Share the Word
Ways to present 1 Samuel 8:4-11,(12-15),16-20,(11:14-15)
A version of the story for under 5s
Ask the children to use the hand actions below each time they hear the word in the story:
King – two hands either side of head like a crown;
God – hands out, palms up.
Samuel was getting very old.
God’s people were looking for a new leader and they wanted a king.
Samuel prayed and waited to see who God would choose to be king.
One day Samuel met Saul and he knew this was who God would choose to be king.
Saul wasn’t sure.
Then Samuel took Saul to the people and they knew that this was who God had chosen to be king.
CHILDREN
Read the story and pause at the 
to share these points with the children (see Stop and share below). Then use the activity to explore the passage together. (10 mins)
Click on the image to view a PDF. Once loaded you may need to click on the three dots in the top right to view it as a 2 page spread. See also King David & Solomon poster.
Stop and share
God’s people hadn’t been led by a king before, and Samuel thought they should still be led by a judge. He was sad because the Israelites didn’t think the same way.
When someone is anointed, oil is poured over their head with a prayer to show that they have been chosen by God for a special job.
The Israelites had enemies on three sides of the country and were in danger from all of them.
See also Choose your own ending activity.
Making a change W S
Teach the children the following hand actions to use each time they hear the word in the story:
- Samuel – hand on chest.
- Saul – stand with hands on hips.
- King – two hands either side of head like a crown.
- God – hands out, palms up.
- Pray – praying hands.
- People – wiggle fingers.
- Anointed – touch palm of hand to head.
Tell the story, encouraging everyone to join in
YOUNG PEOPLE
Sum it up W S
You will need: card and markers.
- Read through the Bible passage together.
- Split the group into pairs and ask them to imagine they are political campaigners, and they must come up with a slogan on a sign about why the Israelites should not demand a king. Invite the young people to hold up the signs they have made.
- Ask them why they think the Israelites wanted a king after being warned it was a bad idea.