David and Goliath: Sunday School Lesson
1 Samuel 17
Big Idea
The battle is the LORD's — courage comes from trusting Him, not from our own size or strength.
Story Summary
A nine-foot Philistine giant named Goliath taunted the armies of Israel for forty days. Every soldier was afraid — except a shepherd boy named David, who knew the LORD was greater than any giant. With only a sling and five smooth stones, David ran toward Goliath in the name of the LORD of hosts, and one stone was enough.
Memory Verse (KJV)
“The battle is the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands.”
1 Samuel 17:47
Discussion Questions
- Why was the whole army of Israel afraid of Goliath?
- What made David different from the soldiers?
Teacher hint: He remembered how God had helped him before with the lion and the bear (1 Sam 17:34-37).
- Why did David refuse Saul's armor?
Teacher hint: He trusted God, not equipment.
- What 'giants' (fears or problems) do you face this week?
- What does it mean that 'the battle is the LORD's'?
Craft Idea: Five Smooth Stones Pouch
Supplies
- Small fabric or felt squares (or paper lunch bags)
- Yarn or ribbon for tying
- Five small smooth stones per child (or paper cutouts)
- Permanent marker
Steps
- Fold the fabric/paper and tie the top with yarn to make a shepherd's pouch.
- On each of the five stones, write one truth: God is with me · God is bigger · God is strong · God hears me · The battle is the LORD's.
- Tuck the stones inside the pouch — a reminder to pull one out when fear comes.
Printable Worksheet
The printable bundle includes the story page, a 1 Samuel 17:47 memory-verse card, a quiz worksheet with answer key, and a David and Goliath coloring page.
Lesson flow (45 minutes)
- Welcome (5 min): Pray, then read the memory verse aloud three times together.
- Story (10 min): Tell the story summary in your own words; open a KJV to 1 Samuel 17.
- Discussion (10 min): Walk through the questions above. Let every child answer at least once.
- Craft (15 min): Make the five smooth stones pouch.
- Wrap-up (5 min): Hand out the worksheet to finish at home and recite the memory verse one last time.
More Sunday school lessons
Genesis 6–9
Noah's Ark
Ages 4–10 · ~45 min
Jonah 1–4
Jonah and the Whale
Ages 4–10 · ~40 min
Luke 2 · Matthew 1–2
The Birth of Jesus
Ages 4–10 · ~45 min
Genesis 1
The Days of Creation
Ages 3–10 · ~40 min
Daniel 6
Daniel and the Lions' Den
Ages 5–11 · ~45 min
Exodus 14
Moses Parts the Red Sea
Ages 5–11 · ~45 min
Matthew 28 · Luke 24
The Resurrection of Jesus
Ages 4–11 · ~45 min
Genesis 37 · 39–45
Joseph and His Coat of Many Colors
Ages 5–11 · ~45 min
Luke 10:25–37
The Good Samaritan
Ages 4–11 · ~40 min
Mark 10:13–16
Jesus Blesses the Little Children
Ages 3–9 · ~35 min
Luke 19:1–10
Zacchaeus the Tax Collector
Ages 3–10 · ~35 min
Matthew 14:22–33
Jesus Walks on Water
Ages 4–11 · ~40 min
John 6:1–14 · Matthew 14:13–21
Jesus Feeds the 5,000
Ages 3–10 · ~40 min
Luke 15:11–32
The Prodigal Son
Ages 5–11 · ~45 min
Judges 13–16
Samson the Strong
Ages 6–12 · ~45 min
Esther 1–10
Queen Esther Saves Her People
Ages 5–11 · ~45 min
Joshua 6
Joshua and the Walls of Jericho
Ages 4–11 · ~45 min
Exodus 3
Moses and the Burning Bush
Ages 5–11 · ~45 min
Ruth 1–4
Ruth and Naomi
Ages 5–11 · ~40 min
Ephesians 6:10–18
The Whole Armor of God
Ages 5–12 · ~45 min
Mark 4:35–41
Jesus Calms the Storm
Ages 3–10 · ~40 min
Where to go next
Teaching David and Goliath? Here is what to grab next for your class.