David and Goliath, by Steve Nethercott

June 13–19

1 Samuel 8–10; 13; 15–18

“The Battle Is the Lord’s”

Although the activities below are designed for either younger or older children, you may adapt any of them to meet the needs of those you teach.

Record Your Impressions

Invite Sharing

Show the picture of David and Goliath from this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families. Invite the children to share what they know about the story, and ask questions to help them remember parts of the story that they left out.

Teach the Doctrine: Younger Children

1 Samuel 16:1–13

The Lord knows what is in my heart.

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.

Possible Activities

• 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.

• 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).

1 Samuel 17:10–54

Faith in Jesus Christ can help me have courage.

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.

Possible Activities

• 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.

• 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).

1 Samuel 18:1–4

Good friends can be a blessing to me.

Jonathan and David’s friendship is a great example of the blessings that can come from good friends.

Possible Activities

• 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.

• 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.

Teach the Doctrine: Older Children

1 Samuel 8:6; 9:15–17; 10:1–24; 16:1–13

Those who serve in the Church are called by God.

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.

Illustration of Samuel anointing Saul, © Lifeway Collection/licensed from goodsalt.com

Possible Activities

• 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.

1 Samuel 16:1–13

“The Lord looketh on the heart.”

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).

Possible Activities

• 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).

1 Samuel 17:20–54

Jesus Christ can help me overcome any challenge.

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.

Possible Activities

• 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.

Encourage Learning at Home

Ask the children a question about something they learned today. Write the question down, and give a copy to each child to take home and discuss with his or her family.

Improving Our Teaching

Help children visualize the scriptures. Children often give greater attention to a lesson when they can look at pictures that relate to scripture stories or teachings. Consider using pictures in the Gospel Art Book or on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.