Exodus 39:34
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 39:34
34 And the covering of rams' skins dyed red, and the covering of badgers' skins, and the vail of the covering,
Chapter Context
Exodus 39 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of obedience, salvation, holiness. 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 21-43: 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 39:34
34 And the covering of rams' skins dyed red, and the covering of badgers' skins, and the vail of the covering,
Analysis
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.
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.
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?