What is the meaning of Exodus 35:7? Ram skins dyed red Exodus 35:7 lists “ram skins dyed red” as one of the offerings brought for the Tabernacle. That vivid covering served several purposes: • Protection: As the outermost layer of the tent (see Exodus 26:14), these durable hides shielded the sanctuary from harsh desert winds and scorching sun. • Substitutionary overtones: A ram first appeared as a substitute sacrifice in Genesis 22:13, prefiguring the principle of a life given in place of another. The red dye underscores the picture of atoning blood—“without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22). • Pointer to Christ: Just as the Tabernacle was wrapped in a blood-colored covering, so the Lord Jesus “entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood” (Hebrews 9:12). Every time Israel saw the scarlet hide, they were reminded that access to God is always on the basis of a spotless, sacrificial life. Fine parallels appear in Leviticus 16:5-9 (the Day of Atonement) and Isaiah 1:18 (sins crimson, yet made white as snow). Fine leather Next, Exodus 35:7 names “fine leather.” While ram hides symbolized atonement, this rarer leather stressed preservation and separation: • Water-resistant barrier: Numbers 4:25 notes that fine leather formed the very top layer when the Tabernacle was packed for travel, keeping the holy things safe from rain and dust. • Picture of divine shelter: Ezekiel 16:10 recalls God’s care—“I…placed fine leather sandals on your feet.” Likewise, Psalm 91:4 promises, “He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge.” • Call to holy distinction: The dark, almost glossy finish contrasted with the bright linens within. From the outside, the Tabernacle looked plain; inside, it gleamed with gold and embroidery. In the same way, the church is called to be modest toward the world yet radiant before God (Colossians 3:3; 1 Peter 3:3-4). Acacia wood The verse ends with “acacia wood,” the material God repeatedly chose for sacred furniture (Exodus 25:10, 23; 27:1). • Incorruptibility: Acacia is dense, insect-resistant, and slow to decay—an earthly picture of the sinless humanity of Christ, “who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth” (1 Peter 2:22). • Humanity joined to deity: Every acacia board or piece of furniture was overlaid with pure gold (Exodus 26:29). Wood (earthly) clad in gold (heavenly) foreshadows the mystery of the Word made flesh yet fully divine (John 1:14; Colossians 2:9). • Enduring structure: These wooden frames held the sanctuary upright through forty years of wilderness travel, echoing the truth that Christ “upholds all things by His powerful word” (Hebrews 1:3) and that believers, as “living stones,” are built into a lasting house for God’s presence (1 Peter 2:5). summary Exodus 35:7 may look like a simple shopping list, yet every item proclaims rich truth. The scarlet ram skins declare atoning blood, the fine leather speaks of protective holiness, and the acacia wood pictures the incorruptible yet approachable humanity of the Savior. Together they remind us that God’s dwelling among His people is secure, holy, and made possible only through the perfect work of Christ. |
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