Exodus 36:19
And he made a covering for the tent of rams' skins dyed red, and a covering of badgers' skins above that.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֤עַשׂ
And he made
H6213
וַיַּ֤עַשׂ
And he made
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
Red-dyed rams' skins required significant processing: tanning the leather and applying expensive red dye. The badgers' skins (possibly dugong or dolphin from the Red Sea) were water-resistant, providing essential weather protection. Multiple layers created insulation and durability for desert conditions.
Questions for Reflection
- How do the four progressive coverings (linen, goat hair, rams' skins, badgers' skins) illustrate layers of meaning in approaching God?
- What does the emphasis on red-dyed rams' skins teach about the necessity of sacrificial blood for approaching God's presence?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Rams' skins dyed red (עֹרֹת אֵילִם מְאָדָּמִים, orot eilim me'addamim) formed the third covering, explicitly associated with sacrifice (rams were primary offerings, as in Abraham's substitution, Genesis 22:13). The red dye emphasizes blood and atonement—covering sin through substitutionary death. Above this, badgers'/dugongs' skins (עֹרֹת תְּחָשִׁים, orot techashim) provided waterproof outer protection. Four coverings total (linen, goat hair, rams' skins, badgers' skins) demonstrate progressive concealment of glory and layered protection of holiness.