Exodus 27 teaches children that God gives careful instructions for how his people should worship him, and that he cares about every detail. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God tells his people exactly how to worship him, and he is worth our careful, faithful obedience. Even the small details matter to him because he loves his people.
Memory Verse
Exodus 27:20
“You shall command the children of Israel, that they bring to you pure olive oil beaten for the light, to cause a lamp to burn continually.
(WEB)
Hold both palms open in front of you, as if you are holding a small lamp. Slowly lift your hands up and down, like a flame flickering, while you say the verse together.
The Story: Exodus 27 for Kids
God spoke to Moses on a mountain and gave him a list of instructions. God wanted his people to build a special tent where they could worship him, and he wanted it built just right. Moses shared these plans with the people of Israel.
First, God told them to build an altar. It was a square box made of acacia wood and covered with bronze. It had four horns, one on each corner, and long poles so people could carry it. The altar was where the people would burn sacrifices to show their love for God. Every part of it had a job to do.
Next, God described a large open space around the tent, called the court. It was surrounded by tall pillars with hangings of fine linen hung between them. The pillars stood on bronze sockets, and their hooks and bands were silver. The people had to build the court exactly the way God described it, because God cared about every corner.
God also gave a command about light. He told Moses to tell the people to bring pure olive oil, so that a lamp could burn all through the night. Aaron and his sons were chosen to keep the lamp burning from evening until morning. God said, “This will be a rule for you forever.” The lamp was a reminder that God is always near his people.
When the people heard these instructions, they knew God was giving them a way to come close to him. Every piece of the tent and every job that the priests did showed that God is holy and wants his people to serve him faithfully. The work was careful and important because it was for God.
Read It Together
Exodus 27:1-2
1 “You shall make the altar of acacia wood, five cubits long, and five cubits wide; the altar shall be square: and its height shall be three cubits. 2 You shall make its horns on its four corners; its horns shall be of one piece with it; and you shall overlay it with brass.
(WEB)
Point out that God gave the altar’s size and shape, down to the horns on each corner. Ask children why they think God cared about such small details when he was giving instructions.
Exodus 27:9
“You shall make the court of the tabernacle: for the south side southward there shall be hangings for the court of fine twined linen one hundred cubits long for one side…
(WEB)
Show children that God described the court as a special place marked off for worship. Explain that God’s people were set apart to meet with him in a holy space.
Exodus 27:20-21
20 “You shall command the children of Israel, that they bring to you pure olive oil beaten for the light, to cause a lamp to burn continually. 21 In the Tent of Meeting, outside the veil which is before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall keep it in order from evening to morning before the LORD: it shall be a statute forever throughout their generations on the behalf of the children of Israel.
(WEB)
Point out that the lamp was to burn continually before the LORD, from evening to morning. Tell children that this was a promise of God’s constant presence among his people.
Talk About It
- What is one thing God asked the people to build, and what did they use to make it?
- Why do you think God wanted the tent to be built exactly the way he described?
- What do you think the lamp was meant to remind the people about God?
- How can we show God that we care about doing things the way he asks us to?
- Where is a place you feel close to God, and why does that place feel special to you?
Activity Ideas
Build a Paper Altar
You will need construction paper, scissors, glue, tape, and a few cardboard tubes. Have children cut a square base and four small horns to glue on each corner, then cover the whole altar with gold or silver foil to show the bronze. Talk about how each part had a purpose, just as God planned it.
Lamp Light Game
Gather a flashlight or a small battery candle and set it in the center of the room. Have children take turns walking slowly around the light without touching it, like the priests keeping watch from evening to morning. Afterward, remind them that God is always watching over his people.
Take-Home Promise Card
Give each child an index card and a crayon to draw a small lamp with a flame. Have them write or draw one way they can serve God at home this week, such as helping a sibling or praying before dinner. Ask them to place the card near their bed as a reminder.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Exodus 27 shows that God is holy and that worship has a proper shape he himself established. The detailed instructions for the altar, the court, and the lamp point forward to a God who wants his people to draw near to him on his terms. Believers today can see in these chapters a God who cares about faithfulness in worship and who keeps his presence among his people.
Avoid overstating to children that the tent’s specific materials or measurements carry hidden meanings they must decode. Keep the focus on the simple truths that God gave clear instructions and that he is worth careful obedience.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank you for giving us clear directions and for caring about even the small details of our lives. Help us to listen to you and to do what you ask, just as the people of Israel tried to do. Thank you that you are always near us, like a lamp that never goes out. Amen.
