This is week 27 in the Life of David series. The scripture is 2 Samuel 18-22. The application worksheet discusses parents and children and obedience. Absalom is David’s son and he returned to Jerusalem. He went to the city gate in the mornings and talked to the people. They thought he cared about them and their problems. After a time, he decided to try and take over David’s kingdom. David fled from Jerusalem with his people and Absalom brought his followers in. David and his men crossed the Jordan and Absalom began to gather his followers together to find David and attack them. David had been a warrior for a long time, and he counted the men that were with him. He put captains over thousands and captains of hundreds over them. David divided them into thirds and sent them out. David said that he would go out with them, too. The people told David that he was worth 10,000 of them now. So, David agreed to do what the people thought was best. He stood by the gate as thousands of his people went out. David told his captains to deal gently with Absalom for his sake. They went to battle in the woods of Ephraim. David’s people defeated the men of Israel and 20,000 were killed that day. Absalom was riding on a mule and the mule went under thick limbs of a big terebinth tree. The mule kept going and Absalom’s hair was caught, so he was left hanging in the air! A man told Joab that he saw Absalom hanging from the tree and Joab said “Why didn’t you kill him? I would have given you money and a belt!” The man said “Even if someone were to give me 1,000 shekels of silver, I wouldn’t kill the king’s son. I heard the king’s commands to beware of harming Absalom.” Joab took three spears and shoved them into Absalom’s heart while he was still alive hanging from the tree. Joab had ten young men that were armor bearers with him, and they killed Absalom. Joab blew the trumpet, and the people of Israel ran. They put Absalom in a large pit in the woods and covered it with a large pile of stones. Joab sent a runner to tell David the news of Absalom. A second runner also wanted to run and tell David the news. David was sitting between the gates and when the watchman said there was one person running to them, David knew there was news of the battle. David asked each runner if Absalom was safe. David was so upset that Absalom had died. He cried for his son and mourned. Instead of celebrating the victory from their win, the people were mourning the death of the king’s son. Joab told David that the way he was mourning the death of Absalom was a disgrace to the people that had fought for him. Joab told him to go out and offer comfort to his servants or they would all leave during the night. So, David got up and sat at the gate. The people saw him and came before the king. David the king returned to Jerusalem. He helped some people along the way. Some people came to help him and his men. David appointed Joab over the army of Israel. David picked men to be in charge of the money, a scribe, a recorder, priests and a chief minister to work under him. There were more battles. More victories. They won more battles against Goliath’s sons that were huge men and good warriors. If time permits, read chapter 22 and David’s song and praises to God. It is incredible and worth the time. The printables for David in this series are for an older age group than I usually post. Most of these lessons about David are not appropriate for early elementary. But David is a great study. So, as you can see from the above picture, there is a Q&A. This could be used with younger groups by using the answer sheet and just asking the questions for discussion. Each post in this series will have a maze and some type of puzzle. The additional application has thought questions about how the students can apply the lesson to their daily life. This application discusses David the father and Absalom the son. The scriptures can also be used to discuss the students and their obedience to their parents. There are answer sheets for all worksheets including the application worksheet. Click here to download. Click here to download the lesson. Click here to download the visuals. Click here to download the Pictures to Color. Bible Verse: 2 Samuel 22:22 Click here to see the entire list and links for the Life of David series. Click here to see the Magnetic Board Visuals for this lesson. Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.

The Rebellion of Absalom and the southern tribes of Israel

This is lesson 25 in the Life of David series. It is found in 2 Samuel 14-15:12. The application worksheet discusses pride and how God feels about it. Today we are learning about Absalom. He is the third son of King David. He was so handsome, that there wasn't anyone praised more for their good looks. He was perfect on the outside. He didn't have any blemishes on his skin. His hair was so heavy, he cut it at the end of every year. His hair was 200 shekels which means it weighed about 5 pounds. Absalom had left Jerusalem when he had his brother Amnon killed. Absalom lived in Geshur for three years and he still hadn't seen his father, David. David missed him every day. Joab was David's Army Commander. (2 Samuel 8:16) Joab was also David's nephew. (David's sister' son) He knew that David missed Absalom, so Joab sent a woman to see David and to tell him a riddle. David said he would help her and wouldn’t hurt her son or family. She told him that the story was about his son Absalom. And she told David that Joab was the one who had sent her and told her what to say. David told Joab to go bring back Absalom. Joab thanked David and went and brought Absalom back to Jerusalem. David said, “Let Absalom return to his own house, but I do not want to see him.” Absalom lived in Jerusalem for two years and didn’t see David. Absalom sent for Joab to ask him for help. But Joab didn’t go see Absalom. He didn’t go the second time Absalom sent for him either. Absalom told his servants to set Joab’s field of barley on fire. They did and Joab went to Absalom and asked him why they did that. Absalom said “Look, I sent for you, and you didn’t come. Get me in to see the king!” Joab went to see the king and David called for Absalom. He bowed down to David when he saw him, and David kissed him. After Absalom had been to see King David, Absalom took chariots and horses for himself to use. He also took 50 men to go before him. He wanted to look important and look like he was part of the kingdom. Absalom would get up early in the morning and stand by the front gate of the city. Anyone that had an issue that they wanted to see the king about walked through the city gate. Absalom stood there and called to people. He asked them where they were from and then he would tell them that their case looked good and right. Then Absalom would tell them that there wasn't a deputy of the king available to hear their case that day. Absalom added that if he was the judge, he would make sure everyone would be able to state their case and get justice. He did this to everyone that spoke to him and because of his sympathy, he 'stole the hearts of Israel'. The people believed that he truly would help them if he only had the power to. The next chapter continues with Absalom’s lies next week. The printables for David in this series are for an older age group than I usually post. Most of these lessons about David are not appropriate for early elementary. But David is a great study. So, as you can see from the above picture, there is a Q&A. This could be used with younger groups by using the answer sheet and just asking the questions for discussion. Each post in this series will have a maze and some type of puzzle. The additional application has thought questions about how the students can apply the lesson to their daily life. There are answer sheets for all worksheets except for the last application. Everyone will have a different set of answers. Click here to download. Click here to download the lesson. Click here to download the visuals. Click here to download the Pictures to Color. Bible Verse: 2 Samuel 14:25 Click here to see the entire list and links for the Life of David series. Click here to see the Magnetic Board Visuals and Venn Worksheet for this lesson. Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.

This is week 26 in the Life of David series. The lesson is found in 2 Samuel 15-17. Absalom has been working to gather the people and take over David's kingdom. The application worksheet discusses what David had to be thinking and feeling. Not only is his son against him; he thinks Jonathan's son Mephibosheth is too. Last week we learned that Absalom had left Jerusalem when he had his brother Amnon killed. Absalom lived in Geshur for three years and he still hadn't seen his father, David. David missed him every day. Joab asked David if Absalom could return home and David said yes. Absalom lived in his house in Jerusalem. Then, he began to scheme and stood at the city gate and pretended to care about the people. He listened to their problems and told them “If I were the judge, I could help you with that. But unfortunately, there isn’t anyone available today.” Some time passed and Absalom asked King David if he could go to Hebron. David told him to go, and Absalom sent spies out into the land. They told the people that “When you hear the trumpet, say ‘Absalom reigns in Hebron!’” Absalom took 200 men with him, but they were not told what was happening. Absalom started a conspiracy (scheme, plan, treason) and it grew strong. His followers increased in numbers. A messenger went to David and told him that men of Israel were following Absalom. David told his servants that were with him in Jerusalem to hurry and leave so they could escape Absalom. The servants told David that they would do whatever David wanted. When they came to the outskirts of the city, the servants walked past David, including 600 men that came with him from Gath. The people cried as they crossed the Brook Kidron and walked toward the wilderness. David cried as he walked barefoot with his head covered up the Mount of Olives. David sent his friend Hushai back to Jerusalem to be a servant of Absalom. He would keep David informed of Absalom’s plans. Mephibosheth was Jonathan's son that David had helped. He had a servant named Ziba. The servant met David at the top of the hill and offered him a couple of saddled donkeys which had 200 loaves of bread, 100 clusters of raisins, 100 summer fruits and a skin of wine. David asked Ziba who the supplies were for. He said everything was for David’s people. When David asked Ziba where Mephibosheth was, Ziba told him he was back in Jerusalem. He said Mephibosheth thought that his father’s kingdom would be given to him. David told Ziba to keep everything. (What really happened? 2 Samuel 19:24-30) As they traveled, they came to Shimei’s house. He was part of Saul’s family. Shimei shouted and cursed at David. He threw stones at the people. He called David names. He was angry because David became king after Saul died. David said to ignore him; after all, his own son was trying to kill him. While David was leaving Jerusalem, Absalom and the men from Israel were entering Jerusalem. Ahithophel was giving advice to Absalom, and he told him that they should follow David and attack him while he is weak and tired. David’s friend Hushai told Absalom that wasn’t a good plan. He reminded Absalom that David and his soldiers were mighty men. They are angry and ready for war. Besides, probably by now, David and his men were camped in a pit ready to fight. Hushai told him to gather his men and prepare to fight. David was warned to cross the Jordan quickly to be safe and everyone had crossed by the time the sun came up. Absalom and the men of Israel camped in Gilead. When David and his people reached Mahanaim, some of the people brought food to David and his people to eat. The people knew that David and his men were tired, hungry and thirsty from traveling in the wilderness. The printables for David in this series are for an older age group than I usually post. Most of these lessons about David are not appropriate for early elementary. But David is a great study. So, as you can see from the above picture, there is a Q&A. This could be used with younger groups by using the answer sheet and just asking the questions for discussion. Each post in this series will have a maze and some type of puzzle. The additional application has thought questions about David and what he had to be thinking at this time as a king, father and a soldier. This also includes the answer sheet for the application worksheet. This pack includes a map with the places for David and Absalom. Click here to download. Click here to download the lesson. Click here to download the visuals. Click here to download the Pictures to Color. Bible Verse: 2 Samuel 17:10 Click here to see the entire list and links for the Life of David series. Click here to see the Magnetic Board Visuals for this lesson. Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.

This is lesson 25 in the Life of David series. It is found in 2 Samuel 14-15:12. The application worksheet discusses pride and how God feels about it. Today we are learning about Absalom. He is the third son of King David. He was so handsome, that there wasn't anyone praised more for their good looks. He was perfect on the outside. He didn't have any blemishes on his skin. His hair was so heavy, he cut it at the end of every year. His hair was 200 shekels which means it weighed about 5 pounds. Absalom had left Jerusalem when he had his brother Amnon killed. Absalom lived in Geshur for three years and he still hadn't seen his father, David. David missed him every day. Joab was David's Army Commander. (2 Samuel 8:16) Joab was also David's nephew. (David's sister' son) He knew that David missed Absalom, so Joab sent a woman to see David and to tell him a riddle. David said he would help her and wouldn’t hurt her son or family. She told him that the story was about his son Absalom. And she told David that Joab was the one who had sent her and told her what to say. David told Joab to go bring back Absalom. Joab thanked David and went and brought Absalom back to Jerusalem. David said, “Let Absalom return to his own house, but I do not want to see him.” Absalom lived in Jerusalem for two years and didn’t see David. Absalom sent for Joab to ask him for help. But Joab didn’t go see Absalom. He didn’t go the second time Absalom sent for him either. Absalom told his servants to set Joab’s field of barley on fire. They did and Joab went to Absalom and asked him why they did that. Absalom said “Look, I sent for you, and you didn’t come. Get me in to see the king!” Joab went to see the king and David called for Absalom. He bowed down to David when he saw him, and David kissed him. After Absalom had been to see King David, Absalom took chariots and horses for himself to use. He also took 50 men to go before him. He wanted to look important and look like he was part of the kingdom. Absalom would get up early in the morning and stand by the front gate of the city. Anyone that had an issue that they wanted to see the king about walked through the city gate. Absalom stood there and called to people. He asked them where they were from and then he would tell them that their case looked good and right. Then Absalom would tell them that there wasn't a deputy of the king available to hear their case that day. Absalom added that if he was the judge, he would make sure everyone would be able to state their case and get justice. He did this to everyone that spoke to him and because of his sympathy, he 'stole the hearts of Israel'. The people believed that he truly would help them if he only had the power to. The next chapter continues with Absalom’s lies next week. The printables for David in this series are for an older age group than I usually post. Most of these lessons about David are not appropriate for early elementary. But David is a great study. So, as you can see from the above picture, there is a Q&A. This could be used with younger groups by using the answer sheet and just asking the questions for discussion. Each post in this series will have a maze and some type of puzzle. The additional application has thought questions about how the students can apply the lesson to their daily life. There are answer sheets for all worksheets except for the last application. Everyone will have a different set of answers. Click here to download. Click here to download the lesson. Click here to download the visuals. Click here to download the Pictures to Color. Bible Verse: 2 Samuel 14:25 Click here to see the entire list and links for the Life of David series. Click here to see the Magnetic Board Visuals and Venn Worksheet for this lesson. Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.

VERSES: 2 Samuel 17:1-29 MEMORY VERSE: 2 Samuel 17:19 "And a woman took and spread a covering over the wel's mouth, and spread corn..." BOOK TO REMEMBER: 2 Samuel. Write "2 Samuel" on small slips of paper and pass out at the end of class. PRAYER: Thank God for giving us our food, our shelter, our families, and all of those things that we need. SPECIAL SONG: Read, Read Every Day (see February - Songs We Sing In Bible Class #1 on this blog) VISUAL AID: A large Activity (see below) LESSON POINTS: We remember that Ahithophel used to be King David's counselor, but now Ahithophel had left King David and was Absalom's side of the rebellion. Absalom had great regard for or listened very closely to Ahithophel's advice and had always trusted what he said was the right advice. Ahithophel had a reasonable plan. He advised Absalom that night to take 12,000 men chase after King David. Ahithophel said he would go with them and, while King David was tired and weary, he would go in and kill King David. He said then all the people would run away, but he would bring them all back to Absalom and then all would be peaceful. Absalom only wanted to kill David, not anyone else. Absalom and the elders of the people thought that this was a good plan until... Then, Absalom called for Hushai to come in to see what he would say. Hushai was still David's friend and was still loyal to King David, so he advised Absalom not to follow Ahithophel's advice, sayting that his advice was not good at that time. Hushai explained that King David and men who were with him were mighty soldiers and that David was not going to be surprised by the enemy. He said King David was a man of war and would not sleep with his people, but he would be hiding somewhere like a pit or a cave. He said that everyone knew that King David was a fighter and if some of Absalom's soldiers were killed at the beginning, then the other people that were in Absalom's camp would go back to David's side of the fight. So Hushai's advice was for all of Israel to go into battle with Absalom leading the army. What Hushai was actually doing was giving King David time. He knew that David was staying in the wilderness and was actually with his people instead of being alone, and knew that David needed to have time to get away. Hushai told all of this to David's friends, Jonathan and Ahimaaz, and instructed them to hurry and tell David not to stay where he was that night or else Absalom would swallow them up! Jonathan and Ahimaaz were in a little town, and the plan was that a young maid would go and tell the men what Hushai said, then the men were to hurry and go and tell David, but, before the men could tell David, a little boy saw the men and told Absalom. The two men ran to a courtyard where there was a well in the middle of a courtyard, and they climbed down into it to hide from Absalom's soldiers. By the well, there was a woman who put a cloth over the mouth of the well after the two men climbed down, and then she put grains of corn on top of the cloth pretending she was drying the corn, hiding the men. When the soldiers came and asked her where David's friends were, she told them that they had gone over the brook of water. The soldiers searched and searched, but when they could not find the men, they went back to Absalom. The men quickly got out of the well and went to warn King David. They had almost been caught! King David took Hushai's advice and quickly crossed over the Jordan River. God provided for David and all that were with him when a man named Shobi brought King David food and other things that made life easier for the king and his followers out in the wilderness. It is nice to have friends who will help us in our time of need. "Older Student" Tips: God always provides for His own just as He provided for David. David was still the LORD's anointed even though Absalom wanted to be the king. God's prophecies always come true. Part of the consequence of David's sin with Bathsheba was that the sword would never leave David's house (2 Samuel 11:10) and we can see through the pages of the Bible that God's Words were coming true. ACTIVITY: David's Friends Hiding In A Well Materials needed: a paper cup, 5" x 7" white paper, a small piece of cloth, drained and dried kernels of whole corn (they are edible, in case students eat the kernels!), permanent marker (that the Bible teacher may want to supervise the small students using) Hand out white paper. Draw Jonathan and Ahimaaz, so they will fit into the cup. Write the men's names on the back of their pictures. Hand out the cup. This is the well. Write "David's Friends Hiding In A Well" and "2 Samuel 17:18, 19" on the well. Place the men inside the cup. Drape the cloth over the top Scatter corn on top of the cloth. Not too many kernels, otherwise the cloth will fall into the well. When taking this project home, place all objects inside cup.

This is part 15 of our study of David. The lesson was written by Cathy Whitacre and is found in 2 Samuel 15-17. I transcribe the lesson and re-create the visuals she has available. This week is a set of Magnetic Board Visuals. Cathy uses these visuals with a magnetic board. She cuts the pieces out, numbers them on the back (these already have the numbers on the front for you), laminates them and adds thin magnets on the back. Put your title up first (King David & Absalom), then add and take away each visual as you teach the lesson. The numbers are listed in the lesson below. They can also be used as visuals alone, a flip chart, and/or a bulletin board. Click here to download the visuals. The lesson was originally written by Cathy and as I transcribed I have changed the wording or added sentences. I have had to go back and change or correct a lot of mine! It makes a difference when you are writing a lesson and using it yourself, versus letting everyone else see your notes! This lesson has the numbers on the left column to match the visuals above. Also, the verses are the numbers you will see at the beginning of the paragraphs. Click here to download the lesson. Cathy Whitacre is a Christian, wife, mother, Nana, sister, and friend. Cathy and her husband Gerry worship with the New Hope church of Christ, in Bradyville, Tennessee. Family has been one of her crowning joys in life. Married to Gerry for over 47 years they have had many years of adventure and love. Her children and grandchildren have kept her busy and happy. Everywhere Cathy has lived from Ohio, Illinois, Texas, Georgia, Tennessee and more she has made dear friends who she considers family. Cathy has had the opportunity to participate in mission work for many years. She has had the privilege of speaking at Ladies Days, teaching Vacation Bible Schools, and conducting workshops in Jamaica, Scotland, New Zealand, and here in the United States. Cathy has been involved in teaching for over 50 years, from nursery to adults. Cathy feels that Christian Education is one of the greatest mission efforts we can be involved in, and the benefits are eternal.

VERSES: 2 Samuel 18:1-19:8 MEMORY VERSE: 2 Samuel 18:33 "...Oh, my son, Absalom!..." BOOK TO REMEMBER: Review the Bible books from Genesis to 2 Samuel. PRAYER: Let us thank God for His rich blessings and His providing for us. SPECIAL SONG: This Little Light Of Mine (see March - Songs We Sing In Bible Class #3 on this blog) VISUAL AID: A Large Activity (see below) LESSON POINTS: Getting ready for battle with Absalom and his army, King David numbered the people, then divided them into three divisions. He set three captains over them: Joab, Abishai, and Ittai. David had planned to go into battle against Absalom's army, too, but the people would not let him go. They said that he was worth 10,000 men, so David did as the people wished and did not fight. As his three captains left for battle, he commanded them to be gentle with Absalom and everyone heard King David's words to the captains. The battle took place in a forest which was unusual. Many people were killed by the servants of David and 20,000 died. The Bible says that the trees of the forest killed more than the sword killed. Absalom met some servants of David while he was riding on a mule through the forest. As he was riding, the mule went under the thick branches of an oak tree and Absalom's hair got caught in the branches. The mule kept going and there was Absalom suspended in the tree, caught by his own thick hair. Someone saw Absalom hanging in the oak tree, trying to get out and went and told Joab. When Joab heard it, he asked the man why he had not killed Absalom because he would have given him ten pieces of silver. The man said that he would not have killed Absalom for 1,000 pieces of silver because Absalom was the king's son.and he had heard King David say to be gentle with Absalom. So, Joab went and found the oak tree and also found Absalom still suspended in the air with his hair caught in the tree. Joab killed Absalom with three darts and Absalom died. Joab blew the trumpet, signaling to everyone that the battle was over. Joab sent a runner to tell King David that Absalom had died and the battle was over. When David heard the news that Absalom had died, he was very, very, very sad and went and cried in a room over the gate. As he went, he cried, "O, my son Absalom, my son, my son! If God would have permitted, I would have died in your place! O Absalom, my son, my son!" That day of winning the battle over Absalom's army turned into a day of grief and mourning instead of celebration and victory. David was filled with grief . The people were quiet as they went in the city. All of the people went to their own tents. There was no victory. The king covered his head and cried in a loud voice, "O Absalom, my son, my son!" Even as wicked as Absalom was, his father loved him. Then Joab went to where the king was staying and gave King David good advice. He told the king that he had shamed all the people that fought for him that day, and had even saved his life and his families' lives. He said that it seemed that if Absalom had lived, and they all had died, then it would have pleased David. Joab said some hard words to the king, but Joab was always loyal and looked after David. He told David to get up and talk nicely to his servants because, if he did not, he would not have any servants by morning and it would be worse in the morning that it had ever been in his life. So, King David listened to Joab and went to sit at the gate. Soon, everyone knew that King David was sitting in the gate and went to stand beside him. "Older Student" Points: King David was a man of war, a valiant soldier, and knew how to fight. He numbered his people and divided them into thirds. This is a military tactic that is still done today. Fighting a battle in a forest must have been a difficult. Not used to the trees, the people could not fight like they usually did in a valley or on a plain. Perhaps that was the reason that so many people were killed. What does that mean in 2 Samuel 18:8 when it says "and the wood devoured more people that day than the sword devoured?" Joab was a loyal friend to David and always had his best interest at heart, even if it meant killing his beloved son who was rebelling against him. ACTIVITY: Absalom In A Tree Materials needed: 12" x 18" dark brown construction paper, 5" x 7" tan construction paper, 9" x 12" green construction paper, scrap of yellow paper, tape, scissors, marker, crayons. Hand out brown paper. Roll brown paper, twist, and crumple. This is the branch of the oak tree, Hand out green paper. Cut oak leaves from green paper. Fold down the middle for a 3-d look. Tape leaves on branch. Hand out tan paper. Draw Absalom with his hands in the air and no hair. Color and cut out Absalom. Cut hair out of yellow paper, making sure the hair is sticking up in the air. Cutting it like grass works. Tape hair on Absalom. Tape Absalom on branch by the hair. Write "Absalom, my son, my son!" and "2 Samuel 18:33" on a yellow scrap of paper. Tape words onto branch, too.

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How should we respond when we're treated unfairly by fellow believers? Find answers---and encouragement---in this powerful retelling of the biblical story of Saul, David, and Absalom! Persecuted first by a mad king and then by a vengeful son, David resolutely trusted God. Learn how we can follow his example! 100 pages, softcover from Tyndale.

David And Goliath Free Printables. These should be printed on the correct paper size to look their best. Home / coloring pages / christianity & bible /

What a story, Absalom the son of King David, decided to overthrow his father from the throne. This put David in a very difficult position. Because Absalom wa

The Death of Absalom the son of King David: (II Samuel 18:9) - from "The Book of Books in Pictures", Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld, Verlag von Georg Wigand, Liepzig: 1908. موت أبشالوم ابن داود الملك - (2 صموئيل 18: 9) - من كتاب "كتاب الكتب بالصور"، جوليوس شنور فون كارولسفيلد، فيرلاج فون جورج ويجاند، ليبزيج، 1908 م.

VERSES: 2 Samuel 13:1-14:28 MEMORY VERSE: 2 Samuel 14:25 "But in all Israel there was none to so much praised as Absalom for hi...

Sara Barton

This is week 27 in the Life of David series. The scripture is 2 Samuel 18-22. The application worksheet discusses parents and children and obedience. Absalom is David’s son and he returned to Jerusalem. He went to the city gate in the mornings and talked to the people. They thought he cared about them and their problems. After a time, he decided to try and take over David’s kingdom. David fled from Jerusalem with his people and Absalom brought his followers in. David and his men crossed the Jordan and Absalom began to gather his followers together to find David and attack them. David had been a warrior for a long time, and he counted the men that were with him. He put captains over thousands and captains of hundreds over them. David divided them into thirds and sent them out. David said that he would go out with them, too. The people told David that he was worth 10,000 of them now. So, David agreed to do what the people thought was best. He stood by the gate as thousands of his people went out. David told his captains to deal gently with Absalom for his sake. They went to battle in the woods of Ephraim. David’s people defeated the men of Israel and 20,000 were killed that day. Absalom was riding on a mule and the mule went under thick limbs of a big terebinth tree. The mule kept going and Absalom’s hair was caught, so he was left hanging in the air! A man told Joab that he saw Absalom hanging from the tree and Joab said “Why didn’t you kill him? I would have given you money and a belt!” The man said “Even if someone were to give me 1,000 shekels of silver, I wouldn’t kill the king’s son. I heard the king’s commands to beware of harming Absalom.” Joab took three spears and shoved them into Absalom’s heart while he was still alive hanging from the tree. Joab had ten young men that were armor bearers with him, and they killed Absalom. Joab blew the trumpet, and the people of Israel ran. They put Absalom in a large pit in the woods and covered it with a large pile of stones. Joab sent a runner to tell David the news of Absalom. A second runner also wanted to run and tell David the news. David was sitting between the gates and when the watchman said there was one person running to them, David knew there was news of the battle. David asked each runner if Absalom was safe. David was so upset that Absalom had died. He cried for his son and mourned. Instead of celebrating the victory from their win, the people were mourning the death of the king’s son. Joab told David that the way he was mourning the death of Absalom was a disgrace to the people that had fought for him. Joab told him to go out and offer comfort to his servants or they would all leave during the night. So, David got up and sat at the gate. The people saw him and came before the king. David the king returned to Jerusalem. He helped some people along the way. Some people came to help him and his men. David appointed Joab over the army of Israel. David picked men to be in charge of the money, a scribe, a recorder, priests and a chief minister to work under him. There were more battles. More victories. They won more battles against Goliath’s sons that were huge men and good warriors. If time permits, read chapter 22 and David’s song and praises to God. It is incredible and worth the time. The printables for David in this series are for an older age group than I usually post. Most of these lessons about David are not appropriate for early elementary. But David is a great study. So, as you can see from the above picture, there is a Q&A. This could be used with younger groups by using the answer sheet and just asking the questions for discussion. Each post in this series will have a maze and some type of puzzle. The additional application has thought questions about how the students can apply the lesson to their daily life. This application discusses David the father and Absalom the son. The scriptures can also be used to discuss the students and their obedience to their parents. There are answer sheets for all worksheets including the application worksheet. Click here to download. Click here to download the lesson. Click here to download the visuals. Click here to download the Pictures to Color. Bible Verse: 2 Samuel 22:22 Click here to see the entire list and links for the Life of David series. Click here to see the Magnetic Board Visuals for this lesson. Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.

Don't miss these important truths found in the story of David and Absalom. Our modern culture needs to learn this lesson.

An excellent large full-color print of color lithograph "David" by Marc Chagall, first published in 1958-1959 in Verve magazine. This is second edition printed in Switzerland in 1987, in a rare art book dedicated to Verve. Superb quality. Publisher even had to put word "reproduction" below the image and at the lower left corner of the piece. Detailed. Rich colors. Reproduction of Untitled black and white drawing by Chagall is printed on back. Excellent condition - minor edge wear, never framed. Overall 10.35"W x 13.90"H Image 9.75"W x 13.25"H less