Tabernacle Bible Lesson with Furniture Models in 1:12 Scale
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This in-depth tabernacle study focuses on the six pieces of furniture mentioned in Exodus 25, 27, 28, and 30, as well as the priests’ duties serving God and the Israelites. Key pieces of the tabernacle, including the Ark of the Covenant, Altar of Incense, Table of Showbread, Lampstand, Laver, and Bronze Altar, are covered in detail.
✍️Students will actively engage in learning by cutting, folding, and gluing their own 1:12 scale furniture models using colorful, easy-to-follow templates (print as many copies as needed for personal use). A step-by-step booklet with detailed pictures guides students through the project, allowing them to work independently.
✍️ A grading rubric is also provided for both the booklet and furniture models if you wish to assess the project. Once the models are completed, students will learn how to arrange the furniture and move the priest according to his duties, ultimately recognizing how the priest’s path forms the shape of the cross. This powerful lesson reinforces the message that Jesus is the Presence - “the Word became flesh and dwelt (tabernacled) among us” (John 1:14).
⭐️This tabernacle project provides a hands-on, visual learning experience while deepening students' understanding of the biblical significance of the tabernacle and its connection to Christ. This lesson is appropriate for older students in grade 5 through high school.
✔️By the end of the lesson your students will understand these major concepts:
The tabernacle was God’s dwelling place, a physical reminder of His presence among the Israelites.
The size and scale of the tabernacle (and the difficulty of knowing exact measurements due to the use of cubits)
The priests’ duties in serving God as it related to each piece of furniture
Ultimately, the tabernacle was a foreshadowing of how God planned to finally and forevermore have a personal relationship with His people without the need for sacrifices, high priests and walls of separation. The tabernacle is a beautiful picture of God’s grace … and of His Son, Jesus
✴️ LESSON PART A ~ Color Coding the Ark of the Covenant [Exodus 25:10-22]
A hallmark of our Walking Alongside Jesus series is that students color code a passage in every lesson which trains them to see repeated words, phrases and important details that might be missed in a simple reading. In this lesson, students color code Exodus 25:10-22 which details the construction of the Ark of the Covenant. Students will be introduced to new words such as “cubit” (as they measure their own forearms), “acacia wood” (and realize why it makes such good furniture) as well as the significance of the “cherubim” and their very detailed placement on the Mercy Seat.
✴️ LESSON PART B ~ Tabernacle Furniture Models
An 18-page instruction manual leads students through a Bible study of each piece of tabernacle furniture followed by step-by-step details on how to construct each one. Students need ordinary items such as scissors, tape and glue to complete this project; nothing “extra” is needed. It is suggested that the templates be copied in color onto lightweight cardstock (paper will work but tends to sag). This project will take approximately two hours to finish and can be done in class or given as a homework assignment. A grading rubric is included.
✴️ LESSON PART C ~ Tabernacle Furniture Placement
Movement of the Priests Within the Tabernacle
If space permits, students can each tape out their own outline of the tabernacle and courtyard and place their furniture within under your guidance. If space is an issue, a small area of floor or desk for each student works as well. As the student moves their priest from piece to piece, learning what is done to tend for God’s tabernacle (example ~ trimming the wicks and adding oil to the lampstand), students start to see a shape ~ the shape of a cross! This realization is a great segue to the final section of this lesson.
✴️ LESSON PART D ~ ✝️ WHAT DID I LEARN ABOUT JESUS?
Jesus is the Presence!
Using a colorful “cut and paste” worksheet, students are led to eight verses in scripture that promises benefits of God’s presence in our lives (comfort, joy, courage etc.) Their understanding of the tabernacle is deepened as they realize that God’s presence in the tabernacle that ultimately foreshadowed Jesus was only the beginning! God (through the Holy Spirit) no longer lives in a tent but rather in the hearts of believers. We are God’s tabernacle and developing a relationship with him is the privilege of a lifetime!
⏰️ Timing: This is a four-to-five-hour lesson that can be spread over several sessions, stopping and starting where you left off or stopping at the labeled sections.
✔️ Included in this lesson:
Colorful sixteen-page lesson plan is written with clear DO/SAY/READ wording that can be adapted to fit your voice if necessary. This includes a two-page preparation guide that includes items to gather, photocopies students will need, pre-class preparations and instructions organized by "Lesson Part A", "Lesson Part B" etc.
52 pages of worksheets, answer keys and supplemental material:
Color Coding the Ark of the Covenant Worksheet and Answer Key
The Tabernacle Instruction Manual and Answer Key
Grading Rubric
Tabernacle Templates (11 pages total)
The Presence of God Worksheet and Answer Key
Stepping Stone: Jesus, the Presence
Save time and shop with confidence! Watch the lesson preview video here.
This in-depth tabernacle study focuses on the six pieces of furniture mentioned in Exodus 25, 27, 28, and 30, as well as the priests’ duties serving God and the Israelites. Key pieces of the tabernacle, including the Ark of the Covenant, Altar of Incense, Table of Showbread, Lampstand, Laver, and Bronze Altar, are covered in detail.
✍️Students will actively engage in learning by cutting, folding, and gluing their own 1:12 scale furniture models using colorful, easy-to-follow templates (print as many copies as needed for personal use). A step-by-step booklet with detailed pictures guides students through the project, allowing them to work independently.
✍️ A grading rubric is also provided for both the booklet and furniture models if you wish to assess the project. Once the models are completed, students will learn how to arrange the furniture and move the priest according to his duties, ultimately recognizing how the priest’s path forms the shape of the cross. This powerful lesson reinforces the message that Jesus is the Presence - “the Word became flesh and dwelt (tabernacled) among us” (John 1:14).
⭐️This tabernacle project provides a hands-on, visual learning experience while deepening students' understanding of the biblical significance of the tabernacle and its connection to Christ. This lesson is appropriate for older students in grade 5 through high school.
✔️By the end of the lesson your students will understand these major concepts:
The tabernacle was God’s dwelling place, a physical reminder of His presence among the Israelites.
The size and scale of the tabernacle (and the difficulty of knowing exact measurements due to the use of cubits)
The priests’ duties in serving God as it related to each piece of furniture
Ultimately, the tabernacle was a foreshadowing of how God planned to finally and forevermore have a personal relationship with His people without the need for sacrifices, high priests and walls of separation. The tabernacle is a beautiful picture of God’s grace … and of His Son, Jesus
✴️ LESSON PART A ~ Color Coding the Ark of the Covenant [Exodus 25:10-22]
A hallmark of our Walking Alongside Jesus series is that students color code a passage in every lesson which trains them to see repeated words, phrases and important details that might be missed in a simple reading. In this lesson, students color code Exodus 25:10-22 which details the construction of the Ark of the Covenant. Students will be introduced to new words such as “cubit” (as they measure their own forearms), “acacia wood” (and realize why it makes such good furniture) as well as the significance of the “cherubim” and their very detailed placement on the Mercy Seat.
✴️ LESSON PART B ~ Tabernacle Furniture Models
An 18-page instruction manual leads students through a Bible study of each piece of tabernacle furniture followed by step-by-step details on how to construct each one. Students need ordinary items such as scissors, tape and glue to complete this project; nothing “extra” is needed. It is suggested that the templates be copied in color onto lightweight cardstock (paper will work but tends to sag). This project will take approximately two hours to finish and can be done in class or given as a homework assignment. A grading rubric is included.
✴️ LESSON PART C ~ Tabernacle Furniture Placement
Movement of the Priests Within the Tabernacle
If space permits, students can each tape out their own outline of the tabernacle and courtyard and place their furniture within under your guidance. If space is an issue, a small area of floor or desk for each student works as well. As the student moves their priest from piece to piece, learning what is done to tend for God’s tabernacle (example ~ trimming the wicks and adding oil to the lampstand), students start to see a shape ~ the shape of a cross! This realization is a great segue to the final section of this lesson.
✴️ LESSON PART D ~ ✝️ WHAT DID I LEARN ABOUT JESUS?
Jesus is the Presence!
Using a colorful “cut and paste” worksheet, students are led to eight verses in scripture that promises benefits of God’s presence in our lives (comfort, joy, courage etc.) Their understanding of the tabernacle is deepened as they realize that God’s presence in the tabernacle that ultimately foreshadowed Jesus was only the beginning! God (through the Holy Spirit) no longer lives in a tent but rather in the hearts of believers. We are God’s tabernacle and developing a relationship with him is the privilege of a lifetime!
⏰️ Timing: This is a four-to-five-hour lesson that can be spread over several sessions, stopping and starting where you left off or stopping at the labeled sections.
✔️ Included in this lesson:
Colorful sixteen-page lesson plan is written with clear DO/SAY/READ wording that can be adapted to fit your voice if necessary. This includes a two-page preparation guide that includes items to gather, photocopies students will need, pre-class preparations and instructions organized by "Lesson Part A", "Lesson Part B" etc.
52 pages of worksheets, answer keys and supplemental material:
Color Coding the Ark of the Covenant Worksheet and Answer Key
The Tabernacle Instruction Manual and Answer Key
Grading Rubric
Tabernacle Templates (11 pages total)
The Presence of God Worksheet and Answer Key
Stepping Stone: Jesus, the Presence
Save time and shop with confidence! Watch the lesson preview video here.
This in-depth tabernacle study focuses on the six pieces of furniture mentioned in Exodus 25, 27, 28, and 30, as well as the priests’ duties serving God and the Israelites. Key pieces of the tabernacle, including the Ark of the Covenant, Altar of Incense, Table of Showbread, Lampstand, Laver, and Bronze Altar, are covered in detail.
✍️Students will actively engage in learning by cutting, folding, and gluing their own 1:12 scale furniture models using colorful, easy-to-follow templates (print as many copies as needed for personal use). A step-by-step booklet with detailed pictures guides students through the project, allowing them to work independently.
✍️ A grading rubric is also provided for both the booklet and furniture models if you wish to assess the project. Once the models are completed, students will learn how to arrange the furniture and move the priest according to his duties, ultimately recognizing how the priest’s path forms the shape of the cross. This powerful lesson reinforces the message that Jesus is the Presence - “the Word became flesh and dwelt (tabernacled) among us” (John 1:14).
⭐️This tabernacle project provides a hands-on, visual learning experience while deepening students' understanding of the biblical significance of the tabernacle and its connection to Christ. This lesson is appropriate for older students in grade 5 through high school.
✔️By the end of the lesson your students will understand these major concepts:
The tabernacle was God’s dwelling place, a physical reminder of His presence among the Israelites.
The size and scale of the tabernacle (and the difficulty of knowing exact measurements due to the use of cubits)
The priests’ duties in serving God as it related to each piece of furniture
Ultimately, the tabernacle was a foreshadowing of how God planned to finally and forevermore have a personal relationship with His people without the need for sacrifices, high priests and walls of separation. The tabernacle is a beautiful picture of God’s grace … and of His Son, Jesus
✴️ LESSON PART A ~ Color Coding the Ark of the Covenant [Exodus 25:10-22]
A hallmark of our Walking Alongside Jesus series is that students color code a passage in every lesson which trains them to see repeated words, phrases and important details that might be missed in a simple reading. In this lesson, students color code Exodus 25:10-22 which details the construction of the Ark of the Covenant. Students will be introduced to new words such as “cubit” (as they measure their own forearms), “acacia wood” (and realize why it makes such good furniture) as well as the significance of the “cherubim” and their very detailed placement on the Mercy Seat.
✴️ LESSON PART B ~ Tabernacle Furniture Models
An 18-page instruction manual leads students through a Bible study of each piece of tabernacle furniture followed by step-by-step details on how to construct each one. Students need ordinary items such as scissors, tape and glue to complete this project; nothing “extra” is needed. It is suggested that the templates be copied in color onto lightweight cardstock (paper will work but tends to sag). This project will take approximately two hours to finish and can be done in class or given as a homework assignment. A grading rubric is included.
✴️ LESSON PART C ~ Tabernacle Furniture Placement
Movement of the Priests Within the Tabernacle
If space permits, students can each tape out their own outline of the tabernacle and courtyard and place their furniture within under your guidance. If space is an issue, a small area of floor or desk for each student works as well. As the student moves their priest from piece to piece, learning what is done to tend for God’s tabernacle (example ~ trimming the wicks and adding oil to the lampstand), students start to see a shape ~ the shape of a cross! This realization is a great segue to the final section of this lesson.
✴️ LESSON PART D ~ ✝️ WHAT DID I LEARN ABOUT JESUS?
Jesus is the Presence!
Using a colorful “cut and paste” worksheet, students are led to eight verses in scripture that promises benefits of God’s presence in our lives (comfort, joy, courage etc.) Their understanding of the tabernacle is deepened as they realize that God’s presence in the tabernacle that ultimately foreshadowed Jesus was only the beginning! God (through the Holy Spirit) no longer lives in a tent but rather in the hearts of believers. We are God’s tabernacle and developing a relationship with him is the privilege of a lifetime!
⏰️ Timing: This is a four-to-five-hour lesson that can be spread over several sessions, stopping and starting where you left off or stopping at the labeled sections.
✔️ Included in this lesson:
Colorful sixteen-page lesson plan is written with clear DO/SAY/READ wording that can be adapted to fit your voice if necessary. This includes a two-page preparation guide that includes items to gather, photocopies students will need, pre-class preparations and instructions organized by "Lesson Part A", "Lesson Part B" etc.
52 pages of worksheets, answer keys and supplemental material:
Color Coding the Ark of the Covenant Worksheet and Answer Key
The Tabernacle Instruction Manual and Answer Key
Grading Rubric
Tabernacle Templates (11 pages total)
The Presence of God Worksheet and Answer Key
Stepping Stone: Jesus, the Presence
FAQS:
What Christian perspective is used for these Bible lessons?
I am an evangelical Christian who writes Bible curriculum for older students, and I do not take this tremendous responsibility lightly. Each lesson has a clear focus on what God says in His Word and the lessons are presented age appropriately, thoughtfully and biblically.
What translation of the Bible is used? 99% of the time I use the ESV although on rare occasion I might use another translation such as the NIV.
How can this Bible lesson be used?
Each lesson unit in our Walking Alongside Jesus series is divided into five sections, each section takes between 30 minutes to an hour. This allows homeschool and Christian school teachers to use it daily in the classroom (thereby completing an entire unit in a week) OR in a Sunday School classroom or youth group once a week (thereby completing an entire unit in a month). These lessons are flexible enough to be used in the following settings:
Children's Sunday School class
Youth Group
Private Christian school Bible class
Chapel for Christian schools
Children's Church
Homeschool Bible class
Family Bible time
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