Saul Becomes King (1 Samuel 8) Preschool Bible Lesson

For many years the Israelites were governed by priests and judges before they decided that they wanted to have a king. Other countries had kings and they wanted one as well. God used Samuel to warn the people that it would not be good for them to have a king but they would not listen. Saul became their king but the Israelites soon learned that it would have been better to do things God’s way
Lesson Title:  Saul Becomes King
Bible Reference: 1 Samuel 8:1-22; 9:1-2; 10:17-24
Target Age Group: Preschool
Learning Context: Children’s Church
Target Time Frame: 1 ½ hour
Gospel Connection: .
Learning Aim:  God’s Way is Best.
Materials Needed:

1. Paper plates
2. Paint Sticks
3. Crayons/markers
4. Masking Tape
5. Tape Measure
6. Toy Crown
7. Toy Cars

“Saul Becomes King” Bible Story

Open your Bible to 1 Samuel 8:1-22; 9:1-2; 10:17-24.
Say, A long time ago God’s people, the Israelites, decided that they needed a king. God spoke to a priest named Samuel and told him to warn Israel because a king would be bad for them. He said that if they had a king he would make the people work hard and take what belonged to them.
The Israelites looked around and saw that all the other countries had kings and again they said that they wanted a king. God decided to give them what they wanted even though he knew that it was a bad idea.
God showed Samuel the man that He picked to be Israel’s king. His name was Saul. He was a full head taller than everyone else and was very good looking so everyone noticed him.
At first everyone was so happy to have a king like Saul, but eventually Saul became a bad king. The Israelites learned that God’s way was best.
God’s Way Sign
Give each child a paper plate with the words ‘God’s Way is Best’ written on it. Let them decorate their new sign with crayons, markers, glitter, stickers, etc. Glue or tape a paint stick to the back of it so that they have a sign.
Say, The Israelites got a little lost then decided that their way was better than God’s way. They wanted a king so God gave them a king but in the end it would have been better for them to listen to God.
Saul is Tall
Have the kids stand up against the wall and measure how tall they are. Mark their height with a piece of masking tape and write their name on it. Then, place a piece of tape on the wall for Saul that is about 1 head taller than the tallest student. Use a measuring tape to find out how many inches tall each child is and let them know.
Say, Saul was much taller than everyone else. The Israelites wanted him to be king because he stood out. But whenever God looks at a person He looks at how they act on the inside. God cares about how we treat others, not how we look.     
Find the King
Have the class sit with their eyes closed. Hide a toy crown somewhere in the room. Then let them search for it. Play as long as they are interested in the game.
Say, When the Israelites went looking for a king, God gave them Saul.  
Going the Right Way
Use tape to make roads on the floor. You could also use blocks to make the roads and a few buildings. Give each child a toy car and let them play.
Say, Whenever you are driving your car make sure you go the right way. The Israelites learned an important lesson in our story today: that God’s way is the best.
Closing the Lesson
Ask the following review questions.

1. Who was the priest in the Temple? Samuel
2. What did the people want? A king
3. Why did they want a king? Because they wanted to be like the other nations who had kings.
4. Who did God pick to be their king? Saul
5. Whose way is the best way? God’s way is the best.

Let the kids give their answers. Close in prayer, asking God to always help them choose His way for their lives.
For more lesson ideas don’t miss our series of Sunday School lessons on the Kings of Israel.