David Returns the Ark - Bible lessons for kids

In this lesson, we will explore King David returning the Ark back to Jerusalem. Through this passage in 2 Samuel 6, we will discover the significance of God’s presence and the importance of celebrating it, even when others may not understand.

Key points:

The importance of the Ark
We should celebrate God’s presence.
Sometime people don’t like us worshipping God.

David Returns the Ark (A4 British) pdf

David Returns the Ark (USA) pdf

David Returns the Ark 5+ lesson pack pdf

Lesson Guide – David Returns the Ark

Begin by showing the child a picture of the Ark of the Lord. Explain that the Ark was a special box that held precious things. Place the images in this pack of the content of the Ark in a small box. Allow the children to take out one at a time and discuss its importance. Emphasis that the Ark was a visible symbol of God’s presence and a reminder of His covenant with His people.

Ask the child to imagine how they would feel if they lost something special and then found it again. Share that David wanted to bring the Ark back to Jerusalem because it belonged there, just like when we find something special, we want to keep it safe and close to us.

Explain that when David and his people brought the Ark to Jerusalem, they were so happy that they started dancing and celebrating. They wanted to show their love and gratitude to God for His presence with them. Just like David celebrated the Ark’s presence in Jerusalem, we can celebrate and rejoice in God’s presence in our own lives.

Create a “joyful dance” activity. Put on some worship music and encourage the child to dance and celebrate with all their might, just like David did. You can join in too! Remind them that David was dancing and celebrating because he loved God and was grateful for His presence.

Have the child draw a picture of something that makes them happy and write “I will celebrate before the Lord” underneath it. Explain that just like David, we can celebrate and worship God with joy. It’s a way to express our gratitude and love for Him, whether through drawing, singing, or other creative activities.

Ask the child how they would feel if someone didn’t understand why they worshiped God and complained about it. Share a personal story of a situation where someone didn’t understand your joy or excitement about something. Explain that even when others don’t understand, God loves when we worship Him with all our hearts, as mentioned in Psalm 149:3.

Discuss ways to respond to unkind comments or misunderstandings. Brainstorm together on how we can show kindness and understanding to others, even when they don’t understand our worship. Encourage the child to pray for those who may not understand and ask God to help them understand His love.

Emphasize how David danced and celebrated with all his might, without worrying about what others thought. Discuss how true worship comes from the heart and is not about impressing others. Encourage the child to remember that when we worship God, whether through song, dance, drawing, or serving, it’s important to do it for God and not to impress others.

Finish the lesson with a prayer, thanking God for His presence.

David Returns the Ark – Bible story for kids

David Returns the Ark - Printable Bible story pages.

Games and activities

Dance Freeze

Play a game of “Dance Freeze”. Play worship music and encourage the child to dance.

Randomly pause the music and shout “Freeze!”

When the music stops, the child must freeze in a dance pause. Reflect on how David danced.

I Spy Through My Window

Play a game called “I Spy Through My Window” to relate to David’s wife seeing him dancing through her window. Take turns holding up a cardboard frame and say, “I spy something blue” or “I spy something starting with the letter ‘R'”. The other players should guess the object.