The Israelites Want a King
Samuel’s sons take bribes and pervert judgment—The Israelites seek for a king to rule over them—Samuel rehearses the nature and evils of kingly rule—The Lord consents to give them a king.
Jesus Christ is my King.
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “1 Samuel 8–10; 13; 15–18”
As you read 1 Samuel 8, notice how the Lord felt about the Israelites’ desire for a king other than Himself. What does it mean to choose the Lord to “reign over [you]”? (1 Samuel 8:7). You might also consider ways you are tempted to follow the unrighteous trends of the world instead of following the Lord. How can you show that you want Jesus Christ to be your Eternal King?
Saul is Called to be King
Those who serve in the Church are called by God.
Saul, the son of Kish, a Benjamite, is a choice and goodly person—He is sent to seek his father’s asses—The Lord reveals to Samuel the seer that Saul is to be king—Saul goes to Samuel and is entertained by him.).
1 Samuel 8:6; 9:15–17; 10:1–24; 16:1–13
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “1 Samuel 8–10; 13; 15–18” The accounts of God choosing Saul and David to be kings can help your class understand how people are called to serve in the Church today. These accounts can build faith that callings come from God through His authorized servants.
- On separate strips of paper, write the following statements and scriptures: the people wanted a king (1 Samuel 8:6); the Lord told Samuel that Saul would be king (1 Samuel 9:15–17); Samuel anointed Saul (1 Samuel 10:1); Samuel presented Saul to the people (1 Samuel 10:24). Ask the children to read the scripture passages and put them in the correct order.
- Learn together the fifth article of faith. Briefly tell the children how you received your calling to teach in Primary. How do you know that you were called of God? Testify that God inspires leaders to call people to serve.
“Article of Faith 5” (May 2011 Friend) Number pictures relating to how a person receives a calling in the right order.
Samuel anoints Saul to be captain over the Lord’s inheritance—Samuel manifests the gift of seership—Saul prophesies among the prophets, and the Lord gives him a new heart—He is chosen king at Mizpeh.
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “1 Samuel 8–10; 13; 15–18” When have we seen God bless someone with spiritual power to fulfill an assignment or calling like He blessed Saul? What experiences can we share when “God gave [us] another heart” or “the Spirit of God came upon [us]” in His service? (verses 9–10).
Friend January 2021 “The Bread Loaf Prayer” Carver and his family decide to practice listening for the Holy Ghost. Carver’s mom bakes some bread and each person prays to know who to take it to. Carver thought of Sister Smith and he even listened and said the words to her that popped into his mind when he gave her the bread. He knew it was from the Holy Ghost.
David is Chosen to be King
The Lord knows what is in my heart.
The Lord chooses David of Bethlehem as king—He is anointed by Samuel—Saul chooses David as his companion and armor bearer.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “1 Samuel 8–10; 13; 15–18” Sharing the story of how the Lord told Samuel to choose David as king can help the children know that the Lord knows us individually.
- Share how the Lord told Samuel that David would become the king of Israel (see 1 Samuel 16:1–13). While you tell the story, you could let one child represent Samuel. He or she could give a paper crown to another child, who represents David. Share your testimony that the Lord knew David’s heart and that He knows each of us.
Old Testament Scripture Stories “Young David” Images
- Share an experience in which you felt the Lord was aware of you. Sing a song that teaches that the Savior knows and loves us, such as “Jesus Is Our Loving Friend” (Children’s Songbook, 58).
“The Lord looketh on the heart.”
The Lord chooses David of Bethlehem as king—He is anointed by Samuel—Saul chooses David as his companion and armor bearer.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “1 Samuel 8–10; 13; 15–18” It’s natural to judge others based on what we can see, but part of becoming more like Jesus is learning how to see as He does—by looking “on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).
- Invite the children to imagine they were asked to pick someone to be a king. What qualities would they look for? Read together 1 Samuel 16:6–7 to find out what the Lord said to Samuel as he was looking for a new king for Israel. What do we learn from the Lord’s instructions?
- Present an object lesson to illustrate to the children that judgments we make based on “the outward appearance” (verse 7) may not be correct. For example, you could show them some food or a book with a wrapper or cover that doesn’t match its true contents. What do 1 Samuel 16:7 and this object lesson suggest about how we should view ourselves and other people?
- Share an experience in which you learned why you should “look on the heart,” not just “the outward appearance” (verse 7). Let the children share any similar experiences they’ve had. Sing a song that emphasizes this principle, such as “I’ll Walk with You” or “We Are Different” (Children’s Songbook, 140–41, 263).
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “1 Samuel 8–10; 13; 15–18”
Reading these verses along with the following words from Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf could inspire a discussion about why the Lord chose Saul and David: “If we look at ourselves only through our mortal eyes, we may not see ourselves as good enough. But our Heavenly Father sees us as who we truly are and who we can become” (“It Works Wonderfully!” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 23). Perhaps family members could take turns talking about what good qualities they see in each other’s hearts (see 1 Samuel 16:7).
“The Lord looketh on the heart.”
What are some ways people judge others “on the outward appearance”? What does it mean to look “on the heart,” as the Lord does? (1 Samuel 16:7). Consider how you can apply this principle to the way you see others—and yourself. How might doing so affect your interactions or relationships with others?
- “Jehovah Looks on the Heart” (July 2010 Friend)
Retelling of the story of Samuel anointing David to become king of Israel.
- LDS Living “FHE: Judging” Object lesson and story
David and Goliath
Faith in Jesus Christ can help me have courage.
Israel and the Philistines engage in war—Goliath of Gath, a giant, defies Israel and challenges any Israelite to personal combat—David goes against him in the name of the Lord—David slays Goliath with a sling and a stone—Israel defeats the Philistines.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “1 Samuel 8–10; 13; 15–18” Children relate easily with young David because even though David was small, he overcame a big challenge. Help them see that the source of his courage and strength was his faith in Jesus Christ.
- Review the story of David and Goliath with the children (see “David and Goliath” in Old Testament Stories), and let them take turns acting out the story. Prompt the child pretending to be Goliath to say, “Give me a man, that we may fight together” (1 Samuel 17:10). Prompt the child pretending to be David to say, “I come to thee in the name of the Lord” (1 Samuel 17:45). Testify that when we have faith in the Lord, He will help us have courage like David had.
Old Testament Scripture Stories “David and Goliath” Images
- Use this week’s activity page to show how tall Goliath might have been compared to a young boy like David. Explain that the army of Israel was afraid of Goliath. Ask the children to pretend to be scared. Then show a picture of Jesus Christ, and tell the children that because David had faith in the Lord, he could be brave. Ask them to stand up tall, like they are brave.
- Invite the children to march like they are David going to fight Goliath while singing a song about being courageous, such as “I Will Be Valiant” (Children’s Songbook, 162).
Jesus Christ can help me overcome any challenge.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “1 Samuel 8–10; 13; 15–18” The children may be facing challenges that seem as difficult as defeating a giant like Goliath. David’s example can give them hope that the Lord will help fight their battles.
- Assign the children to draw pictures of different parts of the story in 1 Samuel 17:20–54. Display the pictures in order on the board, and invite the children to share the story by talking about each of the pictures they drew. What does the Lord want us to learn from this story?
- Help the children make a list on the board of some difficult challenges a person might face. Invite them to find things David said that can encourage someone who faces challenges like these (see 1 Samuel 17:26, 32, 34–37, 45–47). Tell the children how Jesus Christ has helped you during challenges.
Friend June 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities”
Goliath Toss
Story: When David was young, he faced a giant soldier named Goliath to protect his people. David knew the Lord would help him defeat Goliath. You can read the story in 1 Samuel 17.
Song: “I Will Be Valiant” (Children’s Songbook, 162)
Activity: Make a square on the ground with chalk or tape. Write the name “Goliath” inside. Stand back and toss pebbles into the square. Every time your pebble lands in the square, name a way Heavenly Father helps you overcome big challenges.
Friend May 2019 “Bright Idea” Poster or handout that says “I can conquer giant problems” next to a giant like David slew.
Lesson 28: David and Goliath,” Primary 6: Old Testament (1996), 120–24
To encourage each child to seek Heavenly Father’s help in overcoming obstacles.
- Show the children a string or rope that you have cut to the length of 9 feet 9 inches (3 meters). You may want to attach it to the wall or ceiling or have children hold the two ends and pull it out to its full length so they can see how tall Goliath was. To help them visualize how much Goliath’s armor weighed, invite the children to volunteer their weights and see what combined weight would be close to the 150 pounds (67.5 kilos) that his armor is estimated to have weighed. Let the children describe how they would feel if they had to fight such an opponent.
- Show a stone or a piece of paper that you have colored to look like a stone. Ask the children to put their chairs in a circle while you stand in the middle. Give the stone to one of the class members and have the children pass the stone around the circle while you hum a song such as “Dare to Do Right” (Children’s Songbook, p. 158). When you stop humming have the children stop passing the stone. Explain that you are Goliath and will tell them of a challenge. The child who ended up with the stone must respond with a positive solution to the challenge. You could use the following challenges or come up with ones of your own:
- You have a younger brother who seems to get all the attention. It makes you so angry that you feel like hitting him.
- Your best friends are starting to swear and they make fun of you because you do not swear. You want to be accepted by them, but you know it is wrong to swear.
- You have a very difficult time doing well in school.
- Ask the children to choose “Goliaths,” or challenges, in their lives they would like to overcome and write them on the giant. Then have them think of ways to overcome their challenges, write them on pieces of paper, and cut these papers to look like stones. Explain that all challenges can’t be overcome, but if we ask Heavenly Father for his help, he will give us strength to cope with them. Encourage each child to choose a challenge that he or she can work on and to include faith and prayer as part of the solution.
“Comfort and Courage from the Scriptures” (September 2006 Liahona and Friend)
Give the children a piece of paper, and ask them to write a trial or challenge children face today, such as immodest clothing, inappropriate media, and so on. (Younger children can draw pictures.) As the children share the trial, have them wrap the paper around a small rock and place it in the backpack. Pass the backpack to some of the children. Discuss ways Heavenly Father helps them with their trials. With each suggestion, remove several rocks. Pass the backpack again. Sing a song or hymn about the Savior. Explain that Jesus will always help us and comfort us.
Friend July 2022 “David’s Sling” Follow the paths to the matching rocks to find out ways God can help you when you follow Him.
I Can Learn to Always Follow the Spirit.
Friend August 2018 “David Trusted God” Story and goal card. (Young David trusted God and did hard things, and I can too!)
Friend August 2018 “David and Goliath” & Old Testament Stories for Young Readers “David and Goliath” (Video)
Old Testament Coloring Book “David and Goliath”
Liahona June 2022 “David and Goliath: Faith over Fear”
Latter Day Kids “David and Goliath” Lesson ideas
Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Modern Day Goliaths” Lesson ides
- “David and Goliath” (June 1990 Friend)
A simple retelling of the story of David and Goliath, along with a page of illustrated questions.
- “David and Goliath” (July 2002 Friend)
Use this cutout scene to tell the story of David slaying Goliath.
“God’s Power Within You” (January 2002 Friend)
President Gordon B. Hinckley tells the story of David and Goliath and teaches that we can overcome the Goliaths in our lives.(includes images of the story)
Friend July 2022 “Stand for What You Believe” Elder Rasband tells of his youth and often being the only Church member at school. He says that When we live the gospel, we will be different. The Apostle Peter said we would be “peculiar” (1 Peter 2:9). And that’s OK. We don’t need to worry about being different when we stand for what we believe. David stood for what he believed. He wasn’t alone. God’s power was with him. He beat Goliath. God will help us even when we face Goliath-sized challenges.
For additional teaching aids see Resources for Teaching Children “David and Goliath”
Friendship of David and Jonathon
Good friends can be a blessing to me.
Jonathan loves David—Saul sets David over his armies—David is honored by the people, and Saul becomes jealous—David marries Michal, a daughter of Saul.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “1 Samuel 8–10; 13; 15–18” Jonathan and David’s friendship is a great example of the blessings that can come from good friends.
- Draw two figures on the board, one to represent David and the other to represent Jonathan. Read to the children a few phrases from 1 Samuel 18:1–4 that emphasize the love these two friends felt for each other. Give each child a paper heart, and ask them how they can show love to a friend. After each child shares an idea, invite the child to attach the paper heart to the board.
Friend August 2018 Find the words below that tell how we can share the Savior’s love with others.
- Tell the children about a good friend who helps you live the gospel or build your faith in Jesus Christ, and invite the children to share who helps them. Invite the children to act out doing something nice for a friend.
Friend April 2017 “Be a Light” Color in the sun as you figure out someone to do certain things for as a true friend such as loving, forgiving, encouraging, etc.
Lesson 29: David and Jonathan,” Primary 6: Old Testament (1996), 125–30
To help the children understand how to be a true friend.
- Tell the children that one way to strengthen friendships is to get to know one another better. To help the class members know each other better, play the following game.Pass around a bowl of small pieces of candy or dried beans. As you pass the bowl around, have each child name something he or she likes to do, take a piece of candy or a bean, and pass the bowl to the next child. Keep passing the bowl until all the children have had at least one turn.Alternate game: Have the children sit in a circle. Play spin the bottle by placing a narrow bottle on its side on the floor. Tell one thing about yourself and spin the bottle. Whoever the mouth of the bottle points to when the bottle stops spinning will be next to tell one thing about himself or herself, plus one good thing that he or she knows about someone in the class (this could be something the children have learned during the game or something they already knew about the person). Have the child spin the bottle to determine who has the next turn.