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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Exodus 26:7–14.
Moses is here ordered to make a double covering for the tabernacle, that it might not rain in, and that the beauty of those fine curtains might not be damaged. 1. There was to be a covering of hair camlet curtains, which were somewhat larger every way than the inner curtains, because they were to enclose them, and probably were stretched out at some little distance from them, Exo 26:7, etc. These were coupled together with brass clasps. The stuff being less valuable, the tacks were so; but the brass tacks would answer the intention as effectually as the golden ones. The bonds of unity may be as strong between curtains of goats' hair as between those of purple and scarlet. 2. Over this there was to be another covering, and that a double one (Exo 26:14), one of rams' skins dyed red, probably dressed with the wool on; another of badgers' skins, so we translate it, but it should rather seem to have been some strong sort of leather (but very fine), for we read of the best sort of shoes being made of it, Eze 16:10. Now observe here, (1.) That the outside of the tabernacle was coarse and rough, the beauty of it was in the inner curtains. Those in whom God dwells must labour to be better than they seem to be. Hypocrites put the best side outwards, like whited sepulchres; but the king's daughter is all glorious within (Psa 45:13); in the eye of the world black as the tents of Kedar, but, in the eye of God, comely as the curtains of Solomon, Sol 1:5. Let our adorning be that of the hidden man of the heart, which God values, Pe1 3:4. (2.) That where God places his glory he will create a defence upon it; even upon the habitations of the righteous there shall be a covert, Isa 6:5, Isa 6:6. The protection of Providence shall always be upon the beauty of holiness. God's tent will be a pavilion, Psa 27:5.
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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 through Exodus 31, with their implementation recorded in Exodus 35, Exodus 36, Exodus 37, Exodus 38, Exodus 39, Exodus 40. 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 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 which calls for Israel's holiness to reflect God's.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
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.
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.
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.
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
FAQ
Why were there so many layers of covering for the Tabernacle?
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.
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, 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). In Christ, the temporary, external protection of the Tabernacle gives way to the eternal, internal security of a relationship with God.