1 Samuel 12
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Samuel was old. Very old. His hair was white and his voice was soft. All the people of Israel came together. They stood in a big group and looked at Samuel.
Samuel said: "Look at me. I have been with you my whole life. Did I ever take a sheep from you? Or a donkey? Or money?"
The people said: "No, Samuel. You never took anything."
Samuel was a good man. He always listened to God.
Then Samuel said: "Now remember. God has helped you. Again and again. When you were sad, God helped. When you were scared, God helped. God is good."
But then Samuel looked serious. "You asked for a king. You wanted a king, like other countries. But God is your real King."
The sky was blue. It was harvest time. That means the fields were full of grain. Then Samuel prayed. And something amazing happened. It began to thunder! Boom! And it started to rain! Big drops from the sky. In harvest time that never happens.
The people were scared. Very scared. They said: "Oh, please pray for us, Samuel!"
And Samuel said something beautiful. "Do not be afraid. God will not send you away. God loves you. Just follow Him. With your whole heart."
What Does This Mean?
God is like a good Father. He wants His children close. Even when the children do silly things, He does not send them away. He keeps loving them.
Samuel prayed for the people. He talked to God for them. That was his job.
The Common Thread
Samuel prayed for the people. But there is Someone even bigger. His name is Jesus. Jesus also prays for us. Every day. Jesus tells God: "Look, that is My child. I love him. I love her."
So you are never alone. Jesus knows your name.
For You
Sometimes you do something wrong. Maybe you hit your little brother. Or you said no when Mommy said yes. Then your tummy feels funny inside.
But listen. God does not send you away. Never. You can just come back. You can say sorry. And God gives you a big hug with His love.
God is your King. That means He takes care of you. Day and night. When you sleep and when you play.
Talk About It
Samuel prayed and it started to rain. Who else can pray? Can you pray too?
God does not send His children away. How does that make you feel inside?
Praying Together
Dear God,
Thank You that You are my King. Thank You that You never send me away. When I do something wrong, I can come back. You always listen. Just like You listened to Samuel.
Thank You, God.
Amen.
Questions about 1 Samuel 12
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is 1 Samuel 12 about?
What does 1 Samuel 12 say?
What does 1 Samuel 12 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from 1 Samuel 12?
Why is 1 Samuel 12 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Israel had just insisted on a king, rejecting God as their ruler. Samuel doesn't soften it. Yet he says, "For Yahweh will not forsake his people for his great name's sake, because it has pleased Yahweh to make you a people to himself." Notice why you're kept: not your record, but his pleasure in choosing you. Does that unsettle you, or free you?
You have not defrauded us, nor oppressed us, neither have you taken anything from any man's hand." That was Israel's verdict on Samuel after a lifetime of leadership. Notice what they could not say against him. Could the people closest to you say the same of you? Sometimes the loudest sermon is a clean record.
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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