In the Old Testament, during the story of the Exodus, God gave his people instructions to build a tabernacle where he would dwell among them.
God also gave his people specific instructions for ordered worship, including the institutions of the High Priest of the tabernacle. The High Priest and the other priests of the tabernacle, including other clans in the tribe of Levi, all had specific tasks to carry out to the glory of God.
As our children learn about the tabernacle and the Israelite priests, they will grow in understanding of who God is, why we need a Savior, God’s plan for salvation, and how we are to worship our great God.
High Priest of the Tabernacle
The story of the tabernacle is found in Exodus chapters 25-40, the book of Leviticus, Hebrews 8-10, and parts of the Gospel of John. That can be a lot of Scripture for your kids to read and synthesize, so I’ve created a resource to help.
Your kids can read all about the story of the construction of the tabernacle, and learn about the biblical feasts, in my narrative nonfiction from Christian Focus Publications, What Was the Tabernacle?. The book is a fun way for your kids to learn about each aspect of the tabernacle and about what God’s Word has to say about how the tabernacle relates to salvation and how we worship the Lord.
And, as your kids read about God’s tabernacle, this fun craft will allow your kids to make the High Priest of the tabernacle, two of Aaron’s priestly sons, and a lamb and goat to signify the cost of sacrifice.
What Was the Tabernacle?
God gave the Israelites the tabernacle as a place to worship him, but also as a wonderful picture that points to Jesus.
Although God had rescued his people out of slavery in Egypt, they rebelled against him and worshiped other gods. So God gave Moses rules to teach his people how to love God and each other. He also gave him instructions for how to build a moveable temple for the Lord. This tent provided a way for the Israelites to serve and worship God his way, in reverence and awe. But the tabernacle was also full of symbols that pointed to Jesus – when God became a man and lived amongst his people.
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Amram, the father of Moses and his siblings, Aaron and Miriam, was descended from Kohath, a son of Levi. God called Aaron to be his High Priest. Only the High Priest was allowed to enter the Most Holy Place each year. This special day was called the Day of Atonement. It was when sacrifices were offered to atone for sins–to reconcile the people with God. That is what atonement means.
What Was the Tabernacle?, Danika Cooley (Christian Focus Publications, 2021), page 60
High Priest of the Old Testament
You can help your kids commemorate what they’re learning about biblical history in a hands-on way! Check out this fun video of the High Priest craft!
Priests of the Tabernacle Supplies
You’ll need a few supplies to make your priests of the tabernacle model:
- Cardstock (colored and white)
- Scissors
- Glue
- Pencil
- Permanent Marker
- Empty Toilet Paper Rolls
- Printable Templates with Instructions
- Don’t forget this fun book that will teach your kids about God’s Tabernacle: What Was the Tabernacle?
Old Testament Tabernacle Model | Instructions
Your child’s representation of the priests of the tabernacle is a great way to help them consider what they learn as they read What Was the Tabernacle? from the Who What Why series!
1) Print your templates.
Print the template page from the step-by-step instructions on cardstock and cut out the pieces.
Print the High Priest templates on cardstock. Each figure will need a base body clothing layer. You will use the same rectangular piece for each figure.
2) Assemble Your Sheep and Goat.
Lay the template pieces over cardstock for the white sheep. Use textured white cardstock for the lamb. Trace the pieces on the cardstock and cut out the pieces.
Glue the inner ears into the outer ears.
Glue the ears behind the lamb’s head.
Glue the eyes and white wool to the top of the lamb’s head. Use a permanent marker to draw the face on the lamb, and color the eyes.
Cut the textured white paper using the shorter base for the lamb’s body.
Glue the feet behind the front of the sheep body. Cut a toilet paper roll in half.
Wrap the base around the half toilet paper roll and glue it on.
Glue the head to the front of the sheep body.
Lay the template pieces over cardstock for the goat. Trace the pieces on the cardstock and cut out the pieces.
Glue the inner ears into the outer ears.
Glue the ears, beard, and horns behind the goat’s head. Glue the eyes to the front of the goat’s head.
Use a permanent marker to draw a nose and mouth on the goat, and to color in the eyes.
Glue the legs behind the goat body base.
Wrap the goat body around a half toilet paper roll and glue it to the roll.
Glue the goat’s head to the front of the body, as shown.
3) Assemble Your High Priest.
Print the template page from the step-by-step instructions and cut out the pieces. Lay the template pieces over cardstock. Trace the pieces on the cardstock and cut out the pieces in the colors shown.
Glue the band to the base of the headcovering.
Glue the beard to the face.
Cut a slit in the hair, as shown.
Insert the priest’s head and glue it to the hair.
Glue the head covering to the top of the priest’s head. Use permanent markers to add lines to the head covering, and to give the priest a face.
Use the body base template to create a white base.
Cut a shorter blue tunic and another shorter tunic with scarlet and purple stripes. Glue the tunics on the body base, layered as shown.
Glue the belt in the center of the body base, and the pompoms and bells to the bottom of the blue fabric. Glue the stones onto the breastpiece.
Glue the breastpiece above the belt, with the opals glued on either side of the top.
Glue the head to the top of the body piece, over the middle of the breastpiece.
Glue the back of the body piece to the toilet paper roll, wrapping the roll completely.
4) Assemble your Israelite Priests.
Print the template page from the step-by-step instructions and cut out the pieces. Lay the template pieces over cardstock. Trace the pieces on the cardstock and cut out the pieces in the colors shown.
Cut a slit in the hair, as shown.
Insert the priest’s head and glue it to the hair.
Glue the beard to the priest’s face.
Use a permanent marker to give the priest a face, as shown, and to draw lines on the head covering.
Glue the head covering to the priest’s head.
Use the body base template to create a white base.
Glue the belt in the center of the body base.
Glue the priest’s head at the top of the base.
Glue the back of the body piece to the toilet paper roll, wrapping the roll completely.
Repeat the steps to create a second priest.
Display your craft as you read What Was the Tabernacle? as a reminder that God taught us how to worship him, and that he had a plan for salvation that pointed to Jesus from the very beginning!
Learn more about the Who What Why series and get your FREE Exodus Lapbooks here.
Bible Resources for Your Kids
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Christian Biographies for Kids | Christian History for Kids | Theology for Kids
Christian History Matters for Our Kids.
History matters. Now, more than ever, we see how important it is for our children to know and understand history and the Bible.
Here’s why:
- God is the sovereign ruler of all things. It’s important for our kids to see his hand in the history of nations and in the lives of both peasants and kings.
- Christian history is the story of our family history. Our kids get to see how people who love Jesus follow him.
- Understanding history can help our kids learn historic and biblical theology. They learn what the Bible says and what that means for us. They also see when the study of Scripture has taken important turns that have changed the Church.
- Reading Christian biographies and history can be a wonderful way for kids to think outside their own time and culture. God’s Church spans centuries and includes people from every nation.
- Christian biographies help kids consider their own faith, walk with Jesus, and the impact their witness may one day have on others–and on history.
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