Rams' Skins
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Rams' skins hold a significant place in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the construction of the Tabernacle, the portable dwelling place for the Divine presence among the Israelites during their wilderness journey. These skins are mentioned specifically in the instructions given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai.

Biblical References

The primary reference to rams' skins is found in the book of Exodus, where God provides detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle. In Exodus 25:5, the materials required for the Tabernacle include "rams' skins dyed red." This specification is repeated in Exodus 26:14, where it is stated, "Make for the tent a covering of rams' skins dyed red, and over that a covering of fine leather."

Symbolism and Purpose

Rams' skins dyed red served as one of the outer coverings of the Tabernacle. The use of rams' skins, particularly dyed red, carries rich symbolic meaning. The ram, as an animal, is often associated with sacrifice and atonement in the biblical context. The red dye could symbolize the blood of sacrifice, pointing to themes of redemption and purification. This covering provided protection for the sacred space within, shielding it from the elements and signifying the sanctity and separation of the holy place.

Craftsmanship and Preparation

The preparation of rams' skins for use in the Tabernacle would have required skilled craftsmanship. The dyeing process, particularly achieving a consistent red color, would have been a meticulous task, reflecting the care and devotion required in the service of God. The artisans, filled with the Spirit of God, were tasked with creating a dwelling place that was not only functional but also beautiful and symbolic of divine truths.

Theological Implications

The use of rams' skins in the Tabernacle construction underscores the importance of obedience to divine instructions. Every detail, including the materials used, was ordained by God, reflecting His holiness and the need for His people to approach Him with reverence and awe. The coverings of the Tabernacle, including the rams' skins, served as a constant reminder of God's presence and the covenant relationship between Him and the Israelites.

Historical Context

In the ancient Near East, the use of animal skins for tents and coverings was common due to their durability and availability. The specific mention of rams' skins dyed red in the biblical text highlights the distinctiveness of the Tabernacle as a divinely ordained structure, set apart from ordinary dwellings. This distinctiveness is further emphasized by the detailed instructions and the sacred purpose of the Tabernacle as the meeting place between God and His people.

Conclusion

While the entry does not include a conclusion, it is evident that rams' skins, as described in the biblical text, play a crucial role in the construction and symbolism of the Tabernacle. Their use reflects themes of sacrifice, protection, and divine presence, integral to the understanding of the Israelites' relationship with God during their wilderness journey.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Rams' Skins

RAMS' SKINS

The skin of the sheep, roughly tanned with all the wool on, is the common winter jacket of the shepherd or peasant, the ram's being considered especially desirable (compare Hebrews 11:37). Hence, the appropriateness of these skins in the covering of the tabernacle (Exodus 25:5, etc.).

See TABERNACLE; DYE, DYEING.

Library

The Power of Little Things.
... offering which ye shall take of them: gold, and silver, and brass, and blue, and
purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair, and rams' skins dyed red ...
/.../moody/to the work to the work/chapter vi the power of.htm

Whether Sufficient Reason Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies ...
... tabernacle with many coverings, viz. curtains, curtains of goats' hair,
rams' skins dyed red, and violet-colored skins (Ex.26). ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether sufficient reason can be.htm

Book iv. --Of Marcion's Antitheses.
... ver.; but of "huakinthina dermata"--of what material is not said--according to the
LXX.), was made "of rams' skins;" but then they were "dyed red ...
/.../book iv of marcions antitheses.htm

Scriptural Types.
... work." Over this was another covering, formed from the union of eleven curtains
of goats' hair; and above two other coverings, the one of rams' skins dyed red ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxvii scriptural types.htm

An Old Subscription List
... earrings, and rings, and tablets, all jewels of gold.' And then it goes on to 'blue,
and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and red skins of rams, and badgers ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/an old subscription list.htm

Recommendation.
... He hath not gold, nor silver, nor purple to bring; he can do no great things; he
hath but goats' hair or rams' skins, but he gives them the right tincture, he ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/recommendation.htm

Two Famous Versions of the Scriptures
... Its queer letter signs are traced on parchment rolls, which are said to have
been formed from the skins of rams offered in sacrifice. ...
/.../duff/the bible in its making/chapter vii two famous versions.htm

The Child Samuel.
... Here the priests of the tabernacle killed bullocks and rams and goats, and burnt
their ... scarlet, and a high roof covered over with red and brown skins to keep ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/the child samuel.htm

The Typical Significance of the Scriptures Declare their Divine ...
... in the one case we read, "The Lord God made coats of skins and clothed ... creatures
like the Passover Lamb, the sacrificial bullocks, goats and rams, all pointed ...
/.../the divine inspiration of the bible/chapter six the typical significance.htm

The Nations of the South-East
... The tribute consisted in sheep, or rather in their skins, which were tanned by ... Mesha,
the son of Chemosh-melech, sent each year 100,000 lambs and 100,000 rams. ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iii the nations of.htm

Resources
What was the tabernacle of Moses? | GotQuestions.org

What is the Prayer of Azariah? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about rebellion? | GotQuestions.org

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