For children ages 3 to 6

Exodus 38

Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)

2 min read · Updated August 8, 2026
By Jasper & Review team
Bible
By Jasper & Review team

The Explanation

Look. It is a big, sunny place. There is sand under your feet. And there are people. Lots of people. They are all busy. They are building something very special for God. It is called the tent of meeting. It is like a very big, beautiful tent where God wants to come and live close to His people.

In front of the tent stands a big altar. An altar is like a strong table made of wood. It has shiny copper all over it. It has four horns, one on each corner. Next to the altar stands a big shiny bowl. It looks like a mirror. The ladies gave their mirrors, and Bezalel made a bowl from them. In that bowl the priests wash their hands and feet.

Then there is a fence. A big fence all around the tent. It is made of white cloth. It hangs on tall poles with silver hooks. It shines in the sun. And at the gate hangs a beautiful curtain. It is blue and purple and red. So pretty.

The people brought gold. And silver. And copper. So much! They gave it happily. All for God's house.

What Does This Mean?

God wanted to be close. Very close to His people. So they built Him a special place. Everyone helped. The men, the ladies, the strong ones, the ones who could sew. Even the mirrors were used. Nothing was too small. Nothing was too little. God saw it all.

The Common Thread

Long, long after this, Jesus came. And Jesus was like a tent too. God came to live very close to us in Jesus. You cannot see the tent anymore. But Jesus is still with us. And now God lives in the hearts of people who love Him.

The altar shows us something else. Later Jesus would give His whole self for us. So we can be God's friends. Forever.

For You

You know what is nice? You can help too. Just like the people back then. Maybe you cannot build a tent. But you can sing a song for God. You can help mommy set the table. You can share your cookie with your little brother. You can fold your hands and say thank you.

God sees you. Big things and small things. He loves it all. And God wants to live close to you too. Very close. In your heart.

Talk About It

What do you think that big shiny tent looked like?

What can you give to God today? Maybe a song, a hug, or a kind word?

Praying Together

Dear God,

Thank You that You want to be close to me.

Thank You for the pretty tent long ago.

Thank You for Jesus.

I want to give You something too today.

My song. My hug. My heart.

Amen.

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Questions about Exodus 38

Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.

What is Exodus 38 about?
Look. It is a big, sunny place. There is sand under your feet. And there are people. Lots of people. They are all busy. They are building something very special for God. It is called the tent of meeting. It is like a very big, beautiful tent where God wants to come and live close to His people.
What does Exodus 38 say?
In front of the tent stands a big altar. An altar is like a strong table made of wood. It has shiny copper all over it. It has four horns, one on each corner. Next to the altar stands a big shiny bowl. It looks like a mirror. The ladies gave their mirrors, and Bezalel made a bowl from them.
What does Exodus 38 teach us about God?
Then there is a fence. A big fence all around the tent. It is made of white cloth. It hangs on tall poles with silver hooks. It shines in the sun. And at the gate hangs a beautiful curtain. It is blue and purple and red. So pretty.
What can toddlers learn from Exodus 38?
God wanted to be close. Very close to His people. So they built Him a special place. Everyone helped. The men, the ladies, the strong ones, the ones who could sew. Even the mirrors were used. Nothing was too small. Nothing was too little. God saw it all.
Why is Exodus 38 an important Bible story?
Long, long after this, Jesus came. And Jesus was like a tent too. God came to live very close to us in Jesus. You cannot see the tent anymore. But Jesus is still with us. And now God lives in the hearts of people who love Him.

What others discovered

Insight Editorial on verse 24

Twenty-nine talents and 730 shekels of gold, "all the gold that was used for the work in all the work of the sanctuary." Every gram counted, weighed, recorded. Your quiet giving is seen too. The Lord keeps ledgers heaven remembers, even when no one on earth notices what you laid down.

— Faith.Network Editorial

Looking for something for slightly older children?

We also have dedicated versions for elementary age (7-12) and teens (12 and up).

Open in the Children's Bible tool

For parents and teachers: Written especially to be read aloud to children ages 3 to 6. Use it as a starting point for a conversation with your child, not as the only source. This explanation is generated automatically by language models. While we strive for theological soundness, the software can make mistakes.

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