For Kids · 4 min with a grown-up
David tries to be kind to a neighboring king — but his kindness gets thrown back in his face. What happens next teaches us about being brave.
Today's Story
When a neighboring king died, David wanted to be kind to the king's son. So he sent friendly messengers to say, “I'm sorry for your loss.”
But the young king listened to some bad advice. “Those messengers aren't really being nice,” his advisors whispered. “They're probably spies!” So instead of saying thank you, he treated David's kind men terribly and sent them away embarrassed.
That was unfair — and now there was going to be a battle. David's army, led by a commander named Joab, found themselves surrounded, with enemies in front and behind.
Things looked scary. But Joab gathered his soldiers and gave them brave words: “Be strong. Let's be brave for our people and for the cities of our God. And may the LORD do what is good in his eyes.”
Do you hear the two parts? Be brave — that was their job. And trust God for the rest — that was His. They did their part, and they left the outcome in God's good hands.
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- The young king listened to bad advice and was unkind. How can you tell good advice from bad advice?
- Joab said to be brave AND trust God. What is something you can be brave about, while trusting God with how it turns out?
- Being surrounded felt scary. What helps you feel braver when something feels too big?