David: The Kind King 2 Samuel 9

9/24/2022

David and Mephibosheth (Presentation (16:9)) by Jennifer Tolbert

This is the story of how David kept his promise to Jonathan by showing kindness to his son, Mephibosheth.

Key Concepts:
1. God keeps his promises and we should also.
2. We honor God when we show kindness to others.
3. David used his position as king to bless others. Saul used his position as king to bless himself.

Memory Verse

"The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." I Samuel 16:7

Songs

Old Testament Books
Jesus is My Best Friend
Humble Yourself
He's The King
Lord, My Desire
There Is A Flag
Only a Little Boy David
Three Kings of Israel
Love is Like a Circle
Do Lord, Oh Do You Remember Me?
Love is Something if You Give It Away

Story

Begin Class with Songs, Games, Table Activity, or Sharing Time

Open Class in Prayer

Introducing the Story Ideas
1. The Kindness Zone: Mark out a zone within the classroom using chairs, tape or special carpet. Read out certain acts that are kind such as sharing a toy, helping to clean up, inviting someone to sit with them at lunch, etc. If someone did that kind action that week, they move into the kindness zone. If time allows, let them share the details of their kind act.

2. The Domino Effect: Set up a chain of dominos. Discuss what a domino effect is and compare it to kindness. You can read more about this idea from Meaningful Mama.

Story: Saul’s life came to an end in a battle with the Philistines on the plain of Jezreel. As the Israelites were being overcome, they fled up the slopes of Gilboa seeking refuge and it was there that King Saul and three of his sons, including Jonathan, were killed.
While David was deeply grieved by the death of Saul and his good friend Jonathan, upon their deaths David became king. He and his followers to return to Israel. They returned to Judah, the southern part of the country, and settled in the town of Hebron, which is fifteen to twenty miles south of Jerusalem. It was at Hebron that the leaders of Judah anointed David and proclaimed him their king.

Overall, David was a kind king who tried his best to follow God and lead the Israelites in a way that pleased the Lord. Sometimes, he made mistakes, but many times he did the right thing. This is a story of a time King David showed kindness.
READ 2 Samuel 9 in your Bible or tell the story of how David Showed Kindness to Mephibosheth.
EMPHASIZE that:

A true friend is humble, kind and loyal.
We should show kindness to others.
We must show courage and stand up for what is right.

Visual Aids
Virtual Storybook
Printable Story

david_and_mephibosheth_printable_story.pdf
File Size:	4161 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

Review Questions

Who was Jonathan’s son? Mephibosheth
Why was Mephibosheth unable to walk? His nurse had dropped him when he was little
Why did David take care of Mephibosheth? Because he had promised Jonathan
What did King David do for Mephibosheth? Gave him all of Saul’s land, invited him to come to the palace and eat whenever he wanted, and said he would always take care of him.

God is...

Connect the character trait of kindness, loyalty and humility to God's character. How did David's choices honor God?

Activity Ideas

His Banner Over Us Is Love

Mephibosheth Worksheet
Allow children to put bandages on his feet and glue popsicle crutches into his hands.
Supplies: small bandaids, small popsicle sticks, glue