This lesson teaches children that God cared about every detail of the place where His people would meet with Him, and that He still cares about the details of our lives. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, with a short story, a memory verse, some discussion, and a simple activity.
Big Idea
God planned a special place to be with His people, and He wants us to know Him close by. Everything He asked for had a purpose, and God is near to each of us today.
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 the children stand tall with their arms raised high like a roof over their heads, then slowly bring them down as they say the verse together. Repeat it three times, getting a little quieter each time, so the words stick.
The Story: Exodus 26 for Kids
Long ago, God’s people were traveling through the wilderness after leaving Egypt. They did not have a house or a building, so God gave them a special tent to carry with them. It was called the tabernacle, and it was the place where God would meet with His people.
God spoke to Moses and gave him very careful instructions. Moses was told to make curtains of fine linen, colored blue, purple, and scarlet, and to decorate them with pictures of cherubim, which were special angel-like figures. Each curtain had to be the same size, and they had to be joined together with loops and gold clasps.
The people also needed a covering for the tent. God told them to make curtains from goats’ hair, and to cover the top with rams’ skins dyed red and with another special covering. Strong wooden frames made of acacia wood were built to stand up the walls of the tent. Each frame was set into silver sockets so it would stay firm.
Inside the tent, there was a special veil that separated the holy place from the most holy place. Moses was told to hang this veil on gold-covered posts. Behind it was the ark, the chest that held the testimony of God’s promises. God said, “Set up the tabernacle just as I showed you on the mountain.” The people listened and did exactly as God asked.
At the door of the tent was another curtain, colored just as beautifully. Everything was made by skilled workers, and everything was done the way God had planned. God’s people learned that He is a God who cares about every detail.
Read It Together
Exodus 26:1
“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.
(WEB)
Point out that God gave the people colors and beautiful work for His house. Ask the children what their favorite color is and remind them that God made colors for us to enjoy.
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 the children that the veil kept the holy place separate. Explain that this curtain was a special reminder that God is holy and that people could not just walk in whenever they wanted.
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 in the tent. Explain that these things were placed carefully so that God’s people could worship Him in the right way, with light and bread set out before Him.
Talk About It
- Why do you think God wanted His people to build a special tent for Him?
- What colors did God ask for in the curtains, and what do you think those colors remind you of?
- Why do you think God cared so much about the small details of how the tent was made?
- How can you show God that you care about the places where you meet with Him, like church or your bedroom when you pray?
- What is one thing you can do this week to remember that God is always close to you?
Activity Ideas
Colorful Curtain Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Have each child draw a curtain with a border of blue, purple, and red, and add a simple design like a small angel or a star in the middle. Talk about how each curtain was measured exactly the same, and let the children tell you what they were careful to make neat.
Build a Tent Game
Gather a few sheets, blankets, and some chairs or pillows to make a simple tent in the room. Let the children take turns carrying “curtains” (folded sheets) and placing them carefully over the frame as you call out the instructions. Stop to say, “We are doing this just as God asked,” and cheer when the tent stands firm.
Tabernacle Keepsake Card
Give each child a folded piece of paper and a few craft supplies like glue, ribbon, or stickers. Ask them to decorate the front with a tent shape and write or draw one thing they want to thank God for. Let them take it home and place it somewhere they will see it during prayer time.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God gave clear, detailed instructions for how He would dwell among His people in the wilderness. The tabernacle pointed forward to God’s desire to be present with His people, a theme that Christians see fulfilled in Jesus. The careful craftsmanship, the colors, and the holy separation all taught the people that worship is a serious and joyful response to God’s holiness and nearness.
With children, avoid overstating the symbolism of each curtain, color, and measurement as if the children must understand every detail. Keep the focus on the simple truths that God is holy, that He cares about His people, and that He invites us to come close to Him.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for caring about every part of our lives, even the small things. Help us remember that You are near to us every day. Teach us to worship You with joy and respect, and to know that You love us. Amen.
