“And he made a covering for the tent of rams’ skins dyed red, and a covering of badgers’ skins above that.”– Exodus 36:19 (KJV)
“Then he made a cover for the tent from tanned ram skins and an outer covering of fine goatskin.”– Exodus 36:19 (NLT)
“He made the tent of the Meeting with ten curtains of finely woven linen; he made them with blue, purple, and scarlet yarns, and with cherubim skillfully worked into them.”– Exodus 36:19 (MSG)
What Does Exodus 36:19 Mean?
In Exodus 36:19, we find ourselves in the midst of a significant portion of Scripture that speaks about the construction of the Tabernacle, which was a sacred space for the Israelites. This chapter outlines the meticulous efforts made by God’s people to create a place that honored their God. When we look at the verse, we see that it describes the coverings made for the tent, emphasizing the specific materials used, such as rams’ skins dyed red and badgers’ skins. Each material serves a purpose and reflects deeper meanings that we can explore.
The tent referred to in this verse symbolizes a dwelling place for God among His people. The coverings are not simply practical; they represent a barrier between the holy and the ordinary. The red-dyed rams’ skins speak of sacrifice and redemption, pointing toward the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The badgers’ skins offer protection, hinting at the divine safety that surrounds God’s presence. Thus, this verse teaches us that God desires to be with us, but His holiness requires that we approach Him with reverence.
Exodus 36:19 Explanation and Commentary
As we dig deeper into Exodus 36:19, we realize that every detail in the construction of the Tabernacle was divinely inspired. Exodus 36 begins with the mention of Bezalel and Oholiab, the skilled artisans assigned by God to lead this project. They were filled with the Spirit of God, leading them to accomplish this task with great precision and artistry. In the context of the verse, the skins used for covering the Tabernacle not only provided physical shelter but also fulfilled the spiritual requirements necessary to contain God’s glory.
The sacrifices of the rams, which were dyed red, directly point us towards the concept of atonement. In the Old Testament, the shedding of innocent blood was integral to seeking forgiveness and maintaining a relationship with God. The imagery of red represents both the sacrifice needed and the blood that covers our sins. In Hebrews 9:22, it says, “Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness.” This connection drives home the importance of understanding how the Old Testament points us toward the ultimate sacrifice of Christ—the Lamb of God whose redemption covers us entirely.
When discussing the badgers’ skins, it’s crucial to see them as symbols of protection and purity. These skins were tough and resistant to the elements, just as God’s presence shields us from adversity. The coverings act as a reminder that while we approach a holy God, we must also acknowledge that His perfect love and protection surround us. God wants to be near, but we must remember His holiness and glorify Him as we live our lives.
This verse provides both inspiration and encouragement for us today. The meticulous care taken in the Tabernacle’s construction mirrors how God cares for us. We should approach our relationship with Him with the same seriousness, knowing that He desires to dwell among us—all we need to do is seek Him earnestly with our hearts.
Context of Exodus 36:19
In understanding Exodus 36:19, we need to consider the broader context of the book of Exodus. Here, Moses leads the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and into freedom, guided by God’s commandments. After giving them the Ten Commandments, the Lord provides detailed instructions for building the Tabernacle, often referred to as the “tent of meeting.” It’s in this holy tent that Moses would meet with God, and it ultimately serves as a physical reminder of God’s promise to be present with His people.
The Tabernacle was designed as a portable sanctuary, highlighting God’s desire to dwell among His people during their wilderness journey. The intricate details given for its construction, like the various materials outlined in this chapter, underline the significance of offering the best to God. Each element, from the furnishings to the outer coverings, was meant to illustrate God’s holiness and to foreshadow the greater ultimate fulfillment of His redemptive plan through Jesus Christ.
As we read through the surrounding chapters, we notice that the people enthusiastically participate in the construction of this sacred space (Exodus 35:21-29). The community unites in worship and service, offering their skills and resources. In response to God’s call, we witness a powerful movement of willingness, demonstrating their desire to contribute to what would become a central place of worship.
Understanding the context helps us relate better to the modern church. Just as the Israelites contributed to the Tabernacle, we, too, are called to give of ourselves. Our time, talent, and treasures contribute to the body of Christ, the Church. Each act of service and each offering we give serves as a testament to God’s presence in our lives and our dedication to glorifying Him.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Exodus 36:19
Let us analyze the key phrases in Exodus 36:19 more closely. The covering of the Tabernacle is indeed a powerful concept. It signifies how God approaches humanity and how He desires us to draw near while also recognizing His holiness. The rams’ skins dyed red represent the sacrifice needed when entering His presence. It invites us to reflect on how we, too, should prepare our hearts and approach God with sincerity and repentance.
In addition to the physical covering, we also understand that spiritual coverings exist. For instance, Jesus speaks about being the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11). When we recognize that only through His sacrifice can we enter into relationship with God, we should be overwhelmed with gratitude. The badgers’ skins offer a lesson in God’s protection as well, emphasizing how He desires to shield us from the harsh realities of life. We can rely on God to offer us the security we need as we walk this path of faith. Through prayer and communion with Him, we establish our relationship, which requires us to be in tune with His presence around us.
In our own lives, we often find ourselves needing to make daily sacrifices in order to put God first. Romans 12:1 encourages us to “present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God.” Just as the Israelites took great care to create a beautiful dwelling place for God’s presence, we are prompted to care for our spiritual lives, surrounding ourselves with His Word, prayer, and fellowship in the church.
This verse demonstrates a crucial promise of hope we hold on to as believers. No matter how far we may stray, God prepares a place for us. It invites us to understand that our relationship with God requires effort and focus but rewards us with love and acceptance. In Christ, we are all called to build one another up and encourage one another in our faith communities.
Lessons to Learn From Exodus 36:19
As we reflect on Exodus 36:19, several essential lessons emerge. We learn the value of meticulous preparation in our relationship with God. Just as the Israelites put immense effort into the Tabernacle’s construction, we, too, should give our best to God. It challenges us to consider how we devote our resources, planning, and energy to serving Him. Do we take the necessary time to engage in prayer, worship, and studying His Word? A sincere effort offers us the richness of His presence.
Another lesson is to remember that God desires to dwell among us. Just like the Tabernacle was built as a home for God’s presence, our hearts can serve as His dwelling today. We are encouraged to keep our hearts pure, allowing Him to work within us. Ephesians 3:17 reminds us that Christ dwells in our hearts by faith. Learning to trust God means we should find peace in knowing He is with us in every circumstance.
We must also recognize the importance of community in our worship and service. The Israelites worked together to construct the Tabernacle, demonstrating the impact of unity in Christ. As we support one another, we create a space where God’s presence can flourish in our gatherings. This reminds us how our contributions come together to form a vibrant, living testimony of Christ’s love in our lives. Building a community rooted in faith is crucial, for we grow stronger together.
Lastly, we should acknowledge the call to sacrifice. The red-dyed rams’ skins remind us that following Jesus often requires giving up parts of our lives in exchange for a life that is fully devoted to Him. We may need to release the things that pull us away from Him. Our sacrifices, as small as they may sometimes seem, serve as indicators of our dedication to living in alignment with God’s purposes for our lives.
Final Thoughts
Exodus 36:19 serves as a powerful reminder of God’s desire to dwell among His people and highlights how we should approach Him with reverence. The rich imagery of the coverings used for the Tabernacle invites us to explore the depths of our faith and examine how we draw near to God. As we continue to learn from this verse, we must be mindful of the sacrifices we make for the sake of our relationship with God. We can always rely on His protection and love—qualities that strengthen our faith and encourage us to serve others.
Finally, this verse nudges us toward a collective journey of faith. As we gather together as believers, we experience an even greater outpouring of God’s presence in our lives. Let’s commit ourselves to being a part of this work, allowing Him to lead and strengthen us daily. The journey of faith may seem daunting at times, but we can be assured that as we work together, God’s glory shines through us. As we delve into more Scriptures, we can witness the various dimensions of God’s love and presence. Feel free to explore more topics like Matthew 11 and Genesis 18 as we grow deeper in our understanding of His Word.