For Kids · 4 min with a grown-up
In the very last chapter of his story, King David teaches us one more big lesson: how to give God our very best.
Today's Story
One day, David decided to count his soldiers — all of them — 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.
Right away, David knew he had done wrong. His heart felt heavy. So he prayed honestly: “I have sinned. Please forgive me.” David had learned the lesson well — when you do wrong, say sorry to God.
God told David to build an altar — a special place to worship — on a hilltop that belonged to a man named Araunah. When Araunah saw the king coming, he offered to give David the land and the wood and everything, all for free!
But David shook his head. “No,” he said. “I will pay the full price. I won't give the LORD my God something that costs me nothing.”
David didn't want to give God his leftovers or his freebies. He wanted to give God his very best. And so, on that hilltop, with a gift that truly cost him something, David worshiped — 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” instead of God?
- David wouldn't give God something for free — he gave his best. What is a “best” thing you could give God: your time, your help, your kindness?
- As soon as David knew he'd done wrong, he said sorry. Why is it good to say sorry quickly instead of waiting?