2 Samuel 21
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
It was a long time ago. There was no rain. No rain for a whole year. And then another year. And another! The grass was dry. The flowers were gone. The people were hungry.
King David was sad. He asked God, "Why is there no rain?" And God spoke to David. God said, "Long ago someone did something very wrong. His name was Saul. Saul hurt people who did not deserve it."
David listened carefully. Then David went to those hurt people. He said, "I am so sorry. How can I make it good again?" Together they found a way. And look! The rain came back. Drip, drip, drop. The grass grew green again. God saw it all.
What Does This Mean?
God sees everything. God sees when someone is hurt. God sees when something is not fair. And God cares.
David was a good king. He listened to God. He said sorry, even for something someone else had done long ago. That was brave. Very brave.
The Common Thread
There is Someone who is even more brave than David. His name is Jesus. Jesus is a King too. The very best King.
Jesus said sorry for our wrong things. Not because He did wrong. No, He never did anything wrong. But He loves us so much. So very much. Jesus made it good again between us and God. Just like David made it good, but even better.
And God sends rain. God sends sun. God takes care of us. Every day.
For You
Sometimes you do something that is not nice. Maybe you pushed. Maybe you took a toy. Maybe you said a mean word.
It is hard to say sorry. Your mouth wants to stay closed. Your feet want to run away.
But saying sorry is like the rain in the story. Everything becomes fresh again. Everything becomes good again. And God is so happy when you do it.
You can also do what David did. If you see someone who is sad, you can go to them. You can ask, "Are you okay?" You can give a hug. That is what a brave child does.
Talk About It
When is it hard for you to say sorry?
Who can you help today, just like David helped?
Praying Together
Dear God,
Thank You for the rain. Thank You for the sun. Thank You for seeing everything.
Help me to say sorry when I do something wrong. Help me to be kind, like David. Help me to love, like Jesus.
Thank You that You love me. Amen.
Questions about 2 Samuel 21
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is 2 Samuel 21 about?
What does 2 Samuel 21 say?
What does 2 Samuel 21 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from 2 Samuel 21?
Why is 2 Samuel 21 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Saul broke the promise. Saul was dead. Yet David asks the Gibeonites, "What should I do for you? And with what should I make atonement, that you may bless Yahweh's inheritance?" He doesn't decide for them what would be fair. He asks the wounded party. Is there someone you have quietly moved on from without ever asking what it cost them?
Years had passed. The bones of Saul and Jonathan still hung as trophies in Jabesh Gilead, taken down in secret by brave men who remembered kindness. David went and got them. He did not forget. Love that honors the dead quietly, long after applause has faded, is a rare and holy thing. Whose memory are you still tending?
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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