)
A Faithful Priest
song
stalk of wheat or
picture of stalk
10
Timeline Map
Ruth and Boaz
video (optional)
stalk of wheat
countdown video
(optional)
Tip: Do activities
one of these ways:
as a group, all at the
same time
in small groups that
rotate through each
activity
set up as
centers, allowing
preschoolers to
browse and choose
Hints of Christ
11
Small GroupActivities
Session Title: Ruth and Boaz
Bible Passage: Ruth 14
Big Picture Question: Who is our Helper? Jesus is our Helper.
Key Passage: 1 Samuel 2:35
Unit Christ Connection: God used people and visual elements in history
to give us pictures of Christ.
LOW
PREP
newspaper or
packing peanuts
26-quart container
or smaller baskets
paper plates
masking tape or
packing tape
assorted boxes
12
index cards, 6
spring-type
clothespins, 27
supplies
countdown video
(optional)
I Know song
Hints of Christ
13
Large Groupclosing
Session Title: Ruth and Boaz
Bible Passage: Ruth 14
Big Picture Question: Who is our Helper? Jesus is our Helper.
Key Passage: 1 Samuel 2:35
Unit Christ Connection: God used people and visual elements in history
to give us pictures of Christ.
14
Review
Show the stalk of wheat again. Talk about some of the
things we can make with wheat. Briefly discuss threshing
(separating the part of the wheat that we can eat, the grain,
from the part that we cannot eat, the chaff).
Say In Bible times, stalks of wheat were pounded with a
tool called a flail. Then workers would toss the crushed
stalks of grain into the air, and the wind would carry
away the straw, or chaff. The good grain would fall to the
ground where it was gathered.
What do you remember about our story? Ill ask a
question, and you tell me who did itNaomi, Ruth,
Orpah, or Boaz.
Whose family left Judah and moved to Moab to live
because they were hungry? (Naomis)
Whom did Naomis sons marry? (Ruth and Orpah)
Whose husbands died while they lived in Moab?
(Naomi, Ruth, and Orpah)
Who decided to move back to Judah? (Naomi)
Which of her daughters-in-law went with her? (Ruth)
From whose field did Ruth gather grain? (Boaz)
Who was a close relative of Naomis family? (Boaz)
Preschool Worship Guide
Unit 10 Session 1
cardboard tubes or
swim noodles
timer or stopwatch
Follow church
security rules for
dismissing children.
Hints of Christ
15
LeaderBIBLE STUDY
Hannahan ordinary Israelite during the time of the judgeswanted
nothing more than to be a mother, but the Lord had closed her womb.
(1 Samuel 1:5) Each year when her husband went to Shiloh to worship and
to sacrifice to God, Hannah went up to the house of the Lord. One evening,
Hannah returned to present herself to the Lord. She wept and prayed,
asking God to give her a son and vowing to dedicate him to God. Hannahs
cries to the Lord were so fervent that Eli the priest rebuked her for being
drunk.
I havent had any wine or beer; Ive been pouring out my heart before the
Lord, Hannah explained. Eli blessed Hannah and said, May God answer
your prayers. God answered Hannahs prayers. Hannah had a son. She
named him Samuel, which means, requested from God.
When Samuel was old enough to be weaned, Hannah took him to Shiloh
and presented him to Eli. First Samuel 2 records Hannahs triumphant
prayer. Hannah glorified God for His sovereignty, then she went home with
her husband, leaving Samuel to serve God under the leadership of Eli the
priest. Samuel faithfully served God. Hannah visited Samuel each year and
brought him a robe.
Now Eli had two sons of his own who were also priests. Eli had trouble
controlling his sons. They were wicked men with no regard for God. Eli
rebuked his children, but they did not listen. So God rejected Elis family.
Review 1 Samuel 3. Note how Samuel responded to Gods call: Speak,
for Your servant is listening. Samuel was the prophet Israel needed to give
them Gods guidance. He became a prophet of God and was the last judge
of Israel. Help kids identify Samuels role as Gods messenger. Help them
connect Samuel to Jesus, who came to earth not only to tell what God is
like, but to show what He is like.
16
Hints of Christ
17
TheBIBLE STORY
Eli and Boy Samuel
1 Samuel 13
In a hilly country called Ephraim (EE fra ihm), a man named
Elkanah (el KAY nuh) lived with his wife, Hannah. Hannah was very
sad because she did not have any children. Hannah really wanted to have
a family.
Every year, Elkanah went to the tabernacle to worship God.
Hannah went with Elkanah. She cried and would not eat. Elkanah saw
that Hannah was upset. Whats wrong, Hannah? he asked. Dont I
make you happy? But Hannah was not happy. She wanted a baby.
Hannah prayed to God and cried some more. Hannah prayed, Lord,
if You give me a son, I will give him to You. He will serve You all of his
life. A priest named Eli was sitting near the doorpost of the tabernacle.
Eli watched Hannah pray. He couldnt hear her, but he saw her lips
moving. Eli thought there was something wrong with Hannah.
I am very sad, Hannah told Eli. Ive been telling God how I
feel.
Eli said, Go in peace. May God answer your prayers.
Hannah and Elkanah went home, and God did answer her prayers.
After some time, Hannah gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel
because, she said, I asked the Lord for him.
When Samuel was old enough, Hannah took him to Eli at the
tabernacle. God has answered my prayers! Hannah said. Hannah
worshiped God. Then she left Samuel with Eli to serve God, and she
went home. Every year, Hannah visited Samuel and brought him a
new robe. God gave Hannah many more children.
Eli was getting old. His sons were priests in the tabernacle. Eli heard
that his sons were not obeying God. Eli asked his sons, Why are you
doing bad things? But they did not listen to him.
Samuel grew older and obeyed God. One day a man of God came to Eli
and told him that God was not going to honor people who sinned against
18
Him. God said He was going to choose a new priest who would serve Him
faithfully.
One night, Eli went to bed. Samuel was lying in the tabernacle when
he heard someones voice.
Here I am, Samuel replied. He ran to Eli. Here I am; you called
me.
God called Samuel three times. Each time, Samuel ran to Eli. Here
I am, he said. But Eli did not call Samuel. Who was calling Samuel?
Eli knew it must be God. Eli told Samuel what to say.
Samuel went back to his place. God called, Samuel, Samuel!
Speak, for Your servant is listening, Samuel said. God talked
to Samuel. God told him that He was going to punish Elis family for
disobeying Him.
The next day, Samuel was afraid to tell Eli what God had said. It was
bad news for Eli. Eli asked Samuel to tell him what God had said, so
Samuel did.
As Samuel grew, God did everything He said He was going to do. God
was with Samuel, and everyone in Israel knew that Samuel was Gods
messenger.
Christ Connection: Samuel told people what God is like. Jesus came to
earth as a human. His life showed the world what God is like.
* To tell the Bible story to younger preschoolers or for reviewing the story,
use only the Bible story words in bold.
Hints of Christ
19
Large GroupWorship
Session Title: Eli and Boy Samuel
Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 13
Big Picture Question: Who spoke to Samuel? God spoke to Samuel, and
Samuel listened.
Key Passage: 1 Samuel 2:35
Unit Christ Connection: God used people and visual elements in history
to give us pictures of Christ.
Play Center of It
in the background
as you welcome
incoming
preschoolers.
Follow your churchs
security procedures.
I L-O-V-E You,
Lord song
Bible
Key Passage Poster
(enhanced CD)
A Faithful Priest
song
20
Timeline Map
Eli and Boy
Samuel video
(optional)
See videos of
American Sign
Language signs
online.
L hand sign
Hints of Christ
21
Small GroupActivities
Session Title: Eli and Boy Samuel
Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 13
Big Picture Question: Who spoke to Samuel? God spoke to Samuel, and
Samuel listened.
Key Passage: 1 Samuel 2:35
Unit Christ Connection: God used people and visual elements in history
to give us pictures of Christ.
LOW
PREP
paper towels or
cloth squares
yarn
mirror
We Bow Down
song
22
swim noodle
countdown video
(optional)
Hints of Christ
23
Large Groupclosing
Session Title: Eli and Boy Samuel
Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 13
Big Picture Question: Who spoke to Samuel? God spoke to Samuel, and
Samuel listened.
Key Passage: 1 Samuel 2:35
Unit Christ Connection: God used people and visual elements in history
to give us pictures of Christ.
24
The Stay-in-Place
Song
Follow church
security rules for
dismissing children.
Hints of Christ
25
LeaderBIBLE STUDY
The ark of God (also called the ark of the covenant) was an incredibly
important symbol in the lives of Gods people. Not only was the ark
the original container for the Ten Commandments, it symbolized Gods
presence with His people.
God gave Moses instructions in Exodus 25 for creating the ark. It was
made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold. God forbade anyone
from touching the ark, so it was carried by two poles. God would speak to
Moses from between two golden cherubim on top of the ark, which was
called the mercy seat. (See Num. 7:89.)
The Philistines were a near-constant threat to Israel during the time of the
judges. Under the leadership of Samuel, the Israelites went out to fight the
Philistines. But the Israelites were defeated because of their sin.
The elders of Israel realized that it was God who allowed them to be
defeated. God hadnt fought for them against the Philistines. So they did
what seemed logical; they took the arkthe symbol of Gods presence
and carried it to the battlefield. But the ark was not a good luck charm. Not
only was Israel defeated, the Philistines captured the ark and killed Elis
sons. When Eli heard the news, he fell over and died.
With the victory, the Philistines concluded that their god, Dagon, was
better than the God of Israel. They moved the ark to Dagons temple, where
God showed His power over Dagon. (See 1 Sam. 5:1-5.) As the ark moved
between Philistine cities, God afflicted the people and made them sick.
Though the Philistines won the battle by capturing the ark, God afflicted
them to show His power over their god. God received glory through the
Israelites defeat. This points to the victory of Gods Son on the cross. The
people thought they had stopped Jesus by killing Him on the cross, but by
His death, Jesus saved the world and brought glory to God.
26
Hints of Christ
27
TheBIBLE STORY
The Ark Was Captured
1 Samuel 45
The people of Israel did not get along with the Philistines. The
Israelites fought a battle against the Philistines, but the Philistines won.
The Israelites were confused. If God was on their side, why didnt
they win? God had allowed them to lose. Instead of asking God what
they had done wrong, the Israelites decided to take the ark of God
the beautiful box from the tabernacle that reminded them God was
with themand carry it to the battle.
Some of the men went to talk to Elis sons. Elis sons were priests;
they were in charge of the ark of God. The men told Elis sons their plan to
win the battle. Elis sons thought the men had a good idea. They sent the
ark of God to the place where the Israelites were getting ready for battle.
When the army of Israelites saw the ark of God, they shouted because
they were happy. Surely they would win the battle now!
The Philistines heard the shout, but they did not know what was
happening. Why were the Israelites happy? They had just lost a battle.
Then the Philistines heard that the ark of God was with the Israelites,
and they were afraid! They could fight against men, but who could fight
against God?
The Philistines tried to be brave. The Israelites came out to fight, but
the Philistines won again! They killed many Israelitesincluding Elis
two sonsand they took the ark of God! When Eli heard the news, he
fell backward in his chair and died.
The Philistines took the ark of God to a temple. The temple was
where they worshiped Dagon (DAY gahn), a false god. They put the ark
next to a statue of Dagon. The next morning, the Philistines went into
the temple and saw that Dagons statue was facedown in front of the
ark of God. They set the statue back up. The next day, it was facedown
again. This time, the head and hands were broken off.
God punished the people living in the city where the ark of God
28
was. God made them really sick. The Philistines wanted to get rid of
the ark. When they moved the ark to another city, everyone in that city
got sick. So they moved the ark to a third city. Then everyone in that city
got sick too.
The Philistines were afraid. They didnt want God to punish them
anymore, so they decided to send the ark of God back to the Israelites,
where it belonged.
Christ Connection: The ark of the covenant reminded the Israelites that
God was with them. God gave His people something even better to remind
them that He was with them. God sent His Son, Jesus. One of Jesus names
is Immanuel, which means God with us.
* Use only the words in bold to review the Bible story or tell it to younger
preschoolers.
Hints of Christ
29
Large GroupWorship
Session Title: The Ark Was Captured
Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 45
Big Picture Question: Why was the ark of God important? The ark
reminded Gods people that God was with them.
Key Passage: 1 Samuel 2:35
Unit Christ Connection: God used people and visual elements in history
to give us pictures of Christ.
Play Center of It
in the background
as you welcome
incoming
preschoolers.
Follow your churchs
security procedures.
The Stay-in-Place
Song
Bible
Key Passage Poster
(enhanced CD)
A Faithful Priest
song
30
Timeline Map
The Ark Was
Captured video
(optional)
Note: The location
of the ark of the
covenant is a
mystery. Rumored
locations include
Mt. Nebo, Ethiopia,
Egypt, and Europe.
One archaeologist
claims it is in a cave
beneath the place
where Jesus was
crucified. Scholars
agree that we will
know its location
when God wants to
reveal it.
Big Picture Question
Poster (enhanced
CD)
Listen and Obey
song
Mighty, Mighty
God song
I Know song
offering basket
countdown video
(optional)
Tip: Do activities
one of these ways:
as a group, all at the
same time
in small groups that
rotate through each
activity
set up as
centers, allowing
preschoolers to
browse and choose
Hints of Christ
31
Small Groupactivities
Session Title: The Ark Was Captured
Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 45
Big Picture Question: Why was the ark of God important? The ark
reminded Gods people that God was with them.
Key Passage: 1 Samuel 2:35
Unit Christ Connection: God used people and visual elements in history
to give us pictures of Christ.
LOW
PREP
strips of gauze
32
Philistine Puppet
Pattern, 1 per kid
(enhanced CD)
scissors
box to represent the
ark of the covenant
glue
round, red adhesive
labels
paper lunch sacks,
1 per kid
poster board
Hints of Christ
33
Large Groupclosing
Session Title: The Ark Was Captured
Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 45
Big Picture Question: Why was the ark of God important? The ark
reminded Gods people that God was with them.
Key Passage: 1 Samuel 2:35
Unit Christ Connection: God used people and visual elements in history
to give us pictures of Christ.
34
small block
music
Follow church
security rule for
dismissing children.
Hints of Christ
35
36
37
LeaderBIBLE STUDY
Todays Bible story picks up more than 20 years after the Philistines
returned the ark of God to the Israelites. During that time, Israel began to
seek God again, and Samuel led them to remove their foreign gods and
worship God only.
Samuel had judged Israel throughout his lifetime, but he was getting old.
So Samuel made his sons, Joel and Abijah, judges over Israel. But like
many sons before them, Joel and Abijah did not follow the example of their
father. They disobeyed God and caused problems for Israel.
Up until this point, Israel had relied on God to give them judges to lead
them. The elders of Israel spoke to Samuel about his sons and demanded
a king. All the other nations around them had kings, they pointed out.
Samuel knew their request was sinful, and he prayed to God.
Give them what they want, God said. They have not rejected you;
they have rejected Me as their King. Samuel explained to the Israelites
what rights a king would have over them; he warned them that when they
regretted asking for a kingand they would regret itGod would not help
them. The people insisted on having a king, so God told Samuel to appoint
a king.
Through a series of events, a young man named Saul came to Samuel. God
had chosen Saul to be the king, so Samuel explained to Saul what God had
said. Samuel anointed Saul by pouring oil on his head. Samuel presented
Saul to Israel. Long live the king! they replied.
God knew Israel would want a king, but the kind of king Israel wanted was
not the kind of king they needed. They wanted a king like the other nations.
The problem was that every human king would fail them. God had a plan
to give them Jesusa perfect King who would reign with justice and
righteousness forever. (Isa. 9:6-7)
38
PreschoolWORSHIP OVERVIEW
Session Title: Israel Demanded a King
Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 810
Big Picture Question: Who was Israels first king? Saul was Israels first
king.
Key Passage: Psalm 51:10
Unit Christ Connection: God provided the first kings to rule His people
Israel; Christ, the final King, rules over all people as Savior. Through
Davids family, God sent Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
Large Group Worship
(1520 minutes)..................................................................................Page 42
Small Group Activities
(2530 minutes)..................................................................................Page 44
Large Group Closing
(10+ minutes)......................................................................................Page 46
39
TheBIBLE STORY
Israel Demanded a King
1 Samuel 810
Samuel was getting old. He had been a judge in Israel for many
years. Samuel made important decisions and led Gods people. Now it
was time for his sons, Joel and Abijah, to be Israels leaders. There was one
problem, though: Joel and Abijah were not good judges like Samuel was.
They werent fair, and they didnt always tell the truth.
Some of the men in Israel went to talk with Samuel. You were a
good judge, they told Samuel, but your sons are not like you. We
dont want them to lead us. We want a king! The other nations in that
area had kings, and the people of Israel wanted a king too.
Samuel didnt know what to say, so he prayed to God. God said,
Samuel, give the people a king. Dont feel bad. They arent saying
they dont want you as their leader; they are saying they dont want
Me.
God told Samuel to warn the people about what having a king
would be like. Samuel told the Israelites that the king would have rights.
A king could make their sons serve in the army, he could make their
daughters work for him, or he could take away their fields and servants.
The Israelites didnt care. Give us a king! they said.
Around this time, a rich man named Kish was looking for some
of his donkeys. They had wandered off, and he didnt know where they
went. Kish told his son Saul, Go look for the donkeys. Take a servant
with you.
Saul and his servant looked everywhere! They could not find the
missing donkeys. They were just about to give up when the servant said,
Wait! Lets go talk to the man of God. Maybe he knows where we
could find the donkeys. Saul and his servant found the man of God
it was Samuel!
Dont worry about the donkeys, Samuel said. They have been
found. Samuel invited Saul to have dinner with him. The next morning,
40
Samuel told Saul that God had chosen Saul to be the king of Israel.
Saul was surprised. He wasnt from a big family. He was actually from
the smallest tribe in Israel. Why had God chosen him?
Samuel used oil to anoint Saul. You will be king! Samuel said.
Samuel gave Saul some instructions and sent him home. The Spirit of
God was with Saul. Some time later, Samuel gathered the Israelites and
introduced Saul, their new king. The Israelites got what they wanted.
Long live the king! they said.
Christ Connection: The Israelites wanted a king. They did not trust God.
God gave the Israelites a king, but He had a plan to send His Son, Jesus, to
be king over the whole world. Jesus would be the perfect King. Jesus would
bring peace and save people from sin.
* Use only the words in bold to review the Bible story or tell it to younger
preschoolers.
41
Large GroupWorship
Session Title: Israel Demanded a King
Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 810
Big Picture Question: Who was Israels first king? Saul was Israels first
king.
Key Passage: Psalm 51:10
Unit Christ Connection: God provided the first kings to rule His people
Israel; Christ, the final King, rules over all people as Savior. Through
Davids family, God sent Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
Play the unit song
Generous King
in the background
as you welcome
preschoolers.
Follow your churchs
security procedures.
Everybody Sing
song
Bible
Key Passage Poster
(enhanced CD)
A Clean Heart
song
Timeline Map
Israel Demanded
a King video
(optional)
42
43
Small GroupActivities
Session Title: Israel Demanded a King
Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 810
Big Picture Question: Who was Israels first king? Saul was Israels first
king.
Key Passage: Psalm 51:10
Unit Christ Connection: God provided the first kings to rule His people
Israel; Christ, the final King, rules over all people as Savior. Through
Davids family, God sent Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
Tip: Select from the
activities those you
can staff and which
your class will enjoy.
LOW
PREP
small object
paper
child-size scissors
unsharpened
pencils
tape
markers
craft store jewels
(optional)
44
Donkey Pattern
(enhanced CD)
tape
supplies
toy musical
instruments or
homemade rhythm
instruments
Everybody Sing
songs
45
Large Groupclosing
Session Title: Israel Demanded a King
Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 810
Big Picture Question: Who was Israels first king? Saul was Israels first
king.
Key Passage: Psalm 51:10
Unit Christ Connection: God provided the first kings to rule His people
Israel; Christ, the final King, rules over all people as Savior. Through
Davids family, God sent Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
Bible
Timeline Map
Key Passage Poster
(enhanced CD)
A Clean Heart
song
Big Picture Question
Poster (enhanced
CD)
Generous King
song
Note: Even after
the Israelites asked
for a king, Samuel
remained a source
of encouragement.
In his final speech,
Samuel promised,
As for me, I vow
that I will not sin
against the LORD
by ceasing to pray
for you. I will teach
you the good
and right way
(1 Samuel 12:23).
46
Follow church
security rules for
dismissing children.
47
LeaderBIBLE STUDY
By all appearances, Saul was a good king. He was handsome, taller than
most people, and God had blessed him. But Saul forgot that it was God
who gave Saul his throne.
First, Saul sinned by burning offerings in Samuels absence. That moment
was an important test for Saul. According to Samuel, the Lord would have
permanently established Sauls reign if Saul had obeyed. Instead, God
would appoint a king who was loyal to Him. (1 Sam. 13:13-14)
Then, before battle, Saul vowed that anyone who ate before sunset would
be cursed. When the battle was over, the Israelites were so hungry they ate
the livestock before the meat finished cooking. Sauls oath resulted in the
peoples sinning against God (Lev. 19:26), and it almost cost him his son
Jonathans life.
Finally, God told Saul to destroy the Amalekites completely. The
Amalekites were enemies of Gods people. (See Deut. 25:17-19.) But Saul
spared Agag the king and kept the best livestock and cattle. He destroyed
the worthless things.
Samuel arrived. I have carried out the Lords instructions! Saul said.
Samuel asked him about the sheep, the cattle, and King Agag. Saul still
insisted that he had obeyed; he planned to offer the sheep and cattle to the
Lord as a sacrifice. To obey is better than sacrifice Because you have
rejected the word of the Lord, He has rejected you as king! Samuel said.
(1 Sam. 15:22-23) After they returned to Israel, Samuel never visited Saul
again, and the Lord regretted making Saul king.
As you teach, help guide the children to understand that all earthly kings
like Saul are imperfect. But we can see how those kings point us to the
perfect King, Jesus, who carried out His Fathers instructions without fail.
Thank God for sending us the King we neededa King who loved us
enough to give His life for our salvation.
48
PreschoolWORSHIP OVERVIEW
Session Title: God Rejected Saul as King
Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 13:1-14; 14:18-48; 15:1-35
Big Picture Question: Who is our perfect King? Jesus is our perfect King.
Key Passage: Psalm 51:10
Unit Christ Connection: God provided the first kings to rule His people
Israel; Christ, the final King, rules over all people as Savior. Through
Davids family, God sent Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
Large Group Worship
(1520 minutes)..................................................................................Page 52
Small Group Activities
(2530 minutes)..................................................................................Page 54
Large Group Closing
(10+ minutes)......................................................................................Page 56
49
TheBIBLE STORY
God Rejected Saul as King
1 Samuel 13:1-14; 14:18-48; 15:1-35
Saul was a young man when he became king of Israel. As king, Saul
built an army. One day, Saul took troops with him into the hills. More
troops went with Sauls son, Jonathan, to a nearby city.
Jonathan and the army fought against some Philistines and destroyed
one of their army camps. This made the Philistines really mad! The
Philistines wanted to fight the Israelites. The Philistines had more
soldiers, more chariots, and more horses. The Israelites were afraid!
Some of them hid in caves.
King Saul wasnt sure what to do. He wanted to make a sacrifice to
ask God for help, but only Samuel was supposed to offer sacrifices to
God. Saul waited seven days for Samuel, but Samuel didnt come. Saul
made the sacrifice himself. Then Samuel came.
Saul, what are you doing? Samuel asked.
You werent here, and the army started to leave. I asked God for help
to fight the Philistines, Saul said.
You have disobeyed God by offering the sacrifice. You wont be
king for very long, Samuel said. God is going to find someone else to
be king, someone who obeys Him.
The Israelites and Philistines began to fight. Early that morning, Saul
had told the soldiers not to eat anything before sunset.
But the Israelites were hungry! They had been fighting all day. They
were tired and weak. When they found honey in the forest, they wanted to
eat it because it looked so good. But they didnt eat the honey.
Jonathan had not heard Saul say not to eat anything before the sun set.
So when Jonathan saw the honey, he ate some of it. He felt much better
right away.
You shouldnt have done that, one of the men told Jonathan. Your
father doesnt want us to eat.
That night, King Saul wanted to fight the Philistines again. He asked
50
God, Will You help us win? But God did not answer. Saul knew Gods
silence meant someone had sinned. Saul wanted to find out who had sinned
and punish him. Saul found out it was his son Jonathan who had sinned.
I tasted a tiny bit of honey, Jonathan said. Saul was ready to punish
Jonathan, but the Israelites stopped him. They didnt want Jonathan to be
punished; he had been such a good leader of the army. So Saul agreed not
to punish him, and they went back home.
One day, Samuel had a message from God for Saul. Go fight the
Amalekites, God said. God even told him what to do when he won:
destroy everything, even the animals. Saul and his army fought the
Amalekites. They won. But Saul did not do what God wanted him
to do. He kept the best cattle, sheep, and animals. The army only
destroyed the things nobody wanted.
If Saul doesnt obey Me, God told Samuel, I dont want him to
be king. Samuel told Saul that God was angry with him.
Saul was sad that God was going to give Israel a new king. Saul
wanted to be king, but God was not going to let him be king anymore
because he had not obeyed God.
Christ Connection: God told Saul to obey Him and everything would
go well. But Saul did not obey God. God rejected Saul as king. God would
give His people a better king. Jesus is Gods Son, and He is our perfect
King. He will rule over His people forever.
* To tell the Bible story to younger preschoolers or for reviewing the story,
use only the Bible story words in bold.
51
Large GroupWorship
Session Title: God Rejected Saul as King
Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 13:1-14; 14:18-48; 15:1-35
Big Picture Question: Who is our perfect King? Jesus is our perfect King.
Key Passage: Psalm 51:10
Unit Christ Connection: God provided the first kings to rule His people
Israel; Christ, the final King, rules over all people as Savior. Through
Davids family, God sent Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
Play Generous
King in the
background as you
welcome incoming
preschoolers.
Follow your churchs
security procedures.
Listen and Obey
song
countdown video
Bible
Timeline Map
Key Passage Poster
(enhanced CD)
A Clean Heart
song
52
God Rejected
Saul as King video
(optional)
countdown video
(optional)
Tip: Do activities
one of these ways:
as a group, all at the
same time
in small groups that
rotate through each
activity
set up as
centers, allowing
preschoolers to
browse and choose
53
Small GroupActivities
Session Title: God Rejected Saul as King
Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 13:1-14; 14:18-48; 15:1-35
Big Picture Question: Who is our perfect King? Jesus is our perfect King.
Key Passage: Psalm 51:10
Unit Christ Connection: God provided the first kings to rule His people
Israel; Christ, the final King, rules over all people as Savior. Through
Davids family, God sent Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
Tip: Select from the
activities those you
can staff and which
your class will enjoy.
LOW
PREP
plastic place
settings
collections of similar
items
54
Tracing Pictures
(enhanced CD)
markers or crayons
construction paper
and tracing paper
Draw or trace
Print and distribute the tracing pictures. Suggest that kids
look at the picture and draw it on construction paper, or put
it under tracing paper and trace it. Talk about whether they
like to follow another artists plan or their own.
Say Sometimes you can draw whatever you want in the
way you want; sometimes you have to follow the rules. To
lead his people, Saul needed to follow Gods plan exactly.
When he did not, God chose someone else to be king.
What would break?
Ask kids to predict whether an item would break if you
dropped it on the floor. (You dont need to have the items;
just name them.) Mention things such as a rubber ball, egg,
piece of paper, juice glass, stuffed animal, and cell phone.
Say King Saul made some foolish decisions and broke
Gods law. What do you think God did when Saul did
not obey Him? God was angry, and He gave Israel a new
king. Who is our perfect King? Jesus is our perfect King.
large sheet of
dark-colored paper
or sheets of dark
construction paper
colored chalk
55
Large Groupclosing
Session Title: God Rejected Saul as King
Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 13:1-14; 14:18-48; 15:1-35
Big Picture Question: Who is our perfect King? Jesus is our perfect King.
Key Passage: Psalm 51:10
Unit Christ Connection: God provided the first kings to rule His people
Israel; Christ, the final King, rules over all people as Savior. Through
Davids family, God sent Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
56
Follow church
security rules for
dismissing children.
Play IfThen
Play a rule-following game. Give If, then statements to
kids and encourage them to do what you ask if they meet
the criteria. For example, If you have an older brother, then
pat your head. If you like to eat bananas, then hop on one
foot. If your favorite color is green, then turn around.
Remind kids that Saul knew if he did not do what God
said, then he would not continue to be king. Saul didnt
follow Gods rules, and God made someone else king
instead.
57
LeaderBIBLE STUDY
Samuel had anointed Saul as king over Israel, but it wasnt long before
Sauls disobedience led God to reject him as king. God sent Samuel to
Bethlehem to meet Jesse and his sons. God had chosen one of Jesses sons
to be Israels king.
Jesse had many sons. Eliab was Jesses oldest son. When Samuel saw
Eliab, he thought, This must be the one God has chosen! Eliab was likely
tall and good-looking. Why wouldnt God choose someone like that? But
God doesnt make decisions like people do. Read what God said to Samuel
in 1 Samuel 16:7.
Jesses sons took turns passing before Samuel, one by one. Samuel was
probably eager to hear which son God had chosen to be Israels next king!
Abinadab? No, not him. Shammah? No. The Lord hasnt chosen this one
either.
Jesse had one more son; his youngest, David, was out tending the sheep.
David came in and God said, This is he. Samuel anointed David, and the
Spirit of the Lord took control of David.
David was still a youth and was not yet king when he found himself at the
battle where the Philistines had gathered to fight the Israelites. The story
of David and Goliath is one of the most well-known accounts in the Old
Testament. When the Israelites cowered in fear, David stepped up and
defeated the enemy with just a sling and a stone.
As you teach this week, help the kids relate to the Israelites. Apart from
Christ, we are powerless before our enemies of sin and death. David
reminds us of Jesus, the greatest hero, who came to save us. When we look
to Jesus, He gives us salvation and eternal life.
58
PreschoolWORSHIP OVERVIEW
Session Title: David Was Anointed and Fought Goliath
Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 1617
Big Picture Question: Who gave David power to defeat Goliath? God
gave David power to defeat Goliath.
Key Passage: Psalm 51:10
Unit Christ Connection: God provided the first kings to rule His people
Israel; Christ, the final King, rules over all people as Savior. Through
Davids family, God sent Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
Large Group Worship
(1520 minutes)..................................................................................Page 62
Small Group Activities
(2530 minutes)..................................................................................Page 64
Large Group Closing
(10+ minutes)......................................................................................Page 66
59
TheBIBLE STORY
David Was Anointed and Fought Goliath
1 Samuel 1617
Saul was not going to be king of Israel anymore. He had disobeyed
God, and it was time for Israel to have a new kinga better king. God
told Samuel to visit a man in Bethlehem named Jesse. Jesse had eight
sons. One of Jesses sons would be Israels king.
Samuel did what God told him to do. He went to Bethlehem to meet
with Jesse and his sons. Jesses oldest son was tall and handsome.
This must be the one God chose to be king, Samuel thought.
Samuel, hes not the one, God said. Do not pay attention to what
he looks like. You look at what you can see on the outside, but I see the
heart.
One by one, Samuel met Jesses sons, but God had not chosen any
of them.
Do you have any more sons? Samuel asked.
Yes, Jesse said. My youngest son, David, is in the field taking
care of the sheep. Jesse sent for David. When David arrived, God told
Samuel, Hes the one!
Samuel poured oil on Davids head to show that God had chosen
David to be the next king. Then Samuel went home.
King Saul was bothered by an evil spirit. Sauls servants told Saul
to find someone who could play the harp. Hearing beautiful music might
make Saul feel better. One of Sauls helpers knew just the person to play
the harpDavid, son of Jesse. Whenever Saul felt sad, David played his
harp and Saul felt better.
At this time, King Sauls army was getting ready to fight their
enemies, the Philistines. The Israelites camped on one hill while the
Philistines camped on another. There was a valley between them.
The Philistines had a great warrior named Goliath. He was 9 feet
9 inches tall! He towered above the other men. Goliath picked on the
Israelites. He wanted someone to fight him one-on-one. But none of the
60
* Use only the words in bold to review the Bible story or tell it to younger
preschoolers.
61
Large GroupWorship
Session Title: David Was Anointed and Fought Goliath
Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 1617
Big Picture Question: Who gave David power to defeat Goliath? God
gave David power to defeat Goliath.
Key Passage: Psalm 51:10
Unit Christ Connection: God provided the first kings to rule His people
Israel; Christ, the final King, rules over all people as Savior. Through
Davids family, God sent Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
Play Generous
King in the
background as you
welcome incoming
preschoolers.
Follow your churchs
security procedures.
I L-O-V-E You ,
Lord song
Bible
Key Passage Poster
(enhanced CD)
A Clean Heart
song
Timeline Map
David Was
Anointed and
Fought Goliath
video (optional)
62
countdown video
(optional)
Tip: Do activities
one of these ways:
as a group, all at the
same time
in small groups that
rotate through each
activity
set up as
centers, allowing
preschoolers to
browse and choose
63
Small Groupactivities
Session Title: David Was Anointed and Fought Goliath
Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 1617
Big Picture Question: Who gave David power to defeat Goliath? God
gave David power to defeat Goliath.
Key Passage: Psalm 51:10
Unit Christ Connection: God provided the first kings to rule His people
Israel; Christ, the final King, rules over all people as Savior. Through
Davids family, God sent Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
LOW
PREP
masking tape or
rope
rocks
shallow tub of
water
towels
washcloths or clean
toothbrushes
64
rulers, yardsticks, or
tape measures
cotton balls
craft sticks
blocks
empty boxes
beanbags
markers
65
Large Groupclosing
Session Title: David Was Anointed and Fought Goliath
Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 1617
Big Picture Question: Who gave David power to defeat Goliath? God
gave David power to defeat Goliath.
Key Passage: Psalm 51:10
Unit Christ Connection: God provided the first kings to rule His people
Israel; Christ, the final King, rules over all people as Savior. Through
Davids family, God sent Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
66
Suggested items:
backpacks, spiral
notebooks, pocket
folders, composition
books, notebook
paper, sticky notes,
tape, white glue,
washable and
permanent markers,
highlighters, dry
erase markers,
pens and pencils,
pencil cases,
colored pencils,
crayons, copy paper,
construction paper,
rulers, erasers, tissue
boxes, blunt-tipped
scissors, hand
sanitizer, gift cards
Follow church
security rules for
dismissing children.
67
LeaderBIBLE STUDY
Following Davids slaying of Goliath, the Philistine warrior, King Sauls
son Jonathan dedicated himself to David. He loved David as much as he
loved himself. Jonathans gifts to Davidthe robe, tunic, sword, bow, and
beltindicated that Jonathan recognized David as Gods choice for the
next king, a position Jonathan could have rightly expected as Sauls son.
David got a lot of attention for striking down Goliath, and King Saul was
jealous. Saul unsuccessfully attempted to kill David. Saul instructed his
servants and his son Jonathan to kill David. But Jonathan loved David, and
he pleaded with his father not to kill him.
As surely as the Lord lives, David will not be killed, Saul told Jonathan.
With this promise, David returned to serving King Saul. But it wasnt long
before Saul was again troubled and attempted to kill David. This time,
David fled.
In 1 Samuel 20, David came to Jonathan in a desperate situation. What
have I done? What did I do wrong? How have I sinned against your father
that he wants to take my life? David asked.
Jonathan had a hard time believing his father would want to kill
David, so Jonathan and David came up with a plan to determine Sauls
intentions. Through his interactions with Saul at the festival of the New
Moon, Jonathan determined Saul did want to kill David. He relayed the
information to David, and the two friends departed with great sadness.
As you teach the story of David and Jonathan, help kids recognize what
Jonathan did for David. He laid down his rights as king and interceded on
his behalf. Jonathans life gives us a glimpse of Jesus, the mighty friend of
sinners. Jesus left His position in heaven to come down to us. He gave up
His life to save us and intercedes for us before God.
68
PreschoolWORSHIP OVERVIEW
Session Title: David and Jonathan Became Friends
Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 18:1-12; 19:1-10; 20:1-42
Big Picture Question: Who is our friend? Jesus is our friend.
Key Passage: Psalm 51:10
Unit Christ Connection: God provided the first kings to rule His people
Israel; Christ, the final King, rules over all people as Savior. Through
Davids family, God sent Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
Large Group Worship
(1520 minutes)..................................................................................Page 72
Small Group Activities
(2530 minutes)..................................................................................Page 74
Large Group Closing
(10+ minutes)......................................................................................Page 76
69
TheBIBLE STORY
David and Jonathan Became Friends
1 Samuel 18:1-12; 19:1-10; 20:1-42
David was the youngest son of Jesse from Bethlehem. Now he was
a hero! With a sling and a stone, David killed Goliaththe strongest,
meanest, tallest man in the Philistine army.
David lived at King Sauls palace. King Saul had a son named
Jonathan. Jonathan became best friends with David. Jonathan gave
gifts to David: his robe, coat, sword, bow, and belt.
Whenever King Saul asked David to do something, David did it.
And David did a good job! But Saul didnt love David like Jonathan
loved David. King Saul was jealous! He wanted to kill David. Saul even
asked Jonathan to kill David! Kill his best friend? Never! He told David,
My father wants to kill you. Go hide in a safe place until I can talk to
him.
The next morning, Jonathan talked to his father about David. Why
would you want to kill David? Jonathan asked. He has done nothing but
help you. Saul promised not to kill David. Jonathan told David the good
news, and David returned to serve Saul as he had done before.
But King Saul did not keep His promise very long. One day, when
David was playing the harp for Saul, Saul threw a spear at David.
But he missed, and David escaped. David told Jonathan what had
happened.
Thats not true! Jonathan said. My father tells me everything,
and he hasnt told me he wants you dead.
It is true, David said. He didnt tell you because he knows we are
good friends. He didnt want to make you sad.
How can I help? Jonathan asked.
David came up with a plan to figure out how Saul felt about David.
Theres a special meal tomorrow, David said. Im supposed to be
there, but Im not going. If Saul asks where I am, tell him Ive asked
you if I could go to Bethlehem. If he gets angry, you will know he wants
70
to kill me.
Jonathan told David that he would give him a signal to tell David what
Saul planned to do.
So Jonathan went to the New Moon festival with his father. When
Saul sat down to eat, he asked, Wheres David?
David is in Bethlehem. I told him he could go, Jonathan said.
Saul became very angry. David deserves to die! he yelled.
Why? Jonathan asked. What has he done wrong?
Saul threw his spear at Jonathan, and Jonathan left the table. He was sad
that his father wanted to kill David.
The next morning, Jonathan went to the field where David was
hiding. Jonathan gave David the sign that Saul wanted to kill him.
Jonathan sent his servant away, and David came out from where he
was hiding. David fell to the ground because he was so sad. David and
Jonathan cried and said their good-byes.
Take care of yourself, Jonathan said. David and Jonathan parted
ways knowing that no matter what, they would always be friends.
Christ Connection: Jonathan was a very good friend to David. He
reminds us that Jesus is the friend of sinners. Jesus showed His friendship
to us by leaving heaven to come to earth. Jesus died to save us, and He
talks to God for us.
* Use only the words in bold to review the Bible story or tell it to younger
preschoolers.
71
Large GroupWorship
Session Title: David and Jonathan Became Friends
Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 18:1-12; 19:1-10; 20:1-42
Big Picture Question: Who is our friend? Jesus is our friend.
Key Passage: Psalm 51:10
Unit Christ Connection: God provided the first kings to rule His people
Israel; Christ, the final King, rules over all people as Savior. Through
Davids family, God sent Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
Bible
Key Passage Poster
(enhanced CD)
A Clean Heart
song
72
Timeline Map
David and
Jonathan Became
Friends video
(optional)
73
Small GroupActivities
Session Title: David and Jonathan Became Friends
Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 18:1-12; 19:1-10; 20:1-42
Big Picture Question: Who is our friend? Jesus is our friend.
Key Passage: Psalm 51:10
Unit Christ Connection: God provided the first kings to rule His people
Israel; Christ, the final King, rules over all people as Savior. Through
Davids family, God sent Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
LOW
PREP
paper plates, 2
tape
marker
masking tape
confetti, colored
sand, or foam
shapes
74
75
Large Groupclosing
Session Title: David and Jonathan Became Friends
Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 18:1-12; 19:1-10; 20:1-42
Big Picture Question: Who is our friend? Jesus is our friend.
Key Passage: Psalm 51:10
Unit Christ Connection: God provided the first kings to rule His people
Israel; Christ, the final King, rules over all people as Savior. Through
Davids family, God sent Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
76
Follow church
security rules for
dismissing children.
77
LeaderBIBLE STUDY
Things were not looking up for David. King Saul had tried multiple times
to kill him, and he had to flee for his life, leaving behind his good friend,
Sauls son Jonathan. But God had appointed David to be king, and God
was faithful to him. Leading up to 2 Samuel 7, Jonathan was killed in battle
against the Philistines. Saul fell on his own sword, and David became king
of Israel. Then David moved the ark of God to Jerusalem.
David settled into his palace, and God gave him peace from his enemies.
When David looked around, something didnt seem right. He was living in
a majestic palace while the ark of God was in a tent! David determined to
build God a temple. That night, God gave the prophet, Nathan, a message
for David. Have I ever asked you to build Me a house? God said. Since
I brought the Israelites out of Egypt, I have dwelled in a tent.
God continued, reminding David that he used to be a shepherd, but God
had made him a king! I have always been with you, and I have defeated
your enemies, God said. God promised to give the Israelites a place to
stay so they wouldnt need to move around anymore. God promised to give
them rest from their enemies so they could stop fighting.
Though God denied Davids desire to build God a house, God promised to
make a house for David: a dynasty of his descendants and an everlasting
kingdom. Nathan told David what God said, and David was amazed.
As you teach kids about Gods covenant to David, help them understand
the significance of Davids everlasting kingdom. Gods promise to David
was ultimately fulfilled by his most significant descendant, Jesus Christ:
He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord
God will give Him the throne of His father David. He will reign over the
house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end (Luke 1:32-33).
78
Preschoolworship overview
Session Title: God Made a Covenant with David
Bible Passage: 2 Samuel 7
Big Picture Question: What did God promise David? God promised that
Jesus would be part of Davids family.
Key Passage: Psalm 51:10
Unit Christ Connection: God provided the first kings to rule His people
Israel; Christ, the final King, rules over all people as Savior. Through
Davids family, God sent Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
Large Group Worship
(1520 minutes)..................................................................................Page 82
Small Group Activities
(2530 minutes)..................................................................................Page 84
Large Group Closing
(10+ minutes)......................................................................................Page 86
79
Thebible story
God Made a Covenant with David
2 Samuel 7
God chose David to be king of Israel. When David was young,
he played the harp for King Saul, and God gave him power to defeat
Goliaththe strongest, meanest, tallest man in the Philistine army. Saul
had been king, but now David was king. God gave His people a time of
peace.
One day, David was talking with Nathan the prophet. I live in
a palace of nice wood, David pointed out. But the ark of God sits
inside a tent!
God is with you. Do what you want! Nathan said. But God didnt
want David to do whatever he wanted. That night, God talked to Nathan.
God gave Nathan a message for David. This is what God wanted Nathan
to say to David:
David, are you going to build a house for Me to live in? Think about
what I have done for My people. I brought them out of Egypt. I gave
them leaders to guide them. The entire time I have been with them, My
house has been a tent. Did I ever ask anyone to build a temple for Me?
Remember, you used to be a shepherd, David. But I made you a king.
I helped you win your battles, and My people now live in their own
land. There is no more fighting. I promise you, David, that you and
your descendants will be kings. When you die, one of your sons will be
king. He will be a strong king. He will build a house for Me. I will love
him, and I will never leave him. When your son dies, his son will be
king. The king will always be someone in your family.
When God was finished speaking, Nathan told David everything
God said. David went into the tent he had set up for the ark of God. God
was right. God had never asked anyone to build Him a temple. Even
though David wanted to build a temple for God, David chose to listen
to God and obey Him instead. David sat down and prayed.
Lord God, I dont deserve anything You have done for me, and You
80
* Use only the words in bold to review the Bible story or tell it to younger
preschoolers.
81
Large GroupWorship
Session Title: God Made a Covenant with David
Bible Passage: 2 Samuel 7
Big Picture Question: What did God promise David? God promised that
Jesus would be part of Davids family.
Key Passage: Psalm 51:10
Unit Christ Connection: God provided the first kings to rule His people
Israel; Christ, the final King, rules over all people as Savior. Through
Davids family, God sent Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
Timeline Map
God Made a
Covenant with
David video
(optional)
bookmark
82
83
Small Groupactivities
Session Title: God Made a Covenant with David
Bible Passage: 2 Samuel 7
Big Picture Question: What did God promise David? God promised that
Jesus would be part of Davids family.
Key Passage: Psalm 51:10
Unit Christ Connection: God provided the first kings to rule His people
Israel; Christ, the final King, rules over all people as Savior. Through
Davids family, God sent Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
LOW
PREP
signs, 7
tape
colored blocks
colored paper scraps
that match colors of
blocks
sack or gift bag
84
round objects
markers or crayons
stamp pads
(optional)
paper
fabric
chair
crown
dress-up clothes
(optional)
camera (optional)
fabric swatches
wooden blocks
scale (analog or
balance)
measuring tape
85
Large Groupclosing
Session Title: God Made a Covenant with David
Bible Passage: 2 Samuel 7
Big Picture Question: What did God promise David? God promised that
Jesus would be part of Davids family.
Key Passage: Psalm 51:10
Unit Christ Connection: God provided the first kings to rule His people
Israel; Christ, the final King, rules over all people as Savior. Through
Davids family, God sent Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
Bible
Timeline Map
Key Passage Poster
(enhanced CD)
Big Picture Question
Poster (enhanced
CD)
Lord, Teach Me
song
Mighty, Mighty
God song
Note: Jesus Father
is God. The Book
of Matthew gives
the genealogy
through His earthly
father, Joseph;
28 generations
separate David and
Jesus. The Gospel
of Luke records
Jesus lineage back
to Adam. Scholars
believe Lukes
account is through
Marys family, and it
includes David, too.
86
Follow church
security rules for
dismissing children.
87
LeaderBIBLE STUDY
The Ammonites were no strangers to the Israelites. They often fought over
the region of Gilead, which stretched east of the Jordan River. David had
tried showing kindness to the Ammonites, but they humiliated the Israelite
ambassadors. (See 2 Sam. 10:1-5.) Thus began a war between the Israelites
and Ammonites. This context sets the scene for the story of Davids sin and
restoration.
One evening, David looked from his rooftop and saw Bathsheba bathing.
He inquired about her and found out that she was the wife of Uriah, one
of Davids elite soldiers. Her married status alone made her off-limits to
David, but he nevertheless called for her and slept with her.
David probably assumed his sin would go unnoticed, until Bathsheba
told him she was pregnant with his child. With Uriah gone to war, it was
obvious the baby was not his. But David had a plan. He called Uriah home
from the battle and encouraged him to be with his wife. But Uriah refused.
Uriah didnt think it was fair for him to be with his wife while other men
were at war.
So David moved to plan B. He instructed the commander of the army
to position Uriah in the most violent part of the battle so he would be
killed. This time, Davids plan worked. Uriah was killed, and David took
Bathsheba as his wife.
God knew Davids sin and sent Nathan the prophet to confront David.
David realized he had sinned against God. God issued a punishment:
Davids son died.
Davids confession is recorded in Psalm 51. David knew making sacrifices
would not be enough to please God and pay for his sin. God wanted
Davids heart to change so he would not want to sin again. Like David, we
need more than a changed lifestyle to be made right with God; we need
new hearts. Jesus died to satisfy Gods wrath against sin so that we could
be made alive in Him.
88
PreschoolWORSHIP OVERVIEW
Session Title: David Sinned and Was Restored
Bible Passage: 2 Samuel 11:112:14; Psalm 51
Big Picture Question: What happened when David sinned? God punished
David, but He forgave David.
Key Passage: Psalm 51:10
Unit Christ Connection: God provided the first kings to rule His people
Israel; Christ, the final King, rules over all people as Savior. Through
Davids family, God sent Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
Large Group Worship
(1520 minutes)..................................................................................Page 92
Small Group Activities
(2530 minutes)..................................................................................Page 94
Large Group Closing
(10+ minutes)......................................................................................Page 96
89
TheBIBLE STORY
David Sinned and Was Restored
2 Samuel 11:112:14; Psalm 51
David was king of Israel. One of the things David did as king was lead
the army. Each spring, kings went to war with their armies. One spring,
David sent the army out to fight. He put a man named Joab in charge of
the army, but David stayed at his palace.
One evening, David was walking on the roof of his palace. From the
roof, he saw Bathsheba. Bathsheba was a beautiful woman. She was
the wife of Uriah, one of the best men in Davids army. David sent his
messengers to get Bathsheba, and she came to Davids house. Later,
Bathsheba told David that she was going to have a baby; the baby would be
Davids son.
David knew what he had done was wrong. Bathsheba was married to
Uriah. David should not have a baby with someone who was not his wife.
David did not want to get into trouble, so he had a plan to make sure no
one found out that Bathshebas baby was his.
David told Uriah to come home from the battle. Go spend time with
your wife, he said. You deserve it. But Uriah didnt think it was fair for
him to relax at home while the other men were at war. He slept on Davids
doorstep and would not see his wife. No matter what David did or said,
Uriah did not go home.
Davids plan was not working, so he made up another plan. This time,
he instructed Joab, the leader of the army, to send Uriah into the
hardest part of the battle. David hoped Uriah would be killed.
Joab did what David wanted. He sent Uriah to the place where the
fighting was most dangerous, and the enemy army killed Uriah. When
Bathsheba heard that her husband was dead, she was very sad. David
took Bathsheba into his house to be his wife.
It seemed as though David had gotten away with his sin, but God knew
what David had done. God was not happy with David, and He sent
Nathan the prophet to talk to David. Nathan told David a story. The
90
story was about a man who took something that did not belong to him.
The story made David angry, but Nathan said the story was about
David. David took something that did not belong to him. David had
taken Uriahs wife. Nathan told David that God was not happy about
what he did. David realized he had sinned against God.
After Nathan spoke to David, David wrote a psalm. He told God he
was sorry and asked God to forgive him, and God did.
Christ Connection: God forgave David for his sins, but sin always has a
price. God let David live, but Davids son died. When we sin, God forgives
us because Jesus died for our sins. Jesus paid the price for our sins.
* To tell the Bible story to younger preschoolers or for reviewing the story,
use only the Bible story words in bold.
91
Large GroupWorship
Session Title: David Sinned and Was Restored
Bible Passage: 2 Samuel 11:112:14; Psalm 51
Big Picture Question: What happened when David sinned? God punished
David, but He forgave David.
Key Passage: Psalm 51:10
Unit Christ Connection: God provided the first kings to rule His people
Israel; Christ, the final King, rules over all people as Savior. Through
Davids family, God sent Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
Play A Clean Heart
in the background
as you welcome
preschoolers. Follow
security procedures.
The Stay-in-Place
Song
Bible
Key Passage Poster
(enhanced CD)
A Clean Heart
song
Tip: Kids may be
unaware of personal
sin. Todays purpose
is not to bring about
conviction, but to
present what sin is.
Timeline Map
David Sinned and
Was Restored video
(optional)
92
93
Small Groupactivities
Session Title: David Sinned and Was Restored
Bible Passage: 2 Samuel 11:112:14; Psalm 51
Big Picture Question: What happened when David sinned? God punished
David, but He forgave David.
Key Passage: Psalm 51:10
Unit Christ Connection: God provided the first kings to rule His people
Israel; Christ, the final King, rules over all people as Savior. Through
Davids family, God sent Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
Tip: Select from the
activities those you
can staff and which
your class will enjoy.
LOW
PREP
large red paper
double-sided tape
paper scraps
94
purchased or
homemade dry
erase boards
dry erase markers or
crayons
vegetables
vegetable brushes
shallow tub
towels
water
Allergy Alert
(enhanced CD)
A Clean Heart
song
index cards
countdown video
(optional)
Tip: Do activities
one of these ways:
as a group, all at the
same time
in small groups that
rotate through each
activity
set up as
centers, allowing
preschoolers to
browse and choose
95
Large Groupclosing
Session Title: David Sinned and Was Restored
Bible Passage: 2 Samuel 11:112:14; Psalm 51
Big Picture Question: What happened when David sinned? God punished
David, but He forgave David.
Key Passage: Psalm 51:10
Unit Christ Connection: God provided the first kings to rule His people
Israel; Christ, the final King, rules over all people as Savior. Through
Davids family, God sent Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
96
Follow church
security rules for
dismissing children.
97
98
A Kingdom Created
99
LeaderBIBLE STUDY
Davids sin with Bathsheba yielded difficult consequences, but God
showed David and Bathsheba that He still loved them. After the death of
their first son, Bathsheba gave birth to Solomon. Nathan, the prophet whom
God had used to confront David concerning Uriah, gave Solomon a special
name: Jedidiah, which means Beloved of the Lord. God chose Solomon
to be king. (See 2 Sam. 12:24-25; 1 Chron. 22:9-13.)
Early in Solomons life, God appeared to him in a dream. What should I
give you? God asked. Solomons response set him apart from many other
kings. His God-honoring qualities were apparent.
First, Solomon humbly acknowledged his lack of experience in leading
Gods people. Then he said, Give Your servant an obedient heart to judge
Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge
this great people of Yours? (1 Kings 3:9).
If you were a king or queen and God offered to give you anything you
asked for, what request would you make? Ask the kids you teach what they
would ask for if they could receive anything their hearts desired.
One might assume that a king would ask for power, to be victorious over
his enemies. Perhaps he would ask for riches or to live a long life. Solomon
asked for none of these. Instead, he asked God to make him wise. God was
pleased with Solomons request, and He agreed to give Solomon a wise and
understanding heart.
Solomons heart was surrendered to God. When we know and love Jesus,
God gives us the same promise He gave to Solomon: Now this is the
confidence we have before Him: Whenever we ask anything according to
His will, He hears us (1 John 5:14).
100
PreschoolWORSHIP OVERVIEW
Session Title: Solomon Asked for Wisdom
Bible Passage: 1 Kings 2:1-4,10-12; 3:1-15
Big Picture Question: What did King Solomon ask from God? King
Solomon asked God for wisdom.
Key Passage: 1 Kings 8:61
Unit Christ Connection: Solomons grand earthly reign is a picture of the
eternal reign of Christ. Solomons sin divided his kingdom, but Christs
perfect Kingdom is forever.
Large Group Worship
(1520 minutes)................................................................................Page 104
Small Group Activities
(2530 minutes)................................................................................Page 106
Large Group Closing
(10+ minutes)....................................................................................Page 108
A Kingdom in Trouble
101
TheBIBLE STORY
Solomon Asked for Wisdom
1 Kings 2:1-4,10-12; 3:1-15
David was an old man. He had been king over Israel for many,
many years. Now his son Solomon had become king. Everyone was
happy that Solomon was king.
David was going to die soon, so he gave Solomon special
instructions.
Be strong and brave, Solomon, David said. Obey God, and you
will be a good king. God will keep His promise to us. Every king of
Israel will come from our family.
David told Solomon to make wise choices. He told him to be friends
with people who were friends with King David. David told Solomon how
to treat his enemies. Then David died, and he was buried.
Solomon married Pharaohs daughter, the princess of Egypt. He built his
palace and the wall that went around the city of Jerusalem.
One night, God talked to Solomon in a dream. God said, Solomon,
ask for anything you want, and I will give it to you.
Anything? What would you ask for if you could have anything?
A king might have asked to live a long life or to be very rich.
Solomon could have asked God to take away all his enemies. But
Solomon didnt ask to be rich or to live a long time. He asked for
something even better.
Solomon said, God, You were so good to my father, David. He
loved and obeyed You, and You made meHis sonthe next king.
Then Solomon said, I am young, and I dont know very much
about being a king. Please make me wise and help me obey You. Help
me know the difference between right and wrong. Help me be a good
leader.
God said to Solomon, I am happy you have asked for wisdom. I am
going to make you more wise and understanding than anyone who has
ever lived. No one in the future will ever be as wise as you, Solomon.
102
But God wasnt finished. Because you asked for wisdom, I will also
give you what you did not ask for: long life, riches, and honor. Youll be
greater than any other king during your lifetime.
Solomon woke up. God had spoken to him in a dream! Solomon
thanked God and praised Him.
Christ Connection: King Solomon asked God to give him wisdom. He
wanted to be a good leader for Gods people and do what was best for
them. God wants people to do His plan. Jesus trusted God and wanted to
do His plan. Jesus did Gods plan when He died on the cross for our sins.
* To tell the Bible story to younger preschoolers or for reviewing the story,
use only the Bible story words in bold.
A Kingdom in Trouble
103
Large GroupWorship
Session Title: Solomon Asked for Wisdom
Bible Passage: 1 Kings 2:1-4,10-12; 3:1-15
Big Picture Question: What did King Solomon ask from God? King
Solomon asked God for wisdom.
Key Passage: 1 Kings 8:61
Unit Christ Connection: Solomons grand earthly reign is a picture of the
eternal reign of Christ. Solomons sin divided his kingdom, but Christs
perfect Kingdom is forever.
Timeline Map
Solomon Asked
for Wisdom video
(optional)
104
countdown video
(optional)
A Kingdom in Trouble
105
Small GroupActivities
Session Title: Solomon Asked for Wisdom
Bible Passage: 1 Kings 2:1-4,10-12; 3:1-15
Big Picture Question: What did King Solomon ask from God? King
Solomon asked God for wisdom.
Key Passage: 1 Kings 8:61
Unit Christ Connection: Solomons grand earthly reign is a picture of the
eternal reign of Christ. Solomons sin divided his kingdom, but Christs
perfect Kingdom is forever.
LOW
PREP
beanbags
various objects in
the room
masking tape
construction paper
tissue paper
glue
106
index cards
yarn
hole punch
basket or box
2-liter or 16-ounce
plastic bottles, 6
sign with WISDOM
(or GOD or BIBLE)
printed on it
letters of sign
printed on cards
ball or beanbag
A Kingdom in Trouble
107
Large Groupclosing
Session Title: Solomon Asked for Wisdom
Bible Passage: 1 Kings 2:1-4,10-12; 3:1-15
Big Picture Question: What did King Solomon ask from God? King
Solomon asked God for wisdom.
Key Passage: 1 Kings 8:61
Unit Christ Connection: Solomons grand earthly reign is a picture of the
eternal reign of Christ. Solomons sin divided his kingdom, but Christs
perfect Kingdom is forever.
108
Follow church
security rules for
dismissing children.
A Kingdom in Trouble
109
LeaderBIBLE STUDY
When David was king, he wanted to build a temple for God, but God did
not allow him to. When your time comes and you rest with your fathers,
I will raise up after you your descendant, who will come from your body,
and I will establish his kingdom. He will build a house for My name, and
I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever (2 Sam. 7:12-13). God
said King Davids son would build the temple.
King Solomon began to gather materials to build the temple. He ordered
cedar and cypress timbers from Lebanon. He gathered 30,000 men from
all of Israel as laborers to excavate stone and prepare the timbers for the
temples construction.
The temple was impressive. The entire interior was cedar. King Solomon
had everything covered with gold. In all, it took seven years for the temple
to be completed. Inside the temple were furniture and accessories. (See
1 Kings 7:48-50.)
It came time to dedicate the temple. All of the Israelites gathered in
Jerusalem. The priests brought the ark of the Lord to the most holy place,
and a cloud filled the house of the Lord. Gods glory filled the temple.
Solomon prayed to God. He praised God for keeping His covenant with
David. Solomon recognized that God is not confined to a temple. Even
heaven, the highest heaven, cannot contain You, much less this temple I
have built (1 Kings 8:27). Solomons prayer and speech to the Israelites
were followed by a great offering to God.
The temple was where God met with His people, and it gave Gods people
a more permanent place to worship Him. The priests followed specific
instructions to approach God on behalf of His people. Jesus changed
everything when He died for our sins on the cross. By taking our sin upon
Himself, Jesus made the way for sinners to come to God.
110
PreschoolWORSHIP OVERVIEW
Session Title: Solomon Built the Temple
Bible Passage: 1 Kings 6:18:66
Big Picture Question: What did King Solomon build? King Solomon
built a temple for God.
Key Passage: 1 Kings 8:61
Unit Christ Connection: Solomons grand earthly reign is a picture of the
eternal reign of Christ. Solomons sin divided his kingdom, but Christs
perfect Kingdom is forever.
Large Group Worship
(1520 minutes)................................................................................Page 114
Small Group Activities
(2530 minutes)................................................................................Page 116
Large Group Closing
(10+ minutes)....................................................................................Page 118
A Kingdom in Trouble
111
TheBIBLE STORY
Solomon Built the Temple
1 Kings 6:18:66
David had been king over Israel for many years. Now it was Solomons
turn to be king. God made Solomon a very wise king.
Solomon had been king for four years when he began to build a
temple for God. Ever since God had saved the Israelites from Egypt,
God had been with them in a tent. The tent had been where God met
with His people for hundreds of years! King David wanted to build a
temple for God, but God did not allow him to. God said Solomon would
build him a temple.
Building a temple wasnt easy. It was a very big job! King Solomon
had many, many men helping build the temple for God. The workers cut
cedar logs and big stone blocks. They worked hard and laid the bottom of
the temple. They built the outside of the temple.
God was happy with the temple. He made a promise to Solomon. If
you obey Me and do what I say, I will keep the promise I made to your
father, David. I will live among the Israelites, and I will not leave My
people.
The builders kept working very hard to build the temple. They worked
for seven more years, and they did a very good job! There were many
rooms, and inside the temple were wood panels with flowers carved on
them. King Solomon covered everything on the inside of the temple
with pure gold. He hired some men to make bronze furniture for the
temple, like bronze bowls for holding water.
Finally, the temple was ready! It was time for Solomon to move the
ark of God into the new temple. King Solomon gathered the leaders
of Israel. As the priests moved the ark and the tent of meeting, King
Solomon and everyone who was there sacrificed sheep and cattle to
God. There were so many sheep and cattle! No one could count them!
When the priests came out of the temple, the temple was filled by
a cloud. Gods glory was in the cloud. Solomon said to the Israelites,
112
Praise God! He also said, God promised David that his son would
build a temple. We did it! God kept His promises!
Solomon prayed with his hands spread out toward heaven. There
is no God like You! Solomon prayed. When Solomon was finished
praying, he turned toward the Israelites and encouraged them to love
God and to do what He says. When the people went home, they were
happy because God was good to them.
Christ Connection: God is holy. Only the priests could go into Gods
special place in the temple, and they had to follow special rules because
they were sinful. Jesus took away our sin when He died on the cross. When
we know and love Jesus, we talk to God on our own.
* Use only the words in bold to review the Bible story or tell it to younger
preschoolers.
A Kingdom in Trouble
113
Large GroupWorship
Session Title: Solomon Built the Temple
Bible Passage: 1 Kings 6:18:66
Big Picture Question: What did King Solomon build? King Solomon
built a temple for God.
Key Passage: 1 Kings 8:61
Unit Christ Connection: Solomons grand earthly reign is a picture of the
eternal reign of Christ. Solomons sin divided his kingdom, but Christs
perfect Kingdom is forever.
Play Me Without
You in the
background as you
welcome incoming
preschoolers.
Follow your churchs
security procedures.
The Stay-in-Place
Song
Bible
Key Passage Poster
(enhanced CD)
Devoted song
114
Solomon Built
the Temple video
(optional)
Big Picture Question
Poster (enhanced
CD)
Timeline Map
Everybody Sing
song
We Bow Down
song
Come and Praise
Him song
offering basket
countdown video
(optional)
Tip: Do activities
one of these ways:
as a group, all at the
same time
in small groups that
rotate through each
activity
set up as
centers, allowing
preschoolers to
browse and choose
A Kingdom in Trouble
115
Small GroupActivities
Session Title: Solomon Built the Temple
Bible Passage: 1 Kings 6:18:66
Big Picture Question: What did King Solomon build? King Solomon
built a temple for God.
Key Passage: 1 Kings 8:61
Unit Christ Connection: Solomons grand earthly reign is a picture of the
eternal reign of Christ. Solomons sin divided his kingdom, but Christs
perfect Kingdom is forever.
LOW
PREP
plastic cups
heavyweight paper
Note: The temple
complex was
largenot the
largest temple
in the world, but
probably the richest.
Its cost today would
be in the billions.
(See Ps. 48:2 and
2 Chron. 9:22-23)
brown paper
cupcake liners or
foam shapes
crayons or markers
glue sticks
116
Select from the activities those you can staff and which
your class will enjoy.
Build with cups and paper
Invite kids to place cups upside down in a design. Guide
them to place a piece of heavyweight paper on top of the
cups and to add a second layer of cups, then more paper.
Build several layers.
Say Solomon built a beautiful temple for God. Solomon
was very rich. People came from all over to see the
famous temple and to hear the wisdom of Solomon. [See
1 Kings 10:23-24.]
Decorate with flowers
Use small paper cupcake liners or foam shapes to make
flowers on brown paper. Invite kids to draw stems and
leaves on the paper.
Say Solomon decorated wood panels with carvings of
flowers in the temple. He covered the carvings with gold.
What did King Solomon build? King Solomon built a
temple for God.
Preschool Worship Guide
Unit 12 Session 2
cardboard boxes
tape
markers and
crayons
paper
A Kingdom in Trouble
117
Large Groupclosing
Session Title: Solomon Built the Temple
Bible Passage: 1 Kings 6:18:66
Big Picture Question: What did King Solomon build? King Solomon
built a temple for God.
Key Passage: 1 Kings 8:61
Unit Christ Connection: Solomons grand earthly reign is a picture of the
eternal reign of Christ. Solomons sin divided his kingdom, but Christs
perfect Kingdom is forever.
118
Recycling
Project Handout
(enhanced CD)
Note: You may wish
to show a video
about a church in
Vermont, Extreme
Church Makeover.
masking tape
foam swim noodle
timer (optional)
Follow church
security rules for
dismissing children.
A Kingdom in Trouble
119
LeaderBIBLE STUDY
King Solomon loved God. He received wisdom from the Lord and was
dedicated to building His temple. But early on, we see hints that Solomons
heart was not completely devoted to God. He married foreign wives who
turned Solomons heart away from God. (1 Kings 11:4)
Solomon abandoned what he had believed. Israel had a history of turning
away from God, and Solomon was no exception.
God was angry with Solomon. He had warned him twice not to turn to false
gods. God planned to punish Solomons sin by taking the kingdom away
from his family. God was going to take the kingdom from Solomons son
Rehoboamevery tribe except for one. God graciously left one tribe for
Rehoboam, keeping the promise He made to David. (See 2 Sam. 7:16.)
God raised up enemies against Solomon. God set apart one of Solomons
servants, Jeroboam, to become leader over 10 tribes of Israel. When
Solomon died, all of Israel gathered to make Rehoboam their new king.
They asked Rehoboam to lighten the burden of service Solomon had given
them, but Rehoboam refused. In fact, he promised to make their work even
harder.
Israel rebelled against Rehoboam and made Jeroboam king. Only the
tribe of Judah stayed with Rehoboam. So the kingdom was divided into
two kingdomsthe Northern Kingdom was called Israel and was ruled
by Jeroboam; the Southern Kingdom was called Judah and was ruled by
Rehoboam.
Every king failed to lead Gods people perfectly. God had a plan to send
them a better king, a perfect king. God would use the house of Davidthe
single tribe He reserved for Rehoboamto bring into the world His Son,
Jesus, to become King over all of Gods people forever and lead them back
to God.
120
PreschoolWORSHIP OVERVIEW
Session Title: Solomons Sin Divided the Kingdom
Bible Passage: 1 Kings 1112
Big Picture Question: How should we love God? We should love God
with all our hearts.
Key Passage: 1 Kings 8:61
Unit Christ Connection: Solomons grand earthly reign is a picture of the
eternal reign of Christ. Solomons sin divided his kingdom, but Christs
perfect Kingdom is forever.
Large Group Worship
(1520 minutes)................................................................................Page 124
Small Group Activities
(2530 minutes)................................................................................Page 126
Large Group Closing
(10+ minutes)....................................................................................Page 128
A Kingdom in Trouble
121
TheBIBLE STORY
Solomons Sin Divided the Kingdom
1 Kings 1112
King Solomon loved God, but he did not love God with his whole
heart. Some of the things he did were not what God wanted him to do.
For example, God told the people of Israel not to marry people from other
nations. God knew they would lead His people away from Him, the one
true God.
Solomon had a wife from Egypt, and he had other wives. Solomons
wives turned him away from God. Solomon did not love God like his
father David did. Solomon began to worship the false gods that his
wives worshiped.
This made God angry. God told Solomon not to worship false gods,
but Solomon did not listen. God said to Solomon, Since you have done
this, I will take away the kingdom from you. You will be king the rest
of your life, but when your son becomes king, he will only be king over
one tribe.
Jeroboam (JER uh BOH uhm) was one of Solomons servants,
and God planned to make him king over most of Israel. God allowed
Solomon to have enemies. Jeroboam turned against Solomon and was
his enemy.
When Solomon died, his son Rehoboam (REE huh BOH uhm)
became king. The people told Rehoboam, Your father Solomon made
us work too hard. We will be happy to serve you if you make our work
easier.
Rehoboam thought about it, and he asked his friends for advice.
Then he replied, My father Solomon didnt make you work hard
enough! Ill make you work even harder! This was bad news for the
people. They didnt want to serve a king like Rehoboam, so they made
Jeroboam king. Now Rehoboam was king over only one tribe, the tribe
of Judah in the south.
Rehoboam didnt like being king of only one tribe. He planned to attack
122
the Northern Kingdom of Israel, but God sent a prophet to stop him. The
prophet had a message from God. Dont fight them; the people of Israel
are part of your family. I am the Lord, and I am in control of what is
happening. So Rehoboam went home.
Jeroboam was now king of Israel. Jeroboam wanted to make sure
the people never returned to their old king. Instead of letting them go to
Jerusalem to worship God at the temple, Jeroboam made two golden
calves for the people to worship.
Look! he said. These golden calves are the gods who saved your
families out of Egypt. You can worship them.
What Jeroboam did was a sin! Those calves did not save Gods
people. God led His people out of Egypt. Jeroboam tried very hard to
make Israel seem like a better place to live than Judah. Jeroboam led all
the people in worship to the false gods.
Christ Connection: No king led Gods people perfectly. Solomon sinned,
and Israel was divided between two kings. Gods people needed a perfect
king. God would send His own Son, Jesus, to be King. Jesus is a perfect
King.
* To tell the Bible story to younger preschoolers or for reviewing the story,
use only the Bible story words in bold.
A Kingdom in Trouble
123
Large GroupWorship
Session Title: Solomons Sin Divided the Kingdom
Bible Passage: 1 Kings 1112
Big Picture Question: How should we love God? We should love God
with all our hearts.
Key Passage: 1 Kings 8:61
Unit Christ Connection: Solomons grand earthly reign is a picture of the
eternal reign of Christ. Solomons sin divided his kingdom, but Christs
perfect Kingdom is forever.
Play Me Without
You in the
background as you
welcome incoming
preschoolers.
Follow your churchs
security procedures.
Everybody Sing
song
Bible
Key Passage Poster
(enhanced CD)
Devoted song
124
Solomons Sin
Divided the
Kingdom video
(optional)
Big Picture Question
Poster (enhanced
CD)
Timeline Map
Shout to the Lord
song
Lord, Teach Me
song
The Bible Is Gods
Word song
offering basket
countdown video
(optional)
Tip: Do activities
one of these ways:
as a group, all at the
same time
in small groups that
rotate through each
activity
set up as
centers, allowing
preschoolers to
browse and choose
A Kingdom in Trouble
125
Small Groupactivities
Session Title: Solomons Sin Divided the Kingdom
Bible Passage: 1 Kings 1112
Big Picture Question: How should we love God? We should love God
with all our hearts.
Key Passage: 1 Kings 8:61
Unit Christ Connection: Solomons grand earthly reign is a picture of the
eternal reign of Christ. Solomons sin divided his kingdom, but Christs
perfect Kingdom is forever.
LOW
PREP
swim noodle
Door Hanger
Template
(enhanced CD)
heavyweight paper
markers
stickers
computer address
labels (optional)
126
blocks or ziplock
bags filled with a
half-pound of rice
or sand, taped shut
colored paper
child-size scissors
cotton balls
tongs
large plastic
bowls, 3
OR
soft rubber balls or
beanbags
baskets or boxes
sturdy box
markers
countdown video
(optional)
I Know song
Lift weights
Distribute weights, one per hand, to each kid. Show
how to lift weights with palms up, arms extended to the
sides. Count five lifts on each side; repeat with eight lifts.
Continue until everyone is tired.
Say You worked hard! Rehoboam said he would make the
people work really hard. People didnt want to do that!
The kingdom became divided, and Rehoboam ended up
with a very small kingdom.
Practice cutting skills
Draw curvy, zigzag, and straight lines on colored paper.
Invite kids to cut along the lines.
Say The Israelites did not love God with all their hearts:
they sinned and the kingdom split apart. How should we
love God? We should love God with all our hearts.
Move cotton balls or toss beanbags
Dump cotton balls into a bowl. Invite kids to use tongs to
place cotton into one or the other of two bowls.
Alternate idea: Provide an assortment of balls and
beanbags. Kids may toss them into two baskets.
Say Remind kids that the kingdom was all together, but
Solomons sin caused it to become divided.
Decorate a box
Kids may decorate a box to collect aluminum cans for the
ministry project. Label the box.
A Kingdom in Trouble
127
Large Groupclosing
Session Title: Solomons Sin Divided the Kingdom
Bible Passage: 1 Kings 1112
Big Picture Question: How should we love God? We should love God
with all our hearts.
Key Passage: 1 Kings 8:61
Unit Christ Connection: Solomons grand earthly reign is a picture of the
eternal reign of Christ. Solomons sin divided his kingdom, but Christs
perfect Kingdom is forever.
128
Follow church
security rules for
dismissing children.
A Kingdom in Trouble
129
LeaderBIBLE STUDY
Psalms, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes are three books spanning nearly 200
chapters of the Bible. This weeks study follows the stories of David and
Solomon, the primary writers of these books. While three books of the
Bible are certainly a lot to cover in one session, this brief overview will
reveal the wisdom of God for His people as He works out His wise plan for
our salvation.
The Book of Psalms, a collection of 150 songs meant for prayer and praise,
has helped believers throughout history express themselves in worship.
Kids will find this is still true today.
Wisdom comes from God. (See Prov. 2:6.) Solomon could have asked God
for anything, and he asked for wisdom. God made Solomon the wisest man
who had ever lived, and people came from all over to listen to his wisdom.
(See 1 Kings 4:29-34; 10:1-9.) He also wrote the Book of Proverbs, which
offers practical advice for living wisely. Solomon ruled Israel with great
wisdom, but he still turned away from God and pursued His own desires.
Israel needed someone greater than Solomon. Gods plan included
someone greater than Solomon. Something greater than Solomon is
here! (Matt. 12:42; Luke 11:31). Jesus not only taught Gods wisdom, He
displayed it perfectly.
Finally, the Book of Ecclesiastes also works to provide wisdom and
knowledge to Gods people. Ecclesiastes addresses the reality of fearing
God in a world heavily affected by sin.
When reading Psalms, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes, remember that these
books are the inspired words of God. The wisdom offered is not merely
a suggestion for living; it is part of Gods plan for our sanctification. God
wants us to be like Jesusin how we live, how we speak, and how we
think. We attain wisdom by knowing and loving the One who became Godgiven wisdom for us, Jesus Christ. (1 Cor. 1:30)
130
PreschoolWORSHIP OVERVIEW
Session Title: Poetry and Wisdom
Bible Passage: Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes
Big Picture Question: Where does wisdom come from? Wisdom comes
from God.
Key Passage: 1 Kings 8:61
Unit Christ Connection: Solomons grand earthly reign is a picture of the
eternal reign of Christ. Solomons sin divided his kingdom, but Christs
perfect Kingdom is forever.
Large Group Worship
(1520 minutes)................................................................................Page 134
Small Group Activities
(2530 minutes)................................................................................Page 136
Large Group Closing
(10+ minutes)....................................................................................Page 138
A Kingdom in Trouble
131
TheBIBLE STORY
Poetry and Wisdom
Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes
King David loved God. He wrote many songs about his love for
God. The Israelites collected the songs David and other people wrote
and put them in the Bible. The songs are called psalms. The songs are
in the Book of Psalms.
David wrote psalms when he was happy. He wrote songs when he
was glad. David sang, God, Your name is so magnificent! Magnificent
means wonderful or great. God had done very good and powerful
things for David. God deserved to be praised.
When David was sad or afraid, he still sang praises to God. One
time David was hiding from King Saul. King Saul did not like David,
and David was afraid. David wrote a song to God. He sang, When I
am afraid, I trust in You. I will trust God and not be afraid.
When David did something wrong, he was sorry he sinned against
God. David wrote songs to God to say he was sorry. I sinned against
You, God, David said. Give me a clean heart and please forgive me.
God forgave David, and David praised God.
David thought about Gods Word all the time. He taught his son,
Solomon, to love and follow Gods Word, too. When Solomon became
king, he asked God for help to be a good leader. God told Solomon to
ask for anything he wanted. Solomon could have asked for money or to live
a long time, but he asked for wisdom. God was happy! He gave Solomon
great wisdom.
Solomon wrote down wise ideas called proverbs. Like his father
David, Solomon wrote songs too. In the Book of Proverbs, Solomon
told Gods people how to make wise choices. Solomon wrote about
getting along with others, having good manners, telling the truth, being a
good friend, and many other things.
Trust in God with all your heart, Solomon wrote in Proverbs 3:5.
Watch how hard an ant works. Work hard too; this is the wise thing
132
* Use only the words in bold to review the Bible story or tell it to younger
preschoolers.
A Kingdom in Trouble
133
Large GroupWorship
Session Title: Poetry and Wisdom
Bible Passage: Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes
Big Picture Question: Where does wisdom come from? Wisdom comes
from God.
Key Passage: 1 Kings 8:61
Unit Christ Connection: Solomons grand earthly reign is a picture of the
eternal reign of Christ. Solomons sin divided his kingdom, but Christs
perfect Kingdom is forever.
Play Me Without
You in the
background as you
welcome incoming
preschoolers.
Follow your churchs
security procedures.
tear sheet or dry
erase board
The Bible Is Gods
Word song
Bible
Key Passage Poster
(enhanced CD)
Devoted song
Timeline Map
Poetry and
Wisdom video
(optional)
134
countdown video
(optional)
Tip: Do activities
one of these ways:
as a group, all at the
same time
in small groups that
rotate through each
activity
set up as
centers, allowing
preschoolers to
browse and choose
A Kingdom in Trouble
135
Small GroupActivities
Session Title: Poetry and Wisdom
Bible Passage: Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes
Big Picture Question: Where does wisdom come from? Wisdom comes
from God.
Key Passage: 1 Kings 8:61
Unit Christ Connection: Solomons grand earthly reign is a picture of the
eternal reign of Christ. Solomons sin divided his kingdom, but Christs
perfect Kingdom is forever.
LOW
PREP
Key Passage Poster
(enhanced CD)
construction paper
tape
marker
hula hoops
(optional)
Devoted song
tempera paint
cotton swabs
paper
paper plates or cups
for paint
136
paper plates
rice, beans, or beads
clear packing tape
worship music or
Everybody Sing
song
Word Fish
(enhanced CD)
toy fishing pole or
dowel, string, and
magnet
paper clips
paper
hat
chair
table
Make instruments
Place rice, beans, or small beads between two paper plates.
Seal the edges with clear packing tape. Play worship music;
encourage kids to shake their instruments with the music.
Say Many of the psalms are songs for praising God. Who
wrote many of them? (King David)
Practice a responsive reading
Read Psalm 136:1-16,23-26 responsively. Talk about the
word eternal or forever. Kids say the response: His love is
eternal or His love endures forever. To add hand signs,
make a forever circle with the forefinger near the head
for eternal; end the motion with little finger and thumb out,
middle three fingers folded, hand moving away from the
body. Cross hands over the heart in a hug for love.
Say Solomons grand kingdom lasted for a few years, but
Christs perfect kingdom is forever.
Fish for rhymes
Assemble a fishing pole using a dowel, string, and strong
magnet. Print and cut apart rhyming words; attach a metal
paper clip to each. Set a table on its side, put fish on one
side; set a hat, a chair, and the fishing pole on the other side.
Let kids fish for words. Read a word and help decide
whether it rhymes with hat or chair. Place the word by the
object it rhymes with. Make up funny rhymes if you like.
Say When people write songs, they think about the
best words to use. When David wrote psalms, he chose
wonderful words carefully.
A Kingdom in Trouble
137
Large Groupclosing
Session Title: Poetry and Wisdom
Bible Passage: Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes
Big Picture Question: Where does wisdom come from? Wisdom comes
from God.
Key Passage: 1 Kings 8:61
Unit Christ Connection: Solomons grand earthly reign is a picture of the
eternal reign of Christ. Solomons sin divided his kingdom, but Christs
perfect Kingdom is forever.
138
Follow church
security rules for
dismissing children.
A Kingdom in Trouble
139
Evaluating activities
For all these reasons and more, The
Gospel Project for Kids regularly
suggests creative arts activities in
Bible study and in worship. So
which activities should you choose?
Consider these questions to help
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