Exodus 39:34
And the covering of rams' skins dyed red, and the covering of badgers' skins, and the vail of the covering,
Original Language Analysis
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָֽאֵילִם֙
of rams
H352
הָֽאֵילִם֙
of rams
Strong's:
H352
Word #:
4 of 12
properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree
הַמְאָדָּמִ֔ים
dyed red
H119
הַמְאָדָּמִ֔ים
dyed red
Strong's:
H119
Word #:
5 of 12
to show blood (in the face), i.e., flush or turn rosy
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַתְּחָשִׁ֑ים
of badgers
H8476
הַתְּחָשִׁ֑ים
of badgers
Strong's:
H8476
Word #:
9 of 12
a (clean) animal with fur, probably a species of antelope
וְאֵ֖ת
H853
וְאֵ֖ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
The layered coverings—fine linen innermost (beauty), goats' hair (provision), rams' skins (sacrifice), badgers' skins outermost (protection)—demonstrated that God's dwelling required both beauty (internal) and durability (external). The veil's thick weaving made tearing it humanly impossible.
Questions for Reflection
- How do the layered coverings (beauty inside, durability outside) apply to the church's nature?
- What does Christ's body torn as the veil reveal about His sacrifice opening access to God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The coverings—rams' skins dyed red (עֹרֹת אֵילִם מְאָדָּמִים, orot eilim me'adamim) and badgers' skins (עֹרֹת תְּחָשִׁים, orot techashim, possibly seals or dolphins)—plus the veil (פָּרֹכֶת הַמָּסָךְ, parokhet haMasakh, veil of the screen) protected the tabernacle. The rams' skins' red dye symbolizes substitutionary sacrifice; the outer covering's durability indicates enduring protection. The veil separated Holy Place from Most Holy, teaching that access to God's immediate presence requires mediation. Christ, the veil torn at His death (Matthew 27:51), opened the way to the Father.