What is the meaning of Exodus 39:34? the covering of ram skins dyed red • Exodus 39:34 lists this as the first layer above the curtains of fine linen. Rams were sacrificial animals (Leviticus 8:18), and the dyeing “red” immediately points to blood—life given in substitution. • The whole Tabernacle speaks of God dwelling with His people (Exodus 25:8). For sinners to approach a holy God, atonement is essential. The red ram skins visually reminded Israel that fellowship comes only through shed blood, anticipating the “precious blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:19) who is “our Passover Lamb” (1 Corinthians 5:7). • Hebrews 9:22 states, “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” Every time the priests saw this red layer they were confronted with that truth. • Practical takeaway: Believers today rest under the finished work of Jesus, just as the Tabernacle rested beneath the red covering. the covering of fine leather • Placed over the ram skins, this outermost cover (sometimes translated “porpoise,” “badger,” or “durable leather”) formed a tough, weather-resistant shield. Wind, sun, and desert sand could not penetrate. • Psalm 91:4 pictures the LORD covering His people: “He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge.” The leather layer embodied that protective promise in tangible form. • Numbers 4:6–14 shows that when the Tabernacle was moved, these leather covers wrapped the sacred furnishings, guarding them from defilement. Likewise, Jude 24 speaks of God “able to keep you from stumbling.” • For the believer, this layer illustrates Christ as our unfailing Protector—“no one will snatch them out of My hand” (John 10:28). Our security does not depend on circumstance but on His rugged faithfulness. the veil of the covering • Inside, a richly embroidered veil separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy (Exodus 26:33). Only the high priest could pass through, and only once a year with blood (Leviticus 16:2, 15). • The veil proclaimed both God’s holiness and His gracious invitation: He desires nearness, yet sin bars the way. • Matthew 27:51 records that at Christ’s death “the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom,” showing that His sacrifice opened the way into God’s presence. Hebrews 10:19-20 explains, “We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus… through the veil, that is, His flesh.” • Whenever Israel saw the veil folded for transport (Numbers 4:5), they carried a silent prophecy of the torn veil that would one day grant full access to every redeemed heart. summary Exodus 39:34 is more than an inventory line—it is a layered portrait of redemption. The red ram skins shout atonement, the fine leather promises protection, and the veil points to access made possible through Christ. Together they affirm that God covers, shields, and receives all who come by faith in the perfect sacrifice of His Son. |
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