Exodus Chapter 36 · Verse 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?
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.