In this lesson, children learn that God’s people gave their gifts willingly to build a special place where God would be worshiped, and that God gave skill to the people who did the work. This lesson works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God loves it when we give what we have to help His work, and He gives us skills to use for Him.
Memory Verse
Exodus 36:2
Moses called Bezalel and Oholiab, and every wise-hearted man, in whose heart the LORD had put wisdom, even everyone whose heart stirred him up to come to the work to do it…
(WEB)
Have children hold both hands out in front of them, palms up, as if receiving something. Then have them slowly bring their hands to their hearts while saying the verse together. The motion reminds them that the gifts came from willing hearts.
The Story: Exodus 36 for Kids
Long ago, God’s people were traveling through the desert after leaving Egypt. God told them to build a special tent called the tabernacle, a place where they could worship Him and where He would be with them. God chose a man named Bezalel and a man named Oholiab to lead the work. He also filled them with wisdom so they knew how to make beautiful things.
Moses called Bezalel, Oholiab, and every person whose heart was stirred to help. Each person came with gifts the people had brought from their own things. Some brought gold, silver, and cloth. Every morning, more gifts arrived. The workers were amazed at how generous the people were.
The workers came to Moses and said, “The people are bringing more than we need!” So Moses told everyone to stop bringing gifts. The people had given so much that there was plenty for all the work. Imagine a family pouring out so many gifts that the helpers said, “That is enough!”
Then the skilled workers got busy. They wove beautiful curtains made of blue, purple, and red thread, with pictures of angels called cherubim stitched on them. They made wooden boards covered in gold, and silver bases to hold them steady. Every piece was carefully measured and fit together. Bit by bit, God’s house was taking shape.
The workers made a fancy curtain to hang at the door of the tent, sewn with the same bright colors. They also made posts and hooks to hold everything in place. When the work was finished, the tabernacle was ready for God’s presence. The people had given, and God’s helpers had used their skills, all to honor the Lord.
Read It Together
Exodus 36:3
And they received from Moses all the offering which the children of Israel had brought for the work of the service of the sanctuary, with which to make it. They brought yet to him freewill offerings every morning.
(WEB)
Point out that the people gave freely every morning, not just once. Ask children what it looks like to give something every day, even small things like helping at home or sharing a toy. Explain that God notices generous hearts of every size.
Exodus 36:5-6
5 They spoke to Moses, saying, “The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work which the LORD commanded to make.” 6 Moses gave commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, “Let neither man nor woman make anything else for the offering for the sanctuary.” So the people were restrained from bringing.
(WEB)
Show how the workers came to Moses to report that there was too much, and Moses called a stop to giving. Talk about how the people’s generosity was so great it had to be controlled. Ask children what they think it feels like to give so much that someone says “that’s enough.”
Exodus 36:8
All the wise-hearted men among those who did the work made the tabernacle with ten curtains; of fine twined linen, blue, purple, and scarlet, with cherubim, the work of the skillful workman, they made them.
(WEB)
Point out that the workers used skill and care to make the tabernacle. Explain that God gives different talents to different people, and each one is useful in building up His work. Encourage children to notice what special skills God has given them.
Talk About It
- What is one thing the people gave to help build God’s house?
- Why do you think God wanted everyone to bring gifts with a willing heart?
- How did God help Bezalel and Oholiab do their work well?
- What is a gift or skill God has given you that you could use to help others?
- How can you show God thankfulness this week with what you have?
Activity Ideas
Colorful Curtain Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or colored pencils, and tape. Have each child draw a curtain with a border of blue, purple, and red, and add a small angel shape in the middle. Tape the finished drawings together on a wall to make one big tabernacle curtain. Talk about how each child’s picture adds to the whole.
Gift Walk Game
You will need a few small household items like cups, socks, or books. Set them in a pile at one end of the room. Children take turns carrying one item at a time to a “tabernacle” spot across the room, saying, “I give this to God.” Remind them that giving is joyful when it comes from a willing heart.
Take-Home Thankful Jar
You will need an empty jar, paper scraps, and a pencil. Ask the family to write one gift or skill they see in each other on a slip of paper and drop it into the jar. Read the notes together at dinner once a week. This helps children practice noticing and thanking God for the gifts He gives.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God invites His people to take part in His work through willing generosity and skilled service. The people gave beyond what was needed, and the craftsmen used the wisdom God gave them to honor Him. It reminds us that our giving and our abilities both matter in God’s plan.
Avoid overstating to children that God rewards every gift with material blessings or that a skill guarantees success. The lesson is about joyful, willing hearts and God’s faithful provision, not a formula for getting things from Him.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for giving us gifts and skills to use for You. Help us give willingly, with happy hearts, just like the people in the desert did. Show us how to use what You have given us to help others and honor You. Amen.
