Try free lessons

Teach Them Jesus with Music

Kindness in a Song: David Plays the Harp for Saul

1 Samuel 16:13-23; 1 Samuel 18:10-11; Ephesians 4:32 Old Testament PrincipleKindness

Young David plays a small wooden lyre in a palace hall while troubled King Saul, on his throne, slowly calms down.

King Saul was troubled and upset inside. God had chosen young David to be the next king, and God sent David to play the harp for Saul and help him feel better. David used God's gift to be kind, even to the king he would replace. God is kind to us, so we can be kind to others.

God is kind to us in Jesus, even though we don't deserve it. Because of His kindness, we can use the gifts He gives us to be kind to others, even people who are hard to love.

  1. CreationGod made it
  2. FallWe broke it
  3. RedemptionJesus fixes it (this lesson)
  4. RestorationJesus makes it new

Memory verse

“Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Ephesians 4:32 BSB

Christ Connection · Better than

David brought a troubled king relief for a while. Jesus, the Son of David, offers a deeper rest: "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). And where David kept being kind to a king who turned against him, Jesus prayed for the very people who crucified Him (Luke 23:34). He is kind to us while we are still His enemies (Romans 5:8).

Matthew 11:28-29; John 14:27; Luke 23:34; Romans 5:8

The Big Story · Redemption

Sin brought trouble and fear into every heart, even a king's. God sent David to bring a troubled king relief, and later sent David's greater Son, Jesus, to bring real peace to everyone who comes to Him.

Printable PDFs for every age

Teacher guide plus handouts for preschool through 6th grade. Members can read the full lesson and download everything.

Join to unlock
Teacher Guide Preschool K–2nd 3rd–4th 5th–6th

Free preview · Kindergarten – 2nd grade

God sent David to play the harp for troubled King Saul, and God used the music to help Saul feel better. David was kind, even to the king he would one day replace. God is kind to us, so we can be kind too.

Memory verse

“Be kind and tenderhearted to one another.”

Adapted from Ephesians 4:32

Start here

Ask, "What do you do when you feel sad or upset? What helps?" Let kids share. Some might say music! Play a few gentle notes on a rubber-band harp. Say, "Long ago, a king felt very upset. Let's see who God sent to help him."

Bible story 6 min

Saul was the king of Israel. But Saul did not obey God. So God chose a new king. He chose a shepherd boy named David.

The prophet Samuel poured oil on David's head. From that day, God's Spirit was with David in a special way.

But King Saul was troubled. He felt upset and angry inside. He could not rest.

The rest of the story, discussion questions, songs, Live It and prayer are for members.

DaschDasch Digs Up: Did You Know?

David's "harp" was probably a kinnor, a small wooden lyre with about ten strings, light enough to carry out to the fields.

1 Samuel 16:23

Try an activity

High and low 8 min

You’ll need: Rubber bands (thick and thin), Small open boxes or plastic containers

  1. Each child stretches a thick and a thin rubber band around a box and plucks them.
  2. Ask, "Which one is high? Which is low?" Kids stand on tiptoe for high notes and crouch for low notes as you pluck.
  3. Say, "God made sounds high and low. He gave David a gift for music!"
Get the whole lesson

Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in

Join Teach Them Jesus

More lessons from this story

Same Bible story, a different principle.

Kings and ProphetsGod Chooses David1 Samuel 16:1-13God sent Samuel to Bethlehem to anoint a new king, and instead of the tall older brothers, God chose David, the youngest shepherd, because the LORD looks at the heart.Old TestamentHumility

More lessons on Kindness

The same principle in other Bible stories.

The Church BeginsDorcas Helps PeopleActs 9:36-43; Mark 5:35-43Dorcas loved Jesus and was always doing kind things, like making clothes for widows. When she got sick and died, her friends sent for Peter. Peter prayed, and God brought Dorcas back to life, and many people believed in Jesus.New TestamentKindnessKings and ProphetsRuth and NaomiRuth 1:1-22; Ruth 2:1-23; Ruth 3:1-18; Ruth 4:1-22When Naomi lost everything, God showed His kindness through Ruth and Boaz, and Boaz became the family's redeemer, pointing to Jesus, our Redeemer.Old TestamentKindnessSeeing God's WorldSalt and LightMatthew 5:13-16; Jeremiah 29:4-7Jesus told His followers, "You are the salt of the earth" and "You are the light of the world." Long before, God told His people in Babylon to seek the good of the city and pray for it. Christians don't hide from the world or blend into it. We do good and show Jesus' love so people see it and praise our Father in heaven.New TestamentKindnessDavid and Mephibosheth2 Samuel 9:1-13; 2 Samuel 4:4; 1 Samuel 20:14-17King David remembered his promise to his best friend Jonathan. He found Jonathan's son Mephibosheth, who couldn't walk, gave him back his family's land and invited him to eat at the king's table every day. God shows that same kindness to us, so we show kindness to others.Old TestamentKindnessBefore He Finished Praying: Rebekah at the WellGenesis 24:1-67Abraham sent his oldest servant on a long journey to find a wife for his son Isaac from his relatives. When the servant reached the town with his ten camels, he prayed by the spring, "LORD, show kindness to my master." He asked God to show him the right young woman, one who would offer water to him and his camels too. Before he had finished praying, Rebekah came out. She gave him a drink and hurried to water all ten camels. The servant bowed and worshiped God, who had led him all the way. God is kind and keeps His promises, and He helps us be kind too.Old TestamentKindness