This lesson teaches children that God chose to live among His people, and that the tabernacle was built exactly the way He asked. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God came to live with His people in a special tent, and He was very pleased when they did everything exactly as He said.
Memory Verse
Exodus 40:34
Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the LORD’s glory filled the tabernacle.
(WEB)
Cup your hands in front of your heart, then slowly spread your arms wide like a cloud filling a room. Say “God’s glory filled the tent” together three times while you move your arms.
The Story: Exodus 40 for Kids
God spoke to Moses and told him it was time to set up the tabernacle, which was a special tent where God would meet with His people. It was the first day of the first month, a year after the people had left Egypt. Moses listened carefully, because God had given him a detailed plan to follow. Everything had to be put in the right place.
Moses carried the parts of the tent and set them up one by one. He placed the sacred box called the ark inside and covered it with a curtain. He put the table with the bread on it, the lampstand with its lamps, and the golden altar for burning sweet incense. Each item went exactly where God had shown him.
Next, Moses washed Aaron and his sons with water. Then he dressed Aaron in the holy clothes and poured special oil on him. God said these men would serve Him as priests for their whole lives. Moses did every single thing that the Lord had commanded him to do.
When all the work was finished, something amazing happened. A cloud covered the tent, and the bright glory of the Lord filled the whole place. Moses could not even walk inside because the cloud was so thick. God had come to live among His people.
From that day on, the people watched the cloud every time they traveled. When the cloud lifted, they packed up and followed it. When it stayed in place, they stayed too. At night the cloud looked like fire, so the people always knew God was with them.
Read It Together
Exodus 40:16
Moses did so. According to all that the LORD commanded him, so he did.
(WEB)
Point out the words “Moses did so.” Ask children to notice that Moses obeyed everything God asked, even when it took a lot of work. Show how obedience is a way of trusting God.
Exodus 40:19-21
19 He spread the covering over the tent, and put the roof of the tabernacle above on it, as the LORD commanded Moses. 20 He took and put the testimony into the ark, and set the poles on the ark, and put the mercy seat above on the ark. 21 He brought the ark into the tabernacle, and set up the veil of the screen, and screened the ark of the testimony, as the LORD commanded Moses.
(WEB)
Walk through the steps Moses took to set up the tent, one by one. Explain that each piece mattered because God had planned it. Point out the repeated phrase “as the LORD commanded Moses” to help children see that Moses followed the plan carefully.
Exodus 40:38
For the cloud of the LORD was on the tabernacle by day, and there was fire in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.
(WEB)
Show children that God’s cloud was with His people every day and every night, in every place they traveled. Remind them that God is still with them wherever they go, even when they cannot see Him.
Talk About It
- What did Moses do to show that he was listening to God?
- Why do you think God wanted His people to follow His plan exactly?
- How did the cloud help the people know what to do each day?
- What did the glory of the Lord look like when it filled the tent?
- How can you show God that you want to do things His way at home or at school?
Activity Ideas
Build a Paper Tabernacle
You will need construction paper, tape, scissors, and markers. Have children fold a sheet of paper into a simple tent shape and draw the ark, table, lampstand, and altar inside. Let them place each drawn piece where Moses placed the real ones. Talk about why each item had its own place.
Cloud Follow Game
You will need a sheet, a few pillows, and an open space. One child holds the sheet up high as the “cloud” and slowly walks around the room. The other children follow behind quietly, and when the cloud stops, everyone stops too. Explain that the people followed God’s cloud wherever it went.
Take-Home Promise Card
You will need an index card, a pencil, and a small piece of tape. Have each child write “I will listen to God” on the card and draw a small cloud at the top. Children can tape it to a bedroom mirror or the refrigerator to remember that God is always with them, just as He was with the Israelites.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God took the worship of His people seriously and gave clear, detailed instructions about how He wished to be approached. The careful obedience of Moses points forward to the bigger truth that God desires His people to live in His presence, and the cloud of glory filling the tent is a picture of God dwelling with His people.
Avoid suggesting to children that God’s presence depends on how well they behave or follow rules. The lesson is that God chose to dwell with His people out of grace, and our obedience is a response to His faithfulness, not a way to earn it.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You for being with us every day and every night, just as You were with Your people long ago. Help us listen to You and do what You ask, even when it is hard. Thank You that You never leave us alone. Amen.
