people Israel; Christ, the final King, rules over all people as Savior.
Through David’s family, God sent Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
June 2nd
Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 8-10
Christ Connection: God provided the first kings to rule His
Israel Demanded a King
Big Picture Question: What kind of king did God plan to give
Israel? God planned to send a perfect king.
3rd-5th
TEACHER BIBLE STUDY
Today’s 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 king—and they would regret it—God 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 Jesus—a perfect King who would reign with justice and righteousness forever. (Isa. 9:6-7)
THE BIBLE STORY
Israel Demanded a King
1 Samuel 8–10
Samuel was a judge over Israel. At this time, Israel had no king, but they wanted a king.
Samuel had two sons, Joel and Abijah. Because Samuel was getting old, he let his sons be rulers over Israel.
There was a problem, though. Joel and Abijah were not good judges like their father was. Joel and Abijah weren’t fair in
how they judged. They were dishonest.
The leaders of Israel went to Samuel. “You were a good judge,” they said, “but your sons have not followed
your example. We don’t want them to lead us; we want a king!” The other nations around Israel had kings, and the
Israelites wanted one too.
Samuel wasn’t sure how to respond, so he prayed to God.
“Samuel, give the people what they want,” God said. “They are not rejecting you; they are rejecting Me as
King. Give them what they want, but make sure you warn them what it will be like to have an earthly king.”
Samuel explained to the Israelites what rights an earthly king would have. 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. Samuel warned the
people that they would regret asking for a king, but the Israelites didn’t care. “Give us a king!” they replied.
Meanwhile, a wealthy man named Kish was looking for some of his donkeys that had wandered off. Kish told
his son Saul to take a servant with him and search for the missing animals. Saul stood out among his peers; he was
taller and more attractive than any of the other Israelites. Despite his search, Saul was unable to find the donkeys. He
was ready to give up.
“Wait,” his servant said. “There is a man of God in this city. Let’s talk to him; maybe he knows where we
could find the donkeys.” Saul and his servant found the man of God—it was Samuel!
“Don’t worry about the donkeys,” Samuel said. “They have been found.” Samuel invited Saul to have dinner
with him. The next morning, Samuel told Saul that God had chosen Saul to be the king of Israel. Saul was
surprised because he was from the tribe of Benjamin, the smallest tribe in Israel.
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 to present Saul, their new king. But where was Saul? They
couldn’t find him. God said, “There he is, hidden among the supplies.” The people ran to get Saul, and Saul stood
among all the people. “Long live the king!” they said.
Christ Connection: The Israelites demanded a king, so Samuel anointed Saul. God intended for a heavenly king to
rule over them, but the Israelites didn’t trust God’s plan. God had a plan to one day send His Son, Jesus, to rule the
entire world. Jesus would be the perfect King who would bring peace and salvation to the world.
Our Prayer for You:
We pray that as you prepare your hearts to serve this week, that you do so fully trusting
God to give you the wisdom to lead kids into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ!
WELCOME TIME
As the kids arrive, ask them questions that might help you get to know them better. This is the
time that makes or breaks how welcome a child feels and whether they will come back or not! Be
friendly! :)
EARLY ARRIVER ACTIVITY [9:45-10:00]
(begin as soon as children enter; this activity is not
nessessary for ALL children, it just gives the early arrivers something to get started on)
Likes and Dislikes
Invite the kids to come to the center of the room. Describe the wall on one side of the room as the “likes” wall
and the wall on the other side as the “dislikes” wall. Explain that you will call out different interests. Those who
like them should run to the “likes” wall. Those who do not should move to the “dislikes” wall. Call out different
colors, sports, foods, school subjects, and so forth. Continue playing as time allows.
Say: “ We have many reasons why we like or dislike something, but the reasons are not always good ones.
In today’s Bible story, Israel chose something they would like but for the wrong reasons.”
ENGAGE ACTIVITY [10:00-10:10]
(begin @ 10:00; even if children haven’t finished the early arriver activity;
this sets up the Bible story for the day)
Wanted Posters
Ask kids to think of qualities they think a leader should have. Guide kids to create wanted posters for the
leader they would like to have or be. Provide kids with markers, paper, and other decorating supplies. As kids
work, ask each one about one of the qualities she thinks is important.
Say: “In our Bible story today, the Israelites wanted a new leader. Samuel led Israel for a long time, but he
was old. The Israelites wanted a new leader. Listen closely to find out God’s response to their request.”
TRANSITION TO LARGE GROUP [10:10]
LARGE GROUP BIBLE STORY & WORSHIP [10:10-10:40]
Big Picture Question:
What kind of king did God plan to give Israel? God planned to send a perfect king.
Note: As students come back to the classroom, it is a good time to distribute snack as you
take prayer requests and praises.
PRAYER TIME [10:45-11:00]
Use the class Prayer Journal to write down any prayer requests that the kids might have, as well as any
prayer requests that have been answered! Take time for the kids to praise God in prayer and lift up the
prayer requests mentioned. Allow 1 or 2 students to pray and then pray to close out the time of prayer.
Remember, kids are learning to pray by your example. The importance and energy you put
into prayer will be directly reflected in your class!
BIBLE STORY REVIEW & BIBLE SKILLS [11:00-11:15]
Review the timeline to help kids connect the previous chronology to the new unit. Guide kids to examine
Deuteronomy 17:14-15.
Say: “God knew that Israel would want a king. God even promised Abraham and Sarah they would have
descendants who were kings. The problem with the Israelites’ demand for a king was that they rejected God as
their leader. They didn’t wait for Him to give them a king. They demanded a king when they wanted a king.”
Lead boys and girls to read 1 Samuel 8:7-9.
Say: “Was this the first time the Israelites rejected God? No. Sadly, it wasn’t the first time, and it wouldn’t be
the last time. What kind of king did God plan to give Israel? God planned to send a perfect king.
Who brought peace and salvation to God’s people? (God had a plan to one day send His Son, Jesus, to rule
the entire world. Jesus would be the perfect King who would bring peace and salvation to the world.)”
On a piece of chart paper, list five facts about Saul, the first Israelite king. On another piece of chart paper, list
five facts about Jesus, the perfect King. Keep the lists to use again next week.
If you choose to review with boys and girls how to become a Christian, explain that kids are welcome to
speak with you, another teacher, or a parent if they have questions.
God rules. God created and is in charge of everything. (Gen. 1:1; Rev. 4:11; Col. 1:16-17)
We sinned. Since Adam and Eve, everyone has chosen to disobey God. (Rom. 3:23; 6:23)
God provided. God sent His Son, Jesus, to rescue us from the punishment we deserve. (John 3:16; Eph.
2:8-9)
Jesus gives. Jesus lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again so we can be
welcomed into God’s family. (Rom. 5:8; 2 Cor. 5:21; 1 Pet. 3:18)
We respond. Believe that Jesus alone saves you. Repent. Tell God that your faith is in Jesus. (Rom.
10:9-10,13)
Key Passage:
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and
renew a right spirit within me.”
Psalm 51:10
KEY PASSAGE ACTIVITY [11:15-11:20]
Lead kids to read the key passage together and then hide the poster. Draw a line on the board for every
letter of the key passage. Allow kids to take turns guessing a letter that might be in the passage. Fill in the
letters each time they guess correctly. If a letter is guessed that is not in the key passage, draw a heart on the
board. Challenge kids to complete all the letters before 10 hearts are on the board.
Say: “Great job! We will learn more about why David wrote this verse of Scripture later on.”
SINK IN ACTIVITY [11:20-11:30]
Wrong Hand Drawings
Select one player to be the king. Provide each kid with five 14-inch pieces of crepe paper streamers. Explain
that the king will be It. The king closes his eyes. Players must move 1-3 streamers into their left hand. The king
calls out “a king needs...” followed by a number. All players with that amount in their left hand must forfeit their
streamers. When all of a player’s streamers are gone, she becomes part of the king’s team and may collect
streamers with the king.
Say: “What was the king doing in our game? Yes, he was taking away your streamers. Samuel warned the
people that a king would continue to take and take and take from them. He would take their kids to work and
fight for him. He would take the food they grew or the fields they owned. Having a king as their leader would
have consequences that weren’t always so good. What kind of king did God plan to give Israel? God
planned to send a perfect king.”
**THE HANDOFF***
As children are picked up, briefly state one of the things that were talked about in
class today. You can do this by asking the child a question in front of their parent, or
remind them of something they learned. Also, direct parents and kids to the website
for the Family Journal page- a way for parents to lead their kids to know
Christ at home!
Supplies Needed: paper (for each kid), markers, decorating supplies, chart paper, whiteboard, dry
erase markers, 5 streamers per kid 14 inches long