Meaning of Exodus 36:19

This verse, Exodus 36:19, describes a specific layer of the tabernacle's construction, detailing the materials used for its outer coverings: dyed ram skins and a further layer of fine leather. This layer served as protection for the inner sanctuary, shielding the sacred dwelling from the elements and the prying eyes of those outside the immediate priestly service. The materials themselves, derived from animals and processed with dyes, highlight the sacrificial and labor-intensive nature of worship in the Old Testament, a testament to the reverence and care required in approaching a holy God. The emphasis on durable materials underscores the importance of permanence and protection for the dwelling place of God among His people.

Context and Background

This passage is situated within the detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, God's portable sanctuary in the wilderness, as recorded in Exodus chapters 25-31 and then the actual execution of these plans in Exodus chapters 35-40. Exodus 36:19 specifically falls within the account of the craftsmen, led by Bezalel and Oholiab, carrying out the divine blueprint. The preceding verses describe the weaving of the curtains and the making of the framework, establishing the structure that these coverings would protect. The materials mentioned – ram skins dyed red and other durable leather – were part of the outer layers, designed to withstand the harsh desert environment and to provide a final, protective shell for the more ornate inner components.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Protection: The coverings served as a physical barrier, symbolizing God's protection over His presence among His people. This highlights God's care for the sacred and His desire to maintain a pure dwelling place.
• Diligence and Craftsmanship: The use of specific, durable materials and the precise instructions for their application emphasize the importance of careful and dedicated work in service to God. The Israelites were called to use their best resources and skills for the Tabernacle.
• Sacrifice and Atonement: Ram skins, often associated with sacrificial offerings (e.g., rams used for sin offerings or peace offerings), point to the underlying theme of atonement and the shedding of blood necessary for God's presence to dwell with sinful humanity.
• Outer Appearance vs. Inner Sanctity: The rugged, functional exterior contrasted with the rich, ornate interior (e.g., gold, precious stones, fine linen) illustrates the concept of God’s holiness being both accessible and transcendent. The outward appearance was robust, indicating the seriousness of approaching God, while the inner was glorious, revealing His majesty.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, the outer coverings of the Tabernacle can be understood as representing the protective aspects of God's covenant and His faithfulness. The red dye of the ram skins could symbolize the blood of sacrifices that made fellowship possible, a foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate sacrifice. The durability of the materials speaks to the enduring nature of God's promises and His unfailing protection over those who dwell in His presence. For believers today, the Tabernacle serves as a model of how God desires to dwell with His people, emphasizing the need for reverence, purity, and dedicated service, all made possible through Christ's atoning work.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This passage is integral to the unfolding narrative of God's covenant relationship with Israel. The Tabernacle, and later the Temple, represents God's desire to be Immanuel—God with us—in a tangible way. The meticulous construction detailed here sets the stage for the subsequent presence of God's glory (the Shekinah cloud) to fill the Tabernacle, signifying His acceptance of their work and His dwelling among them. This theme of God’s dwelling place continues through the New Testament, culminating in Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate Tabernacle, the dwelling place of God among humanity (John 1:14), and in the church, the body of Christ, which becomes the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19).

Analogies

One analogy for these outer coverings is a sturdy, weather-resistant tent protecting valuable and delicate instruments inside from rain, wind, and sun. The tent itself might not be as aesthetically pleasing as the instruments, but its function is crucial for preserving them. Similarly, the outer layers of the Tabernacle, while robust and functional, shielded the inner sanctuary where God's presence resided. Another analogy could be the protective layers of a book's binding and cover, which safeguard the precious words and stories within from damage, allowing them to be read and preserved for generations.

Relation to Other Verses

• Exodus 25:8-9: "And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst. According to all that I show you, that is, the pattern of the tent, and the pattern of all its furniture, so you shall make it." This verse establishes the divine mandate for the Tabernacle, providing the overarching purpose for the construction described in Exodus 36:19.
• Leviticus 1:11: "And he shall kill it on the north side of the altar before the LORD. And the sons of Aaron, the priests, shall throw its blood all around on the altar." The mention of ram skins, often used in sacrifices, connects to the sacrificial system instituted in Leviticus, where the shedding of blood (symbolized by the red dye) was essential for atonement and access to God.
• John 1:14: "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." This New Testament verse parallels the Tabernacle as God's dwelling place, but now in the person of Jesus Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of God's desire to be with His people.
• 1 Corinthians 3:16: "Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?" This verse extends the concept of God’s dwelling place to the New Testament believer, emphasizing the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit within the community of faith.