Children’s Search the Scripture Lesson 18: David’s Victory Over the Amalekites

Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 30:1-31

God gives victory to everyone who believes in Him and walks in His ways. Saul, the first king in Israel, disobeyed and rebelled against God, became self-willed and wicked. Therefore, God rejected him and anointed David to replace him as king.

David became famous and loved by the people of Israel when he killed Goliath, an enemy of Israel. King Saul became jealous; he therefore hated and planned to kill David. He pursued David everywhere so that God’s plan for his life would not be fulfilled. David therefore, became a fugitive and a refugee fleeing from one place to another to escape from Saul and save his life. Despite all his attempts, the evil plots of Saul to kill David did not prevail. Children of God should continue to love and serve Him, live holy and be in fellowship with Him. The plan and purpose of God for their lives will definitely come to pass no matter what Satan and his messengers do.

Our Bible passage reveals what happened when David returned to Ziklag, a place where he had taken refuge with his family and soldiers.

1. THE STORY OF THE AMALEKITES

(1 Samuel 30:1,2; Genesis 36:12; Exodus 17:8-16; Deuteronomy 25:17-19; 1 Samuel 15:3; 28:18; 1 Chronicles 4:43)

The Amalekites were descendants of Esau. Amalek was the grandson of Esau. When the children of Israel (Jacob — the twin brother of Esau) left Egypt on their way to the Promised Land (Canaan), the Amalekites were the people who first attacked them. They became Israel’s worst enemy. Therefore, God decided to wipe them out forever (Exodus 17:8-16; Deuteronomy 25:17-19). When God asked King Saul to fight and destroy them completely, he disobeyed and God rejected him as king (1 Samuel 15:3). They fought with the children of Israel at some other times and eventually God’s judgment came upon them and they were wiped out completely (1 Chronicles 4:43).

Are you a wicked child? Do you hate or fight against the children of God? Repent now to escape the judgment of God.

2. THE SECRETS OF DAVID’S VICTORY

(1 Samuel 30:3-31)

On his return to Ziklag from Achish, the king of the Philistines, David and his six hundred men discovered that the Amalekites had burnt down Ziklag and carried away their wives and children as captives (slaves). They wept bitterly and were sad. David therefore did the following:

(i) He encouraged himself in the Lord when his men were grieved and threatened to stone him for the loss of their families and properties. He had faith in God and His promises, which can never fail. Whatever challenges that you may be facing, always remember to trust God who will give you the victory.

(ii) He sought God’s will, direction and guidance (1 Samuel 30:8).

(iii) He was concerned about the physical state and welfare of his two hundred men who were so faint and feeble and could be a hindrance on his way. He excused them from going to the battlefield. He was very caring (1 Samuel 30:9,10).

(iv) He showed kindness to and revived an Egyptian servant of an Amalekite who was sick, helpless, hopeless and dying, having been abandoned by his master without food or water for three days (1 Samuel 30:11,12). In return, the Egyptian servant then gave David useful information to locate the camp of the enemies. This led to the total defeat of the Amalekites and the recovery of the families and properties of David and his men. This shows God’s providence in paving the way for David’s victory.

In times of suffering or trouble, look away from yourself to care for someone in a more serious situation or need than yourself. And God will settle your own problem.

David was fighting God’s battle. God’s original plan was to wipe out the Amalekites and this was being fulfilled. God had promised to give David the kingdom of Israel and to establish it forever. Therefore, he could not be defeated because God’s plan must be fulfilled. David defeated and killed the Amalekites except the four hundred that fled on horses. He recovered their abducted wives with all the families and properties of his men. God gave him a resounding victory.

David remembered all the people who had contributed secretly or publicly to his safety while running away from King Saul. He sent presents to them all (1 Samuel 30:26-31). What a grateful heart! Always be thankful; it will give you joy and pave the way for greater blessings in your life. David testified to God’s goodness; he realised that it was God, who gave them the victory. God preserved their lives and delivered their enemies into their hands. You must always appreciate and thank God, for He is the One who has given you all that you have and has made you to be whom you are today (1 Corinthians 15:10). Give testimonies of God’s faithfulness and goodness to strengthen the faith of others in God. Do not neglect to show mercy.

3. SURE VICTORY FOR GOD’S CHILDREN

(1 Samuel 30:6-18; Exodus 14:14; 2 Chronicles 20:20-25; 32:8)

Every saved boy and girl has been set free from sin and the captivity of the enemy — Satan. He is fighting seriously to bring you back to himself. You cannot have victory through your own effort, but by God’s power. God will fight your battle for you. He defeated Pharaoh and his soldiers to make the children of Israel victorious. God did the same for David. He did not allow King Saul to kill him and stop him from becoming the king of Israel. God has not changed; therefore, surrender your heart and life to Him. Pray fervently all the time and live a holy life (Ephesians 6:18; James 5:16).

Make friends with other children of God and encourage one another to love and do good works. Read and study God’s word (2 Timothy 2:15). Attend fellowship regularly (Hebrews 10:25) and preach God’s word (Mark 16:15). Run away from sin; it brings defeat. If you are still doing bad things, repent, ask for forgiveness and cleansing in Jesus’ blood. Invite Jesus to come into your heart to be your Saviour and Friend. Live for Jesus, and victory and great achievement will be yours.

Questions:

• Why did God reject King Saul?
• State three things about the Amalekites.
• Mention three secrets behind David’s victory.
• What do you learn from David’s attitude of sharing the booties and presents from battle with other men?
• As a child of God, what must you do to enjoy victory from God at all times?

MEMORY VERSE: “And David enquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all” (1 Samuel 30:8).

LESSON: Victory is for saved boys and girls who trust and serve God faithfully.

THOUGHT: In all my trials of life, I will encourage myself in the Lord and trust Him for victory.

ACTIVITY: The teacher should guide the children to mention two other occasions where God fought for His people and gave them victory.

HOMEWORK: Write in your homework book three things a Christian must do daily to enjoy all-round victory.

CONGREGATIONAL SONG: GHS 97 — OFT IN DANGER, OFT IN WOE

CHORUSES: (1) In the name of Jesus, I have the victory. (2) Move on to victory, Jesus has conquered. (3) God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Bible Word Search

Find the meaning of these words using your dictionary:

• Captives
• Distressed
• Pursue
• Twilight
• Booties