Skip to main content
    All Sunday school lessons
    Free · KJV · Lesson Plan

    The Anointing of David: Sunday School Lesson

    1 Samuel 16

    Ages 5–11 ~40 min Memory: 1 Samuel 16:7

    Print this page straight from your browser — the story, memory verse, discussion questions and craft all fit on one sheet.

    Big Idea

    People look at the outside; God reads the heart.

    Story Summary

    God sent Samuel to Bethlehem to anoint one of Jesse's sons as king. Seven sons passed by and God refused each one. The youngest was out keeping the sheep — and when David came in, ruddy and of a beautiful countenance, the LORD said, 'Arise, anoint him: for this is he.'

    Read the full retelling →

    Memory Verse (KJV)

    “For man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”

    1 Samuel 16:7

    Discussion Questions

    1. Which son did Samuel think was surely the LORD's anointed?

      Teacher hint: Eliab, because of his height and countenance (1 Sam 16:6–7).

    2. Where was David while his brothers were being looked at?
    3. What does God see in a heart that He likes?
    4. Have you ever been left out or overlooked? What does this story say to you?

    Craft Idea: Anointing Horn of Oil

    Supplies

    • Brown card stock
    • Tape
    • Gold glitter or yellow paper
    • Markers

    Steps

    1. Roll brown card into a horn shape and tape it.
    2. Add gold glitter or yellow paper pouring from the tip.
    3. Write 1 Samuel 16:7 along the horn.
    4. Talk about one heart-habit each child will grow this week.

    Printable Worksheet

    Print the lesson page for the verse card and the discussion questions.

    Coloring page This Sunday's lesson

    Lesson flow (45 minutes)

    1. Welcome (5 min): Pray, then read the memory verse aloud three times together.
    2. Story (10 min): Tell the story summary in your own words; open a KJV to 1 Samuel 16.
    3. Discussion (10 min): Walk through the questions above. Let every child answer at least once.
    4. Craft (15 min): Make the anointing horn of oil.
    5. Wrap-up (5 min): Hand out the worksheet to finish at home and recite the memory verse one last time.

    More Sunday school lessons

    1 Kings 3

    The Judgment of Solomon

    Ages 7–12 · ~40 min

    1 Kings 18

    Elijah on Mount Carmel

    Ages 7–12 · ~45 min

    1 Kings 17

    Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath

    Ages 5–11 · ~40 min

    2 Kings 2

    Elijah Taken to Heaven

    Ages 7–12 · ~40 min

    2 Kings 4:1–7

    Elisha and the Widow's Oil

    Ages 5–11 · ~40 min

    2 Kings 5

    The Healing of Naaman

    Ages 7–12 · ~40 min

    Daniel 3

    Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego

    Ages 6–12 · ~45 min

    Daniel 2

    The Dream of Nebuchadnezzar

    Ages 9–12 · ~45 min

    Daniel 5

    The Handwriting on the Wall

    Ages 9–12 · ~40 min

    Where to go next

    Teaching The Anointing of David? Here is what to grab next for your class.