Exodus 26 14

Exodus 26:14 kjv

And thou shalt make a covering for the tent of rams' skins dyed red, and a covering above of badgers' skins.

Exodus 26:14 nkjv

"You shall also make a covering of ram skins dyed red for the tent, and a covering of badger skins above that.

Exodus 26:14 niv

Make for the tent a covering of ram skins dyed red, and over that a covering of the other durable leather.

Exodus 26:14 esv

And you shall make for the tent a covering of tanned rams' skins and a covering of goatskins on top.

Exodus 26:14 nlt

Complete the tent covering with a protective layer of tanned ram skins and a layer of fine goatskin leather.

Exodus 26 verses

Exodus 26 14 Meaning

Exodus 26:14 details the construction of the outermost layers of the Tabernacle's covering. These two specific layers were designed for external protection and durability in the harsh wilderness environment. The first covering was made of ram skins dyed red, signifying sacrifice and atonement, while the final, visible covering was of tachash skins, known for their resilience and weatherproofing qualities. Together, they shielded the sacred structure from the elements, ensuring the holy space within remained undisturbed.

Exodus 26 14 Context

Exodus chapter 26 is part of God's detailed instructions to Moses concerning the construction of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary where God would dwell among His people in the wilderness. Verses 1-6 describe the innermost curtain of fine linen and colorful embroidery, representing the artistry and divine glory within. Verses 7-13 detail the next layer, a coarser tent of goat hair, serving as an additional protective covering. Verse 14 then specifies the final two, outermost coverings, emphasizing their materials and function for complete external protection. Historically, these instructions prepared the Israelites for living in a holy relationship with God amidst the nomadic conditions of their journey, ensuring the sacredness and preservation of His dwelling place against desert elements and the rigors of travel.

Exodus 26 14 Word analysis

• And: Connects this verse to the preceding instructions, indicating another sequential layer of the Tabernacle's covering.
• you: Refers to Moses, as the primary recipient of God's commands for the Tabernacle's construction, implying God's direct divine instruction for the specifics.
• shall make: Implies a divine command, requiring obedience and meticulous adherence to the precise design and materials specified by God.
• a: An indefinite article indicating one covering, composed of specific materials, further clarifying the distinct layers.
• covering: (Hebrew: mikseh, מִכְסֶה). Signifies a shield, a cover, or a lid, emphasizing its protective function. It distinguishes these external layers from the "curtains" (יְרִיעֹת - yeri'ot) of the inner tent, highlighting their role in enclosing and protecting.
• for the tent: Refers to the main portable sanctuary structure, ensuring its protection and defining its outermost appearance. This layer encased the inner layers and framework of the Tabernacle.
• of ram skins: (Hebrew: 'orot 'eylim, עֹרֹת אֵילִם). 'Or means "skin" or "hide," and 'eyl means "ram," a male sheep. Rams were common sacrificial animals in ancient Israel (Lev 1:10), suggesting a connection to sacrifice and atonement.
• dyed red: (Hebrew: m'udamim, מְאָדָּמִים). This indicates the ram skins were treated and colored red. The color red in the Bible often symbolizes blood, life, atonement, and purification (Lev 17:11; Heb 9:22). This strongly implies the sacrificial nature of the skins, pointing forward to the ultimate shed blood of Christ for redemption. The process of dyeing made the skins more durable and weather-resistant.
• and: Connects the two types of skins used for the outermost coverings, indicating they were distinct layers but part of the same overall protective system.
• a covering of tachash skins: (Hebrew: tachash, תַּחַשׁ). The precise identification of tachash skins is debated among scholars. Potential translations include badger, dugong, sea cow, dolphin, porpoise, or a type of seal, often found in the Red Sea region. The Septuagint translates it as "violet skins" or "hyacinthine," which could refer to a color or a precious material. Regardless of the exact animal, the material was universally understood to be very durable, strong, waterproof, and resilient. Its quality suggests exceptional resistance to harsh desert conditions like sandstorms, sun, and occasional heavy rain, ensuring the sanctuary's integrity. It was practical and not necessarily aesthetically pleasing on the outside, representing the unassuming external appearance of sacredness.
• above: Indicates that the tachash skin covering was the outermost and final layer, positioned on top of the ram skins, directly exposed to the elements and forming the Tabernacle's visible exterior. This layered approach provided maximum protection.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• And you shall make a covering: Highlights God's specific instruction to create a protective shell.
• for the tent of ram skins dyed red: Specifies a layer symbolizing sacrifice and consecration through the association with animal sacrifice and the color red. It points to a purification and setting apart.
• and a covering of tachash skins above: Identifies the final, outermost, and most resilient layer. This emphasizes durability, waterproofing, and the ability to withstand harsh environments, portraying practical function over outward beauty for sacred protection.

Exodus 26 14 Bonus section

The concept of layered coverings in the Tabernacle reflects a spiritual progression. From the innermost Ark of the Covenant, representing God's throne, outward through the increasingly less ornate and more utilitarian layers, each barrier both reveals and conceals, pointing to different aspects of God's character and humanity's approach to Him. The outermost layers of ram and tachash skins, rugged and functional, represented not just physical protection but also the reality that the way of God is often characterized by resilience, sacrifice, and humble, robust service in a harsh world. This external simplicity belied the immense glory and intricate purpose within, emphasizing function over appearance for the pilgrimage journey.

Exodus 26 14 Commentary

Exodus 26:14 details the crucial outer coverings of the Tabernacle, revealing God's provision for both protection and profound symbolism. The two layers — ram skins dyed red and tachash skins — functioned as the Tabernacle's durable shell, safeguarding the sacred inner sanctuary from the elements of the wilderness.

The ram skins dyed red are particularly significant. Rams were staple sacrificial animals, and the blood-red dye inherently pointed to atonement and consecration (Ex 29:20; Lev 16:5). This layer symbolized that access to God's presence, though shrouded, was made possible through blood, foreshadowing the ultimate, perfect sacrifice of Christ (Heb 9:11-12). It depicted the atoning work essential for God's dwelling among a sinful people.

The outermost tachash skin layer, durable and possibly waterproof, was the most outwardly visible part of the Tabernacle. Its function was purely practical: to withstand sun, sand, and rain. It likely lacked aesthetic splendor, presenting a rugged, unadorned exterior. This contrast with the glorious, intricate interior (fine linen, gold) is profoundly symbolic. It teaches that divine glory is often hidden from the casual observer, requiring intentional approach. It can also subtly point to Christ, who "had no form or majesty that we should look at him, no beauty that we should desire him" (Isa 53:2), yet whose inner being was fully divine and glorious. This physical arrangement demonstrated that God’s presence, while sacred, was not about outward show but about holiness, protection, and redemptive purpose for His people on their arduous journey.