1 Samuel 8
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Long, long ago lived a wise man. His name was Samuel. Samuel listened to God. And God talked to Samuel.
Samuel was old now. His hair was white. His back was bent. He had helped the people for many, many years.
One day the people came to Samuel. A big group. They stood in front of him. And they said something strange.
"Samuel, we want a king! A king like other countries have. A king with a crown. A king on a throne."
Samuel was sad. Very sad. Because God was already their King! God took care of them. God gave them food. God kept them safe.
Samuel went and prayed. He talked with God. And God said, "Samuel, do not be sad. They are not saying no to you. They are saying no to Me."
What Does This Mean?
God said to Samuel, "Tell the people what a king does. A king takes. He will take their sons. He will take their daughters. He will take their sheep and their grain."
Samuel walked back to the people. And he told them everything. He said it all.
But the people did not listen. They stamped their feet. They said, "No! We want a king! We want to be like everyone else!"
The Common Thread
God was already their King. A good King. The very best King.
But the people wanted a king they could see. A king with a crown of gold.
Later, much much later, God did send a King. His name was Jesus. Jesus is the King who came down from heaven. His crown was not of gold. His throne was not high up. Jesus is a King who loves. A King who never lets go.
For You
Sometimes we want something so badly. So very badly. We stamp our feet. We say, "I want it now!"
But God knows what is good for you. God is like a good daddy. He sees you. He hears you. And He loves you.
You can tell God everything. Just like Samuel did. Even the hard things. God always listens.
Do you know what is so wonderful? You have a King. A King who knows your name. His name is Jesus. And He is close to you.
Talk About It
Have you ever really really wanted something? What was it?
Samuel talked with God about everything. What would you like to tell God?
Praying Together
Dear God,
Thank You that You are so good. Thank You that You listen to me. You are my King. Jesus, You love me. Help me to listen to You too.
Amen.
Questions about 1 Samuel 8
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is 1 Samuel 8 about?
What does 1 Samuel 8 say?
What does 1 Samuel 8 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from 1 Samuel 8?
Why is 1 Samuel 8 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
He will take your daughters to be perfumers, and to be cooks, and to be bakers." Samuel's warning isn't about cruelty. Perfume, bread, good food, these sound pleasant. But the daughters were taken. They served a palace instead of a home. Notice what the thing you're asking for will quietly cost you, and who will pay it.
You will cry out in that day because of your king whom you shall have chosen for yourselves; and Yahweh will not answer you in that day."
Israel wanted a king so badly they couldn't hear the warning. God let them have what they demanded, and the tears came later.
Sometimes the most sobering answer to prayer is yes. What are you begging God for right now that He might be lovingly asking you to reconsider?
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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