Exodus Chapter 35 · Verse 28
And spice, and oil for the light, and for the anointing oil, and for the sweet incense.
Original Language Analysis
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַבֹּ֖שֶׂם
And spice
H1314
הַבֹּ֖שֶׂם
And spice
Strong's:
H1314
Word #:
2 of 9
fragrance; by implication, spicery; also the balsam plant
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וּלְשֶׁ֙מֶן֙
and oil
H8081
וּלְשֶׁ֙מֶן֙
and oil
Strong's:
H8081
Word #:
4 of 9
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
לְמָא֕וֹר
for the light
H3974
לְמָא֕וֹר
for the light
Strong's:
H3974
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, a luminous body or luminary, i.e., (abstractly) light (as an element); figuratively, brightness, i.e.,cheerfulness; specifically, a chandeli
וּלְשֶׁ֙מֶן֙
and oil
H8081
וּלְשֶׁ֙מֶן֙
and oil
Strong's:
H8081
Word #:
6 of 9
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
Historical Context
Acquiring and processing animal skins required significant labor: slaughtering, skinning, treating, and dyeing. The red dye for rams' skins added cost and time. The willingness to bring processed skins, not just raw hides, shows dedicated effort.
Questions for Reflection
- How do the plain outer coverings concealing inner glory illustrate Christ's incarnation and humble appearance?
- What does the use of animal skins in God's dwelling teach about the necessity of death and covering for approaching God?
Analysis & Commentary
Animal skins—rams' skins dyed red (עֹרֹת אֵילִם מְאָדָּמִים, orot eilim me'addamim) and badgers' skins (עֹרֹת תְּחָשִׁים, orot techashim)—provided durable, protective coverings. Red-dyed rams' skins evoke sacrifice and substitution, while the outer skins' plain appearance concealed inner glory, paralleling Isaiah 53:2's description of the Suffering Servant with 'no beauty that we should desire him.' These humble materials protecting sacred space teach that spiritual realities often hide behind ordinary appearances.