YEA Lesson Library
A Shepherd's Song
About This Lesson
This lesson uses the example of David shepherding the sheep to draw the analogy of how God takes care of the student. The student is encouraged to sing of God’s goodness, faithfulness, love, and might.
Scriptures
1 Samuel 16:16-23
Psalm 21:13
Psalm 23:1-6
Psalm 68:4
Psalm 89:1
Psalm 96:2
Psalm 98:5
Psalm 104:33
Psalm 135:3
Ephesians 5:19
Words to Know
LONELY - sad about being alone
SERVANT - a person working for someone, doing chores
The Lesson
Saul was the king of Israel. But Saul was doing things he shouldn’t do. So God picked David to be the next king.
It wasn’t time yet for David to do the job of the king. He was just a young shepherd boy. David took care of his father’s sheep. He kept them safe from wild animals.
David had a lot of time to think out in the fields. He thought about God and what God had planned for him. He prayed for God to help him.
Sometimes it got lonely out in the fields. So, David took his harp along with him. He played sweet music and sang songs to the sheep. His songs were about God’s goodness and love. He even had a song about God being a Shepherd. We are God’s sheep. He takes care of us. He gives us everything we need. And He helps us not be afraid.
God’s Spirit was not with King Saul any more. And Saul started acting funny. Sometimes he was mad. Sometimes he was afraid. And sometimes Saul was just plain mean! His servants thought some music might help Saul feel better. So they sent for David.
King Saul liked David’s music. It made Saul feel better. Saul asked David to live in the palace with him. Whenever Saul felt bad, David played and sang to him. And David learned a lot about being a king while he lived in the palace.
Singing songs about God is one way we can worship Him. Will you sing about God’s love for you?
Daily Devotions
Sunday - Psalm 68:4
Monday - Psalm 96:2
Tuesday - Psalm 21:13
Wednesday - Psalm 98:5
Thursday - Psalm 135:3
Friday - Psalm 104:33
Saturday - Ephesians 5:19
Objectives
At the end of this lesson, the children will be able to:
1. Tell why David was still watching sheep, even though God had picked him to be the next king.
2. Name some things that David did for his sheep.
3. Describe how King Saul acted after God’s Spirit left him.
4. State that the Lord is our Shepherd and takes care of our needs.
Topics & Themes
Animals in the Bible
Sheep, Lambs
David
God’s Leading/Guidance
God’s Protection
God’s Provision
King
Music/Sing
Saul
Sheep
Shepherd
Sing/Music
Materials Needed
Bible, YEA Students’ and Teacher’s books, attendance and memory verse charts, stickers, music player and CD or tape, songbook, cardboard, rubber bands, crayons or markers
Preparation
“Little children are beginners in music. . . So don’t expect your children to come to you skilled at singing. You are the one starting them out on the road toward enjoying music and praising God through song. Don’t abdicate because your children don’t sing well yet” (Teaching Preschoolers by Ruth Beechick).
The Book of Psalms covers a variety of subject material from peace, worship, and praise, to war, judgment, and lament. The Psalms were set to the accompaniment of stringed instruments. Possibly the most famous Psalm is Psalm 23, written by David. His experience as a shepherd is clearly seen as he describes the Lord as our Shepherd.
Before you come to class, enlarge and cut a “harp” out of cardboard (one for each child). Cut three slits on each side, as shown on the diagram on the Pattern Page.
Review Questions
Have Tiny ask the questions.
1. Why was David still watching his father’s sheep, even though God had picked him to be the next king?
2. What did David do while he was alone with the sheep?
3. When God’s Spirit left King Saul, how did he act?
4. What made King Saul feel better?
5. How can you worship God like David did?
Teacher-Directed Activity
Making a Harp
Give each child a cardboard “harp.” They can decorate the harp with crayons or colored marker pens. Give each child three large rubber bands and help them stretch them and insert them into the slits cut on each side. (Use large, thin rubber bands.) Now strum the harps and sing the song again.
REACH Activity
Letter: SH (Teach the SH blend as one unit, one sound.)
Words: sheep, shepherd, should, show
Sentence: DAVID THE SHEPHERD SHOWED THE SHEEP WHERE TO LIE DOWN.
Song
“The Lord Is My Shepherd” is on page 81 of the Kids Classics Collection.
Closing Prayer
Lead the children in prayer, thanking God for taking care of them, like David cared for his sheep. Ask God to help them worship Him by singing to Him:
Thank You, God, for being my Shepherd, and for taking care of me like David took care of the sheep. You give me everything I need. Help me worship You by singing songs about You.
In Jesus’ name.
Amen.
Printable Pages
