Rise of Kings·1 Samuel

David Spares His Enemy: Bible Story for Kids

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

couragefaithGod choosing the unlikely

David Spares His Enemy

Read the lesson transcript

THE RISE OF KINGS — Episode 8: David Spares His Enemy Based on 1 Samuel 24, 26 | Narrated by Jesus

Welcome back! Today's story is one of the most intense moments in David's life — and it happened not once, but TWICE. It's the story of what David did when he had the perfect chance to destroy his enemy.

Scene one. David and his men are hiding deep inside a cave at En Gedi. It's dark. They're pressed against the walls. And guess who walks into that exact cave to... use the bathroom? SAUL. The king who's been hunting David with three thousand soldiers just strolled in, completely clueless.

David's men are whispering, "This is it! God delivered your enemy right to you! Take him out!" And David crept forward in the darkness. He got SO close he could have ended Saul right there. But instead? He cut off a corner of Saul's robe. That's it. Just a piece of fabric.

And even THAT bothered David's conscience. He told his men, "The LORD forbid that I should do this to my master. He is the LORD's anointed." When Saul left the cave, David called out to him, held up the piece of robe, and said, "I could have killed you, but I didn't. I am not your enemy!"

Saul actually wept. He said, "You are more righteous than I am." But did he change? Not for long.

Scene two. Later, David sneaks into Saul's camp at NIGHT. Saul is sleeping, surrounded by soldiers, with his spear stuck in the ground by his head. David's warrior Abishai whispers, "God has delivered him to you. Let me pin him to the ground with one thrust!" David says, "No. Do NOT destroy him. Who can lay a hand on the LORD's anointed and be guiltless?"

Instead, David grabbed Saul's spear and water jug and walked away. From a safe distance, he shouted to Saul's general, "Look what I have! I could have killed your king!" Once again — mercy instead of murder.

Here's why this matters SO much. David understood something that most people miss: just because you CAN do something doesn't mean you SHOULD. He had the power to take revenge. He had the opportunity. His friends told him it was God's will! But David knew better. Revenge wasn't his to take.

I taught the same thing: "Love your enemies. Pray for those who persecute you." That's not weakness — that's the strongest thing a person can do. Letting God handle justice while you choose mercy? That takes MORE courage than swinging a sword.

Don't grab what isn't yours to take. Trust God with the outcome. See you next time!

Series: Rise of Kings (Episode 08 of 10) | Scripture: 1 Samuel | Ages 5+

David Spares His Enemy 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 Spares His Enemy for Kids?

THE RISE OF KINGS — Episode 8: David Spares His Enemy Based on 1 Samuel 24, 26 | Narrated by Jesus

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

What Does the Story of David Spares His Enemy Teach Children?

The story of David Spares His Enemy 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 baby Jesus in the manger 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 Spares His Enemy: Bible Story for Kids

Quiz: Test What Your Child Learned

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

Where was David hiding when Saul unknowingly walked in?

A cave at En Gedi.

What did David do instead of killing Saul in the cave?

He cut off a corner of Saul's robe.

What did David say about why he wouldn't harm Saul?

"I will not touch the LORD's anointed".

In the second encounter, what did David take from Saul's camp while Saul slept?

Saul's spear and water jug.

What is the main lesson from David sparing Saul's life twice?

Just because you CAN do something doesn't mean you SHOULD — revenge belongs to God.

David Spares His Enemy: Bible Story for Kids - 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 Spares His Enemy?
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 08 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.

Start your free trial

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the story of David Spares His Enemy about for kids?

David Spares His Enemy is a story from 1 Samuel. THE RISE OF KINGS — Episode 8: David Spares His Enemy Based on 1 Samuel 24, 26 | Narrated by Jesus

What age is the story of David Spares His Enemy appropriate for?

This retelling of David Spares His Enemy 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 Spares His Enemy found in the Bible?

David Spares His Enemy 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 Spares His Enemy for kids?

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

How can I use David Spares His Enemy 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 Spares His Enemy teach kids?

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

🌙 Free: The Bedtime Bible Kit

Seven nights of five-minute stories — a story, a prayer, and one question to whisper about.

Free printable + a few helpful emails. Unsubscribe anytime.