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Similes in the Psalms

Similes: Comparisons Using Like or As

Day 80of 180
Week 16of 36
30Minutes
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🖨️ Download Worksheet (PDF)

Learning Objectives

1

Identify similes in biblical poetry

2

Understand how similes describe God's character

3

Recognize figurative language in Scripture

Psalm 23:1

Yahweh is my shepherd, I shall not want.

Psalm 23:1 (WEB)

David uses a shepherd simile to describe God's loving care

📦 Materials Needed

  • Bible (World English Bible)
  • Colored pencils
  • Notebook
  • Psalm reference list

Lesson Plan

1Opening (5 min)

Gather students and explain that today we'll explore how poets in the Bible use special word pictures called similes to help us understand God better.

💭 Review Question: What makes a simile special?
2Teaching (10 min)

Explore Psalms to find beautiful word pictures that compare God's love, protection, and character to familiar things

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • Similes help us understand complex ideas
  • Biblical poets used similes to describe God's nature
  • Similes make descriptions more vivid and memorable
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • Can you find a simile that describes how God protects us?
  • What does a simile about God teach us about His character?
3Activity: Psalm Simile Sketch (10 min)
hands-on

Students will find a simile in a psalm and create an illustration showing its meaning

📝 Instructions:
  1. Choose a psalm
  2. Find a simile about God
  3. Draw a picture showing the comparison
  4. Write the simile underneath your drawing
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Teacher helps select appropriate psalms

Challenge: Students find multiple similes in different psalms

4Closing (5 min)

Share illustrations and discuss how similes help us understand God's love

📝 Review Questions:
  • What simile did you find today?
  • How does this simile help you understand God?
🙏 Prayer:

Dear God, thank You for giving us beautiful words to understand Your love.

Coming up: Next week, we'll continue exploring how poets use words to describe amazing things!

Psalm 86:15

But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in loving kindness and truth.

Psalm 86:15 (WEB)

🎯 Activity: Create hand motions to help remember each attribute

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

Similes are comparison tools that help children understand complex concepts

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Encourage creative interpretation
  • Help children understand metaphorical language
  • Validate their unique understanding
🤔 Common Struggles:

Children might find abstract comparisons challenging

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Ability to explain the simile's meaning

Extension Activities

  • Create a simile journal
  • Find similes in other Bible books
  • Write personal similes about God's love

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

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