This lesson teaches children that God cares about every detail of how we serve him, and that the Israelites did everything exactly the way God told them. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, with time for a story, a verse, and an activity.
Big Idea
God notices when we do what he asks, even the small things, and he is pleased when we do our best for him.
Memory Verse
Exodus 39:32
Thus all the work of the tabernacle of the Tent of Meeting was finished. The children of Israel did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses; so they did.
(WEB)
Hold your hands together in front of your chest, then slowly open them wide like a book. Say the words together as your hands open, then close them again. Do this three times so the children feel the rhythm of “they did all that the Lord commanded.”
The Story: Exodus 39 for Kids
A long time ago, the people of Israel were traveling through the desert with God. God had given them a special tent called the tabernacle, where they could worship him and where the priests could serve him. Moses was the leader who helped them remember God’s rules.
God gave Moses very careful instructions for the clothes the priest would wear. Aaron was the high priest, and his clothes had to be made with blue, purple, and scarlet thread, along with fine linen. The workers also made shiny gold pieces and beautiful stones.
The workers set twelve special stones in a golden piece called the breastplate. Each stone was named for one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Imagine Aaron carrying all of his people close to his heart every time he served God. The workers also hung small golden bells on the bottom of Aaron’s robe so people could hear him moving as he worked.
Then the workers wrote the words “Holy to the Lord” on a golden plate and tied it onto Aaron’s turban. Every piece was made just the way God had said. Nobody added their own ideas or skipped any steps.
When the work was finished, the people brought everything to Moses. He looked at all of it and saw that the people had done exactly what God commanded. Moses was so happy that he blessed them.
Read It Together
Exodus 39:1
Of the blue, purple, and scarlet, they made finely worked garments, for ministering in the holy place, and made the holy garments for Aaron; as the LORD commanded Moses.
(WEB)
Point out that the workers used blue, purple, and scarlet thread for the holy clothes. Ask the children to name their favorite color, then remind them that God cares about beautiful work done for him.
Exodus 39:14
The stones were according to the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names; like the engravings of a signet, everyone according to his name, for the twelve tribes.
(WEB)
Show the children how the twelve stones stood for the twelve tribes of Israel. Explain that God remembers each person in his family, just as the stones were carefully placed and named.
Exodus 39:43
Moses saw all the work, and behold, they had done it as the LORD had commanded, even so had they done it: and Moses blessed them.
(WEB)
Point out that Moses saw the finished work and blessed the people. Remind the children that God is pleased when we work hard and obey him, and that he often shows his kindness to us.
Talk About It
- What is one thing the workers made that you think was the most beautiful, and why?
- Why do you think God wanted the priest’s clothes to be made so carefully?
- What did the twelve stones on Aaron’s chest remind God and the people about?
- How did the workers show that they were listening to God?
- What is one way you can do your best for God this week at home or at school?
Activity Ideas
Stone Breastplate Craft
You will need a sheet of paper, crayons or markers, glue, and small colored paper squares or dried beans. Draw a large square on the paper for the breastplate, then draw four rows of three boxes inside it. Have each child glue a colored square into each box and write or draw a name of a family member on each stone. Talk about how each name matters to God, just as each tribe mattered to him.
Obey the Leader Game
You will need a open space and a leader who gives simple instructions like hop three times, touch your nose, or clap twice. Children must follow each command exactly as the leader says, and anyone who does something different sits down for one round. After a few rounds, talk about how the workers in Exodus 39 followed God’s instructions exactly, and how careful obedience pleases him.
Take-Home Blessing Card
You will need an index card, a pencil, and a marker for each child. Have each child write or draw one thing they will do this week to obey or serve God, such as helping at home or sharing a toy. Ask them to take the card home and place it where they will see it each morning. Encourage families to pray together about the goal before the card goes up.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God cares about worship, obedience, and beauty in the details of how his people serve him. The careful work on the priestly garments reflects the seriousness of coming before a holy God and the honor of representing the people before him. It also points forward to the way Jesus, our great High Priest, carries his people with love and perfect faithfulness.
Avoid suggesting to children that God is only pleased when we follow every rule perfectly. Children can easily come away thinking they must earn God’s favor by getting everything right. Make clear that God loves them even when they make mistakes, and that obedience comes from love for him rather than from fear of failing.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Lord, thank you for caring about everything we do for you. Help us to do our best and to listen carefully when you tell us what is right. Thank you that you remember each of us by name and love us every day. Amen.
