Exodus 36:19
Additionally, he made for the tent a covering of ram skins dyed red, and over that a covering of fine leather.
Additionally, he made for the tent a covering of ram skins dyed red,

The ram was closely associated with sacrifice, consecration, and substitution, as seen in Abraham’s offering on Mount Moriah and in the ordination of Israel’s priests. The red-dyed skins formed a covering above the richly woven curtains, recalling the blood by which sinful people could approach a holy God. The sacrificial system anticipated Christ, whose blood secures eternal redemption for all who believe.

Exo 39:34 the covering of ram skins dyed red, the covering…
Exo 25:5 ram skins dyed red and fine leather; acacia wood;
Exo 35:23 Everyone who had blue, purple, or scarlet yarn…

and over that a covering of fine leather.

The outer covering protected the tabernacle from the severe conditions of Israel’s wilderness journey. God’s dwelling place was both holy and carefully guarded, displaying His provision for preserving what He had set apart. Beneath an outward layer designed for endurance stood the sanctuary where God revealed His glory and received the worship of His covenant people.

Exo 26:14 Also make a covering for the tent out of ram skins dyed red,…
Num 4:6 They are to place over this a covering of fine leather,…
Num 4:11 Over the gold altar they are to spread a blue cloth…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Bezalel and Oholiab
Skilled craftsmen appointed by God to oversee the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. They were filled with the Spirit of God, wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship (Exodus 31:1-6).

2. The Tabernacle
A portable sanctuary used by the Israelites as a place of worship during their journey through the wilderness. It was a central place for God's presence among His people.

3. Ram Skins Dyed Red
A specific material used for the outer covering of the Tabernacle. The red dye likely symbolized sacrifice and atonement, pointing to the future sacrifice of Christ.

4. Fine Leather
The outermost covering of the Tabernacle, providing protection from the elements. The Hebrew term "tachash" is often debated, but it signifies a durable and protective material.

5. The Wilderness Journey
The context in which the Tabernacle was constructed, representing the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, a time of reliance on God's provision and guidance.
Teaching Points
Symbolism of Sacrifice
The use of ram skins dyed red in the Tabernacle's covering symbolizes the necessity of sacrifice for atonement. This points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who covers our sins with His blood.

God's Detailed Instructions
The meticulous details given for the Tabernacle's construction remind us of God's order and precision. We are called to follow His instructions in our lives with the same attention to detail.

Protection and Provision
The fine leather covering represents God's protection over His people. Just as the Tabernacle was shielded from the elements, God provides spiritual and physical protection for us today.

Presence of God
The Tabernacle was a physical representation of God's presence among His people. In our lives, we are called to be aware of and cherish God's presence, seeking to dwell with Him daily.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the construction of the Tabernacle reflect God's desire for order and beauty in worship?

2. In what ways does the symbolism of the Tabernacle's coverings point to the work of Christ in the New Testament?

3. How can we apply the concept of God's protection, as seen in the Tabernacle's coverings, to our daily lives?

4. What does the presence of God in the Tabernacle teach us about His desire to dwell with His people, and how can we cultivate an awareness of His presence today?

5. How do the roles of Bezalel and Oholiab inspire us to use our God-given talents and skills for His glory in our communities and churches?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 25-31
These chapters provide detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, emphasizing the importance of following God's design precisely.

Hebrews 9
This chapter discusses the Tabernacle as a foreshadowing of Christ's work, highlighting the significance of the sacrificial system and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus.

John 1:14
The Word became flesh and "tabernacled" among us, drawing a parallel between the presence of God in the Tabernacle and the incarnation of Christ.
Consecrated ArtExodus 36:1-38
False Estimates of Church-WorkersJ. Halsey.Exodus 36:1-38
Indolence in the ChurchJ. Halsey.Exodus 36:1-38
The Work Fails not Either for Gifts or SkillJ. Urquhart Exodus 36:1-38
Jehovah's Dwelling-PlaceJ. Orr Exodus 36:8-38
People
Aholiab, Bezaleel, Israelites, Moses
Places
Sinai
Topics
Badgers, Coloured, Cover, Covering, Cow, Cows, Dyed, Goatskins, Hides, Leather, Maketh, Porpoise, Ram, Rams, Red, Sealskins, Sheepskins, Skins, Tanned, Tent
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 36:19

     4681   ram
     4807   colours
     5212   arts and crafts
     5301   dyeing

Exodus 36:19-34

     5578   tents

Library
Appendix xvii. The Ordinances and Law of the Sabbath as Laid Down in the Mishnah and the Jerusalem Talmud.
The terribly exaggerated views of the Rabbis, and their endless, burdensome rules about the Sabbath may best be learned from a brief analysis of the Mishnah, as further explained and enlarged in the Jerusalem Talmud. [6476] For this purpose a brief analysis of what is, confessedly, one of the most difficult tractates may here be given. The Mishnic tractate Sabbath stands at the head of twelve tractates which together from the second of the six sections into which the Mishnah is divided, and which
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Of the Necessity of Divine Influences to Produce Regeneration in the Soul.
Titus iii. 5, 6. Titus iii. 5, 6. Not by works of righteousness, which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. IF my business were to explain and illustrate this scripture at large, it would yield an ample field for accurate criticism and useful discourse, and more especially would lead us into a variety of practical remarks, on which it would be pleasant
Philip Doddridge—Practical Discourses on Regeneration

Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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