The popcorn was popped. Anticipation mountaining. The couch filled with two anxious adults and four excited children. It was finally time to watch the video. Would it be an instant hit or a disappointing letdown?
Israel Gets a King! is the fifth video in the “What’s in the Bible?” series. The now famous puppets – Pastor Paul, Sunday School Lady, Chuckwagon to name a few – take the viewers through I and II Samuel. After a quick review of the first eight books of the Bible, the puppets teach about the Trinity, David and Goliath, and David vs. King Saul. Phil Vischer (creator of Veggie Tales) explains that Saul had everything going for him but he chose to do his thing over God’s. This caused him to lose his kingship and later his life.
The second part of the DVD shows the North and South tribes on a map, explains God’s promise to David that Jesus would come through his line of descendants, tells the story of David and Bathsheba (handles it beautifully, I might add), and ends with the Psalm of Repentance. Once again Phil Vischer explains the moral of the video – we have a choice to be like Saul (sin and then give excuses) or David (sin and then repent).
You will see Phil Vischer a lot on the videos as he interacts with the puppets, pulls them back in when they get off course, and ties up the strings at the end.
Momma C’s Thoughts:
The Israel Gets a King! is my favorite so far of the “What’s in the Bible?” series. The message is explained so well. The moral is brought down to a level that children can understand but still holds a deep daily application.
The kids love the “What’s in the Bible?” DVD’s. They quote them and pretend to be the various puppets. Different scenes come up in our family conversations all of the time. We, as parents, love them because the kids are learning the truths of the Bible.
The only beef I have with the video is “Michael” the puppet at the beginning of the DVD (the one riding in the car). He is rude and disrespectful all for the sake of a laugh. Thankfully he is only seen at the first few seconds. Really pretty minor when you look at the whole video but still an annoyance of mine.
We watched both episodes in one sitting. These videos are “heavier” than the classic Veggie Tale videos. I would suggest watching the episodes separately, especially if you have kiddos younger than Kindergarten age.
I can not encourage you enough to find these videos at your local Christian book store or online. Sit down and view them with your kids. I promise you will learn a thing or two as well!
The kids also enjoy the JellyTelly‘s website which uses the same puppets and teaches kids about the Bible. (Read more about JellyTelly.)
Giveaway: Now I get to give away a Israel Gets a King! DVD!!!!
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LaToya says
We love these movies. I am learning so much as well as my children. I love how the movies breakdown the Bible and different concepts in ways that the kids just understand. Even my 2 year old is learning so much. He asks for "Jelly Telly movies" all the time!
Beka and Jason Haché says
I have a 5yr old boy, 3yr old girl, 1 year old girl and a husband who all LOVE watching these dvds! We have the first 4, and I have learned a lot myself from them! 🙂
I have been really liking the Jelly Telly material because I feel like it doesn't "dumb down" biblical truths for my children – it teaches the truth at their level, but not skimming over things in a fluffy way.
We would love to see the new dvd!
Deanna says
I really enjoy Jelly Telly's, I can use them to teach God's Character and qualities to my 2 and 4 year old. I enjoy your blog because it provides me applicable truths.
Deanna says
I have shared this link on facebook.
nickandkatherine says
I am so looking forward to seeing one of these fab DVD's. We all love Veggie Tales so much, and I have read so many reviews of What's In The Bible but have yet to see one. Please enter us for a chance to win. They look like they present the Bible in a really to understand format for children.
nickandkatherine says
I shared on fb.
Evelynn's Mom says
I have never seen any of these movies, but they look great! Hope I win so I can try them out on my kiddos!
Stephanie W says
We LOVE What's In The Bible. We have the first 2 and my two year old cracks up at Chuck Wagon. He is his fav. My husband and I love that we are learning some more facts about the Bible as well.
Gator Mommy says
We have the first three movies and LOVE them. Can't wait to the them all as they are released. Thanks
Kaeli says
We love What's in the Bible…not only great for my kids but helping my husband who is a fairly new Christian, and demonstrates great ways to explain parts of the Bible!!
Tiffany says
I have never seen the What's in the Bible dvds, but they sound like they are wonderful! I'll have to get them on my wish list on Amazon! Thanks for the recommendation!
Vanessa says
This DVD series sounds like a great way to help kids learn about the Old Testament.
Jennifer says
I have also never seen these dvds. However my 2 kiddos love the Veggie Tales movies and I believe they would enjoy the What's in the Bible series.
Miller says
LOVE THESE! My husband teaches Bible to high schoolers and they even enjoy seeing parts of it too.
Sara J says
I have seen these dvds, but wasn't sure about them. Thanks for the review!
Amanda says
I think my kids would really like this video!
jandrmom2009 at gmail dot com
Amanda says
Posted about this on my FB page