For Kids · 4 min with a grown-up
Israel has a brand-new king named Saul. But a king has to be brave when his people are in trouble - and trouble has just arrived.
Today's Story
Far across the river, a little town called Jabesh-Gilead was in big trouble. An enemy army had marched up and surrounded it, and the people inside were frightened. They sent messengers running for help.
The messengers reached Saul's town. When the people heard the news, they began to cry. What could they do?
Saul was out in the field with his oxen. When he heard, something rose up inside him - God's Spirit filled him with courage. This was the moment to act. He sent word all across the land: Come and help! We will not leave Jabesh-Gilead alone!
And the people came. Thousands and thousands of them, from every corner of Israel, all marching together behind their new king.
Early in the morning, before the sun was hot, Saul and his army surprised the enemy and rescued the town. Jabesh-Gilead was saved!
The people were so happy they wanted to punish everyone who had ever doubted Saul. But Saul shook his head. “No one will be punished today,” he said. “Today the LORD has rescued Israel.”
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- When Saul heard people were in trouble, he jumped up to help. Who is someone you could help this week?
- God filled Saul with courage right when he needed it. When is a time you need God to make you brave?
- After the rescue, Saul didn't want to punish anyone - he wanted to celebrate God. Why do you think he chose to be kind?