2 Samuel 20
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Listen. One day a man named Sheba lifted a trumpet to his mouth. He blew it, loud. Very loud. "Come away from David!" he shouted. "Every man, go home!"
Many men listened to him. They turned around. They walked away from David, the king.
But some men stayed. They stayed close to David.
David had a soldier named Joab. Joab was strong. Joab was ready to fight.
Joab and his men went after Sheba. They walked, and walked, far away. Dust on their feet. Sun on their backs. At last they came to a city. It had high walls, made of stone.
Sheba was hiding inside that city.
Joab's soldiers pushed dirt against the wall. Higher, and higher. They wanted to break the wall down. Boom. Boom. Boom.
What Does This Mean?
Then something happened. A woman stood on top of the wall. She called down, loud and clear.
"Listen! Listen! Let me talk to Joab!"
Joab came close. He looked up.
"Are you Joab?" she asked.
"I am," he said.
"Then listen to my words," she said. Joab said, "I am listening."
The woman said, "Why do you want to break my city? We are peaceful people here."
Joab answered, "I do not want to destroy your city. I only want Sheba, the man who is hiding inside."
The woman was wise. She went and talked to her people.
The Common Thread
Because that woman was wise, and because Joab listened, the city was saved. Nobody had to break it down.
God loves it when His people make peace instead of war. Not because they are scared, but because peace is good.
Jesus made peace too, even bigger peace. Jesus did not use swords. He used love, even for people who did not love Him back.
For You
Sometimes you feel angry, like Sheba shouting his trumpet. You want to shout too.
But you can also talk softly, like the wise woman. You can say, "Let's not fight."
God hears you when you talk to Him. Even when you whisper. He is never too busy for you.
Talk About It
Why do you think the wise woman talked instead of letting them fight? What can you say when you feel angry, instead of shouting?
Praying Together
Dear God, thank You for wise people who bring peace. Help me use kind words too, even when I am angry. Amen.
Questions about 2 Samuel 20
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is 2 Samuel 20 about?
What does 2 Samuel 20 say?
What does 2 Samuel 20 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from 2 Samuel 20?
Why is 2 Samuel 20 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
A whole city stood at the edge of ruin because of one man hiding inside her walls. Joab's terms were simple: "Just deliver him only, and I will depart from the city." The wise woman didn't argue or stall. She acted. Is there something you keep sheltering behind your walls, telling yourself it costs you nothing?
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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