This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in 2 Samuel 5:1-12, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
Once upon a time, a man named David was chosen to be the new king of Israel. The people of Israel all came to David and said, “You used to help the old king, and God has said that you will be the new leader of his people.” So David made a promise with the people in front of God, and they anointed him king over all of Israel.
David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned for forty years. For the first seven years and six months, he ruled over a part of Israel called Judah. Then he went to a city called Jerusalem and ruled over all of Israel and Judah for the next thirty-three years.
But there were people who didn’t want David to be the king. They were called the Jebusites, and they lived in Jerusalem. They thought they were safe because they had a big, strong fortress that David couldn’t get into. But David was determined to take over Jerusalem, so he and his army attacked the city. The Jebusites said that even the blind and the lame could stop David, but he proved them wrong by capturing the city.
David was a great king because God was with him. He built his own city in Jerusalem, and it became known as the city of David. David became more and more powerful because God was always with him.
Another king named Hiram sent messengers to David, and they brought cedar trees, carpenters, and masons to build David a beautiful house. David knew that God had made him king over Israel, and he was grateful to God for making his kingdom strong for the sake of his people.
Biblical Lessons
- Even when people doubt us or underestimate us, we can overcome obstacles with determination and faith in God.
- When we make promises, we should always keep them, especially if we make them in front of God.
- It’s important to show gratitude to God for His blessings and to use those blessings to benefit others.
- Being a leader is not just about having power or authority, but about serving and caring for others.
- It’s important to surround ourselves with people who support and believe in us, and to build strong relationships with others.
Related Stories
David’s Kindness to Mephibosheth
Must-Read Christian Books
The Knowledge of the Holy
Short, powerful meditations on the attributes of God that lift the reader into a bigger, more biblical view of who He is.
View on Amazon
The Cross of Christ
A profound exploration of the meaning and power of the cross at the center of Christian faith and life.
View on Amazon
Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God
Shows how God's sovereignty in salvation fuels, rather than hinders, faithful evangelism.
View on Amazon
The Reason for God
Thoughtful, biblical responses to common objections to Christianity, aimed at skeptics and believers alike.
View on Amazon
Knowing Scripture
Teaches how to interpret the Bible rightly, emphasizing its clarity and our responsibility to study it.
View on Amazon
The Trellis and the Vine
A vision for church ministry centered on disciple-making rather than mere structures and programs.
View on Amazon
Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands
Biblical counseling and discipleship that helps believers speak God's truth into one another's lives.
View on Amazon
The Gospel for Real Life
Shows how the finished work of Christ applies to everyday struggles and assurance.
View on Amazon
According to Plan
An introduction to biblical theology that shows how all Scripture points to Christ.
View on Amazon
Nine Marks of a Healthy Church
Outlines nine biblical priorities for congregations that want to be faithful and healthy.
View on Amazon
Just Do Something
A wise, biblical approach to knowing God's will without paralysis or mysticism.
View on Amazon
The Gospel According to Jesus
Defends a biblical understanding of faith and repentance against easy-believism.
View on Amazon
Worship Matters
Helps worship leaders and churches keep the gospel central in congregational worship.
View on Amazon
Reformed Dogmatics (Single Volume Abridgement)
A rich, Reformed systematic theology that is deeply biblical and Christ-centered.
View on Amazon
God's Glory in Salvation through Judgment
Argues that God's glory in salvation through judgment is the central theme of Scripture.
View on Amazon
The Christian Life
A clear, doctrinally rich overview of salvation and Christian living.
View on Amazon
The Whole Christ
Deals with legalism, antinomianism, and the grace of God in union with Christ.
View on Amazon
The Hiding Place
The story of Corrie ten Boom's faith and forgiveness in the midst of Nazi persecution.
View on Amazon