ROTATION.ORG WRITING TEAM

DAVID: GOD'S CHOSEN KING

DRAMA WORKSHOP

PASSAGE
Story: 1 Samuel 16:1-13
Memory Verse: 1 Samuel 16:7

PURPOSE
During this drama workshop, the students will hear and discuss the story of David's anointing from 1 Samuel 16. They will use creative dramatics to retell/interpret the story in their own words. In so doing, they will grow in their understanding of God's call for everyone, even the least of us, and that once calls, God does not leave us on our own. If time permits, they will also explore David's work as a Psalmist through a choral reading of a Psalm.

Additional Objectives for Drama Workshop

In addition to the rotation objectives, by the end of this drama workshop, the students will:

• be able to retell the story of Samuel anointing David in their own words.
  
• have an insight into the feelings of Samuel and David regarding the anointing of Jesse's youngest son.
  
• locate the book of 1 Samuel in the Old Testament and identify it as part of the history of the Israelite nation.
  
• be familiar with David's role as a Psalmist and one or two of his Psalms. [Optional]

PREPARATION

See Bible Background

Materials List

• Bible times costumes (Note: Costumes need not be elaborate. A simple long vest-type tunic with a belt will take a child out of the everyday and allow him or her to imagine herself in Bible Times. Consider your climate before layering too many warm costumes and bathrobes over your students' Sunday clothes. Most major pattern companies have Nativity/Bible era costumes in adult and child sizes. Recruit volunteers to help sew -- it is a good project for helpful people whose talents do not include working directly with children. Don't forget a basket with ropes, ties, belts, and scarves for accessories!)
  
• Container for the anointing oil (use an empty container, pretend there is oil in it)
  
• Narrator's script

Optional

• Copies of Psalm Choral Readings (If time permits)
  
• Microphone and speaker for God's voice
  
• Stools or blocks for Jesse's older sons to stand on to make them seem taller
  
• Tape recorder and blank tape so the older students can record the Choral Psalm Reading for younger students to listen to.

Advance Preparation Requirements

• A horn-shaped oil container would be historically appropriate, but any unbreakable decorative container would serve the purpose.

A Note about Creative Dramatics

Children act out the story using their own words. The teacher may prompt or ask questions to move the action along: "What do you think Samuel said to God when God told him to find a new king? Do you think he went happily?" "Then Samuel saw seven of Jesse's sons and knew which one must be the right one." "David, how do you feel after being anointed?"

These are informal productions. Not all props and scenery elements mentioned in the story will be on hand. Encourage the students to use their imaginations and think of ways to help the audience to see these things.

If more than one person volunteers for a part, let the others know that if everyone cooperates, there will be time to do it more than once. Try to remember who was promised a part for the second run-through. Or draw names, or reward students who were sitting attentively by selecting them for choice parts (and let the others know why you selected the polite listeners).

Everyone must participate in some way. Not everyone has "lines" to speak: David's brothers do not have to say anything (but some may want to speak). The audience is an important part, too, both for interaction and reaction during the performance and feedback afterwards.

Review with the children where in the room each scene takes place. For example, show them where the synagogue is and where David's sheep field is.

Encourage the students to think about why a character did or said something.

The action should follow the Bible story, but everyone should use his own words.

If there are no volunteers for a part, the leader can be a main character for a warm-up type exercise. For example, "I am Samuel. How would you all stand and what would you say to me if you were David's brothers?"

A Note about Choral Reading

Choral reading is similar to Readers' Theater. Groups and individuals read from a script. Choral readings are usually less plot directed than Readers' Theater; for example, poetry and catechism work well. A choral reading is almost musical in its weaving of voices.

Readers should read clearly with plenty of expression.

Review the script and decide which parts should be loud, slow, fast, quiet, excited, sad, and so forth. Experiment and have fun!

PRESENTATION

Open - Introduction

Pray for enlightenment. Use words such as: God, thank you for bringing us together today. Be with us as we hear your word and search for its meaning in our lives. Amen.

Ask: Do you have brothers or sisters (or cousins)? Older or younger? How does the oldest treat the youngest? If you were playing a game and needed a team captain or leader, would you pick this youngest brother/sister/cousin? How would you react if someone else selected him/her?

Introduce the story, briefly telling that Samuel was a prophet who shared God's word with His people and that Saul was the king of Israel; God was not satisfied with the work Saul was doing.

Read the Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:1-13a .

Review the characters: Samuel, God, Jesse, and Jesse's 8 sons: Eliab, Abinadab, Shammah ... David.

Review the setting: Bethlehem (and sheep pasturing hills around town). Talk about the place of shepherds in society (outside the city walls, dirty from working -- and sleeping -- out-of- doors).

Review/outline the highlights of the story. (Help students remember the story; try to prompt them rather than telling them the answers.) The key events they should remember are:

1. God tells Samuel to stop grieving over Saul and to go to Bethlehem.

2. Jesse and his sons arrive with other city leaders for the sacrifice to the Lord.

3. Samuel looks over Jesse's sons, but none is the right one.

4. Samuel asks if there are any more sons; Jesse admits the youngest is with the sheep. They send for him.

5. At last, the right boy! David is anointed, and the Spirit of the Lord is with him from that day.

Dig - Main Content

"Today we will recreate what may have happened when God sent Samuel to Bethlehem and when Samuel anointed David. There is not much dialog in the Scripture we read, so you will need to think about what Samuel, Jesse, David and his brothers said and thought."

1. Warm up exercises. "Line up in height order. Which people in this class do you think would be the best Basketball players? Why? How do those of you at the shorter end of the line feel about this assumption? Save those thoughts and ideas for when Samuel does not select the tall, dark and handsome brother. What might the big brothers have said when the little brother was selected? (Remember, there are no right or wrong answers.)"

2. If time permits. All can participate at the same time. This is fun in front of a mirror so students can practice exaggerated expressions. "Mime the emotional responses of:

Samuel when God tells him to forget about Saul.

Eliab when he is passed over.

Eliab when Abinadab is also passed over.

Jesse when none of his seven sons are chosen and David, the baby of the family, is called!

David when this 'stranger' starts putting oil on his head."

(Note that there are a variety of responses that may be correct. We don't know if Samuel was sad or angry, if Jesse was puzzled or sad or irritated by the rejection of seven of his sons. Encourage the students to respond freely and creatively.]

3. Practice reciting the memory verse together. Have it on a poster or slip of paper for those who have not yet learned it.

4. Assign parts and act out the story as the narrator, Samuel, reads the script that follows. Note that this is one of those stories with no female roles. Girls can portray any of the men or boys in the story. If there are less than eleven children in the class, assign the important parts first: Samuel, David, God, Jesse. The remaining students can be the seven older brothers (each student can be introduced to Samuel several times, or amend the script to say something like, "And so it was for seven brothers.")

Narrator's Script - The Anointing of David (1 Samuel 16:1-13)
(Narrated by the Prophet Samuel)
Adapted by Amy Crane
Scripture taken from the Good News Bible in Today's English Version - Second Edition, Copyright (c) 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.

[Suggested actions and responses are in brackets. Pause in the narration and encourage the students to use their imagination to expand upon the little bit of detail in the Bible. Note that there should be a student portraying Samuel in the drama as well as someone reading as Samuel the narrator. "God" can be a voice from "off stage" or a student "on stage."]

Good morning. My name is Samuel. I am a judge, a prophet, and a priest, called by God to serve Him. I could tell you many stories -- about Saul, the first King of Israel; about his son Jonathan; about a giant named Goliath; and about a great king named David. I don't have time to tell all the stories today, but I do want to tell you a story about David. Did you know that he was not always a great king? It all started like this ...

I was unhappy with the way Saul, chosen by the people of Israel to be their first king, was behaving. He was not following God's way. One day, God talked to me about it.

[God -- either a student "on stage" or a disembodied voice from "off stage" -- tells Samuel to stop feeling bad about Saul and to go to Bethlehem and anoint one of Jesse's sons. Samuel argues, then goes.]

So, I packed my bag and was off to Bethlehem for an anointing and a sacrifice to the Lord. The town leaders were a bit concerned when I showed up, but I told them it was a peaceful visit. Ever since I chopped up that villain King Agag, people have been a bit nervous around me!. Everyone got cleaned up and gathered for the sacrifice, including Jesse and his seven sons. Such handsome young men!

[Jesse and his seven oldest sons arrive "on stage," greet Samuel and introduce themselves.]

Well, I could tell it wouldn't be a problem finding a king in that crowd of fine young men! I started with Eliab, the oldest.

[One by one, Samuel goes up to each of Jesse's sons takes his hand, and talks to God. God tells Samuel no, using the memory verse (I Samuel 16:7) each time. If there are any extra students in the audience, they can help God recite the memory verse. Sons react to being next in line and then being passed over. Jesse reacts to the whole scene.]

"Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7, NRSV)

Well, I knew something was wrong. And I didn't think it was the Lord. I had met all seven of Jesse's sons, and not one of them was the one God wanted. There had to be another son.

[Samuel asks Jesse about additional sons. "Well, there is the youngest ...." Someone goes to fetch David, and explains to him what is going on -- as best he can.]

When the youngest son arrived, David was his name, I could see he was young. He had been tending the sheep and had been in the pasture for who knows how long, so he wasn't particularly clean. But I could see he was a handsome, healthy young man. How his eyes sparkled when he came into the room! And the Lord spoke to me again.

[God tells Samuel this is the right one. Samuel anoints David. Can we see the Spirit of the Lord taking control?]

Well, my job was done. I made the sacrifice to the Lord and returned to Ramah, alone. I could see the Spirit of the Lord was with David. David would be okay there in Bethlehem until it was time for him to serve the Lord and His people.

5. If time permits/additional warm-up activity/early arrival activity/concluding activity: Talk about David the Psalmist: "the Book of Psalms is a book of hymns and prayers in the Bible. David is said to have written many of them. Remember that he is often shown playing a lyre to his sheep or to King Saul." Then do a Choral Reading of one or two Psalms. Scripts for Psalm 8 and Psalm 23 follow.

Psalm Choral Readings
Adapted by Amy Crane

Psalm 8

Scripture adapted from the Good News Bible in Today's English Version - Second Edition, Copyright (c) 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.

Parts

All; Boys; Girls; Teachers; Voice 1; Voice 2

[If you do not have fairly even groups of boys and girls, consider reading this as a unison reading, or assigning single readers to different lines.]

All: O Lord, our Lord,

Boys: Your greatness is seen in all the world!

Girls: Your praise reaches up to the heavens;

Boys: it is sung by children

Girls: and babies.

Voice 1: You are safe and secure from all your enemies;

Voice 2: you stop anyone who opposes you.

All: When we look at the sky, which you have made,

Girls: at the moon

Boys: and the stars,

All: which you set in their places --

Boys: what is man, that you think of him;

Girls: what is woman, that you think of her;

All: what are human beings, that you think of them;

Teachers: mere mortals, that you care for them?

Boys: Yet you made them --

Girls: us --

All: Yet you made us inferior only to yourself; you crowned us with glory and honor.

Girls: You appointed us ruler over everything you made;

Boys: you placed us over all creation:

Teachers: sheep

Girls: baaaaa

Teachers: and cattle

Boys: mooo

Teachers: and the wild animals too;

Girls: the birds

Boys: and the fish

Teachers: and the creatures in the seas.

All: O Lord, our Lord, Your greatness is seen in all the world! Amen!

Psalm 23

Scripture quotations taken from/adapted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright (c) 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Parts

Divide the class into two parts - indicated here as left and right.

Left: The Lord is my shepherd,

Right: I shall not want.

Left: He makes me lie down in green pastures;

Right: he leads me beside still waters;

All: he restores my soul.

Right: He leads me in right paths for his name's sake.

Left: Even though I walk through the darkest valley,

All: I fear no evil;

Right: I fear no evil;

Left: I fear no evil;

Right: for you are with me;

Left: your rod and your staff --

Right: they comfort me.

Left: You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

Right: you anoint my head with oil;

Left: my cup overflows.

Right: my cup overflows.

All: my cup overflows!

Left: Surely

Right: Surely

Left: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

Right: all the days of my life,

Left: and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.

Right: and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.

All: and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long!

Reflect - Closure

Questions to discuss

• Do you think Jesse and his sons knew why Samuel was looking them over?
  
  
• Would it have made a difference in the story if they knew he was looking for a king?
  
  
• Would it have made a difference in how they behaved?
  
  
• I wonder what Samuel was thinking as he went down the row of sons and with each less likely choice, God said, "Nope, not him."? All those good choices Samuel had, and none were right in God's eyes!
  
  
• Have you ever had a day when it seems all your good choices were wrong? (It is helpful if at this point the teacher can start the ball rolling with, "I've had a day like that. One day...")
  
  
• I wonder what God could see special about a little boy like David?

Closing Prayer

Close with one of David's Psalms, or sing one of the many hymns based on Psalms such as "All People That on Earth Do Dwell." (Presbyterian Hymnal # 220) Many hymnals have a section of hymns based on Psalms.

ADDITIONAL SUGGESTIONS

Adaptations - Younger Children

• Ask if any volunteers want to help read the Scripture (one verse at a time). Teacher reads the rest of the story while the students follow along. Shepherds/other leaders in the class should help the students use the table of contents to find 1 Samuel and turn to the passage.
  
• Work on learning just the last sentence of the memory verse.
  
• The teacher reads each line/phrase of the Psalm 23 Choral Psalm Reading and the children echo it back.
  
• Listen to a tape recording of older students doing the Choral Psalm Reading.
  

Adaptations - Older Children

• Ask for volunteers to read the Scripture, one paragraph at a time.
  
• Allow one of the students to read the narrator's part and possibly do the side coaching.
  
• Record the Choral Psalm Reading for younger children (not yet fluent readers) to listen to.
  
• Additional Closing Discussion Question for older children:
  
• Reflect on two verses, 1 Samuel 16:13 b and Philippians 4:13. What do they have in common? Do you honestly feel like you can do all things with God's help? What can we do/where can we turn when we feel helpless?
  
• 1 Samuel 16:13b: "...and the spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward."
  
• Paul's Letter to the Philippians, 4:13: "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." (NRSV)

SOURCES

Cohen, Barbara. David: A Biography. New York: Clarion Books, 1995. (Fills in details using Midrash, archaeology, history, psychology, Bible study, and so forth)

Eisler, Colin. David's Songs: His Psalms and Their Story. New York: Dial, 1992.

Mark, Jan. God's Story: How God Made Mankind. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Candlewick, 1998.

Williams, Michael E. The Storyteller's Companion to the Bible: Judges - Kings. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1992.

Bible Times Crafts for Kids: Experience Ancient Life-Styles and Customs with Kids from Preschool to Sixth Grade. Ventura, CA: Gospel Light, 1993. (A good source for do-it yourself costumes and props.)

CONTRIBUTOR: Amy Crane

Our Sr. High class performed their own adaptation of the drama posted above. The script was written by their teacher, Greg Wolfe. Many thanks (and apologies) to Amy Crane!!!

The Anointing of David

Characters:
Samuel: Prophet of Israel and anointer of kings. Appears in a "narrator" role as well as a player in the drama. When speaking in his narrator role, Samuel leaves the "stage" and talks directly to the camera.
Voice of God: Speaks from off-camera
Mayor of Bethlehem: Sterotypical pompous politician
Jesse: Father of eight sons, including David
Eliab: Son #1. Oldest. Tall, handsome. Wears football shoulder pads to look like a star athlete. Talks like Arnold Swarzzenegar.
Abinadab: Son #2. Plays guitar, talks like Elvis. Wants to be a singer.
Shammah: Son #3. Fisherman, talks like a sea captain/pirate.
Larry: Son #4.
Moe: Son #5.
Curley: Son #6.
Shemp: Son #7.
David: Son #8. Happy-go-lucky shepherd boy.

Scene 1:

Samuel(narrator): Good morning! My name is Samuel. I am a judge, a prophet, and a priest, called by God to serve Him. I could tell you many stories - about Saul, the first King of Israel; about his son, Jonathan; about a giant named Goliath; and about a great king named David. [Looks at watch] I don't have time to tell all the stories today, but I do want to tell you a story about David. Did you know that he was not always a great king? [pause] It all [stretch out word all] started like this...

camera lens de-focuses; Samuel quickly moves to his "on stage" position; camera lens re-focuses]

Samuel: [talking to himself] I just can't get over what's happened to Saul. Boy, give some people an inch and they think they're a ruler! First, he gets impatient and instead of waiting for me to arrive and offer a sacrifice to God, he does it himself. Then, after he defeats the Amalekites, does he destroy everything as God commanded? Nooooooo! He decides to keep the good stuff for himself. [sadly] I feel bad for him. He's setting himself up for a right good smiting!

Voice of God: [from off-camera] SAMUEL!!

Samuel: [startled] I'm h-h-h-here, Lord!

Voice of God: Samuel, I am sorry I ever made Saul king of Israel! I've rejected him, and I refuse to let him be king any longer!

Samuel: Lord, I'll admit Saul has his faults, but who doesn't? Deep down he's really a decent guy...for a king, that is.

Voice of God: Samuel, stop feeling sad about Saul! I have new plans and I want YOU to carry them out. Now listen carefully. Put some olive oil in a container. Take it to Bethlehem, where you will visit a man named Jesse. I have chosen one of his sons to be the next king of my people.

Samuel: Begging your pardon, Lord, but when Saul finds out what I'm up to he'll have me killed!

Voice of God: [getting impatient] As usual, I've already thought of that. Here's you cover story. Take a calf with you to Bethlehem, and tell everyone there that you've come to offer it as a sacrivice to me. Make sure you invite Jesse and his sons to the ceremony. When I show you which one of his sons I have chosen, pour the olive oil on his head.

[camera lens de-focuses; Samuel quickly moves to his "narrator" position; camera lens re-focuses]

Scene 2:

Samuel(narrator): Sooooo, I packed my bags and was off to Bethlehem for an anointing and a sacrifice to the Lord.

camera lens de-focuses; Samuel quickly moves to his "on stage" position; camera lens re-focuses]

Mayor of Bethlehem: [greets Samuel, looks uneasy] Samuel! Why, what a, uh, PLEASANT surprise!

Samuel: Oh, Mayor, put yourself at ease! I'm just here to offer a sacrifice to the Lord!

Mayor of Bethlehem: [Mayor relaxes, expression changes to one of relief] Oh, thank goodness! You know, no offense, Samuel, but ever since you chopped up that king Agag, people around these parts are always a little nervous when you show up.

Samuel: Well, there'll be no chopping up anyone today! As a matter of fact, I was hoping that you and the town elders would attend the ceremony. [Looks at Mayor slyly] There IS an election coming up, isn't there?

Mayor of Bethlehem: [Mayor is excited] Why, we'd be honored to attend!

Samuel: Good, good! And while you're at it, make sure to invite Jesse and the boys! I have it on good authority [pauses, looks to the sky] that something BIG is in store for them.

[camera lens de-focuses; Samuel quickly moves to his "narrator" position; camera lens re-focuses]

Scene 3:

Samuel(narrator): Well, everyone got cleaned up and gathered for the sacrifice, including Jesse and seven of his sons. Such handsome young men! Especially that Eliab, the eldest. It certainly didn't seem like there would be a problem finding a king in that crowd.

[camera lens de-focuses; Samuel quickly moves to his "on-stage" position; camera lens re-focuses]

Samuel: [as Jesse and 7 sons enter] Well, this must be Jesse and sons! I've heard a lot of good things about you!

Jesse:[proudly] Oh no, Samuel, it's about YOU that so many good things have been said. Although I AM quite proud of my boys.

Samuel:And that's why I'm here, Jesse. I have the honor of informing you that the Lord has selected one of your sons to play a major role in the future of His people.

Jesse:[excited] Well, then, let's not waste any time! Let me intorduce you to them. Eliab, come over here and meet God's prophet, Samuel.

Eliab: [walks stiffly as if muscle bound, talks like Arnold] I very pleased to meet you Samuel. I've just returned from taking care of a few Philistines who insulted my family. THey'll be eating dates through a straw for the next few days...

Samuel: [looks upward, talking to God] Well, Lord, now I can see why you sent me here! Eliab looks like an excellent choice for king.

Voice of God: Samuel, do not look on his appearnace or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord does not see as mortals see. They look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.

Samuel: [hesitating] Uh, yes, nice to meet you. [brightening up] So, Jesse, who's this young man? [Eliab looks disappointed, Jesse continues to look hopeful].

Jesse: Abinadab, step up and meet Samuel.

Abinadab: [swaggers up, talks like Elvis] Uh, thank-you, thank-you very much. How'd you like some free tickets to my next concert?

Voice of God: [Samuel looks up as God speaks] Samuel, do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord does not see as mortals see. They look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.

Samuel: [hesitating] Yes, yes...that would be nice...concert tickets. [looking frustrated] Who's next?

Shammah:[talks like a sea captain/pirate] Arrr, I be Shammah, Samuel. Just returned from three months on the high seas. Arrr, quite a catch.

Voice of God:[Samuel looks up as God speaks] Samuel, do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord does not see as mortals see. They look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.

Samuel:[hesitating, speaks to Jesse] Jesse, I'm sorry, but...

Larry, Moe, Curley, Shemp:[seeing their chance, they introduce themselves with the Three Stooges "hello/hello/hello/hello" chorus, except they use their names instead of the word "hello"]

Voice of God: [Samuel looks up as God speaks] Samuel, do I even need to say it?

Samuel:[exasperated] Jesse, uh, the Lord would like to know [hesitates, then brightens] if you have any other sons?

Jesse: Well, not really...just my youngest boy, David, but he's out tending the sheep.

Samuel: Send for him immediately! We won't start the ceremony until he gets here!

Scene 4:

[camera lens de-focuses; Samuel quickly moves to his "narrator" position; camera lens re-focuses]

Samuel(narrator): When the youngest son arrived [pauses] ...David was his name...[pauses] I could see he was young. He had been tending the sheep and had been in the pasture for who knows how long, so he wasn't particularly clean. But I could see he was a handsome, healthy young man. How his eyes sparkled when he came into the room! And the Lord spoke to me again...

[camera lens de-focuses; Samuel quickly moves to his "on-stage" position; camera lens re-focuses]

David: [arrives dirty-faced, carrying a sheep; speaks as if here were an eternal optimist] Hi, everybody! I'm here!

Voice of God: Well, don't just stand there, Samuel...this is the one!

Samuel: Are...[hesitates] ...are you sure Lord?

Voice of God: [impatiently] You're asking ME if I'M sure? Now quit stalling and get on with the anointing!

Samuel: Yes, Lord, right away...[turns to David, clears throat] Hrrrrrmph! David, the Lord has spoken to me about you. He has instructed me to anoint you as His choice to be the next king of his people, Israel. [All look astonished; David kneels; Samuel pours oil on his head]

[camera lens de-focuses; Samuel quickly moves to his "narrator" position; camera lens re-focuses]

Samuel(narrator): Well, my job was done. I made the sacrifice to the Lord and returned to Ramah alone. I could see the Spirit of the Lord was with David. David would be okay there in Bethlehem until it was time for him to serve the Lord and his people.

THE END

Enjoy,
Ruth, Greg, and the kids at Elmgrove United Methodist Church, Rochester, NY