The Daily RootedHome StoriesGradesChurchesWhat's NewAbout
Bible:
Answer key (separate)‹ Back to chapter 1

Prints on letter paper in black and white. No answers are printed on the student sheet.

2 Samuel 1 · Grade 4

A Song of the Bow

Name Date

Read and Think

Second Samuel begins right after King Saul's death. David had just returned to Ziklag after defeating the Amalekites. A young man arrived from the battle on Mount Gilboa. He said that Israel had fled, and that Saul and Jonathan were dead. He even brought Saul's crown and bracelet.

The young man claimed that he had killed Saul. David asked why he was not afraid to destroy the Lord's anointed king. David had him put to death. Even though Saul had chased David for years, David still honored him as the king God had chosen.

Then David wrote a lament, the song of the bow, and told the people of Judah to teach it. He grieved for Saul and for Jonathan, his loyal friend. He said, Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives. In their death, they were not divided.

Show What You Know

  1. What did the young man bring to David?

  2. Why did David punish the young man?

  3. How did David treat Saul even after years of being chased?

  4. What was David's sad song called?

Word Bank Fill-In

Use the word bank to fill in each blank.

GodJonathanSaul
  1. He said that Israel had fled, and that and Jonathan were dead.
  2. Even though Saul had chased David for years, David still honored him as the king had chosen.
  3. He grieved for Saul and for , his loyal friend.

Think About It

  1. David honored Saul even though Saul had treated him badly. How can you show respect to someone who has been unkind to you?

  2. David put his grief into a song. What are some good ways to bring sad feelings to God?

Memory Verse

“Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives. In their death, they were not divided. They were swifter than eagles. They were stronger than lions.”

2 Samuel 1:23 (WEB)

Copy It

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for my friends. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

  • Why is it hard to show respect to someone who hurt you?
  • How can grief be brought to God in prayer or song?

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.