For Kids · 3 min with a grown-up
This is the last chapter of 1 Samuel, and it's a sad one. But even in a sad story, we find people doing something brave and kind.
Today's Story
The big battle finally came, and it did not go well for Israel. King Saul and his sons fought hard, but the enemy was too strong. Saul died in the battle that day, and his brave son Jonathan - David's dear friend - died too.
It was a very sad day. The years of Saul turning away from God had led to a heavy, heavy ending.
But far across the land, a town remembered something. It was Jabesh-Gilead - the very town Saul had rescued long ago, back when he was a brand-new king. They had never forgotten his kindness.
So the bravest men of Jabesh-Gilead did something hard and good. They traveled all through the night, came and gently carried Saul and his sons home, and gave them a proper, respectful resting place. Then they were quiet and sad for seven whole days.
Even on the saddest day, gratitude and kindness still shined. The town said, in the kindest way they could: Thank you. We remember.
A Big Word
Talk About It
- The town of Jabesh-Gilead never forgot the kindness Saul showed them. Who is someone whose kindness you want to remember?
- It is okay to feel sad about sad things. What helps you when you feel sad?
- The brave men did a hard, kind thing through the night. What is a kind thing that might be hard but worth doing?