For Kids · 4 min with a grown-up
King David makes a proud choice — and then learns two big lessons: how to say sorry quickly, and how to give God his very best.
Today's Story
One day David decided to count all his soldiers — every single one — to see just how big and strong his army was. It might sound harmless, but in David's heart it was a proud thing. Instead of trusting God to keep him strong, David wanted to feel strong by his own big numbers.
Even Joab, his commander, said, “Why do this? It will only bring trouble.” But David counted anyway — and trouble did come to the land.
Right away, David knew he had done wrong. His heart felt heavy. So he prayed honestly: “I have sinned. I've done a very foolish thing. Please forgive me.” That was the lesson he had learned so well — when you do wrong, say sorry to God fast.
God told David to build an altar — a special place to worship — on a hilltop that belonged to a man named Ornan. When Ornan saw the king coming, he offered to give David the land and the wood and the animals, all for free!
But David shook his head. “No,” he said. “I will pay the full price. I won't give the LORD something that costs me nothing.”
So David paid for it all and worshiped God there with a gift that truly cost him something. And the trouble came to an end.
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- David wanted to feel strong by counting his army instead of trusting God. When are you tempted to trust in “big numbers” or your own strength instead of God?
- As soon as David knew he'd done wrong, he said sorry. Why is it good to say sorry quickly instead of waiting?
- David gave his best, not something free. What is a “best” thing you could give God this week — your time, your help, your kindness?