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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt make {H6213} a covering {H4372} for the tent {H168} of rams {H352}' skins {H5785} dyed red {H119}, and a covering {H4372} above {H4605} of badgers {H8476}' skins {H5785}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"You are to make a covering for the tent of tanned ram skins and an outer covering of fine leather.

Berean Standard Bible

Also make a covering for the tent out of ram skins dyed red, and over that a covering of fine leather.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 26:14 meticulously details the outermost layers of the Tabernacle's covering, instructing Moses to construct them from rams' skins dyed red and an additional, final layer of *tachash* skins. These robust materials were divinely specified to provide essential protection for the sacred portable sanctuary and its contents from the harsh elements of the wilderness, underscoring God's precise design for His dwelling place and its symbolic role as the visible manifestation of His presence among His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into the detailed divine instructions for the Tabernacle's construction, which span from [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Tabernacle Instructions Begin") through [Exodus 31](/exodus/31 "Exodus 31 - Craftsmanship and Sabbath"), with their implementation recorded in [Exodus 35-40](/exodus/35 "Exodus 35 - Willing Hearts and Skilled Hands"). Immediately preceding this verse, God provides specifications for the inner, decorative curtains of linen and cherubim (Exodus 26:1-6) and the second layer made of goat hair (Exodus 26:7-13). Verse 14 completes the sequence of coverings, detailing the two outermost, most utilitarian layers. This progression from inner beauty to outer resilience emphasizes the holistic nature of God's design—every component, from the most sacred to the most practical, is divinely ordained and essential for the Tabernacle's function as God's dwelling place and the center of Israel's worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Tabernacle was designed as a portable sanctuary for the Israelites during their forty-year wilderness journey following their exodus from Egypt. The Sinai desert environment presented significant challenges, including intense solar radiation, abrasive winds, sandstorms, and occasional, heavy rains. Such conditions necessitated a highly durable and weather-resistant structure. The materials specified—rams' skins and *tachash* skins—were chosen for their inherent robustness and likely their availability in the region, demonstrating God's practical provision for His people even in a barren landscape. The Tabernacle served as a tangible, mobile reminder of God's covenant presence, fulfilling His command in [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Command to Build the Sanctuary") to "make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them," thereby centralizing their worship and communal life around His holy presence.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 26:14 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Presence and Holiness**, as the coverings protect the sacred space where God condescends to dwell among His people. The meticulous instructions reinforce the theme of **Divine Order and Precision**, highlighting that God's worship and service must be conducted according to His exact revealed will, not human ingenuity. Furthermore, the practical nature of these outer coverings, contrasted with the inner glory, speaks to **God's Provision and Protection**, ensuring the longevity and functionality of the Tabernacle in a harsh environment. This verse, therefore, is not merely a technical detail but an integral part of understanding the nature of God's relationship with Israel and the means by which He established His dwelling place, a concept echoed in later passages like [Leviticus 19:2](/leviticus/19-2 "Leviticus 19:2 - Be Holy, for I Am Holy") which calls for Israel's holiness to reflect God's.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **covering (Hebrew, _mikçeh'_):** This term (H4372) specifically denotes a protective layer, often implying weatherboarding or something designed to shield. In the context of the Tabernacle, it refers to the outermost layers that served as an essential, practical shield against the elements, ensuring the preservation of the more delicate and sacred inner structures. Its function is primarily utilitarian, providing the necessary durability and weather resistance for the portable sanctuary.
* **dyed red (Hebrew, _ʼâdam'_):** Derived from H119, this word signifies "to show blood (in the face)," "flush," or "turn rosy," and by extension, "to be (dyed, made) red (ruddy)." When applied to the rams' skins, it indicates a deliberate coloring process. While practically enhancing durability or aesthetics, the color red often carries symbolic weight in biblical contexts, frequently associated with blood, sacrifice, or life. Here, it subtly connects to the sacrificial system that would be central to the Tabernacle's function, where the blood of rams and other animals would be shed for atonement.
* **badgers' skins (Hebrew, _tachash'_):** This term (H8476) is one of the most debated in the Tabernacle descriptions. While the KJV translates it as "badgers' skins," modern scholarship widely questions this identification due to the unsuitability of badger hides for waterproofing and their scarcity in the Sinai region. The Strong's definition notes it as "a (clean) animal with fur, probably a species of antelope." Alternative proposals include dugongs, porpoises, or other aquatic mammals (sea cows) found in the Red Sea, whose hides are thick, durable, and naturally water-resistant. Another theory suggests *tachash* refers to a specific type of fine, durable leather, possibly dyed a particular color, or even a specific animal whose hide was highly valued for its protective qualities. Regardless of the exact animal, the consensus is that *tachash* skins provided the ultimate, most resilient, and waterproof outer layer, designed to withstand the harshest desert conditions and protect the entire sacred structure.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt make a covering for the tent":** This opening clause reasserts the divine imperative given to Moses, emphasizing that the construction of the Tabernacle's outer coverings is not a human discretion but a direct, non-negotiable command from God. The "tent" refers to the entire portable sanctuary, underscoring that these coverings are integral to its very existence and function as the dwelling place of the Most High.
* **"[of] rams' skins dyed red":** This specifies the first of the two outermost layers. These red-dyed rams' skins would have provided a robust, durable, and perhaps visually striking layer, offering significant protection against the sun, wind, and general wear. Their placement suggests a strong, foundational protective layer immediately above the goat hair curtains, acting as a secondary barrier before the ultimate, outermost covering.
* **"and a covering above [of] badgers' skins":** This describes the final, uppermost layer of the Tabernacle. The *tachash* skins formed the ultimate protective shell, engineered for maximum resilience against the elements. Being the outermost layer, it would have been the most exposed to the harsh desert environment, thus requiring the most durable and waterproof material available. This layer ensured the preservation of the more delicate and sacred inner structures and furnishings from external damage and moisture.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 26:14 primarily employs **Symbolism** and **Contrast**. The various layers of the Tabernacle's coverings, particularly these outermost ones, symbolize divine protection and the sacredness of God's dwelling. The durable, weather-beaten outer layers of rams' skins and *tachash* skins symbolize God's practical provision and His unwavering commitment to safeguarding His presence among His people, even amidst the harsh realities of a wilderness journey. There is a profound **Contrast** between the utilitarian, unadorned, and perhaps even plain appearance of these outermost coverings and the glorious, intricately woven inner curtains of fine linen, blue, purple, and scarlet material adorned with cherubim (Exodus 26:1-6). This contrast subtly communicates a profound theological truth: while God's glory is profound, beautiful, and awe-inspiring within, His dwelling also requires a robust, unassuming external protection. This dual nature reflects the paradox of God's transcendence and immanence—His glorious holiness is protected by humble, yet divinely appointed, means, making Him both approachable and utterly set apart.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates God's meticulousness, His foresight, and His unwavering commitment to the security and preservation of His sacred presence among His people. The layered design of the Tabernacle's coverings, moving from inner beauty to outer resilience, reflects a divine architecture that is both glorious in its spiritual significance and practical in its physical execution. It teaches us that God cares deeply about every detail of His dwelling place and, by extension, the precise means by which His people are to approach Him. The protective layers underscore the profound holiness of the Tabernacle, shielding its sacred contents from defilement and the harshness of the fallen world, much as God's presence provides ultimate protection and refuge for His people.

* [Exodus 40:34-35](/exodus/40-34-35 "Exodus 40:34-35 - The Glory of the Lord Fills the Tabernacle") - The glory of the Lord filling the completed Tabernacle, emphasizing the sacredness that these coverings were designed to protect.
* [Psalm 91:4](/psalm/91-4 "Psalm 91:4 - God's Protection and Covering") - "He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart," echoing the enduring biblical theme of divine protection and covering.
* [Hebrews 9:1-5](/hebrews/9-1-5 "Hebrews 9:1-5 - Description of the Earthly Tabernacle") - Describes the earthly Tabernacle and its furnishings, underscoring its symbolic nature and pointing to a greater spiritual reality that these physical structures foreshadowed.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 26:14, though seemingly a technical blueprint detail, offers profound insights for contemporary believers regarding God's character and our spiritual lives. It reminds us that God is a God of order, precision, and thoroughness, attending even to the seemingly mundane aspects of His commands. The Tabernacle's coverings, designed for comprehensive protection, prompt us to consider how we protect and preserve the sacred spaces in our lives—our spiritual walk, our relationships, our families, and our church communities. Just as the outer layers were robust and perhaps outwardly plain, guarding the inner glory, so too are we called to cultivate an inner spiritual life that is rich, vibrant, and glorious, even if our external circumstances or acts of service appear humble or unglamorous. This verse encourages us to trust in God's meticulous provision for our protection and to be diligent in stewarding the spiritual treasures He has entrusted to us, recognizing that true value often lies beyond what is immediately visible or externally appealing. It calls us to appreciate both the inner beauty and the outer resilience required for a life consecrated to God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in the Tabernacle's construction inform your understanding of His character and His expectations for our worship and service today?**
* **In what ways do you see the principle of "protection" and "preservation" from this verse applying to your spiritual life or your local church community today, both internally and externally?**
* **Considering the contrast between the Tabernacle's plain, durable exterior and its glorious, ornate interior, how might this challenge your perceptions of what is truly valuable or sacred in God's eyes?**

### FAQ
**Why were there so many layers of covering for the Tabernacle?**

Answer: The multiple layers of covering for the Tabernacle served both crucial practical and profound symbolic purposes. Practically, they provided robust and comprehensive protection for the sacred structure and its precious contents from the harsh desert environment, shielding it from intense sun, abrasive winds, pervasive sand, and occasional, heavy rains. Each layer contributed to the overall durability and weather resistance, with the outermost *tachash* skins being particularly vital for waterproofing. Symbolically, the layers emphasized the increasing holiness and sanctity as one approached the inner sanctuary, culminating in the Holy of Holies where God's glorious presence dwelled. The outer layers, being more utilitarian and less ornate, protected the inner, more delicate, and highly symbolic layers, underscoring the preciousness and sanctity of what lay within. This layered protection also visually represented the necessary separation between a holy God and sinful humanity, with access to His presence being carefully regulated and mediated, a concept powerfully illustrated when the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle, as described in [Exodus 40:34-35](/exodus/40-34-35 "The Glory of the Lord Fills the Tabernacle").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 26:14, with its focus on the Tabernacle's protective coverings, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle, as a temporary dwelling for God among His people, was a profound foreshadowing of the ultimate "tabernacling" of God in human flesh, as beautifully articulated in [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), where "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." Just as the *tachash* skins provided a humble, unadorned, yet perfectly protective outer layer for the Tabernacle, shielding its inner glory from the elements, so too did Christ's humble human form veil the infinite, unapproachable glory of God. His earthly appearance, though outwardly ordinary and subject to human frailty, perfectly contained and protected the fullness of the Godhead, allowing God to dwell intimately among humanity without consuming them. Furthermore, Christ Himself is our ultimate covering and protection. Through His perfect, atoning sacrifice on the cross, He provides a complete and flawless spiritual covering for our sins, shielding us from divine judgment and securing our confident access to God's holy presence, much like the Tabernacle's coverings allowed God to dwell safely among an imperfect people. He is the true and perfect sanctuary, the "greater and more perfect tabernacle" not made with human hands, through whom we now have confident and unhindered access to the Father ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11-12 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ, the High Priest of the New Covenant")). In Christ, the temporary, external protection of the Tabernacle gives way to the eternal, internal security of a relationship with God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 36:19

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

Exodus 25:5

And rams' skins dyed red, and badgers' skins, and shittim wood,

Psalms 121:4

Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

Psalms 121:5

The LORD [is] thy keeper: the LORD [is] thy shade upon thy right hand.

Isaiah 4:6

And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain.

Exodus 39:34

And the covering of rams' skins dyed red, and the covering of badgers' skins, and the vail of the covering,

Numbers 4:10

And they shall put it and all the vessels thereof within a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put [it] upon a bar.