Sealskin is mentioned in the context of the construction of the Tabernacle in the wilderness, as described in the Old Testament. The term "sealskin" is often translated from the Hebrew word "tachash," which has been the subject of much debate among scholars and translators. In the Berean Standard Bible, this material is referred to as "fine leather."

Biblical References:

1. Exodus 25:5 : "ram skins dyed red and fine leather; acacia wood." This verse lists the materials required for the construction of the Tabernacle, including fine leather, which some translations render as sealskin.

2. Exodus 26:14 : "Also make a covering for the tent out of ram skins dyed red, and over that a covering of fine leather." Here, the fine leather serves as an outer covering for the Tabernacle, providing protection and durability.

3. Numbers 4:6 : "Then they are to place over it a covering of fine leather and spread a cloth of solid blue over that, and insert its poles." This verse describes the process of covering the Ark of the Covenant with fine leather during transportation, indicating its importance in safeguarding sacred objects.

Cultural and Historical Context:

The use of sealskin or fine leather in the construction of the Tabernacle highlights the Israelites' resourcefulness and the significance of using durable materials for sacred purposes. The exact identity of "tachash" has been debated, with some suggesting it refers to a marine animal like a seal or dolphin, while others propose it could be a type of antelope or a now-extinct creature. The choice of material reflects the need for protection against the harsh desert environment, ensuring the Tabernacle's longevity and sanctity.

Symbolism and Theological Significance:

In the broader theological context, the use of fine leather in the Tabernacle's construction can be seen as a symbol of God's provision and care for His people. The Tabernacle served as the dwelling place of God's presence among the Israelites, and the materials used in its construction were both practical and symbolic of the divine covenant. The protective covering of fine leather signifies the safeguarding of holiness and the separation of the sacred from the profane.

Interpretative Considerations:

From a conservative Christian perspective, the mention of sealskin or fine leather in the Bible underscores the importance of adhering to God's instructions with precision and reverence. The meticulous details provided for the Tabernacle's construction reflect the order and intentionality of God's design for worship and community life. The use of high-quality materials like fine leather serves as a reminder of the value placed on worship and the presence of God among His people.SEALSKIN

sel'-skin: The rendering of the Revised Version (British and American) (Exodus 25:5 Ezekiel 16:10) for `or tachash, the Revised Version margin "porpoise-skin," the King James Version "badgers' skin." A seal, Monachus albiventer, is found in the Mediterranean, though not in the Red Sea, but it is likely that tachash means the dugong, which is found in the Red Sea.

See BADGER; PORPOISE.

The Gospel According to --You.
... by it. This Bible I have here is bound in"I think it is called sealskin.
I tried to get the best wearing binding I could. But ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/the gospel according toyou.htm

The Main Road --Experiences of Power and Privilege
... read. But, I thought, what these Bibles need is a new binding. This Bible
I carry is bound in the best sealskin, with kid-lining. It ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on following the christ/2 the main roadexperiences of.htm

Sealskin (8 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia SEALSKIN. sel'-skin ... Sea. See BADGER; PORPOISE.
Multi-Version Concordance Sealskin (8 Occurrences). Numbers ...
/s/sealskin.htm - 9k

Porpoise (14 Occurrences)
... por'-pus (the Revised Version margin has "porpoise-skin" for `or tachash, the Revised
Version (British and American) "sealskin," the King James Version "badgers ...
/p/porpoise.htm - 11k

Goatskin (7 Occurrences)
... Goatskin (7 Occurrences). Numbers 4:6 and shall put a covering of sealskin on it,
and shall spread over it a cloth all of blue, and shall put in its poles. ...
/g/goatskin.htm - 8k

Cows (33 Occurrences)
... Numbers 4:6 and shall put a covering of sealskin on it, and shall spread over
it a cloth all of blue, and shall put in its poles. (See NIV). ...
/c/cows.htm - 15k

Hides (27 Occurrences)
... (See NAS NIV). Numbers 4:6 and shall put a covering of sealskin on it, and shall
spread over it a cloth all of blue, and shall put in its poles. (See NIV). ...
/h/hides.htm - 13k

Poles (58 Occurrences)
... (WEB NAS RSV NIV). Numbers 4:6 and shall put a covering of sealskin on it, and shall
spread over it a cloth all of blue, and shall put in its poles. ...
/p/poles.htm - 22k

Covering (191 Occurrences)
... was assigned the task of caring for the furniture of the Tabernacle whenever the
camp was moved, a suitable covering (kacah) of sealskin being designated for ...
/c/covering.htm - 39k

Cloth (57 Occurrences)
... (Root in BBE NIV). Numbers 4:6 and shall put a covering of sealskin on it, and shall
spread over it a cloth all of blue, and shall put in its poles. ...
/c/cloth.htm - 24k

Cover (254 Occurrences)
... was assigned the task of caring for the furniture of the Tabernacle whenever the
camp was moved, a suitable covering (kacah) of sealskin being designated for ...
/c/cover.htm - 40k

Bars (50 Occurrences)
... Numbers 4:10 And they shall put it and all the vessels thereof within a covering
of sealskin, and shall put it upon a bar. (See NAS). ...
/b/bars.htm - 22k

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