1 Samuel 11
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Far away lived mean men. They were called Ammonites. Their leader had a hard name too. Nahash.
Nahash and his men came to a town. The town was called Jabesh. Nahash said mean words. Very mean words.
The people in Jabesh were scared. So scared. They sent messengers running. Fast, fast, over the hills.
The messengers came to Saul's town. They told the sad news. All the people cried. Loud crying.
Saul was out with his oxen. Big, strong oxen. He heard the crying and asked, "Why is everyone sad?"
They told Saul everything.
Then something happened inside Saul. God's Spirit came on him. Strong, like a big wind. Saul got angry. Not a mean angry. A brave angry.
What Does This Mean?
Saul cut his oxen into pieces. He sent the pieces everywhere. He said, "Come and help! Or this will happen to your oxen too!"
Everyone was afraid. Not of Saul. Afraid because Yahweh was watching. So they all came. Every single one.
So many people came. Three hundred thousand! And thirty thousand more. So many feet, walking together.
Saul told the messengers, "Tell Jabesh, help is coming!" The messengers ran back. They told the people. The people in Jabesh were so glad. So very glad.
The Common Thread
In the morning, still dark, Saul and his men crept close. Quiet, quiet. Then they attacked. They saved Jabesh, just like Saul promised.
Some people wanted to hurt those who did not like Saul. But Saul said, "No. Not today. Today Yahweh saved us."
Saul knew it was not only him. It was Yahweh who helped. Yahweh always helps his people. Later, Yahweh would send Someone bigger than Saul. Someone named Jesus. Jesus also saves people who are scared. Jesus also says, "Today, I will help you."
For You
Everybody went to a place called Gilgal. They made Saul king there. They gave gifts to Yahweh. They ate together. They laughed. They were glad, so glad.
Sometimes you feel scared too. Maybe of the dark. Maybe of being alone. God saw Jabesh. God sees you too.
Talk About It
When have you felt scared, like the people in Jabesh? Who helps you when you are afraid?
Praying Together
Dear God, You saw the scared people. You helped them. Please help me too when I am scared. Thank you that you see me. Amen.
Questions about 1 Samuel 11
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is 1 Samuel 11 about?
What does 1 Samuel 11 say?
What does 1 Samuel 11 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from 1 Samuel 11?
Why is 1 Samuel 11 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Notice when the gladness arrives. Not after the battle, but when the word came: "Tomorrow, by the time the sun is hot, you will have deliverance." Jabesh still had one more night under siege, the enemy still camped outside the walls. Yet they were glad. Can a promise you actually trust change the night you are still sitting in?
Looking for something for slightly older children?
We also have dedicated versions for elementary age (7-12) and teens (12 and up).
Open in the Children's Bible tool
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