Exodus 36:19
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 36:19
19 And he made a covering for the tent of rams' skins dyed red, and a covering of badgers' skins above that.
Chapter Context
Exodus 36 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of obedience, salvation, wisdom. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-38: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 36:19
19 And he made a covering for the tent of rams' skins dyed red, and a covering of badgers' skins above that.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?