In this sessions’ story, David climbs the water shaft with his men to attack the city. This climbing David craft uses a loop of string or ribbon to raise our David up the water shaft!
David’s story is truly a saga. That young teen or boy that was called in from tending sheep to be anointed by Israel’s holy prophet, is now a thirty-year-old man in his prime. Anointed now as King, David recognises the squabbling between the tribes and knows he must unite them. Dwelling within anyone would lead to issues, and so he seeks a central place, controlled by none and yet flanked by Israelite’s — the stronghold of the Jebusites is perfect.
This retold version of the Bible passage is supplied for inspiration, feel free to omit or embellish to give it your personal voice.
Main Passage : 2 Samuel 5 Other passages : 1 Samuel 15 + 17.
Saul had died. It was the time God had been preparing David for since Samuel had come to his house many years before. It was time for David to be King.
The leaders of the tribes of Israel met David at Hebron. They made speeches. They praised the things David did. They talked about how, even when Saul was alive, it was David that they followed. They knew the Lord had called David to be a shepherd to the Israelite people, to guide them and fight for them. Then they took oil, just like the oil that had once anointed David king-in-waiting, but this time the oil would anoint him KING!
David looked at his army, men from different tribes, men who wanted something to unite them. He would unite them today, but he needed a place too. Somewhere in the middle of all the tribes. Somewhere he could build a city rule from. He knew just the place.
David led his men, the smell of the oil still on his forehead, to the city of the Jebusites. Their city was strong. It was on a hill with a big wall all the way around. The wall was thick and strong, and many armies had failed to get through. To the north, the tribe of Benjamin lived and to the south, the tribe of Judah, but neither claimed this city for they could not take it. It was perfect for David’s capital, but the Jebusites didn’t think so.
“You can’t take our city!” they jeered as they saw David’s army coming. “This city is so strong that even if we only let the blind and lame fight they would still defeat you!” they laughed. But David had been laughed at before. David was the boy who faced Goliath, not by his strength but by God’s. He knew there was a way to defeat this city. Soon he discovered it. Under the city, there were tunnels that were used for water. If the water could get out, then David could get in! David returned to his generals to let them into the plan. “Whoever attacks the Jebusites must go through the water shaft to reach the lame and the blind who despise David.” He told them, a smile playing on his lips.
Once the army got inside the city, their feet wet and hands dirty from climbing, the victory was easy. David threw out the Jebusites and built himself a new palace there. He set apart a place for the Ark of God to live and would eventually make plans for a temple to be built. He renamed his part of the city “the city of David;” the rest of the city was called Jerusalem. David became the most beloved king the Israelites ever had.
This is the third craft for Goliath on-site, it captures the hands of David as he prepares to face the giant. The other two crafts are both quite involved and so this is your simple print and go option for younger kids or if you are in a rush.
To make this craft, you will need the 1-page template printout, scissors, and some foam spacers (or small pieces of card and glue).
Cut out all the pieces. You can do this roughly or exactly, as you can see, I’ve grouped the pebbles.
The pieces are added to the background using foam spacers. This gives it depth, though it can be excluded if you wish.
Use the shadows to place the pieces. The pebbles go on top of the hands.
Your creation is done. Extension ideas: — Add colour to the words. — Glue some rope or lace to the sling strings. — Use a hole punch and some string to hang it up. — Make a border from thick card.
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The story of David is a perfect example of God turning our expectation on its head. The shepherd boy, too lowly even to remain at the house for the most important of guests, is anointed king!
David lived in the town of Bethlehem with his seven older brothers. One evening, David’s father Jesse told the boys that a great man of God was coming to Bethlehem, the prophet Samuel. Everyone knew that Samuel had the job of choosing the king. He had chosen King Saul. But Saul had disobeyed God, and people thought Samuel was looking for a new king. Then, Jesse told them something even more amazing: Samuel had asked to come to their house. The brothers got super excited and started to talk about what they would do if they were king.
The oldest brother suddenly pulled out his sword, “I’ll be a strong king! Samuel will see that I have my sword ready.” A brother laughed and shouted, “You want to protect, not fight. I’ll take a shield!” By morning prayers the next day, all the brothers stood ready to greet Samuel with their chosen object. Jesse looked at his sons, “Tell me, why do you have all that stuff?”
Starting with the oldest brother, they each showed their father their choice.
“If Samuel sees me with this sword, he will know that I will fight for the people.” “If Samuel sees me with this shield, he will know that I will protect the people.” “If Samuel sees I have gold, he will know that I will provide for the people.” “If Samuel sees how strong I am, he will know that I will rule the people.” “If Samuel sees me sharing food, he will know that I will feed the people.” “If Samuel sees me with scripture, he will know that I will pray for the people.” “If I take nothing, then I shall act like a King; for a king does not give but receive.”
Right on the end of the line stood David. He was not dressed in his house robe but in his work clothes. In his hands was his little harp and his slingshot. When Jesse came to David to ask what he would take, the other brothers laughed. David smiled and said, “Today I take my sling and my harp and go to watch the sheep. I will play songs to the lambs and throw stones at the wolves and bears.” Then he opened the door and headed out. But it wasn’t long before somebody was sent running across the fields to bring him home.
When David got home, the prophet Samuel was waiting for him. “Your sons look like kings,” he said to Jesse, “but God has told me that he does not look at the appearance but the heart. This young boy David may not look like a king now, but God has told me to pour my oil on his head, for he has a good heart and will one day be a great king.’ Everyone was shocked! Seven strong, young men and Samuel chose their smaller, weaker, younger brother. The next day, David went back out to the sheep, but everyone could see God was with him. David did become a king, but that’s another story.
Samuel was faced with a choice, 7 young men, any of whom could have made great kings, but God said no repeatedly. This spinner is a simple reminder that the choice was God’s and that we can’t judge by what we see.
To make this craft, you will need the 1-page template printout, a split pin (brad), craft knife and scissors. (optional: awl or sharp pencil for making the hole)
Start by removing the small grey window. If you have younger participants, this can be done in advance.
Add any extra colour you wish, then cut out both circles, leaving the turning tabs in place.
Fix together with a split pin (brad) through the black circle and question mark dot. (Samuel’s piece goes on top!)
Spin to find out who God chooses.
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For each passage, there is a collectable card alongside high-quality character images and a colouring page. All other graphics are extra’s!
Click on the images below to see a larger version. Save the images by right click + ‘save image as’ (computers) OR long press + ‘save image’ (mobile).
These images are NOT copyright free.
These resources are provided for personal/classroom use only. Use can use them for teaching, games, publicity, decor, big screen presentations, flannelgraphs, stickers, or any other non-commercial activity in your church, school, home, or organised group. You may not use them in products you are going to sell — both printed and digital, or to upload the original images online, on websites, social media or in YouTube videos. Any questions, please reach out to me using the contact page link at the end of the page.
There is something that draws you into pictures that pop, and this picture with its 3D crown really does just that. Saul’s head and a crown, both plain enough to let your budding artists go to town.
To make this craft, you will need the 1-page template printout, a glue stick and scissors. I’ve also listed coloured pens, though any decorative materials would work, from crayons, to stamps, to sequins.
Decorate first, those letters are deliberately empty on the template and the crown could use some jazzing up! Then cut out the crown and the head by following the dotted line.
Concertina fold the crown along the dotted lines. TIP: If you are in a rush, fold every other line!
Glue the crown into place, angling the ends slightly so it curves. Talk about how he might feel being the first King of Israel?
Help keep the free items on this site free by donating. This site supports my family as we live by God's great economy.
