1 Samuel 20
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
David was scared. Very scared. King Saul was angry at David. So angry that he wanted to hurt him.
David ran fast. He ran to his best friend. His best friend was Jonathan. Jonathan was the son of the king.
"Jonathan," said David. "Your father wants to hurt me. I am so scared."
Jonathan looked at David. He loved David very much. "I will help you," said Jonathan. "I promise."
Together they made a plan. "Tomorrow there is a big dinner," said David. "The king wants me there. But I will not come. I will hide in the field. Behind that big stone."
"Good," said Jonathan. "And I will find out if my father is still angry."
Then Jonathan said something special. "I will come to the field. I will bring my bow and arrows. I will shoot three arrows. If I say to my helper: the arrows are close by, then everything is safe. But if I say: the arrows are far away, then you must run. Run fast!"
David nodded. He hugged Jonathan tight.
Then Jonathan said very softly: "God sees us. God hears our promise. God is between you and me. Forever."
What Does This Mean?
The big dinner came. The king sat down. Jonathan sat down. But David's seat was empty.
The king became angry. Very, very angry. He yelled at Jonathan. He even threw his big spear! Jonathan quickly jumped away.
Now Jonathan knew. His father really wanted to hurt David. Jonathan was so sad. His heart hurt.
The next morning Jonathan walked into the field. His little helper came along. Jonathan took his bow. Whoosh! An arrow flew far away. "The arrows are far away!" Jonathan called loudly. "Hurry! Run!"
Behind the big stone lay David. He heard it. He knew: I have to leave.
The Common Thread
The little helper walked home. Then David came out from behind the stone. Slowly. Quietly.
David and Jonathan looked at each other. They cried. They hugged each other tight. They had to say goodbye.
"Go safely," said Jonathan. "God is between you and me. God watches over you. Always."
God saw David. God saw Jonathan. God did not forget them. Later God took good care of David. And God sent Jesus, the very best Friend, who never says goodbye.
For You
Do you have a good friend? A friend is a gift from God.
Jonathan helped David when David was scared. That was so kind. You can be kind too. To your brother. To your sister. To the boy or girl next to you.
And do you know what is very special? Jesus is your Friend. He is always with you. Even in the dark. Even when you are scared. He never goes away.
Talk About It
Who is your best friend? What do you like to do together?
What can you do when you are scared?
Praying Together
Dear God, thank You for friends. Thank You that You see me. When I am scared, You are near. Thank You for Jesus, my very best Friend. Amen.
Questions about 1 Samuel 20
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is 1 Samuel 20 about?
What does 1 Samuel 20 say?
What does 1 Samuel 20 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from 1 Samuel 20?
Why is 1 Samuel 20 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Jonathan tells David, "Far be it from you; for if I should at all know that evil were determined by my father to come on you, then wouldn't I tell you that?" Notice the tenderness. Jonathan chooses his friend over his father's throne. Who in your life needs that kind of loyalty from you today? Not vague affection, but the promise: if I see danger coming, I will warn you.
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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