ISRAELITES WANT A KING. SAUL IS CALLED
1 Samuel CHAPTER 8 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.
1 Samuel CHAPTER 9 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 CHAPTER 10 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.
Jesus Christ is my King.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026
- As you read 1 Samuel 8 with your children, help them find reasons Samuel told the Israelites that having a king was a bad idea. Why is it better to have Jesus Christ as our king? Maybe you could make a paper crown together and take turns wearing it and sharing something we can do to show that we want Jesus to be our King. (See also Jeremiah 23:5; Doctrine and Covenants 45:59.)
DAVID IS CALLED TO BE KING
1 Samuel CHAPTER 16 The Lord chooses David of Bethlehem as king—He is anointed by Samuel—Saul chooses David as his companion and armor bearer.
The Lord looks on the heart.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026
- An object lesson could help your children understand the principle in 1 Samuel 16:7. 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? Sing a song that emphasizes this principle, such as “Love One Another” (Children’s Songbook, 136).
Present an object lesson to illustrate to the children that judgments we make based on “the outward appearance” (verse 7) may not be correct.
- You and your children could share experiences in which you learned why you should “look on the heart,” not just “the outward appearance” (verse 7). You might also take turns telling each other about the good qualities you see in each other’s hearts.
Old Testament Scripture Stories “Young David” Images
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?
- 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).
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).
- “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
Friend August 2022 “For Older Kids”
Friend May 2025 “The Mystery Can” Sadie’s family all try to guess what is inside of a tin can that didn’t have a label. They all guessed things that didn’t sound good, but when they opened it they found it was filled with lots of yummy fruit. They had a discussion about how sometimes we label people like that, and that we shouldn’t label people based on what we see on the outside, or believe false labels given to us. Because only God knows what we truly are inside.
Friend January 2017 “Min-Jun Measures Up” Min-Jun and his grandfather walk to church during a storm and arrive muddy and wet. Min-Jun doesn’t feel good enough to go in, but his grandfather teaches him that the Lord doesn’t measure us by our appearance, he measures us by what is in our hearts, and Min-Jan’s intentions are pure.
People who serve in the Church are called by God.
1 Samuel 8:6; 9:15–17; 10:1–24; 16:1–13
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026
- The accounts of God choosing Saul and David to be kings can help your children understand how people are called to serve in the Church today by revelation. To teach them these stories, you could write down events from the stories on strips of paper, and your children could put them in the correct order as you read the scripture passages together (see also “Young David” in Old Testament Stories, 110–11). Then you could talk about times when God blessed you with spiritual power to fulfill an assignment or calling (see 1 Samuel 10:9–10).
The Red Crystal Click on the Red Crystal link to find and print these cards.
- This might also be a good time to teach your children the fifth article of faith. Tell them how you received your calling in the Church. How do you know that you were called of God?
- 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.
- 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.
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 and Goliath
1 Samuel CHAPTER 17 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.
Faith in Jesus Christ can help me have courage.
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.
Gospel Art Book “David Slays Goliath”
Additional Resources
Friend October 2025 “David’s Five Stones”
Scripture Helps: Old Testament
Old Testament Student Manual Genesis-2 Samuel
Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas. Includes an activity where you knock over Goliath with marshmallows. Could use it to have the children name a way Heavenly Father helps them overcome big challenges.
The Red Crystal Lesson ideas
