Exodus Chapter 26 · Verse 14
And thou shalt make a covering for the tent of rams' skins dyed red, and a covering above of badgers' skins.
Original Language Analysis
וְעָשִׂ֤יתָ
And thou shalt make
H6213
וְעָשִׂ֤יתָ
And thou shalt make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 10
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
לָאֹ֔הֶל
for the tent
H168
לָאֹ֔הֶל
for the tent
Strong's:
H168
Word #:
3 of 10
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
אֵילִ֖ם
of rams
H352
אֵילִ֖ם
of rams
Strong's:
H352
Word #:
5 of 10
properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree
מְאָדָּמִ֑ים
dyed red
H119
מְאָדָּמִ֑ים
dyed red
Strong's:
H119
Word #:
6 of 10
to show blood (in the face), i.e., flush or turn rosy
Historical Context
Ram leather, tanned and dyed red, was strong and water-resistant. The outermost covering of dugong (or possibly badger) skin was extremely durable marine mammal hide from the Red Sea, providing maximum weather protection for the tabernacle interior.
Questions for Reflection
- How do the red rams' skins symbolize Christ's substitutionary sacrifice covering you?
- Why did God design Christ's outward appearance to be unremarkable (Isaiah 53:2)?
Analysis & Commentary
Two additional coverings: rams' skins dyed red and badgers'/dugongs' skins. The rams' skins dyed red clearly suggest substitutionary sacrifice (rams sacrificed throughout the tabernacle system). Red points to blood atonement. The outer covering of badger/dugong skins—tough, waterproof, and unbeautiful—recalls Isaiah 53:2, 'no beauty that we should desire him.' Christ appeared unremarkable outwardly, His glory hidden, yet provided complete protection.