Exodus 35:7

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And rams {H352}' skins {H5785} dyed red {H119}, and badgers {H8476}' skins {H5785}, and shittim {H7848} wood {H6086},

Complete Jewish Bible

tanned ram skins and fine leather; acacia-wood;

Berean Standard Bible

ram skins dyed red and fine leather; acacia wood;

American Standard Version

and rams’ skins dyed red, and sealskins, and acacia wood,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 35:7 meticulously lists three essential raw materials—rams' skins dyed red, badgers' skins, and shittim wood—that the Israelites were called to contribute as freewill offerings for the construction of the Tabernacle. This verse is part of Moses' detailed instructions to the community, outlining the specific, divinely ordained components necessary for the portable sanctuary, which would serve as the dwelling place for God's presence among His people in the wilderness, underscoring the precision required for sacred worship and the communal effort involved in establishing God's holy dwelling.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 35:7 is embedded within Moses' comprehensive reiteration of God's commands for the Tabernacle's construction, initially given on Mount Sinai, as detailed from [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle") through [Exodus 31](/exodus/31 "Exodus 31 - Bezalel and Oholiab Chosen for the Tabernacle"). Following the covenant renewal after the devastating golden calf incident, Moses convenes the entire Israelite community to present God's instructions regarding the freewill offerings. [Exodus 35:4-9](/exodus/35-4-9 "Exodus 35:4-9 - Call for Freewill Offerings") sets the stage, inviting all "whose heart stirs him" and "whose spirit makes him willing" to bring their contributions. Verse 7, specifically, enumerates particular high-quality materials, forming part of a longer list (Exodus 35:6-9) that includes precious metals, fine linens, and oils, all designated for the Tabernacle's structure, coverings, furnishings, and priestly garments. This collective, voluntary effort underscored the community's participation in establishing God's dwelling place among them, signifying their renewed commitment and obedience to the covenant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites, recently delivered from Egyptian bondage and now sojourning in the harsh Sinai wilderness, were a nomadic people. The concept of a portable sanctuary, the Tabernacle, was therefore crucial for maintaining God's presence at the center of their encampment as they traveled. The materials specified in [Exodus 35:7](/exodus/35-7 "Exodus 35:7 - Materials for the Tabernacle") reflect both divine foresight and practical considerations for a desert environment. "Shittim wood," or acacia, was readily available in the region and known for its exceptional hardness, durability, and resistance to decay and insects, making it ideal for structural components. The animal skins provided essential protection against the elements, vital for a structure exposed to the desert's extremes. The call for freewill offerings in [Exodus 35:5](/exodus/35-5 "Exodus 35:5 - Bring an Offering with a Willing Heart") also highlights the communal economy and the value placed on generosity and skilled craftsmanship (as seen in [Exodus 35:10](/exodus/35-10 "Exodus 35:10 - Skilled Workers Called for the Tabernacle")) within ancient Israelite society, where contributing to the sacred was a profound act of worship and identity formation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent in Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Specificity and Holiness**, demonstrating God's meticulous attention to detail in the design of His dwelling place and the sacredness required for His worship. Every component, down to the type of wood and animal skin, was divinely ordained, underscoring that worship is not arbitrary but must adhere to God's revealed will. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Communal Participation and Freewill Offering**. The materials were to be brought by the people as voluntary contributions, signifying their willing obedience and devotion, a stark contrast to the forced labor in Egypt. This act of giving fostered a sense of ownership and shared responsibility in establishing God's presence among them, as seen in the broader call for contributions in [Exodus 35:4-9](/exodus/35-4-9 "Exodus 35:4-9 - Call for Offerings for the Tabernacle"). Lastly, the materials themselves contribute to the theme of **God's Dwelling Presence**. The Tabernacle, built from these specific components, served as the tangible locus of God's presence, symbolizing His desire to be with His people in their journey, a theme introduced in [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Dwelling Among Israel") and foundational to Israel's identity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **red (Hebrew, _ʼâdam'_):** This word, derived from a root meaning "to show blood" or "to flush," describes the specific dyeing process applied to the rams' skins. The color red often carries symbolic weight in biblical contexts, frequently associated with blood, life, atonement, or even the earth (adamah). In the Tabernacle, its use for an inner covering layer (likely the second, as per Exodus 26:14) suggests a deliberate aesthetic and possibly a subtle allusion to the sacrificial system that would be central to the Tabernacle's function, pointing towards the shedding of blood for purification and atonement.
* **badgers' (Hebrew, _tachash'_):** The precise identification of this animal has been a subject of scholarly debate. While traditionally translated "badger," other proposals include dugongs (sea cows), porpoises, or even a specific type of durable, finely processed leather, possibly dyed. Regardless of the exact creature, the consistent use of _tachash_ skins for the outermost covering of the Tabernacle ([Exodus 26:14](/exodus/26-14 "Exodus 26:14 - Outermost Covering of the Tabernacle")) indicates their primary function was to provide superior waterproofing and robust protection against the harsh desert elements—sun, sand, and rain. This material signifies resilience, strength, and the enduring nature of God's protective presence over His dwelling.
* **shittim (Hebrew, _shiṭṭâh'_):** This term refers specifically to acacia wood, derived from a root that suggests its thorny nature. Acacia trees (Acacia nilotica or Acacia seyal) were prevalent in the Sinai Peninsula. Acacia wood is renowned for its exceptional density, hardness, and resistance to decay, insects, and warping, making it an ideal material for construction in arid environments. It was the primary wood used for the Tabernacle's structural framework (the planks and bars), the Ark of the Covenant ([Exodus 25:10](/exodus/25-10 "Exodus 25:10 - The Ark of the Covenant")), the Table of Showbread, the altars, and other sacred furnishings. Its enduring nature made it suitable for the core elements of a sanctuary symbolizing God's eternal covenant and steadfast presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And rams' skins dyed red":** This clause specifies a material for one of the Tabernacle's coverings. The rams' skins, treated and colored red, suggest a layer that provided both aesthetic appeal and practical protection. The red color may also subtly point to the sacrificial system that would be central to the Tabernacle's function, foreshadowing the shedding of blood for atonement. Its inclusion highlights God's desire for beauty and intentionality in His dwelling.
* **"and badgers' skins":** This refers to the outermost layer of the Tabernacle's covering. These skins were chosen for their remarkable durability and water-resistant properties, essential for protecting the sacred contents from the harsh desert environment. The debate over the precise animal underscores the material's function as a robust, resilient, and perhaps unglamorous, yet absolutely vital, protective shield. It speaks to the practical necessity of safeguarding the holy.
* **"and shittim wood":** This clause introduces the primary structural material for the Tabernacle and its furnishings. Acacia wood's inherent strength, resistance to decay, and availability in the wilderness made it divinely appointed for the framework of God's portable sanctuary, the Ark, and the altars. Its enduring quality symbolizes the permanence and unchangeableness of God's covenant and His foundational presence among His people.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 35:7, though a simple list, employs several literary devices to convey profound meaning. Firstly, **Enumeration** is evident in the precise listing of materials, emphasizing God's meticulous attention to detail and the exactitude required for the Tabernacle's construction. This precision underscores the holiness of the space and the divine origin of its design. Secondly, **Symbolism** is rich within each material. The "rams' skins dyed red" can symbolize atonement and sacrifice, or perhaps the blood of the covenant, hinting at the sacrificial system to be established within the Tabernacle. The "badgers' skins," as the outermost, durable covering, symbolize God's protective presence and the resilience of His covenant people amidst harsh conditions. "Shittim wood," known for its incorruptibility and strength, symbolizes the enduring nature of God's promises and the steadfastness of His presence. Finally, the collective list functions as a form of **Synecdoche**, where these specific parts represent the larger whole—the entire Tabernacle project and the communal effort required for its realization. The very act of listing these materials, seemingly mundane, elevates them to sacred components, each playing a vital role in establishing God's earthly dwelling.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 35:7, by detailing the specific materials for the Tabernacle, underscores several profound theological themes. It highlights God's meticulous nature and His demand for holiness and excellence in worship. The divine specificity of these materials signifies that God is not indifferent to how He is approached or worshipped; His presence requires a consecrated space built according to His precise instructions. Furthermore, the call for freewill offerings emphasizes the importance of human participation and willing generosity in God's redemptive plan. The Tabernacle, constructed from these diverse, yet divinely appointed, materials, served as a tangible representation of God's desire to dwell among His people, a precursor to the ultimate indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers.

* [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Command to Build a Sanctuary")
* [Hebrews 9:1-5](/hebrews/9-1-5 "Hebrews 9:1-5 - Description of the Earthly Tabernacle")
* [1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19-20 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Our Bodies as Temples of the Holy Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed list of materials in Exodus 35:7 serves as a profound reminder that God values both our willing hearts and the quality of our contributions to His kingdom. Just as the Tabernacle required specific, durable, and beautiful materials, our service to God should be characterized by excellence, intentionality, and a spirit of generosity. The "rams' skins dyed red" might inspire us to consider the sacrificial nature of our faith, reminding us that true devotion often involves costly offerings. The "badgers' skins" remind us of the need for spiritual resilience and protection in a challenging world, encouraging us to seek God's covering and to be robust in our faith. "Shittim wood," incorruptible and strong, calls us to build our lives and ministries on an enduring foundation, rooted in God's unchanging truth and promises. This passage challenges us to offer our best—our talents, resources, and time—not out of obligation, but out of a deep love and desire to see God's presence manifest in and through us. We, as living temples of the Holy Spirit, are called to embody the same divine precision and holy purpose that characterized the Tabernacle, ensuring that our lives are a fitting dwelling place for God's glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the specificity of God's instructions for the Tabernacle materials challenge or encourage your approach to serving Him today?**
* **In what ways can you offer your "best" (talents, resources, time) for God's kingdom with a willing heart, mirroring the Israelites' contributions?**
* **Considering the Tabernacle as a dwelling place for God, how does understanding your body as a "temple of the Holy Spirit" ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple")) influence your daily choices and spiritual walk?**

### FAQ

**Why were these specific materials chosen for the Tabernacle?**

Answer: The choice of materials for the Tabernacle was primarily based on divine instruction, as God meticulously revealed the design to Moses on Mount Sinai (see [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle")). Beyond divine command, practical considerations played a role: shittim (acacia) wood was readily available in the Sinai desert and known for its durability and resistance to decay, making it ideal for the Tabernacle's structure. The various skins provided necessary protection and waterproofing against the harsh desert elements. Symbolically, each material carried significance, contributing to the overall holiness, beauty, and functionality of God's dwelling place, reflecting His desire for excellence and precision in worship.

**What is the significance of the scholarly debate surrounding "badgers' skins" (_tachash_)?**

Answer: The debate over the exact animal or material referred to by _tachash_ highlights the challenges of ancient linguistic interpretation and the limitations of our current understanding of specific biblical terms. While its precise identification (badger, dugong, or fine leather) remains uncertain, the functional significance of the material is clear: it was used for the outermost, most durable, and waterproof covering of the Tabernacle (as described in [Exodus 26:14](/exodus/26-14 "Exodus 26:14 - Outermost Covering of the Tabernacle")). The debate does not diminish the material's essential role in providing robust protection for the sacred structure, emphasizing its practical utility and resilience.

**How does the "willing heart" ([Exodus 35:5](/exodus/35-5 "Exodus 35:5 - Bring an Offering with a Willing Heart")) relate to the specific materials listed in Exodus 35:7?**

Answer: The "willing heart" is foundational to the contribution of these materials. [Exodus 35:5](/exodus/35-5 "Exodus 35:5 - Bring an Offering with a Willing Heart") explicitly states that only those "whose heart stirs him" and "whose spirit makes him willing" should bring offerings. This means that while the materials themselves were specific and valuable, their true worth in God's eyes was tied to the attitude of the giver. The quality and quantity of the rams' skins, badgers' skins, and shittim wood, along with all other offerings, were dependent on the people's voluntary generosity and devotion. This principle emphasizes that God values not just the gift, but the heart behind the gift, making the act of giving a spiritual expression of love and obedience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 35:7, with its detailed listing of materials for the Tabernacle, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle itself, a temporary dwelling place for God among His people, was a profound foreshadowing of Christ, who is the true and perfect Tabernacle, the very embodiment of God dwelling with humanity ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh and Dwelt Among Us")). The "rams' skins dyed red" can be seen as a poignant symbol of Christ's sacrificial blood, shed for the atonement of sins, providing the ultimate covering for humanity's sin before a holy God ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). The "badgers' skins," forming the durable, protective outer layer, point to Christ as our ultimate shield and protector, whose righteousness covers us and secures us from the judgment of God and the assaults of the enemy ([Romans 13:14](/romans/13-14 "Romans 13:14 - Clothe Yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ")). Furthermore, the "shittim wood," known for its incorruptibility and strength, powerfully prefigures Christ's sinless nature, His enduring covenant, and His triumph over death through the resurrection, ensuring that His body would not see decay ([Acts 2:27](/acts/2-27 "Acts 2:27 - You Will Not Abandon My Soul to Hades")). In Christ, the temporary, material Tabernacle gives way to the eternal reality of God's presence fully revealed and accessible, making Him the true "minister of the sanctuary and of the true tent that the Lord set up, not man" ([Hebrews 8:2](/hebrebs/8-2 "Hebrews 8:2 - Minister of the True Tabernacle")).

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.