1 Samuel 19

The Explanation

David could play beautiful music. He had a harp with strings. When David played, the sound was soft and warm.

David played for the king. The king was called Saul.

But Saul was angry inside. Angry at David. Saul said, "David must go away. For ever."

Saul had a son. His name was Jonathan. Jonathan loved David very much. They were best friends.

Jonathan came to David and whispered. "My father is angry. Please hide. Hide well."

So David hid. And Jonathan went to his father. Jonathan said, "David is good, Father. David has never hurt you. He helped you. Don't hurt him."

And Saul listened. Saul said, "You are right. David may stay."

So David came back. He picked up his harp. He played for Saul, just like before. Everything seemed good again.

What Does This Mean?

But Saul had a spear in his hand. A long, sharp spear.

David played his music. Softly, softly.

And then Saul jumped up. He threw the spear, hard!

The spear flew past David. Bang, into the wall! But David slipped away. David ran out of the door, into the dark night.

David ran all the way home. His wife Michal was waiting. She looked out of the window. She saw men outside. Waiting men.

Michal said, "Quick, David! You must go. Now!"

The window was high up. Michal held David tight. And she let him down out of the window. Down, down, to the ground.

And David ran. Away into the dark.

Michal was clever. She laid something in David's bed. She put clothes over it. And goat's hair on the pillow. It looked just like someone sleeping.

The men came in. "Where is David?"

"He is sick," said Michal. "He is in bed."

But it was not David. David was already far, far away.

The Common Thread

David ran and ran. He came to an old man called Samuel. Samuel loved God very much.

David told Samuel everything. Everything Saul had done. And David stayed there, safe with Samuel.

Saul heard where David was. Saul sent men to fetch him. But something happened to those men. God's Spirit came upon them. And they began to sing about God! They forgot all about David.

Saul sent more men. The same thing happened. And again. And again!

Then Saul went himself. And do you know what? God's Spirit came upon Saul too. Saul lay on the ground, all day and all night. He could not hurt David at all.

God was watching over David. All the time. Even in the dark. Even in the night.

Later, one of David's grandchildren's grandchildren was born. That was Jesus. God watched over Him too.

For You

Sometimes you get scared. Maybe at night, when it is dark. Maybe when someone shouts.

God saw David in the dark. God sees you too.

God never sleeps. God never blinks. God is with you when the light goes off. He is with you when you wake up.

You may say: God, please watch over me.

Talk About It

Who helped David to get away safely? Can you remember them all?

When do you feel a little bit scared? Who is with you then?

Praying Together

Dear God, thank You that You kept David safe. Thank You that You see me too. Please watch over me tonight. Amen.