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
The Cross of Christ
A profound exploration of the meaning and power of the cross at the center of Christian faith and life.
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
Systematic Theology
A comprehensive, evangelical overview of Christian doctrine with Scripture at every point.
View on Amazon
Pilgrim Theology
An accessible summary of Reformed theology that connects doctrine to the Christian life.
View on Amazon
The Enemy Within
A modern, accessible summary of John Owen's teaching on indwelling sin and the believer's battle.
View on Amazon
Future Grace
Argues that faith in God's future grace frees believers from the enslaving power of sin.
View on Amazon
Don't Waste Your Life
A passionate plea to live for Christ's glory rather than trivial pursuits.
View on Amazon
Nine Marks of a Healthy Church
Outlines nine biblical priorities for congregations that want to be faithful and healthy.
View on Amazon
Biblical Theology
A classic work tracing the progressive revelation of God's redemptive plan in Scripture.
View on Amazon
Spiritual Leadership
Biblical principles for godly leadership in the church, home, and workplace.
View on Amazon
Morning and Evening
Devotional readings for each day that point believers to Christ and His promises.
View on Amazon
Expository Listening
Teaches Christians how to listen to expository preaching in a way that bears fruit.
View on Amazon
Christ-Centered Preaching
A standard textbook on preaching that shows how to proclaim Christ from all of Scripture.
View on Amazon
Religious Affections
Examines the nature of true spiritual experience and the marks of genuine conversion.
View on Amazon
Operation World
A prayer handbook with up-to-date information on nations and their gospel needs.
View on Amazon
Counterfeit Gods
Exposes modern idols of the heart and points to Christ as our true treasure.
View on Amazon
Shepherding a Child's Heart
Biblical parenting that aims at a child's heart, not just outward behavior.
View on Amazon