A unit study is a fabulous way to help kids explore a movement, event, discovery, or doctrine on a deeper level. Usually, unit studies include a book (or three) and some hands-on activities. This Bible study on the tabernacle includes an exciting narrative, easy-to-create crafts, and a memorable lapbook that inspires deep thinking about God’s Word.
Bible Study on the Tabernacle
The tabernacle, a portable temple designed by God and built by Moses and the Israelites, is an important part of Scripture.
Because the Bible’s teachings on the tabernacle cover so much of Scripture: the latter part of the book of Exodus, Leviticus, and parts of John and Hebrews, and because putting those teachings together in a way that is faithful can be tough, it’s teaching we often gloss over with our children. It’s important, though, that we take the time to help our kids understand what God’s Word teaches about the tabernacle.
The tabernacle is a shadow of a heavenly reality. It points us toward Jesus. The tabernacle taught God’s chosen people, the Israelites, how to worship him, and today it helps us understand how and why New Covenant worship is ordered as it is.
This fun unit study on the tabernacle will help your kids study this important Bible teaching in a way that’s painless, informative, and truly memorable.
Tabernacle Study
The tabernacle is an important lesson in our relationship to God, and in Jesus’ role as our Savior. Because the New Testament teaching on the tabernacle comes later, and because the story of the tabernacle is spread over many chapters of the Pentateuch, it’s helpful for children to be able to read the story of the tabernacle, how it functioned in worship, and what God says about this traveling temple devoted to worshiping him.
As they learn about the tabernacle, our kids can better understand who God is, why we need a Savior, how Jesus saved us, and how we are commanded to worship him.
Your unit study on the tabernacle includes a fun, 95-page biography, What Was the Tabernacle?. Your children will learn about the function, organization, and purpose of each part of the tabernacle.
- What Was the Tabernacle? by Danika Cooley | What Was the Tabernacle? (Christian Focus Publications, 2024) is a fun way for kids to learn about God’s portable temple and its furniture, and how each part of the tabernacle pointed toward Jesus. They’ll also learn how we worship God today, following the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.
- You can also purchase What Was the Tabernacle? from Thinking Kids Press. Or, purchase all three Who What Why | Exodus books.
- You can also purchase What Was the Tabernacle? from Thinking Kids Press. Or, purchase all three Who What Why | Exodus books.
- Old Testament Tabernacle Model | Your kids will create a model of the tabernacle with the fencing, courtyard, High Place and Most High Place. By building the tabernacle model, your kids will remember important details about how the tabernacle was structured.
- Ark of the Covenant with Tabernacle Furniture Craft | Your kids will construct the Ark of the Covenant and each piece of tabernacle furniture. As they build, your kids will remember what they learned about how each piece of the tabernacle furnishings points forward to Jesus, and teaches us to worship God.
- High Priest of the Tabernacle Craft | Your kids will build the High Priest and two additional Levite priests, along with a lamb and goat. This hands-on project will help kids remember the clothing the High Priest and priests wore.
- What Was the Tabernacle? Lapbook | The lapbook completes your unit study of the tabernacle, allowing your kids to record what they’ve learned about:
- The impact of the tabernacle on the Old Testament world, on the Church, and on your child’s world.
- The Old Testament world. Your child will learn about what it was like to live during the time of the Exodus.
- The people involved in the biblical, historical story of the tabernacle.
- Bible history vocabulary.
- The timeline of the tabernacle story.
- The geography of the tabernacle story.
- Theology: John 1:14, Exodus, Leviticus, Hebrews 8-10, and passages from John.
This hands-on study of how God used a portable temple to point his people toward Jesus is one your kids will remember for a lifetime.
Every Who What Why Christian history book has a timeline with relevant dates. Your kids can keep track of dates from their studies in history with the My Timeline Journal!
Learn more about the Who What Why series and get your FREE Exodus Lapbooks here.
Bible Resources for Your Kids
Learn More HereLearn More HereLearn More HereLearn More HereLearn More HereLearn More Here
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.
Grab the autographed Reformation Family Bundle!
More Thinking Kids Posts You’ll Love!
Join the newsletter
Get the Family Prayer Box Project FREE!
Teach your children to pray with this fun project that includes 7 printable sets!
