In this lesson, children learn that God gave Moses detailed instructions for building a special tent called the tabernacle, where God would live among his people. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God cared about every detail of the place where he would be with his people, and he asks us to care about the things we make for him.
Memory Verse
Exodus 26:30
You shall set up the tabernacle according to the way that it was shown to you on the mountain.
(WEB)
Have children hold both hands up high like a roof, then slowly bring them down and lay them flat, as if setting up a tent. Say the words together while you move.
The Story: Exodus 26 for Kids
God’s people were traveling through the desert after leaving Egypt. God wanted a special tent where he could live with them, so he gave Moses a plan. The tent was called the tabernacle, and it was a place to meet with God.
God told Moses to make curtains for the tent. The curtains were made of fine linen, with beautiful blue, purple, and red thread. Skilled workers stitched pictures of angels called cherubim into them. Each curtain had to be the same size, and the curtains were joined together with loops and gold clasps.
Over the top of the tent, the people were to add another covering, made of rams’ skins dyed red and sea cow hides. This kept the tent safe from rain and sun. God wanted everything to be strong and carefully made.
The walls of the tent were made of tall wooden boards covered in gold. Each board stood in silver sockets, so the whole tent stayed firm. Long wooden bars ran through rings of gold to hold the boards together. God said, “Set up the tabernacle the way I showed you on the mountain.” Moses listened and did exactly what God said.
A beautiful veil, or curtain, separated the holy place from the most holy place. Inside the most holy place, the ark of the testimony was kept, and it was covered by the mercy seat. The people learned that God was holy and that they could come close to him in the way he showed them.
Read It Together
Exodus 26:1-2
1 “Moreover you shall make the tabernacle with ten curtains; of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, with cherubim. The work of the skillful workman you shall make them. 2 The length of each curtain shall be twenty-eight cubits, and the width of each curtain four cubits: all the curtains shall have one measure.
(WEB)
Point out how God gave exact measurements for the curtains. Ask children what it tells them about God that he cared about the small details of the tent.
Exodus 26:33
You shall hang up the veil under the clasps, and shall bring the ark of the testimony in there within the veil: and the veil shall separate the holy place from the most holy for you.
(WEB)
Show children where the veil separated the holy place from the most holy place. Explain that this curtain reminded God’s people that God is holy and special, and that they needed to follow his way to come near him.
Exodus 26:35
You shall set the table outside the veil, and the lamp stand over against the table on the side of the tabernacle toward the south: and you shall put the table on the north side.
(WEB)
Point out the table and lampstand placed in the tent. Explain that these were objects used to worship God, and that every item had a purpose in honoring him.
Talk About It
- Why do you think God wanted the tent to be built with so much care?
- What colors did the people use in the curtains, and what do you think those colors could remind us of?
- How did God’s people know what to build? Who helped them understand God’s plan?
- What is one thing you can do to show God you care about the things you do for him?
- Why do you think God wanted a place where he could live with his people?
Activity Ideas
Colorful Curtain Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask children to draw a large tent with curtains. Have them color the curtains in blue, purple, and red to match the colors God described. Encourage them to add a simple cherub, an angel shape, to one of the curtains. Talk together about how the colors and details show care and beauty.
Build a Tent Movement Game
You will need an open space and a few chairs or a blanket. Have children work together to build a small tent by holding a blanket over chairs. As they build, call out parts from the chapter, like “curtains,” “boards,” or “bars.” Each child must act out one part by stretching, bending, or standing tall. Remind them that every piece matters.
Take-Home Tent Prayer Card
You will need an index card, markers, and a small piece of string. Have children draw a small tent on one side of the card and write or draw one thing they can do to care for God’s house this week. Punch a hole at the top, tie the string, and let them take the card home. Encourage them to show it to a family member and talk about it at dinner.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God cares deeply about how he is worshiped and about the places set apart for meeting with him. The tabernacle points forward to Jesus, who makes it possible for us to come close to God, and it teaches that God’s presence is holy and not casual.
Be careful not to overstate the symbolism of every color, measurement, or object to children. Keep the focus simple: God planned the tent carefully, his people obeyed, and God wanted to live with them. Let children wonder about the details without giving them a long list of meanings.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for caring about every detail of your world and for wanting to be with your people. Help us to care about the things we do for you, and help us to listen carefully to what you ask of us. Thank you that you always want to be near us. Amen.
