GRADE 9 CRE THE BIBLE:SELECTED TEACHINGS – KINGS DAVID AND SOLOMON Notes

Overview

This note looks at the lives of David and Solomon (Israel’s famous kings). We study: who they were, important events, Biblical references, and lessons for young people in Kenya today. Read about David in 1 & 2 Samuel and about Solomon in 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles. Many of David’s Psalms and Solomon’s Proverbs also teach us.

King David (⚔️ 🪕)

• Background: Youngest son of Jesse, shepherd, musician and poet.
• Key events:
  • Chosen and anointed by Samuel (1 Samuel 16).
  • Defeated Goliath (1 Samuel 17) — shows faith and courage.
  • Became king of Israel and united the tribes; made Jerusalem the capital (2 Samuel).
  • Sinner and repentant: the Bathsheba episode and David’s repentance (2 Samuel 11–12; Psalm 51).
• Achievements: Established a strong kingdom, wrote many Psalms, known as “a man after God’s own heart” (Acts 13:22).
• Lessons: Courage, faith, true repentance, leadership that cares for God and people.

King Solomon (🛕 🎓)

• Background: Son of David and Bathsheba; became king after David.
• Key events:
  • Famous for asking God for wisdom, which God granted (1 Kings 3).
  • Built the Temple in Jerusalem — an important centre for worship (1 Kings 6–8).
  • Author of many Proverbs, and traditionally linked to Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs.
  • Later years: allowed idolatry through foreign wives, leading to division after his death (1 Kings 11).
• Achievements: Wisdom, wealth, and peace during early reign; cultural and religious centre-building.
• Lessons: The value of wisdom and prayer; responsibility of leaders; dangers of pride and wrong choices.

Main Teachings & Applications (for Kenyan youth)

• Faith and Courage: Like David facing Goliath, trust God when you face school exams or peer pressure.
• Wisdom Over Wealth: Solomon asked for wisdom first. In Kenya, seek wisdom in school, family and choices — not only money or fame.
• Repentance and Forgiveness: David’s honest repentance (Psalm 51) teaches that God forgives and restores when we confess.
• Leadership Qualities: Good leaders serve others, consult God, and remain humble — apply this in student councils, church, and community groups.
• Consequences of Wrong Choices: Even great leaders face consequences. Choices have effects on family, community, and the nation (relevant to issues like corruption).

Class Activities & Projects

1. Role play: Act out David and Goliath; or Solomon’s judgement (2 women and a baby) to learn decision-making and justice.
2. Group discussion: Compare good leadership traits (David/early Solomon) with poor choices (David’s sin, Solomon’s idolatry).
3. Creative project: Make a timeline poster of David and Solomon’s lives — include pictures or drawings of the Temple, harp, crown.
4. Personal reflection: Write a short journal about a choice you made, what you learned, and how wisdom or repentance helped.
5. Community link: Interview a local leader (school prefect, church youth leader) about how they make wise decisions.

Discussion Questions

• Why did David trust God to fight Goliath? How can you show similar faith at school or home?
• Why is wisdom important? How would you use God-given wisdom in choosing friends or careers?
• What does David’s repentance teach about dealing with mistakes and asking for forgiveness?
• How did Solomon’s success lead to his downfall? What warning does this give modern leaders?

Prepared for CRE learners (KS3 level). Use in class, study groups or personal devotion. Emoji visuals: ⚔️ (bravery), 🪕 (psalms/music), 🛕 (Temple), 🎓 (wisdom).