Rise of Kings·1 Samuel

David Becomes King for Kids: Bible Story Explained Simply

Ages 5+·5 min read·Old Testament·By Faithful Kids Team·Updated August 16, 2026

couragefaithGod choosing the unlikely

David Becomes King

Read the lesson transcript

THE RISE OF KINGS — Episode 10: David Becomes King Based on 2 Samuel 5-6 | Narrated by Jesus

We made it! This is the episode we've been building toward since the very beginning. After years of waiting, running, hiding, fighting, grieving — David is FINALLY crowned king.

But it didn't happen all at once. First, the tribe of Judah anointed him king in Hebron. He ruled there for seven years. Then, one by one, the rest of the tribes came to him. ALL of Israel united under David. The shepherd boy from Bethlehem was king over the entire nation. God's promise — fulfilled.

David's first big move? He conquered Jerusalem. The Jebusites who held it taunted him: "Even the blind and the lame could keep you out!" But David's men found a way in through a water shaft, and the city fell. David made it his capital — the City of David. That city is STILL one of the most important places on earth. That's where I would walk, teach, and change everything.

But the BEST part of this story is what happened next. David decided to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. The Ark was the symbol of God's presence — the most sacred object in Israel. David wanted God at the CENTER of his kingdom. Not on the outskirts. Not as an afterthought. Right in the heart of the capital.

And when the Ark entered Jerusalem, David DANCED. I'm not talking about a polite little sway. The Bible says he danced before the LORD "with ALL his might." He was leaping, spinning, shouting — wearing simple linen instead of his royal robes. The KING of Israel, looking like a regular person, going absolutely all out for God.

His wife Michal watched from a window and was disgusted. She told him he looked undignified. And David's response? "I will celebrate before the LORD. I will become even MORE undignified than this!"

I LOVE that. David didn't care what he looked like. He was so full of joy and gratitude that nothing else mattered. The God who called him from the sheep fields, who protected him from Goliath, who kept him alive through the wilderness — THAT God deserved everything David had.

And that's the lesson I want to leave you with for this series. Worship isn't about looking cool. It isn't about being polished or impressive. It's about giving God EVERYTHING you've got — your whole heart, your whole life, holding nothing back.

David waited years for this moment. And when it arrived, he didn't hold back. Don't you hold back either.

Thanks for walking through the Rise of Kings with me. I'll see you in the next series!

Series: Rise of Kings (Episode 10 of 10) | Scripture: 1 Samuel | Ages 5+

David Becomes King is a Bible story from 1 Samuel in the Old Testament. This retelling is designed for kids ages 5 and up, using simple language they can understand and lessons they will remember.

What Is the Story of David Becomes King for Kids?

THE RISE OF KINGS — Episode 10: David Becomes King Based on 2 Samuel 5-6 | Narrated by Jesus

We made it! This is the episode we've been building toward since the very beginning. After years of waiting, running, hiding, fighting, grieving — David is FINALLY crowned king.

This story comes from 1 Samuel and is part of the Old Testament.

What Does the Story of David Becomes King Teach Children?

The story of David Becomes King teaches children important lessons about courage, faith, God choosing the unlikely:

God does not look at size or strength but at the heart
With God on your side, no problem is too big
Sometimes the smallest person in the room has the biggest faith

Key Bible Verse

"The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." — 1 Samuel 16:7

A related freebie: our David and Goliath coloring page, drawn as clean line art for crayons and markers.

Parent's Guide: Why This Story Matters

David and Goliath is the ultimate underdog story, and kids instinctively connect with it. Your child is small in a big world, and this story tells them that size does not determine who wins. God does. This is a powerful story to revisit when your child faces something that feels too big: a hard test, a bully, a new school. The lesson is not that they can do it alone, but that God is with them.

Illustration from David Becomes King for Kids: Bible Story Explained Simply

Quiz: Test What Your Child Learned

After watching the video, see if your child can answer these questions:

Which tribe anointed David as king first?

Judah.

What city did David conquer and make his capital?

Jerusalem.

What did David bring to Jerusalem to put God at the center of his kingdom?

The Ark of the Covenant.

How did David worship when the Ark entered Jerusalem?

He danced before the LORD with all his might in simple linen.

What did David say when Michal criticized him for dancing?

"I will celebrate before the LORD — I will become even more undignified".

David Becomes King for Kids: Bible Story Explained Simply - Key Moment Illustration

Discussion Questions for Families

Use these questions at the dinner table or during bedtime:

What was your favorite part of the story of David Becomes King?
What do you think God was teaching us through this story?
How can we be more like David in our own lives?
If you were in this story, what would you have done differently?
What does this story teach us about trusting God?

More Episodes in the Rise of Kings Series

This story is episode 10 of 10 in the Rise of Kings series:

300+ Bible Stories for Kids on Faithful Kids

Faithful Kids has 300+ Bible story videos covering the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Every story is a short video lesson, designed for kids Ages 5+, with a quiz after each lesson. No ads, ever.

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Print the David and Goliath word search for the table, or let them play it on screen. Either way it is free.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the story of David Becomes King about for kids?

David Becomes King is a story from 1 Samuel. THE RISE OF KINGS — Episode 10: David Becomes King Based on 2 Samuel 5-6 | Narrated by Jesus

What age is the story of David Becomes King appropriate for?

This retelling of David Becomes King is designed for children Ages 5+. The language is simple and age-appropriate, and the video is just a few minutes long, perfect for young attention spans.

Where is David Becomes King found in the Bible?

David Becomes King is found in 1 Samuel in the Old Testament. It is part of the Rise of Kings series on Faithful Kids.

Is there a video of David Becomes King for kids?

Yes. Faithful Kids has a short video retelling of David Becomes King designed for children, with narration, visuals, and a comprehension quiz. Watch it here.

How can I use David Becomes King for Sunday School or homeschool?

Play the short Faithful Kids video as an introduction, then use the discussion questions above for group conversation. The built-in quiz checks comprehension. Many Sunday school teachers and homeschool parents use Faithful Kids as weekly curriculum.

What does David Becomes King teach kids?

The story of David Becomes King teaches children about courage, faith, God choosing the unlikely. God does not look at size or strength but at the heart.

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