Lesson 6 of 6 · What is inside matters
David the Shepherd
Explain the lesson about outward appearance and identify one caring responsibility.
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Story retelling · Based on Scripture
Read the story
These are our own words, not a Bible quotation. Source links open Bible Gateway in a new tab for a grown-up to read.
Short story · Ages 3–5
David cared for sheep. Samuel came to his family. David was called in from the sheep. Yahuah knew David's heart. Samuel put oil on David for a special purpose.
Full story · Ages 6–12
Samuel went to Jesse's family in Bethlehem. When he saw Eliab, he thought this might be the chosen one. 1 Samuel 16:4-6 (KJV)
Yahuah told Samuel not to judge by appearance or height. People look at the outside, but Yahuah looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7 (KJV)
Jesse's youngest son was tending sheep. Samuel asked for him to be brought in. This was David, and Samuel anointed him with oil in front of his brothers. 1 Samuel 16:11-13 (KJV)
Word to know: A shepherd cares for sheep. To anoint means to apply oil for a special purpose.
Make it your own
Family activity · Our application of the story
A person's height, clothing, or possessions do not tell the whole story. Practice noticing honesty, kindness, and care. Choose one small responsibility and give it your attention.
Ages 3–5 · Little Learners
Gentle care
- Choose a stuffed animal or toy.
- Show how to handle it gently and put it away safely.
- Tell your grown-up one kind thing someone did for you.
Talk together: What animals did David care for?
Ages 6–8 · Young Explorers
Outside and choices
- Draw two columns: outside things and choices we make.
- Sort: tall, honest, purple clothes, helpful, short, patient.
- Choose one helpful job for today and finish it with a grown-up's guidance.
Talk together: Can someone in plain clothes be a kind and honest person? Why?
Ages 9–12 · Scripture Discoverers
Check a first impression
- Read 1 Samuel 16:6-13 (KJV). Compare Samuel's first impression with the instruction he received.
- Write an example of judging someone by possessions or appearance and a fairer response.
- Choose one responsibility to practice for three days. Reflect on care rather than perfection.
Talk together: Does this passage say David became a perfect person or began ruling that day?
Let’s remember
Choose one answer for each question. A grown-up can read with you.
Parent & teacher guide
Learning goal: Explain the lesson about outward appearance and identify one caring responsibility.
Before you start: Keep the focus on care and character, not competition over who is most chosen. This lesson does not need the violence of the Goliath account. Explain heart as inward character in this passage. Do not infer a child's worth from skill, size, wealth, or quiz results.
A simple rhythm: Read the selected story, explain the new word, do one activity, and ask one question. Use the quiz only if it helps; youngest children can answer aloud or skip it.
Activity answers & discussion
Ages 3–5: Sheep (1 Samuel 16:11 (KJV)).
Ages 6–8: Yes. Clothing does not establish character. Outside: tall/purple clothes/short. Choices: honest/helpful/patient.
Ages 9–12: No. It describes his anointing. Do not add immediate kingship or lifelong perfection to what it says.
Quiz answer key
- Tending sheep. Jesse said the youngest was keeping the sheep. 1 Samuel 16:11 (KJV)
- The heart. The contrast is outward appearance and the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7 (KJV)
- Oil. Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him. 1 Samuel 16:13 (KJV)
During the week: Notice and name a caring action in each family member today.
Story and activities: original educational retellings and applications. Source text: King James Version via Bible Gateway. Quotations preserve the translation's words; retellings use Yahuah. Artwork depicts an imagined learning setting, not a historical reconstruction.
Children’s Kingdom · Activity sheet
David the Shepherd
My name: _______________________ Date: ______________
Ages 3–5: Gentle care
- Choose a stuffed animal or toy.
- Show how to handle it gently and put it away safely.
- Tell your grown-up one kind thing someone did for you.
What animals did David care for?
Ages 6–8: Outside and choices
- Draw two columns: outside things and choices we make.
- Sort: tall, honest, purple clothes, helpful, short, patient.
- Choose one helpful job for today and finish it with a grown-up's guidance.
Can someone in plain clothes be a kind and honest person? Why?
Ages 9–12: Check a first impression
- Read 1 Samuel 16:6-13 (KJV). Compare Samuel's first impression with the instruction he received.
- Write an example of judging someone by possessions or appearance and a fairer response.
- Choose one responsibility to practice for three days. Reflect on care rather than perfection.
Does this passage say David became a perfect person or began ruling that day?
One thing I can practice:
Grown-ups may write a child's spoken answer. There is no score for this activity.