Children today are facing giants and they need to know where to find courage. The story of David and Goliath has inspired generations. David's faith didn't appear out of nowhere. He was taught God's character and he saw God's power in his ordinary life as a shepherd before he ever heard Goliath's threats. Confidence in God's character would be David's life theme, it did not end with this one event. Your children rely on you to teach them about God (Deuteronomy 6). Here's a simple activity that you and your family can enjoy together.
Background
David volunteered to do what the trained soldiers would not. Already anointed king privately (I Samuel 16), David had received the Spirit of the Lord. “So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah.” I Samuel 16:13 ESV
Goliath hurled insults. David heard them because he was obeying his father (I Samuel 17:17-18). Israel soldiers heard them because they were at the battle line. Soldiers were afraid because they looked to a powerful man on the other side. David was not afraid because he looked to God.
I hadn’t noticed the close of the chapter before, not really. David is called before King Saul after the Lord brought victory. “’Whose son are you, young man?’ Saul asked him.
David said, ‘I am the son of your servant Jesse of Bethlehem.’ I Samuel 17:58 ESV
David’s obedience to his father brought him to the battle. Obedience to God changed everything.
Items Needed
* paper
* pencil and markers/crayons
* empty paper towel/soda pop bottle/Pringle can/other recycled item from your house
* tape
* Bible
Activity
There are trials in our lives. We might call them our Goliaths because they intimidate us.
1. Draw a Goliath character that is about the height of a paper towel roll or soda pop bottle. If you or your children don't feel like you can draw Goliath, Sunday School Zone has a free printable). If you don't feel like drawing or printing, just write down your answers for step two. This activity is not meant to be complicated but helpful to your family. : )
2. As a family talk about what things in life seem huge and threatening like Goliath. Write down answers on the Goliath drawing.
3. Cut the drawing out and attach it to an empty soda pop bottle or paper towel roll with tape.
4. Read I Samuel 17 as a family. If you have young children, read just part of the chapter.
5. Read about God’s armor Ephesians 6 and act out putting it on. Remind your family that David did not wear Saul’s armor into battle. Ask them why.
6. Set up the Goliath project outside and have each family member toss a small ball at Goliath until he falls.
7. Ask your family what they learned through the activity.
8. Ask your family to explain how David’s obedience to his father and confidence in God resulted in victory.
I hope that you and your family enjoy discussing what God did through David, his obedient servant. This activity idea came from the ACSI curriculum, and my former coworker Beth. Without doubt many have had similar ideas.
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