Topical Encyclopedia In the construction of the Tabernacle, as described in the Book of Exodus, the hair of goats played a significant role in the materials used for the sacred structure. The Tabernacle, a portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites, required various offerings from the people, including precious metals, fabrics, and animal products. Among these, goat hair was specifically designated for the making of the tent curtains.Biblical Reference: The primary biblical reference to the use of goat hair in the Tabernacle is found in Exodus 35:23-26. The passage details the contributions made by the Israelites for the construction of the Tabernacle: "Everyone who had blue, purple, or scarlet yarn, or fine linen, or goat hair, ram skins dyed red, or fine leather, brought them. And all the skilled women spun with their hands and brought what they had spun—blue, purple, or scarlet yarn, or fine linen. And all the women whose hearts were stirred with wisdom spun the goat hair." (Exodus 35:23-26) Symbolism and Significance: The use of goat hair in the Tabernacle holds both practical and symbolic significance. Practically, goat hair was a durable and readily available material among the Israelites, suitable for creating the outer coverings of the Tabernacle. The hair, when spun and woven, provided a sturdy and weather-resistant fabric, essential for the nomadic lifestyle of the Israelites in the wilderness. Symbolically, the offering of goat hair represents the willingness of the Israelites to contribute from their resources for the dwelling place of God. The act of spinning and weaving by the skilled women, as mentioned in the passage, highlights the communal effort and dedication to the divine command. It underscores the importance of using one's talents and resources for the service of God. Cultural Context: In the ancient Near Eastern context, goats were common livestock, valued for their milk, meat, and hair. The hair of goats, particularly from certain breeds, was known for its quality and was used in various textiles. The inclusion of goat hair in the Tabernacle's construction reflects the integration of available resources into the worship and religious practices of the Israelites. Theological Implications: Theologically, the offering of goat hair for the Tabernacle can be seen as a reflection of the broader biblical theme of sacrificial giving and the consecration of everyday materials for holy purposes. It serves as a reminder of the call to dedicate all aspects of life, including material possessions and personal skills, to the service and glory of God. In summary, the use of goat hair in the Tabernacle construction is a testament to the resourcefulness and devotion of the Israelites, as well as a symbol of the communal and sacrificial nature of worship in the biblical tradition. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 25:4And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair, Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 35:23 Library The Tabernacle of the Most High An Unalterable Law Whether There Can be any Suitable Cause for the Sacraments of the ... Separation to God. Scriptural Types. Letter cviii. To Eustochium. Letter cxxx. To Demetrias. God's People in the Furnace Book 5 Footnotes Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... Resources Why is eating dairy products and meat in the same meal considered not kosher? | GotQuestions.orgWho/what is Baphomet? | GotQuestions.org What is the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)? | GotQuestions.org Goat: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Goat: As a Sacrifice by Abraham Goat: Curtains of the Tabernacle Goat: Designated As One of the Ceremonially Clean Animals to be Eaten Goat: Hair of, Used for Clothing Goat: Nor Seethed in Its Mother's Milk The Goat: (Flock of) of the Church The Goat: Bashan Celebrated For The Goat: Clean and Fit for Food The Goat: First-Born of, not Redeemed The Goat: Flocks of, Always Led by a Male The Goat: Jews had Large Flocks of The Goat: Milk of, Used As Food The Goat: Most Profitable to the Owner The Goat: Offered in Sacrifice The Goat: Skin of, often Used As Clothing The Goat: The Arabians Traded In The Goat: The Hair of Made Into Curtains, for Covering the Tabernacle The Goat: The Hair of Made Into Pillows The Goat: The Hair of Offered for Tabernacle The Goat: The Male, Best for Sacrifice The Goat: The Young of Called Kids The Goat: The Young of Considered a Delicacy The Goat: The Young of Fed Near the Shepherds' Tents The Goat: The Young of Given As a Present The Goat: The Young of Kept in Small Flocks The Goat: The Young of not to be Seethed in Milk of Mother The Goat: The Young of Offered at the Passover The Goat: The Young of Offered in Sacrifice The Goat: when Wild Dwelt in the Hills and Rocks Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |