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On their journey to the land of promise, God instructed the Israelites to build a tabernacle. This tent structure, its furnishings and even the clothes worn by the priests serving in it were special and beautiful. When asked to give supplies and use their skills to build the tabernacle, the people were so willing and generous that Moses finally had to tell them to stop. When all the work was completed, the presence of God filled the tabernacle and was visible to the people as a cloud by day and a fire by night. When the cloud moved, Israel knew it was time to pack up the Tabernacle along with the rest of their belongings and move to the next stage in their journey.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Exodus 35:4 through 40:38

Outline:

1. Moses assembles the supplies and workers to build the tabernacle (Exodus 35:4-36:7)
2. Constructing the individual parts of the tabernacle (Exodus 36:8-39:43)
3. Moses sets everything in place in the tabernacle (Exodus 40:1-33)
4. God’s presence fills the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34-38)

Tips for teaching children:

• Show illustrations of the tabernacle and the related parts (furnishings, priest clothing, etc.)
• Discuss generosity and then explore ways the children might donate or participate in a benevolent project. This might include donations to a food bank or clothing for those in need.

Tips for teaching adults:

• This is a large section of Scripture.  As a teacher, I would be prepared to summarise all of it instead of reading the entire text.  You may want to print the outline above and give copies to the class members.
• Show this online Virtual Tour of the Tabernacle.  Be sure to click on the ‘About’ tab at upper right of that website for helpful information about using this free material in public.
• Discuss Exodus 40:34-35 and what it means in our lives for God to be present among his people.  Encourage class discussion by asking questions such as:
  • How is God present among his people today?
  • How is this seen in our lives?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson:  The Tabernacle 

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

Music: Upbeat Positive Culture (Acoustic Corporate Travel Promo Christian Rock), Individual License, Stock Media provided by HumansWin, pond5.com

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org