This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in Exodus 36, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
Once upon a time, Moses was building a special place called the sanctuary to worship and honor God. God gave some people special skills to make things beautifully. These people were named Bezalel, Oholiab, and other skilled craftsmen.
Moses asked them to help build the sanctuary using all the special things the people of Israel gave as offerings. The people kept bringing offerings every day, but they eventually had enough.
The craftsmen made ten beautiful curtains for the sanctuary. Each curtain was made of fine twined linen and had blue, purple, and scarlet colors with special designs of cherubim. The curtains were all the same size and were joined together with gold clasps.
They also made a tent over the sanctuary with eleven curtains made of goats’ hair. These curtains were also all the same size and were joined together with bronze clasps. The tent was covered with tanned rams’ skins and goatskins.
They made the frames of the sanctuary with acacia wood and overlaid them with gold. They also made bars of acacia wood to hold the frames together.
A veil was made with blue, purple, and scarlet colors and fine twined linen, with designs of cherubim. Four pillars were made to hold the veil, and they were covered in gold. They also made a special screen with beautiful designs for the entrance to the sanctuary.
The people of Israel gave generously to build the sanctuary, and God blessed the skilled craftsmen with the ability to create beautiful things.
Biblical Lessons
- God gives us special skills and abilities to do good things.
- We should use our skills to honor and worship God.
- Giving generously to God’s work can bless others and ourselves.
Related Stories
David Returns the Ark to Jerusalem
Must-Read Christian Books
Knowing God
A classic that helps believers move from knowing about God to truly knowing Him in a personal and biblical way.
View on Amazon
Mere Christianity
Lewis lays out the core beliefs of the Christian faith with clarity, logic, and imagination, rooted in Scripture.
View on Amazon
Desiring God
Piper unpacks "Christian Hedonism": that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him, grounded in Scripture.
View on Amazon
Chosen by God
A clear, pastoral explanation of biblical election and God's sovereignty in salvation.
View on Amazon
Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God
Shows how God's sovereignty in salvation fuels, rather than hinders, faithful evangelism.
View on Amazon
The Reason for God
Thoughtful, biblical responses to common objections to Christianity, aimed at skeptics and believers alike.
View on Amazon
Faith Alone
Defends justification by faith alone as the heart of the biblical gospel and Reformation.
View on Amazon
The God Who Is There
Shows how the God of the Bible speaks into modern philosophical and cultural confusion.
View on Amazon
The Trellis and the Vine
A vision for church ministry centered on disciple-making rather than mere structures and programs.
View on Amazon
The Gospel for Real Life
Shows how the finished work of Christ applies to everyday struggles and assurance.
View on Amazon
Overcoming Sin and Temptation
A classic Puritan work on mortifying sin and living in the power of the Spirit.
View on Amazon
Future Grace
Argues that faith in God's future grace frees believers from the enslaving power of sin.
View on Amazon
According to Plan
An introduction to biblical theology that shows how all Scripture points to Christ.
View on Amazon
Communion with God
Explores how believers enjoy distinct fellowship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
View on Amazon
Biblical Preaching
Introduces the "big idea" approach to expository sermons, rooted in the biblical text.
View on Amazon
Christ-Centered Worship
Traces historic worship patterns and shows how to shape Christ-focused services today.
View on Amazon
Family Worship
A short, practical guide to leading your home in daily worship of God.
View on Amazon
The Peacemaker
Biblical principles for resolving conflict in a way that honors Christ and reconciles people.
View on Amazon