1 Samuel 23 · Grade 3

God Guides and Guards David

Name Date

Read the Story

The Philistines were robbing the threshing floors of Keilah. David inquired of the Lord, who told him to go and save Keilah. David's men were afraid, so David asked again. The Lord promised to deliver the Philistines into his hand, and David saved the city.

Saul heard and planned to trap David inside Keilah. David asked the Lord if the men of Keilah would hand him over. The Lord said they would. David and about six hundred men left. Saul sought him every day, but God didn't deliver him into his hand.

Jonathan went to David in the woods of Ziph and strengthened his hand in God. He said Saul would not find him, and David would be king. Later Saul's men surrounded David's men by a mountain. Just then a messenger said the Philistines had attacked the land, and Saul went back.

Memory Verse

“David stayed in the wilderness in the strongholds, and remained in the hill country in the wilderness of Ziph. Saul sought him every day, but God didn’t deliver him into his hand.”

1 Samuel 23:14 (WEB)

Answer the Questions

Why did David ask God a second time?
What did God say the men of Keilah would do?
How many men were with David?
What did Jonathan do for David?
Why did Saul go back?

Jonathan Strengthens David

Write what happened in each box.

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for friends who point me to you. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

How did God keep Saul from finding David?
How can you tell if someone is a true friend?