What materials were used for the tent covering, and why are they significant? Verse Snapshot: Exodus 36:19 “He made for the tent a covering of ram skins dyed red and over that a covering of fine leather.” Layers Identified: The Two Outer Coverings • Ram skins dyed red • Fine leather (elsewhere translated “porpoise,” “badger,” or “sea-cow” skins) Earlier layers (cherubim-worked linen and black goats’-hair curtains, vv. 8–18) lay beneath, but Exodus 36:19 highlights these final two hides that faced the elements. Why Two Different Animal Hides? • God specified them twice—first in Exodus 26:14 (instruction) and again in Exodus 36:19 (construction)—underscoring their importance. • Each hide brought a distinct symbol and practical benefit, together safeguarding the holy space where God dwelt among His people. Ram Skins Dyed Red: Atonement on Display • Color of substitutionary blood. Leviticus 17:11: “For the life of the flesh is in the blood… it is the blood that makes atonement.” • Rams featured in key sacrifices (e.g., Exodus 29:15–18; Genesis 22:13). Their red-dyed hides stretched over the goats’-hair layer, visually proclaiming covering through shed blood. • Foreshadows Christ’s sacrificial work. Hebrews 9:12: “He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption.” • Durable yet beautiful—God’s holiness and grace meet. Fine Leather: Weatherproof Protection & Humble Appearance • Most exposed layer; had to resist sun, sand, wind, and rain. The robust leather answered that need. • Outwardly plain—no embroidery, no color—mirroring Isaiah 53:2: “He had no beauty or majesty to attract us.” The Tabernacle’s glory was inside, just as Christ’s divine glory was veiled in flesh (John 1:14, “dwelt” = “tabernacled”). • Symbol of separation from the world’s defilement; the sanctuary remained unsoiled despite desert hardships. • Speaks of the believer’s security in Christ. John 10:28: “No one can snatch them out of My hand.” Layer upon Layer: God’s Intentional Pattern 1. Embroidered linen—heavenly beauty 2. Goats’ hair—sin offering motif 3. Ram skins dyed red—atoning blood 4. Fine leather—protective, humble exterior Together they preach the gospel: hidden glory, sin judged, blood applied, people preserved. Living It Out The coverings remind us that God provides: • A blood-sealed entrance into His presence • A rugged shelter that endures every storm • A call to value inner holiness over outward show The Tabernacle’s hides whisper the same truth declared openly at Calvary—because of the blood, we are shielded, welcomed, and kept safe by our covenant-keeping God. |
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