This lesson teaches children that Moses set up the tabernacle exactly as God told him, and that God came to live among His people in it. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God makes a special place to be with His people, and when we do what He asks, He keeps His promises. Moses obeyed God completely, and God showed up in a beautiful way.
Memory Verse
Exodus 40:16
Moses did so. According to all that the LORD commanded him, so he did.
(WEB)
Hold both hands out flat, palms up, like you are receiving a gift. Then slowly nod your head once for “yes,” showing that Moses said yes to God every single time.
The Story: Exodus 40 for Kids
God spoke to Moses and gave him a plan. The people of Israel had been traveling through the wilderness for a long time, and God wanted a special tent where He could live among them. This tent was called the tabernacle, and God gave Moses very clear instructions about how to build it and set it up.
On the first day of the first month of the second year, Moses got to work. He put up the boards, laid the sockets, and raised the pillars. He placed the ark of the testimony inside, the special box that held God’s commandments. Then he set up the table, the lamp stand, and the golden altar, just as God had said.
Moses also made a big bowl of water for washing, and he set it between the tent and the altar. Then God told Moses to wash and dress his brother Aaron and Aaron’s sons, so they could serve God as priests. Moses did exactly what God commanded, every step of the way.
When everything was finished, a cloud came down and covered the tent. God’s glory filled the whole tabernacle, so full that Moses could not even go inside. God was truly present with His people. When the cloud lifted, the people knew it was time to travel, and when the cloud stayed, they stayed put, trusting God to lead them.
Read It Together
Exodus 40:2
“On the first day of the first month you shall raise up the tabernacle of the Tent of Meeting.
(WEB)
Point out that God gave the exact day for setting up the tabernacle. Ask children what it means that God planned something so carefully and cared about the timing.
Exodus 40:17-19
17 In the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, the tabernacle was raised up. 18 Moses raised up the tabernacle, and laid its sockets, and set up its boards, and put in its bars, and raised up its pillars. 19 He spread the covering over the tent, and put the roof of the tabernacle above on it, as the LORD commanded Moses.
(WEB)
Show how Moses built the tabernacle piece by piece, following each instruction. Explain that doing a job step by step, the way God asked, helped the people get something big done together.
Exodus 40:34-35
34 Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the LORD’s glory filled the tabernacle. 35 Moses wasn’t able to enter into the Tent of Meeting, because the cloud stayed on it, and the LORD’s glory filled the tabernacle.
(WEB)
Describe the cloud and the glory of the LORD filling the tabernacle. Tell children that this showed God was really with His people, and that He is with us too.
Talk About It
- Why do you think God cared so much that Moses did everything exactly the way He said?
- What did Moses do when God gave him instructions, even when they were long and detailed?
- How did the cloud show the people that God was with them?
- Why do you think God wanted a special place to live among His people?
- What is one way you can obey God this week, even when it is hard?
Activity Ideas
Build a Mini Tabernacle Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask children to draw a simple tent with a fence around it, then add the ark, the table, the lamp stand, and the golden altar inside. As they draw each item, say its name and remind them that Moses put each one in place just as God commanded.
Follow the Leader Obedience Game
Gather the children in an open space and let one child be “Moses.” Call out simple directions like “touch your toes” or “turn around three times,” and everyone must follow exactly. Afterward, talk about how Moses followed God’s directions carefully, and how following instructions helps everyone work together.
Cloud Jar Take-Home
You will need a clear jar, cotton balls, and a small card. Let children pull cotton balls apart to look like clouds and place them inside the jar. On the card, have them write or draw “God is with me.” Encourage them to keep the jar on their bedside table as a reminder that God is always with His people.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s presence is the center of worship and community. The tabernacle was not simply a building; it was the place where God chose to dwell with His people. The careful obedience of Moses points forward to the faithfulness God desires from all His people.
Avoid overstating the details of the tabernacle’s furniture and its meanings to young children. Keep the focus on Moses obeying God and God filling the tent with His glory, rather than trying to explain every symbol in depth.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for being with us every day. Help us to listen to You and do what You ask, just like Moses did. Thank You for always being near us, and for loving us so much. Amen.
