1

Unit 5: Life of Moses

OT5.11 The Tabernacle
Scripture: Exodus 25-30
Lesson Goal:
God told Israel to build for Him a place to live with them. It was called the Tabernacle. The tabernacle
was a picture of God's Son Jesus whom He was going to send as the Savior of the world. We will
see how God wanted His people to worship Him.

Introduction:
This is the eleventh lesson in Unit 5: Life of Moses. God told Israel to build for Him a place to live with
them. It was called the Tabernacle. The tabernacle was a picture of God's Son Jesus whom He was
going to send as the Savior of the world. We will see how God wanted His people to worship Him.
The lesson is found in the second book of the Bible called Exodus. Exodus is in the Old Testament.
Exodus is a word that means exit because it tells how Israel left Egypt. Exodus follows the Book of
Genesis and is one of the books of Law. The books of the Law are the first five books in the Old
Testament. Let's say the books of Law together: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and
Deuteronomy.

Attention Getter: “A Mansion”

If you were to visit a mansion what do you think it would look like? Would it have lots of rooms and a
big, big porch? Maybe the mansion would have lots of garages for all the fancy expensive cars that
the owner would drive! The mansion would probably have a big swimming pool with lots of windows
in the house looking out on the pool. A mansion would also have lots of rooms--especially lots of
bedrooms for all the guests that could come to visit. Building a house like that would cost lots of
money and time, wouldn't it?

Can you imagine making a house beautiful enough for God to live in? Have you ever wondered what
kind of house God could live in? How big do you think it would have to be? How would you decorate
it?

In this lesson we are going to talk about a place that God told the children of Israel to build for Him to
live with them. This was a very beautiful place called the tabernacle. This story is found in the book
of Exodus.

Opening Prayer:
Father, we stand in awe of You for designing the tabernacle out there in the wilderness with so many
signs pointing to Jesus. Jesus didn’t even come on the scene for many hundreds of years, but you
knew before the foundations of the world that we would need a Savior. Thank You for your wonderful
plan to save me from my sins. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Memory Verse:
The memory verses are Hebrews 9:11-12 “So Christ has now become the High Priest over all the
good things that have come. He has entered that greater, more perfect Tabernacle in heaven, which
was not made by human hands and is not part of this created world. With his own blood—not the
blood of goats and calves—he entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our
redemption forever.”

Lesson Video: https://youtu.be/nWyTuJUsIRE

When Moses was on Mount Sinai for forty days and nights God gave him the Ten Commandments.
God also gave Moses many instructions on how the nation of Israel was to live with one another.
These laws had to do with their property and how to settle disputes with each other. God wanted His
people to respect one another and live in peace.

OT5.11 The Tabernacle ©Beverly Wilson 2017

 2

God then gave Moses exact instructions for building a tabernacle or a dwelling place for Him. The
tabernacle was to be a beautiful place where God could reveal himself to his people. It was also a
place where the Ark of the Covenant was to be kept. The tabernacle was to be made of materials that
could be packed up and moved as the Israelites travelled through the wilderness.

The tabernacle was to be the place where the people of Israel worshipped God. It would also help
them know Who God was and What He was like. Expensive metals, fine wood, leather, rich cloths,
dyed threads, wood and precious stones would be needed to make the Tabernacle. The Egyptians
had given the Hebrew slaves expensive gifts when they left Egypt and now God was asking them to
give a share of these to Him.

When Moses came down the mountain he told everyone, "God wants those who are willing to bring
their gifts to build a tabernacle. We need precious metals and stones, strong acacia wood, linen and
cloth. We also need skilled workers.”

Every morning people willingly came and gave their gifts to make the tabernacle. They brought
jewelry and objects made of gold, silver and bronze, ram's skins, leather and acacia wood. The
people were happy to give fine linen, goat hair and expensive threads in blue, purple and scarlet.
Others gave olive oil, spices and precious stones. All of the gifts were a free will offering! Everyone
wanted to give!

God had told Moses that two fine craftsmen named Bezalel and Oholiab should be put in charge of
the work. They were filled with the Spirit of God to be good in all the skills they needed to design
artistically with metals, wood, and other materials. Other skilled workers joined them to make
everything that God required. These workers would follow the exact directions that God had given
Moses on the mountain.

Every morning people kept bringing their gifts. Soon they had more than they needed and Moses told
them to stop giving. Can you imagine how wonderful it was that everyone wanted to give and help?

This was the tabernacle or tent that God told them to build. In God's plan everything in it was to have
a special purpose. It would also help the people know about God's Son Jesus whom He had
promised to send.

The tabernacle was to have a large fence around it. The courtyard was 150 feet long and 75 feet
wide. There were twenty posts down the longer sides and ten down the shorter sides. Each of the
posts was made of wood with a bronze base, silver hooks and silver top. Finely twisted linen curtains
were made to go between these posts. The white linen fence was the first thing that you saw when
you came to the tabernacle.

There was only one entrance into the tabernacle. The entrance of the Tabernacle was always to be
pitched facing east. Curtains of finely embroidered blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted
linen were made for the entrance. There was only one entrance into the tabernacle. They called it
"The Gate" and it reminds us of Jesus. He said that He was the "gate" to heaven. "I am the gate
whoever enters through me will be saved."

Inside the courtyard the tabernacle or tent would stand. This tent was to be 45 feet long and 15 feet
wide. A strong wood frame was built and four covers to go over it were made. First there was a fine
embroidered linen, then a layer of goat's hair, over that was a layer of ram's skins dyed red. On top
was a cover made of bluish animal skin possibly made from dolphins or seals from the Red Sea.

The Tabernacle was to be divided into two rooms by a curtain. One was called the Holy Place and the
other was the Holy of Holies. The Most Holy Place was where the Ark of the Covenant was to be
kept.

OT5.11 The Tabernacle ©Beverly Wilson 2017

 3

The long room was separated by a thick veil of fine linen embroidered with figures of angels in blue,
purple, and scarlet. Only priests would be allowed to enter the Holy Place.

The only object made to go inside the Most Holy Place was an ark made of acacia wood covered in
gold. The cover or mercy seat was made of pure gold with two cherubim facing each other. The
wings of the angels met and spread over the cover. It was over this cover that the presence of God
would be. Golden poles and a cover were made for the priests to lift and move the ark on their
travels.

No one was to ever touch the Ark itself or they would die! That was because the light of God's
presence came down on the Ark of the Covenant after it was built. The light would shine so bright that
it could be seen from outside the tent for miles around! Everyone could look to the tabernacle and
know that God was with them!

No one would be allowed to go behind the veil into the Most Holy Place which was called the Holy of
Holies except the High Priest. He would enter it once a year to bring the blood of a sacrificed animal
to make peace with God for their sins. God promised that when He saw the blood He would forgive
man's sin.

In the front room of the tabernacle was the Holy Place. In this room was a table made of acacia wood
covered in gold. It too had golden poles to carry it. It had plates, dishes, and bowls all made of gold.
Placed on the table each week were twelve loaves of bread representing the twelve tribes of Israel.
Keeping fresh bread on the table was one of the jobs of the priests.

On the opposite side of the wall in the Holy Place was a lamp. The lampstand had seven branches
made of pure gold. It was called a Menorah. The light from the lampstand lit up the Holy Place. The
high priests had to keep oil in the lampstand so it would keep burning all day and all night except
when the tabernacle was being moved. The Golden Lampstand reminds us of Jesus when He said,
"I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will
have the light that leads to life."

A third piece of furniture for the Holy Place was a golden altar. Priests would use this to burn incense
every morning and evening to make a pleasing aroma to God. Incense was a kind of oil that gave off
a sweet smelling scent. The incense was a symbol of the prayers of the people of God going up to
God. Psalm 14:12 says, "Accept our prayer as incense offered to you." God wanted the people of
Israel to know that their prayers were a pleasing aroma to Him.

Before the priests entered the Tabernacle they had to wash their hands and feet. So outside in the
courtyard was a large bronze laver or wash basin. The laver was to be placed in the courtyard in front
of the Holy Place. The laver was a large bowl filled with water. It was made of bronze and lined with
mirrors so you could see your reflection in the water! This laver was to remind the priests that when
they read God's Word it would show them what they looked like on the inside! We are dirty with sin!

Also out in the courtyard was the Altar of Sacrifice. It was a square box of acacia wood covered with
bronze that was made to go in the courtyard. At each corner was a bronze horn and it had golden
carrying handles. A fire was kept burning in the Altar to be ready to receive the sacrifices of the
people. All the utensils that the priests used--bowls, and levers were made of bronze too.

The altar would be used for people to bring a male animal without defect, cattle, sheep, goats, or
birds if they were poor. They would put their hand on the animal to show it was being offered for
them to make peace with God. Leviticus 1:4

The animals would be sacrificed and its blood sprinkled on the altar. This shed blood made it
possible for God to forgive them for the wrong things they had done. The animal would then be burnt
on the altar.

OT5.11 The Tabernacle ©Beverly Wilson 2017

 4

The altar was set up on a mound of earth. This was a picture of Jesus being lifted up on the cross.
Jesus was like the lamb or goat that was sacrificed for our sin. He died to pay for our sins on the
cross.

God even gave directions for what the priests should wear when serving in the tabernacle. Garments
for the priests were made of white linen. A special garment was made for the High Priest Aaron. It
had a blue sleeveless tunic. Bells of pure gold were sewn around the hem with woven pomegranates
between them. When the High Priest went into the Most Holy Place those outside could hear the
bells as he moved around and then they would know that he was still alive.

Over the robe a richly embroidered ephod of gold, blue, purple and scarlet was worn. It was made in
two pieces joined together at the shoulders with golden clasps. Each clasp was set with an engraved
onyx stone.

On his head the High Priest wore a turban made of fine linen which was bound around the head in
coils. On the front of the turban on Aaron's forehead , attached by a blue lace ribbon was a golden
plate engraved, "Holy to the Lord."

A special breastplate was made for the High Priest. It had twelve precious stones each one engraved
with the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. These stones were very expensive and included
ruby, topaz, beryl, turquoise, sapphire, emerald, jacinth, agate, amethyst, chrysolite, onyx and jasper.

When everything was ready the Tabernacle was built in the middle of the camp with three tribes on
every side. The tabernacle furniture was put in position.Just as God had told him Moses placed the
two tablets of stone containing God's laws into the Ark, Aaron's rod, and a jar of manna into the Ark.
Then he put the cover over it.

When everything was finished and Aaron and his sons had washed and put on their robes, the glory
of God filled the Tabernacle. God's presence then filled the tabernacle. A great light shone from the
Holy of Holies. The cloud of God was over it by day. The Israelites when they were camped would
see the cloud and know that God was with them. At night the fire of God shone from the tabernacle.
This light showed that God was protecting and guiding these people. They could trust Him and not
be afraid.

When the cloud lifted the Israelites would dismantle the Tabernacle and travel on through the
wilderness. They would make camp and assemble it again. God's presence remained with them
where ever they were.

Let’s review the different parts of the tabernacle and tell what they mean. The first thing a person
would see all around the building was the fence. It was covered with white linen. In that fence was
only one gate. Who does this symbolize? Yes, Jesus is the Gate to Heaven.

Just inside the gate is the Altar of Sacrifice. Before we can enter into God's presence what do we
have to do? We must confess our sins and ask for Jesus' sacrifice on the cross to take them away.
So it was important for the Israelites to offer their sacrifice first before they entered the tabernacle.

Next in the courtyard was the laver. Here is where the priest washed his hands. This act was to
show how we are cleansed by the water of the Word of God.

Inside the tabernacle the priest had to perform several jobs. Every day he had to put twelve loaves of
bread on the Table of Shewbread. Who did this bread represent? It was to symbolize the twelve
tribes of Israel and how Jesus is our Bread of Life.

OT5.11 The Tabernacle ©Beverly Wilson 2017

 5

Next the priest was to pour oil into the Lampstand. Who is our Light? Yes, Jesus is the Light of the
World who brings an end to the darkness of sin. The oil was to show how we have the Holy Spirit in
our lives when we believe in Jesus,

Another job of the priest was to keep oil burning in the Altar of Incense. This represented the prayers
of the believers going up to God.

Once a year the High Priest would enter the Holy of Holies and place blood on the top of the Ark of
the Covenant. The cover of the Ark of the Covenant represented the presence of God Himself. God
promises the one who believes in Him that He will forgive our sin and take us to heaven. We will live
forever in His presence.

Our memory verse today is Hebrews 9:11-12. It explains how Jesus is our High Priest and has
entered into heaven for us. Let's read these verses together. " So Christ has now become the High
Priest over all the good things that have come. He has entered that greater, more perfect Tabernacle
in heaven, which was not made by human hands and is not part of this created world. With his own
blood—not the blood of goats and calves—he entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and
secured our redemption forever. (Hebrews 9:11-12)

Remember Jesus is your High Priest and has entered into heaven for you!

Review Questions: Tabernacle Pictionary Game

Preparation: You will need white board or chalkboard; dry erase markers, and chalk; paper sack.
Write the following names or words from the tabernacle lesson on slips of paper: tabernacle, Holy of
Holies, Holy Place, Outer Court, Altar of Sacrifice, laver, Table of Shew Bread, Altar of Incense,
Lampstand, Curtain, Ark of the Covenant, Mercy Seat, Cherubim, lamb, sacrifice, worship, etc. Place
these slips of paper into a paper bag.

Procedure: Divide into two teams. Or if you have a small group, just have a volunteer come forward.
Ask one of the review questions below. If the student or team gets it correct then they may draw a
slip of paper from the sack. If working in teams, then show the slip of paper to the team. First artist
comes forward and begins to illustrate something from the scene described. After 30 seconds or so,
call for a switch and have another team member come and add to the drawing. Continue until all
players have contributed to the drawings. Then have both artists and teams sit down. Teams should
try to guess the other team’s story depicted in the drawings. Or just have the volunteer take one or
two minutes to illustrate the word and let the other students try to guess the object.
1. Who gave Moses instructions for how to build the tabernacle? (God gave in instructions on
Mt. Sinai.)
2. Where did the people get the materials to build the tabernacle? (They donated or gave the
materials from their own possessions that they had brought out of the land of Egypt.)
3. How did the people give toward building a place of worship? (The people gave generously.
They had more than enough materials to build. They gave so much Moses had to tell them to
stop.)
4. What was all the way around the tabernacle? (A fence with only one gate to enter. This
shows us that there is only one way to come to God and worship Him. Jesus is our gate.)
5. Where was the tabernacle located? (The tabernacle was located in the middle of the camp
which shows that worshipping God should be at the center of our life.)
6. What was the biggest thing in the outside court of the tabernacle? (The Altar of Burnt offering
was in the outside court.)
7. What did people do to worship God? (They brought an animal sacrifice to be killed in the
place of sin.)
8. Who were the men who worked in the tabernacle? (The priests or Levites were in charge of
the tabernacle.)

OT5.11 The Tabernacle ©Beverly Wilson 2017

 6

9. What was the second piece of furniture in the tabernacle courtyard? (The laver or basin for
washing was the second piece of furniture in the courtyard.)
10. Why did the priest have to wash his hands? (He was dirty from sin and shows how we are to
be made clean by Jesus' blood.)
11. What was the tabernacle made of? (Walls that were held together by rings and rods. A kind
of tent covered with different layers of skins.)
12. What were the four layers of the tent covering? badger (brown); ram skins (red); white goat
hair , woven layer of blue, purple, red and white
13. What was the front room of the tabernacle called? (The front room of the tabernacle was
called the Holy Place.)
14. Name two of the three items that were placed in the Holy Place. (The furniture in the Holy
Place was the lamp stand, table of Shewbread, and Incense altar.)
15. What held twelve loaves of bread that represented the twelve tribes of Israel? (The loaves of
bread were placed on the Table of Shew Bread.)
16. What burned oil to light the holy place? (The light in the Holy Place was the lamp stand.)
17. What was the meaning of the altar of incense? (The altar burned incense constantly like
prayers of people to God.)
18. What were the inside of the walls made of in the Holy Place? (The inside walls were pure
gold and an embroidered curtain.)
19. What was the second room in the tabernacle called? (The second room was the Holy of
Holies.)
20. How many times did the high priest go into the Holy of Holies? Once a year
21. What did the High Priest do in the Holy of Holies? (He sprinkled blood on the Ark of the
Covenant.”
22. What did the Ark of the Covenant look like? (The Ark looked like a golden box with two gold
angels on top.”
23. Why did God give Israel all these signs when they worshipped Him? (He wanted to help
them know that God was going to save them through Jesus dying on the cross.
24. What items was placed in the Most Holy Place? (The only furniture in the Most Holy Place
was the Ark of the Covenant.)
25. What was placed in the courtyard of the tabernacle? (In the courtyard were the bronze altar
and the laver.)
26. What item contained the Ten Commandments, manna, and Aaron’s rod? (These were in the
Ark of the Covenant.)
27. Where did the priest offer incense every morning and night? (The priests burned incense
every morning and night at the Incense Altar.)
28. Where did the high priest sacrifice the animals? (The animals were sacrificed in the courtyard
and burned on the bronze altar.)
29. What was used for burnt offerings? (The altar was used to burn the sacrificed animals.)
30. What had a mercy seat with two golden angels on it? (The Ark of the Covenant had two
golden cherubim with their angel wings covering the top and forming the Mercy Seat.)
31. Where did God’s presence dwell? (God dwelled in the Most Holy Place and was only visible
by the cloud by day and the fire by night.)
32. Where did Moses meet God and get the instructions for building the tabernacle? (Moses
talked with God on Mt. Sinai.)

Bible Memory Verse Activity: “Tabernacle Cards”

The memory verses are Hebrews 9:11-12 “So Christ has now become the High Priest over all the
good things that have come. He has entered that greater, more perfect Tabernacle in heaven, which
was not made by human hands and is not part of this created world. With his own blood—not the
blood of goats and calves—he entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our
redemption forever.”

OT5.11 The Tabernacle ©Beverly Wilson 2017

 7

Have students look up the verses in scripture and read aloud.

Discuss the fact that Jesus is the way for us into heaven. Just as
the Israelites had to have a sacrifice in order to enter the outer
court of the tabernacle we must believe in the sacrifice of Christ on
the cross in order for us to go to heaven.

Print the Tabernacle cards below on poster paper. Cut apart into
cards. Give each student in your class a card and have them write
the memory verses on the back of the card. Encourage each child
to take the cards home to display the verse.

Group Learning Activity: “Who Am I?” (Grades K-3)

Purpose: To help students learn the different jobs that people can serve God in at the church

Preparation: You will need paper, markers, and safety pins. Before class
write each of the following jobs in large print on a sheet of paper: pastor,
music director, worship leader, offering collector, Sunday School teacher,
janitor, secretary, missionary, cook, usher, youth minister. You may not
have all of these jobs at your church or you may have others. List the
jobs that best describe your church.

Procedure: Say: “Do you like to come to church to worship God? Have
you ever noticed the people who have different jobs at our church? You
probably see teachers, preachers, song leaders and those who collect
the offering. There are also people who help take care of the church
building, to keep it clean and in good order.

“Many, many years ago, God’s people were divided into different tribes. One of the tribes was named
Levi and the people in the tribe were called the Levites. God gave the Levites a very special job to
do. They were to help lead all of God’s people in worshipping God. The Bible tells us about the
special jobs that the Levites had. The Levites took care of the tabernacle which was the name of the
place where the people came to worship. Today we would call these buildings our churches. The
Levites helped gather the offering. They led the people in singing and playing musical instruments to
praise God. The Levites took care of the rooms in the tabernacle to be sure that they were clean.
They also helped to teach the people about God. Everyone could enjoy coming to the tabernacle to
worship God because of the special way the Levites helped to get everything ready for worship.”
Review the different jobs that the Levites had: receiving the sacrificial offerings, washing hands in the
basin, making sure bread was on the Table of Shew Bread, keeping oil in the lamp stand, and
burning incense in the Altar of Incense.

“What are some of the jobs that are done at our church?” (Go over the jobs that you have listed on
the large piece of paper.)

Explain that the children will play “Who am I?” to guess some of the helping jobs that are done at the
church. Use a safety pin to fasten a job title to each child’s back. The other children can see the job
but the child who is wearing it should not be allowed to see it. Tell the children that they are to try to
guess what their job is. Explain that they can ask their classmates questions that can be answered
with a “yes” or a “no” to try to figure out their job. They can also ask a classmate to “act out” the job
to help them guess. Allow time for everyone to guess their job. Then talk about how important all of
the jobs are in order to help our church better serve God.

OT5.11 The Tabernacle ©Beverly Wilson 2017

 8

Group Learning Activity: “Our Gifts to God” Class Collage (Grades K-3)
Purpose: “In our Bible Verse today, the people brought what they had and gave it to God. We are
going to make a class project of things we could give to God.”

Preparation: You will need a large piece of paper and old magazines with lots of pictures, scissors,
and glue.

Procedure: Lay the large piece of paper on the table or floor. Let the children look through the
magazines for things they could give to God. When they find something, they can rip it out of the
magazine and glue it to the large piece of paper. (Examples: food items, quilts or blankets, clothing
items, shoes, or candles for the homeless; money for missionaries or the church ministries, picture of
a clock representing our time; picture of a Bible to symbolize giving of our mind to think about God’s
message to us;

Have the children talk with their neighbors about what special gifts they could give to God.

Group Learning Activity: “The Tabernacle and Christ” (Grades 3-5)

Purpose: To teach children the importance and significance of the tabernacle as pointing to the
coming of Christ as Savior.

Preparation: You will need Bibles, pictures of the tabernacle and the furniture in it, whiteboard. See
pictures below to print.

Procedure: Print and display pictures of the tabernacle. Have students read Hebrews 9: 1-11
together. Say: In the book of Hebrews God tells us that the tabernacle was a picture of how Jesus
Christ is our high priest. We are going to look at each of the parts of the tabernacle and review how
the tabernacle shows the coming of Christ for us? (As each picture is shown and discussed write the
heading on the whiteboard and a brief statement about Christ’s coming.)
1. Outer courtyard and fence: First is the outer courtyard, it is set up to show the Israelites were
to be kept apart, just as God is separated from sin. The Israelites were called to live holy
lives to show people who God is. Of course it’s not possible to actually live a perfect and holy
life because we have a sin nature. Anyone could approach the tabernacle, but only those
giving sacrifices could come in. This showed us how God calls everyone to Him, but not
everyone responds.
2. Altar of Sacrifice: Next came the altar of sacrifice, the Israelites would offer a lamb as a sin
offering to wash away their sins. Israelites would approach the bronze altar and would make
their sacrifice there. They sacrificed an innocent lamb without blemish. God is showing them
how only blood can wash away sin. In Hebrews 9:22 it says “without the shedding of blood
there can be no forgiveness.” But, a lamb was not sufficient. They continued to sin, and
continued to need forgiveness. They needed a Savior, a Messiah to come and save them.
The altar of sacrifice points to Jesus and how he ultimately took away our sins through his
death and resurrection.
3. Laver: When the Israelites went inside they encountered the Laver to wash their hands. This
reminded them of their sin, and how sin makes them dirty before God and their sin needs to
be washed away.
4. Tabernacle: The tabernacle itself was a large tent with two parts. The building of the
tabernacle had four curtains over it. The first is made of linen, a fabric that takes time to make
beautifully. The second is made of goat hair, the next is made of rams skin dyed red, and the
final layer is made of goat skins. The outside of the temple is not what God was looking at.
Just as God does not look at the outside of man, but looks at the heart, God dwelled inside
the tabernacle. The tabernacle building held the objects used in worship and was only
entered into by the priests.
5. Holy Place and Holy of Holies: The tabernacle was divided into two sections—the Holy Place
and the Holy of Holies. The Holy of Holies was the place where God dwelled on the Mercy

OT5.11 The Tabernacle ©Beverly Wilson 2017

 9

Seat. Only the high priest entered this room once a year to offer the sacrifice for the people.
Christ is our high priest and has entered into heaven after completing the sacrifice for our
sins on the cross. The two rooms of the tabernacle were divided by a curtain. When Jesus
died on the cross the curtain dividing the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple was torn
in two. We no longer needed that protection because God no longer saw your sin if you’ve
chosen to follow Jesus. Instead God sees what Jesus did for you on the cross.
6. Lamp stand: The lamp stand held the seven oil burning lamps that provided light for the
tabernacle. Jesus is the light of the world who brings salvation to a world of darkness and sin.
7. Table of Shew Bread: The table of show bread had twelve loaves of bread on it, one for each
of the twelve tribes of Israel. It was also a picture of Jesus who is the Bread of Life. On top
there was also oil and water. This bread was not for God to eat, but as a reminder of how
God cared for them in the desert and provided food and water. At the end of a week new
food was placed there and the bread was eaten by the priests.
8. Altar of Incense: The altar of incense burned sweet smelling herbs to go up to God. They
reminded us how our prayers to God were sweet and something God enjoyed just as we
enjoy the incense.
9. Ark of the Covenant: The Ark of the Covenant was the golden box that held the tablets of the
Ten Commandments, Aaron’s rod, and the jar of manna. Its cover was called the Mercy Seat
and was covered by the wings of two gold cherubim facing each other. God told the Israelites
to make it to remind them of all God had done and all He had promised to do. All the items in
the Ark of the Covenant showed how God had led them.
10. High Priest: God chose one man to be his high priest, the first high priest was Aaron, Moses’
brother. The high priest was the intercessor between God and man. He prayed to God for the
forgiveness of sins, he prayed to God for wisdom for the nation. The high priest wore a
special outfit to set him apart from the rest of the Israelites. He had a special breastplate with
twelve gems on it, one for each tribe in Israel. He wore an over-robe with blue tassels at the
corner, to show he was set apart for God.

Craft Learning Activity: “Shoe Box Tabernacles” (Grades 2-5)

Purpose: To help students understand what the tabernacle looked like and the meaning it had to point
to the coming of Jesus as the Messiah.

Preparation: You will need one shoe box lid for each child, white poster
paint, colored construction paper, scissors, toothpicks or craft sticks,
marking pens, and crayons.

Procedure: Paint the edges of the shoe box top white to represent white
linen curtains that enclosed the outer court. Copy the tabernacle patterns
onto colored construction paper. Use yellow for the various pieces of
furniture, purple for the Holy Place tent, and red for the roof of the Holy
Place and the veil. Use a piece of red and purple fabric to make the veil
and gate.

Inside the shoe box lid create the Holy Place using the purple
construction paper tent walls. Cut them out and fold on dotted lines.

Fold a long side of the veil piece about ¼ inch over the tooth picks and glue in place to make the
curtain entrance between the two rooms. The curtain will hang on the purple Holy Place tent walls.

Have the children cut out the furniture pieces along the dotted lines leaving a long “tail” to fold under
to glue or tape in the appropriate places.

Have them label the Ark of the Covenant, The Holy Place, and the Most Holy Place or draw people,
or animals as they wish.

OT5.11 The Tabernacle ©Beverly Wilson 2017

 10

Have students read Psalm 138:5. “May they sing of the ways of the Lord; for the glory of the Lord is
great.”

Say: “God specified exactly what was needed for the Tabernacle in order that He could dwell
amongst His people. God's specifications also told the people what they were to offer and how to
make the offerings. God wanted His people to make their offerings with a willing attitude. The
Tabernacle was built with a lot of careful, intricate work; work that only had value because the Lord
was with them and was in support of the project. Even though the Tabernacle had considerable glory,
it is such a wonder that God made His presence known in such a humble place. God also made His
presence known to the Israelites while journeying in the forms of the cloud and the fire. God
continues to desire to dwell with His people. He wants us to walk and talk with Him daily by reading
His Word and praying.

Craft Learning Activity: “Replica of the Ark of the Covenant” (Grades 3-5)
Purpose: To help students understand the contents of the Ark of the Covenant and the items inside it.

Preparation: You will need a cardboard shoe box for each child,
newspaper, gold spray paint, gold fabric trim, hole puncher, hot
glue gun, wooden skewer, Styrofoam craft ball, white
handkerchief, feathers or plumes; foam board, scissors,
markers, branch, glass jar, and bread crumbs.

Procedure: Remove the lid from your cardboard shoe box. Lay
the shoe box face-up on the newspaper with the upside-down
lid beside it. Spray paint both pieces, inside and out, with gold spray paint and allow to dry. Flip over
both pieces and spray paint the bottoms of the box and lid and allow to dry.

Attach the shoe box lid to the shoe box base. Use your hole punch to punch two holes on one long
side of the shoe box lid. Each hole should be 2 inches from the box corners. Punch two more holes in
the shoe box base, each 1 1/2 inches down and 2 inches in from the corners of a single long side.
Cut two 8-inch lengths of gold yarn. Loop each piece of yarn vertically through the hole in the shoe
box lid and then through the corresponding hole in the shoe box base several times and tie a knot.
Cut off any excess yarn. This will create a hinge effect on the box for opening. Glue gold trim around
the top of the box.

Create the two angels on the Ark's lid. Insert a wooden skewer halfway into each Styrofoam craft ball.
Push the skewer gently through the cardboard box lid 2 1/2 inches from the edge of the box. Repeat
this process for the second angel. Use hot glue gun to put glue on the underside of the box lid to seal
the pointed end of the skewer and affix it to the box's underside. Reinforce the skewer base with hot
glue on the top of the box lid. Gently drape a handkerchief around each Styrofoam ball and skewer,
tying each handkerchief at the base of the Styrofoam ball with a loose piece of yarn. Glue two
feathers or plumes to the back of each angel shape. Bend the wings towards the opposing angel.
Spray paint each angel and its wings

Create the Ten Commandments out of foam board. Draw two U-shapes with the permanent marker
on the gray foam board. Draw a horizontal line on each to connect the open end of each U-shape.
Use scissors to cut out each shape. Use the fine point permanent marker to scribble five wavy lines
horizontally on each. Number each wavy line 1 through 10.

Clip a branch from a backyard plant to represent Aaron's budded rod. Select a 1/4- to 1/2-inch thick
branch with small buds on it. Use clipping shears to cut an 8-inch length of the branch.

To create the golden jar with heavenly manna in it, spray-paint the apothecary jar gold. Tear off small
pieces of white bread and place them in the jar.

OT5.11 The Tabernacle ©Beverly Wilson 2017

 11

Place the foam Ten Commandments, the budded branch and the golden jar of white bread in the
shoe box. Secure each in place with a dab of hot glue.

Craft Learning Activity: “Altar of Sacrifice”

Purpose: Students will make an altar to remind them of how Aaron and his sons offered burnt
offerings to the Lord on the altar in the tabernacle.

Preparation: You will need the Altar Pattern printed on 67 lb. White Cardstock for each student,
Chocolate Chips, Popsicle Sticks,, Animal Crackers, Chinese Fried Noodles, tape and glue.

Procedure: Have students color the altar bronze and the flames red, orange, and yellow. Instruct
students to cut out the altar pattern and flames on the solid black lines. Fold the altar on the dotted
lines. Glue the altar together in the shape of a box. Tape the flames inside the altar. Glue a popsicle
stick to each side of the box to represent the carrying poles. Add chocolate chips (coal), Chinese fried
noodles (wood), and an animal cracker (burnt offering) to each altar.

As students are coloring their altars, remind them that the burnt offering was the way Israelites were
able to show that they were sorry for their sins. The priests had to keep the fire going. Even when the
tabernacle was moved to another place, the priests would carry the coals to the next location to keep
the fire going. Hebrews 9:22 says, “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.”
Help students realize that God sent his son to die on the cross (shed his blood) so that our sins could
be forgiven.

Craft Learning Activity: “Priest’s Holy Garments” (Grades 3-5)

Purpose: To help students understand the parts of the robe that the High Priest wore and their
significance to pointing to Jesus as our High Priest.

Preparation: Print out out the picture of the high priest and the articles of clothing
diagrams.

Procedure: Have students color the places where the High Priest was to have blood
sprinkled (

Have children locate Exodus 28:1-42 in Bibles and read the directions God gave for
making the high priest’s garments. Read Leviticus 8:23. Color red spots on Aaron’s
right ear lobe, thumb of the right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot for the
blood that was applied. Identify each of the parts as they are read about in the
passage. Emphasize the following points with children:

Say: “In Exodus 28 God gives directions to Moses for how to make the high priest’s
garments. These garments were to give them dignity and honor (Exodus 28:2).

White Linen coat: The white linen coat and girdle was worn by both the high priest and the lower
priests. This coat showed that the righteousness of Christ covered all our sins. We are priests before
God and can go directly to Him in prayer. In order to go before Him we need our sins removed by the
blood of Jesus.

Ephod: Only the high priest wore the seamless blue Ephod robe. This robe was a symbol of the authority
or position of the high priest to go before God. The color blue was a symbol of heaven. Jesus is our High
Priest who intercedes for us before God who is in heaven. The high priest was required to have gold bells
attached to the hem of his garment, so that “the sound of the bells will be heard when he enters the Holy
Place before the Lord and when he comes out, so that he will not die.” (Exodus 28:35). The bells were to
ring harmoniously and in unity. The pomegranates were to show fruitfulness. Christ who is our High Priest
prayed that we as believers would be in unity and that we would be “fruitful” in sharing our faith with others.

OT5.11 The Tabernacle ©Beverly Wilson 2017

 12

Breastpiece: God wanted Aaron to wear the “breastpiece of decision” to symbolize that the high priest
represented the people before God (Exodus 28:29). It was called the “breastpiece of decision” because
the Urim and Thummim, which were associated with the breastpiece, were used to determine God’s will in
various matters. This breastpiece was worn over the heart and was called also the “breastpiece of
judgment.” Christ is the One who has satisfied God’s Justice or Judgment for the payment of sin.

Turban: The turban was plain white, with a gold plate placed at the forehead. On the plate were
inscribed the words “Holy to the Lord.” This gold plate “will be on Aaron’s forehead continually so that
[the children of Israel] will be acceptable to the Lord” (Exodus 28:38). This reminder of consecration,
placed so conspicuously on the outfit, symbolized the importance of approaching the Lord God in
holiness. The gold plate was equivalent to a diadem or crown, symbolizing the regal splendor of the
high priest. Jesus is the Holy Son of God full of perfection and righteousness. He is also the King of
Kings and Lord of Lords and has all authority in heaven and on earth.

All the garments worn by the Old Testament priests were symbolic of being set apart for God’s work of
atoning for sin. Compliance with the “dress code” was required. This is noted in verse 43: “Aaron and his
sons must wear [the garments] whenever they enter the tent of meeting.”

Craft Learning Activity: “Making a Priest’s Breastpiece” (Grades 3-5)

Purpose: To help children understand the purpose of the priest’s garments and it symbolism

Preparation: You will need piece of blue fabric that has been doubled over and sewn together. It
should measure 9” x 9”; “Gemstones” which represent the twelve tribes of Israel- Ruby(red),
Topaz(golden), Beryl (light Green), Turquoise (blue/green), Sapphire (blue), Emerald(dark green),
Jacinth (Reddish orange), Agate (golden cream), Amethyst (Purple), Chrysolite (olive green), Onyx
(black), and Jasper (Red/yellow/brown mix); Fabric glue; Gold glitter glue; 8 gold rings (4 for the
Breastpiece and 4 for the ephod); Gold rope to attach the two upper corners to the shoulders of the
ephod; Blue rope to attach the two bottom corners to the ephod just below the arms; Needles; Thread

Procedure: Have the children place the stones on the breastpiece according to the order listed above.
They should be placed three across and four down and should begin right to left. Have the children
glue the stones in place. Pipe gold glitter glue around each stone. When the glue is dry (in a
subsequent class) have the children sew the gold rings on the four corners of the Breastpiece.

Say: God wanted Aaron to wear the “breastpiece of decision” to symbolize that the high priest represented
the people before God (Exodus 28:29). It was called the “breastpiece of decision” because the Urim and
Thummim, which were associated with the breastpiece, were used to determine God’s will in various
matters. This breastpiece was worn over the heart and was called also the “breastpiece of judgment.”
Christ is the One who has satisfied God’s Justice or Judgment for the payment of sin.

Snack Learning Activity: “Baking Showbread” (Grades 2-5)

Purpose: To taste unleavened bread that is similar to the bread served in the tabernacle.

Procedure: Have children wash their hands and put on aprons. Divide the tasks so everyone has a
chance to participate. Follow recipe below:
First Unleavened Bread Recipe

3 cups flour
2 tbsp oil or butter
3 large eggs
1/2 cup water or milk
1 tsp. salt

Combine dry ingredients. Combine eggs and oil, then beat. Add eggs to flour. Add milk, and then
beat for 2-3 minutes. Pour into three 8 inch square pans, greased, and bake for 20 minutes in a
hot oven (450 degrees)

OT5.11 The Tabernacle ©Beverly Wilson 2017

 13

Say: “The table of show bread had twelve loaves of bread on it, one for each of the twelve tribes of
Israel. It was also a picture of Jesus who is the Bread of Life. On top there was also oil and water.
This bread was not for God to eat, but as a reminder of how God cared for them in the desert and
provided food and water. At the end of a week new food was placed there and the bread was eaten
by the priests.

Life Application Challenge: Worshipping God

Say: The Ark of the Covenant was the most important Tabernacle furnishing to the Israelites. What
part of our worship today is the most important to you? (For example, answers might include singing,
praying, reading the Word, sharing our faith with others, doing good deeds for others, etc.) Review
with them one word or concept that they learned during today’s session. Suggestions include:
worship, faithfulness, mercy, holiness, etc. Discuss how they can practice a life style of worship for
God by being thankful, singing praises to God, reading God’s Word, praying, and sharing our faith
with others. Emphasize that God wants us to be faithful in our worship, to give mercy to others as He
as He has given mercy to us, and to acknowledge our need for Christ’s righteousness to be
demonstrated in our daily lives.

Closing Prayer: Gather all the children together in a circle. Ask for prayer requests. “Dear Lord, Thank
you for the time we’ve spent together today. Help us to remember how important it is to trust in your
power and to have faith that you are always with us. Help us to understand that you desire us to
worship You in an acceptable way. Help us to trust in You alone for our salvation. Just as you guided
the Israelites, may we always look for your guidance in our lives. Amen.”

OT5.11 The Tabernacle ©Beverly Wilson 2017

 14

The Tabernacle

Hebrews 9:11-12

OT5.11 The Tabernacle ©Beverly Wilson 2017

 15

OT5.11 The Tabernacle ©Beverly Wilson 2017

 16

OT5.11 The Tabernacle ©Beverly Wilson 2017

 17

OT5.11 The Tabernacle ©Beverly Wilson 2017

 18

OT5.11 The Tabernacle ©Beverly Wilson 2017

 19

OT5.11 The Tabernacle ©Beverly Wilson 2017

 20

Table of Shew Bread

The Lamp Stand

OT5.11 The Tabernacle ©Beverly Wilson 2017

 21

Altar of Incense

Altar of Sacrifice

OT5.11 The Tabernacle ©Beverly Wilson 2017

 22

Laver

Ark of Covenant

OT5.11 The Tabernacle ©Beverly Wilson 2017

 23

Tabernacle

OT5.11 The Tabernacle ©Beverly Wilson 2017

 24

High Priest’s Garments

Exodus 28

OT5.11 The Tabernacle ©Beverly Wilson 2017

 25

OT5.11 The Tabernacle ©Beverly Wilson 2017

 26

OT5.11 The Tabernacle ©Beverly Wilson 2017