Exodus 36 19

Exodus 36:19 kjv

And he made a covering for the tent of rams' skins dyed red, and a covering of badgers' skins above that.

Exodus 36:19 nkjv

Then he made a covering for the tent of ram skins dyed red, and a covering of badger skins above that.

Exodus 36:19 niv

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

Exodus 36:19 esv

And he made for the tent a covering of tanned rams' skins and goatskins.

Exodus 36:19 nlt

He completed the tent covering with a layer of tanned ram skins and a layer of fine goatskin leather.

Exodus 36 verses

Exodus 36 19 Meaning

Exodus 36:19 details the craftsmanship involved in constructing the coverings for the Tabernacle, specifically the making of the second and third layers of its roof. The artisans, under divine inspiration, fashioned durable outer coverings using ram skins dyed red and an additional outermost layer of a highly resistant material referred to as "fine leather." This step was a precise fulfillment of God's instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai, providing protection for the sacred dwelling place of God in the wilderness.

Exodus 36 19 Context

Exodus chapter 36 is part of a larger narrative detailing the meticulous construction of the Tabernacle in the wilderness, following the specific divine blueprints revealed to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exod 25-31). The immediate context shows the skilled artisans—Bezaleel, Oholiab, and other inspired craftsmen—faithfully executing God's commands (Exod 36:1-8), gathering materials generously donated by the Israelites. This particular verse, Exodus 36:19, describes the fabrication of the second and third layers of the Tabernacle's multi-layered roof system, demonstrating a strict adherence to God's exact specifications from Exodus 26:14.

Historically, the Tabernacle served as God's mobile dwelling place among the Israelites during their desert journey, a portable temple representing His presence. Unlike the grand, permanent temples of surrounding pagan cultures, which often housed idols and reflected local deities tied to specific lands, the Tabernacle was transient and focused on a single, transcendent God who journeyed with His people. The construction highlights themes of divine holiness, atonement, and obedient worship. The sequence of materials, from the inner sacred linen to the practical outer coverings, reflected both the hidden glory of God and the practical need for protection in the desert environment, establishing a divine-human interface accessible through a system of sacrifice and priesthood.

Exodus 36 19 Word analysis

• He made: This refers to the master craftsmen, Bezaleel, Oholiab, and the skilled individuals working under them (Exod 36:1-2). It highlights their obedient execution of the divine blueprint for the Tabernacle's construction. Their work was not from their own ingenuity but in precise accordance with God's detailed instructions given to Moses.
• covers: Hebrew: mikseh (מִכְסֶה). This term specifically denotes a "covering" or "roof." In this context, it emphasizes the function of protection and concealment for the sacred structure beneath. The use of the plural (implied by the action applying to two distinct types of covers) points to the layered nature of the Tabernacle's protective roof system, rather than a single covering.
• for the tent: Hebrew: lā’ōhel (לָאֹהֶל). Ohel refers to the main tent structure of the Tabernacle, also known as the "Tent of Meeting" (Exod 27:21). This specifies the object being covered—the portable sanctuary where God would meet with His people.
• of ram skins: Hebrew: ’ōrōt ’ēlîm (אֹרֹת אֵילִם). Literally, "skins of rams." Rams were common sacrificial animals in the ancient Near East and a type of animal offered in Israelite worship. The skins were typically flayed from the carcass. Their inclusion as a sacred covering elevates what might be considered ordinary material through its dedication to God's service.
• dyed red: Hebrew: mĕ’udāmmîm (מְאָדָּמִים). From the root ’ādam (אָדַם), meaning "to be red" or "dyed red." The color red is highly symbolic in the Bible, often representing blood, life (Lev 17:11), and importantly, atonement or sacrifice (Heb 9:22). In the context of the Tabernacle coverings, it signifies the sacrificial provision necessary for access to a holy God, subtly pointing towards the atoning work that allows God to dwell among His people. It hints at the life-giving aspect of shed blood, which makes reconciliation possible.
• and covers of fine leather: Hebrew: wūmikseh taḥaš (וּמִכְסֵה תַּחַשׁ). Tahash (תַּחַשׁ) is a material whose exact identity has been debated by scholars. Traditional translations often rendered it as "badger" skin, but more modern scholarship suggests it refers to durable marine mammal skins (like dugong or porpoise) or simply a high-quality, processed, waterproof leather (perhaps dyed blue or purple as seen elsewhere for footwear). Regardless of the specific animal, the key characteristic is its durability, weather resistance, and protective quality. It would have appeared unadorned and robust, serving as the outermost shell, safeguarding the more glorious, decorative inner layers.
• above: Hebrew: milma‘lāh (מִלְמַעְלָה). This adverb denotes "upwards" or "above." It clearly indicates that the "fine leather" (tahash) covering was placed as the topmost and outermost layer of the Tabernacle's roof. This arrangement created a layered protection system where practical resilience guarded sacred beauty, revealing a progression from the plain exterior to the concealed splendor within.

Exodus 36 19 Bonus section

The design of the Tabernacle coverings presents a profound theological statement. The layers progressively conceal increasing levels of glory and holiness, moving from the practical and somewhat ordinary (tahash skins) on the outside to the vibrant, sacrificial (red ram skins), and then to the stunningly beautiful and sacred (embroidered linen curtains) within. This arrangement signifies several truths:

• Hidden Glory: God's supreme glory is not readily apparent to the casual observer. Just as the rugged tahash covering veiled the Tabernacle's inner beauty, God's true nature and saving work are often hidden to the unbelieving world, revealing themselves progressively to those who draw near in faith.
• Atonement as Foundation: The red ram skins immediately underneath the plain exterior represent the necessary layer of shed blood—the foundation of reconciliation that makes God's presence among humanity possible. No access to the inner glory is possible without the atoning sacrifice.
• Divine Protection: Each layer, from the strongest tahash to the dyed ram skins, contributed to the structural integrity and protection of the holy space and its precious contents. This symbolizes God's commitment to protect His dwelling place and, by extension, His people who shelter within His covenant.
• Portability of Presence: The very nature of these coverings as tent components ensured the Tabernacle's portability. God's presence was not fixed to a grand temple, but journeyed with His people, emphasizing His personal, intimate relationship and guidance through the wilderness.

Exodus 36 19 Commentary

Exodus 36:19 provides a crucial detail in the construction of the Tabernacle, underscoring the obedience and skill of the artisans who followed God's intricate plans for His dwelling. The creation of these specific outer coverings highlights divine precision and functional necessity. The ram skins, dyed red, served as the inner protective layer for the delicate inner curtains, symbolizing the shedding of blood and the foundational truth of atonement that underpins Israel's covenant with God. This layer implicitly pointed to the ongoing need for sacrifice for a sinful people to approach a holy God. The outermost "fine leather" (tahash) layer, by contrast, speaks of supreme durability and protection from the harsh elements of the wilderness, covering and concealing the glory within. This plain exterior beautifully foreshadows Christ, who came without external pomp or earthly splendor (Isa 53:2), yet He is the ultimate, indispensable covering and protection for His people, whose glory is often hidden from the world. The careful layering from outward strength to inward holiness mirrors the journey of faith: a humble exterior concealing a profound spiritual reality, accessible only through God's prescribed means of atonement and worship.