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1 Samuel 21 · Grade 4

A Fugitive's Fears

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Read and Think

Alone and on the run, David came to Ahimelech the priest at Nob. Ahimelech trembled, sensing something was wrong. David told him he was on the king's business, which was not true. He asked for bread, and the priest gave him the holy show bread, since no other bread was there.

Doeg the Edomite, Saul's chief herdsman, was detained there before the Lord that day, and he watched. David also asked for a weapon and received the sword of Goliath, the very sword from his great victory. The giant-slayer now had to flee with a borrowed sword.

David fled to the Philistine city of Gath, Goliath's hometown. When the king's servants recognized him, David was very afraid. He pretended to be insane, scribbling on the doors and letting spit run down his beard. Achish sent him away. David, once so bold, was now frightened and alone.

Show What You Know

  1. What did David tell Ahimelech that was not true?

  2. Who watched at Nob?

  3. What weapon did David receive?

  4. Why was going to Gath dangerous?

Word Bank Fill-In

Use the word bank to fill in each blank.

swordNobbreadAchish
  1. Alone and on the run, David came to Ahimelech the priest at .
  2. He asked for , and the priest gave him the holy show bread, since no other bread was there.
  3. David also asked for a weapon and received the of Goliath, the very sword from his great victory.
  4. sent him away.

Think About It

  1. David told a lie when he was afraid. Why is it tempting to lie when we are afraid?

  2. David went from great victory to fear and running. How can God be with us in both seasons?

Memory Verse

“David laid up these words in his heart, and was very afraid of Achish the king of Gath.”

1 Samuel 21:12 (WEB)

Copy It

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for meeting my needs. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

  • How was David different from the day he faced Goliath?
  • How can God be with you when you are afraid?

Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.